Septic Tank Cleaning in Lancaster, Pa: Township Requirements + Pumping Frequency

At John Kline Septic Services, we've been pumping septic tanks for over six decades. One of the questions we get asked most often is "How often should I have my septic tank pumped?" If your township doesn't have a mandated pumping ordinance, it can be hard to keep track of how often your tank should be emptied or when you had it cleaned out last. We recommend having your tank pumped every 2-3 years but there are two major factors to consider:

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. For more information on septic tank maintenance and what not to flush, click here.

Township Required Pumping Frequency

Most townships require pumping every 2-4 years and if your live in such a township you'll receive a notice in the mail when your tank is due to be pumped. To view a complete list of Lancaster and York county townships and their individual pumping ordinances, click here. The list includes our pricing and rates for regular or same-day service. When you call us to pump out your septic tank, we'll make a note of our recommendations and we can give you a reminder call when it's time for your tank to be cleaned out again.

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.

The best thing you can do for your septic tank to keep things flushing smoothly, is to stay on top of your septic pumping 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. Ready to schedule your next septic service? Give us a call today.