Bought a new home; not sure the septic tank has ever been pumped

[MoMower]

I was advised against using monthly treatments in our system, by the pumping company. It was stated that the breakdown occurs to rapidly and can lead to a clogged leech field.

 

[nc redneck]

I would pump it, small amount of money considering replacement costs. I try to do mine and rentals every 5 years but amazing how fast time disappears particularly for something that is out of sight. A friend of mine who installs them and repairs says root killer ( if trees are in drain field ) is the best investment made. According to him 90% of his repairs are roots or improper install.
Good Luck
Scott

 

[LJH]

The washing machine puts a lot of micro plastics into the system. If they are not filtered out they could plug the field system.

Never heard this before. More info, por favor.

To the OP: We just had ours pumped for the first time in about 10 years. Two people, a few loads of laundry per week, dishwasher every other day and the rare guest or three. We don't use bleach, put grease in the sink or have an electric pig because food scraps go into the compost.

It was pretty full, but not to the problem-causing stage. I'll get it done sooner next time, just to be safe. BTW, with tank uncovered and the lid off when the truck drove up it cost $375. The driver was pleased, not having to dig it out herself, or worse still, hunt for the thing first. She said it's amazing how many people have no idea where their tank is and she has to spend half a day sticking the ground to find it. (And charges accordingly!)

 

[RoMad]

I own 4 septic tanks and have renovated a couple more places with them and then sold them. The number one killer of your drain field is tree roots.
I have lived in my house for 27 years and when the roots grew into the drain field piping I put in a new drain field. I did it myself and it cost $850.00 including small backhoe rental.
I have never heard of a sludge meter or stick, but that sounds like a reasonable way to check it.
For all of those who suggest it should be pumped every 3 years I think they either arent well informed on the workings of a septic tank or they are the guys pumping them out and they are making money.
If it will make you feel better to have it pumped out, go ahead. When the guy is doing it tell him to pump it out, then fill it part way back up with what he just pumped out to dislodge any sludge and then pump it out again.
In the county I live in you can get a 1000 gallon tank pumped out for $165.00 if you shop around.

 

[ultrarunner]

The real answer is it varies...

Older meticulous couple lived 33 years with septic and it was like new... didn't even flush toilet paper, no dishwasher and laundry by-passed septic.

I have a rental with a septic and MUST pump every 24 months at the latest... last tenants used it as a waste can... everything imaginable down there...

 

[Egon]

Never heard this before. More info, por favor.

To the OP: We just had ours pumped for the first time in about 10 years. Two people, a few loads of laundry per week, dishwasher every other day and the rare guest or three. We don't use bleach, put grease in the sink or have an electric pig because food scraps go into the compost.

It was pretty full, but not to the problem-causing stage. I'll get it done sooner next time, just to be safe. BTW, with tank uncovered and the lid off when the truck drove up it cost $375. The driver was pleased, not having to dig it out herself, or worse still, hunt for the thing first. She said it's amazing how many people have no idea where their tank is and she has to spend half a day sticking the ground to find it. (And charges accordingly!)

Check out the mid pacific garbage patch and the Sargosa sea.

 

[dave1949]

I had my tank pumped last August, $225. I have a riser so there is no digging to pump it. If the driver has to dig, it costs more. If the tank doesn't have a riser, then while you have it dug open, that's a good time to put one on.

I aim for about 4 years between pumping. It may not need it that often, but given the cost of a new system install, I think trying to avoid what amounts to ~$60 per year may be penny wise and pound foolish.

When I was a kid, I don't recall our tanks ever being pumped, so I get that. But back then, a leach field might have been 50' of 4" clay tile in a minimal trench, or straight to the creek. It's not apples to apples.

 

[CalG]

put a stick in it!

I went through a similar question when we bought our home just about 25 years ago. Had it pumped, didn't need to at all. even from the fellow doing the pumping.

The purpose of the tank is to Liquify solids. If it's working, the solids you want to "pump" should convert themselves.

But , in order to know, and feel good about your system, find and pull the cover. Take a look inside! (mine had a vivid pink froth on it) Put a 6 foot 1x1 stuck down in and feel for the sludge. Note the level compared to the bottom. Think that if YOU quit using the system today, that level would go DOWN. Then pump, or not. It's how you feel that matters.

 

[LJH]

Check out the mid pacific garbage patch and the Sargosa sea.

Yes, but how does a washing machine cause plastic particle pollution in these examples? Still confused.

 

[Egon]

Yes, but how does a washing machine cause plastic particle pollution in these examples? Still confused.

It's action separates plastic fibres from clothing. They end up in the effluent. Many tanks now have filters to catch this stuff.

Try google.