How often do you have your septic tank pumped?

[MacLawn]

One time after 30 years. Man said it didn稚 need it then.

 

[hawkeye08]

We've had ours pumped twice, both times backed up. Ours is 3 chamber 1500 gallon concrete, first chamber for the solids, second mostly liquid, 3rd for pumping.. our drainfield is about 300 feet away, up in elevation perhaps 5 feet. The drainfield has 6 lines coming out of distribution box, each 100' long. The grass is green for perhaps 10'. The tank needed pumping because top crust plugged inlet.. I believe two causes, 1) too many things are low water use (shower head, toilets, washer, dishwasher, etc) so not enough water going to system, and 2) nicer TP (thicker, takes longer to break down).

The last time it was pumped was recently and it was $535 for pumping two chambers (3rd was liquid and looked fine). We will look for a different pumper that is less expensive and pump again in 8 years (first backup was 13 years from install, second was just under 11 years). I should use Ridex or something to help with the breakdown. The last pumper left a few inches in bottom so there was some bacteria to keep things going.

 

[mapper]

According to a septic engineer that we hired when our sand filter failed one of our problems was that too much water was going through the system. At that time there were three people living here and we had a top load washer that used 30-40 gallons of water per load. We had the tank pumped every three years and the top layer was about a foot thick.
Since my son moved out for college mid 2012, we've had it pumped once and inspection only once, the amount of material in the top crust after 6 years was far less than the previous 3 year pumpings had been. We have also replaced the top load washer with a high efficiency front loader that uses about 6 gallons per load.
I think that when a septic system is used at a rate well below its design capacity it works much better and is far more effective breaking down the solids. My system was designed for a three bedroom house, which I think is for an average of four people. I have also noticed that the sand filter seems to be functioning properly and has not required use of the bypass valve. Our next door neighbor has an identical system (same size and sand filter) and has never had a problem with it. There has never been more than two people on that system other than for short periods of time.

 

[wagne223]

The less water that goes through the septic system, the better.

It is also important to use septic safe paper, septic safe house hold cleaners, soaps and hair care.

Any thing with oil in it is a no no.
For cooking it is easy to make sure noting goes down the drain but one thing often overlooked is the "moisturizers" and other body washes, soaps and hair products that the ladies like.

A lot of those contain oils.

Oils and grease go into the soil and prevent drainage.

After that, the only fix is digging it out, hauling it off, replacing with sand and new drainfield.

I learned all this the hard way as I was raised on city sewer. Had no idea.

 

[tomplum]

I think I feel better about getting it pumped. I can't think of a reason not to. The wife says it is a three chamber tank. I don't remember that part, but then I've only seen the thing once.

 

[PILOON]

And in how many different languages did you have those instructions in ? LOL

LOL, having been in Hawaii that year I noticed they had septic instructions in Japanese and went to housekeeping and they gave me a Japanese stick on label.
I framed that and mounted near the LOO.
While it brought many comments it did get the message across. (well for some)

 

[Wagtail]

We have also replaced the top load washer with a high efficiency front loader that uses about 6 gallons per load.

Ahhh! I see the major reason for others having to pump the system out so often... the grey water line is plumbed into the system too.

I have a separate grey water line that goes to a different 'field'. Only human waste, white TP and the relevant black water goes to the septic tank.

 

[Doofy]

Ahhh! I see the major reason for others having to pump the system out so often... the grey water line is plumbed into the system too.

I have a separate grey water line that goes to a different 'field'. Only human waste, white TP and the relevant black water goes to the septic tank.

That would definitely be the ideal way to go but kind of a pain to do, after the fact. That would certainly keep from overwhelming the system.

 

[coachgrd]

1. How much time elapsed between the time the system/tank(s) were installed and "he came onto the job?" That is, how long did the tanks go unpumped?
2. The septic guy claimed someone could stand on the sludge. I can think of a few people who I'd like to see try.

He noticed the problem shortly after taking this job. While I don't know for sure, I imagine the restrooms/bath house were built in the late 50's/early 60's.

Yes, I could think of some people too, who I'd like to see stand on the sludge! I could share some details of the sludge itself, but it is beyond gross.

 

[RalphVa]

Never.

Had ours fall in when we lived in Baton Rouge parish. Had to replace it with a "Modad" unit, e.g. one with a small compressor to pump air into it. This one was concrete. One that fell in was steel.

Had septic for about 6-10 years in NJ, those 6 years in Baton Rouge and now 17 here in Va. Doubt 2 people would generate enough stuff that wouldn't biodegrade, especially if you compost your kitchen waste separately.

Ralph