How Often Should You Have Your Septic Tank Pumped?
Septic FAQs from Pumping Guidelines to Garbage Disposals & More
Over the years, we've pumped thousands of residential septic tanks, some more than once, and the most common question we hear from homeowners is "How often should I have my tank pumped?" Or "How do I know if my tank needs to be pumped?" For many homeowners, sticking to your township's required pumping schedule can keep things in working order and you'll never have a backup, for others the answer is not as straightforward. If you have a large family or you run a business from home that uses lots of water like a hair salon or pet grooming business, your system is going to process a lot more wastewater than the average family of four. With over 60 years of experience, we could write a book with best practices so keep reading to learn how you can ensure your septic tank is working properly for years to come.
There are two major factors to consider when determining how often to have your tank cleaned out.
1. How many gallons your septic tank holds
2. How many people are in your household
Below is a chart, courtesy PSMA, that shows how often you should have your septic tank pumped based on those two factors. It's also important, however, to consider things like whether or not you have a garbage disposal, how much water your family uses, and what kind of things you are flushing on a regular basis - baby wipes, paint or grease, feminine products, etc.
How Do I Know My Septic Tank Size?
If you're not sure of your septic tank size,
here's a general rule of thumb - most septic tanks are based on the number of bedrooms in your home. If your home has 3 bedrooms, you most likely have a 1000 gallon tank; 4-5 bedrooms is typically a 1500 gallon tank. Older homes have smaller septic tanks so if your home was built prior to the 1980's you may need to have your tank emptied more often. Still not sure? Ask one of our technicians to provide you with your tank size and location at your next septic pumping. We're happy to mark things for you so you have a septic "blueprint" to add to your home's records. You can use this as a place to record your service dates and keep track of any problems that arise.
Township Required Pumping
Many townships require you have your septic tanked emptied every 2-4 years. If your live in such a township, you'll receive a notice in the mail when your tank is due to be pumped. You may also receive a reminder card from our office team if we've serviced your tank before!
The best thing you can do for your septic tank to keep things flushing smoothly, is to stay on top of your septic clean out schedule and have your tank emptied every 2-4 years. Never go longer than 5 years without a septic tank pumping, and your septic system will thank you! If you follow these general guidelines, your septic system will be functioning properly for years to come. Due to schedule septic service? Give us a call today, our team is standing by!
Can You Pump My Tank in the Snow?
Yes. As long as we can access the manhole cover or main access. It's also important to make sure your driveway is plowed so our trucks can get as close to your tank as possible. If your manhole cover is not at ground level, we can install
septic risers or "extensions" to bring your manhole cover to grade - no more digging each time you require service.
Do I Need to Be Home During My Septic Tank Pumping?
As long as the tank location is easily accessible or marked, you don't need to be home for your service. It usually takes us 30-40 minutes to get your tank pumped out. It can take us a little longer if we have to dig your manhole cover open because it's below grade, or covered by snow etc.
Can I Use a Garbage Disposal with a Septic System?
If you have a septic system, you can have a garbage disposal, but you'll need to use it sparingly. Do not put anything in the garbage disposal that is not a biodegradable food. We like to say - "when in doubt, throw it out!" Most people who live in town on public sewer don't give their garbage disposal a second thought, because the city pays for all maintenance. With a septic tank, however, any problems that arise are your responsibility. For the sake of your septic system, (AND your wallet) we recommend you take extra precaution if your home has a garbage disposal.
What About Flushable Wipes?
Don’t let the labels fool you - there is no such thing as a “flushable” wipe when you have a septic system. Unlike toilet paper that dissolves quickly as soon as it gets wet, paper towels, baby wipes, cleaning wipes and makeup removing wipes are durable and can take years to break down and dissolve. Don’t believe us? Watch this video to see for yourself or
contact us today to schedule your next septic service.
A "What Not to Flush" Cheat Sheet:
If you have a septic system, here’s a cheat sheet for you! NEVER flush or rinse the following items down the drain:
- Gasoline, oil and other petroleum products
- Cooking grease and oils
- Paint, paint thinner or solvents
- Antibacterial soaps (in large amounts)
- Products with high levels of phosphorous – often found in laundry detergents, cleaning supplies etc.
- Feminine products, makeup removing wipes or baby wipes
- Even those wipes labeled "flushable" should never be flushed
Why Choose John Kline?
With over 60 years of experience serving Lancaster, Lebanon, York, and Dauphin counties, John Kline Septic Services is committed to providing reliable, professional service for all your septic and sewer needs. If you're experiencing issues with your septic or sewer system, don't wait for problems to escalate. Contact John Kline Septic Services to discuss your septic needs and schedule service today.
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January 8, 2025, Welcome to Septic Tank Services in Lancaster Pa. John Kline Septic Services provides residential septic tank cleaning services in Lancaster, Lebanon, York and Dauphin counties. All of our technicians are PSMA certified inspectors to perform real estate septic tank treatment assessments and township septic tank inspections, as well as small Septic Repairs and Pumping Diagnostics. Let us take care of all your sewage and waste disposal needs. We are now offering Restaurant Grease Trap Cleaning and High Pressure Jetting for the Commercial food industries. We service septic and holding tanks, and provide grease pumping at affordable rates.