A good rule of thumb on septic tank pumping is to have an experienced technician perform the service every 3-5 years, though there are a few exceptions to this rule. New homeowners should also look into scheduling right after moving if an inspection and septic tank cleaning were not performed as part of the real estate closing process or if the former homeowner did not leave detailed records indicating the last time the system was checked out.

Certain factors can increase how often you need septic pumping. For example, homes with a garbage disposal should have it done annually, and large families may need to have it done more, depending on the size of the tank. Commercial or industrial buildings may also need to have it done more often. In these cases, it’s important for the building owner to keep a log with all the septic pumping dates listed, as well as notes on how full it was and if any other septic tank maintenance was performed or not.

Your septic system works on a few base principles. First, everything enters the tank. Then, the materials begin to separate. Lightweight particles, like fat and grease, will float to the top in a layer called “scum,” while the heavier debris will sink to the bottom, forming what’s known as “sludge.” In the middle, the cleaner liquids are allowed to exit the tank. As the layer of sludge builds up, the solids are able to build up where the water should be exiting. This can cause a huge and unpleasant backup, so it’s always best to schedule septic tank pumping earlier rather than later. When in doubt, pump it out.