How often should you have your septic system pumped out? We've been in this house for almost 10 years and have only done it once. 6 of us live here. I feel like its time. Should we?

How often should you have your septic system pumped out? We've been in this house for almost 10 years and have only done it once. 6 of us live here. I feel like its time. Should we?

If you had it pumped 9yrs ago, then yes.
You probably have a 1000 gal vault so depending on use, about every 3 yrs.
Garbage disposal and or lots of girly stuff?

How often should you have your septic system pumped out? We've been in this house for almost 10 years and have only done it once. 6 of us live here. I feel like its time. Should we?

Definitely should... I do it every 5-6 years..

Definitely should... I do it every 5-6 years..

:killingme

If you had it pumped 9yrs ago, then yes.
You probably have a 1000 gal vault so depending on use, about every 3 yrs.
Garbage disposal and or lots of girly stuff?

If the house is 10 years old, its at least a 1500 gallon two chamber concrete tank.

How often should you have your septic system pumped out? We've been in this house for almost 10 years and have only done it once. 6 of us live here. I feel like its time. Should we?

For 6 people, it's probably time to have it done. I think the rule of thumb is every 3-4 years for a family of 4, but someone can correct me if I'm wrong.

I just had mine done and used Lee's Septic. He was a really nice guy. Took the time to go to the County and pull paperwork to find out where exactly my septic was since I wasn't sure.

There are alot of variables and differences of opinion. Depending on when the original plan was drawn up, it may have been designed based on the number of bedrooms x 2 occupants per. Some of the earlier plans were based on, "that's what we've done before and it works ok". And assumptions are made that the plan is installed as designed.
Garbage disposals are not recommended for any type of residential sewage disposal system (septic, mound, aeration).
The purpose of pumping the tank(s) is to remove solids before they accumulate to the point of entering the leach feld, mound, etc. and clogging up the system.
Md. DOE doesn't give alot for homeowner handouts, just taxes and fees. This one from NC is a pretty good guide.

index (http://www.soil.ncsu.edu/publications/Soilfacts/AG-439-13/)

As others have said, every 5-6 years is a good rule of thumb. It is well worth the expense to get it pumped regularly for a few hundred dollars than risk it overflowing and incurring that $10's of thousands expense.

I am very worried about my next door neighbors since they have never gotten theirs pumped and they have owned the house for at least 8 years. I am half tempted to offer to pay for the pumping since I don't want to have to deal with the smell and sanitation issues when that tank overflows. :barf: :dead:

As others have said, every 5-6 years is a good rule of thumb. It is well worth the expense to get it pumped regularly for a few hundred dollars than risk it overflowing and incurring that $10's of thousands expense.

I am very worried about my next door neighbors since they have never gotten theirs pumped and they have owned the house for at least 8 years. I am half tempted to offer to pay for the pumping since I don't want to have to deal with the smell and sanitation issues when that tank overflows. :barf: :dead:

The only reason a tank would overflow would be if the drain fields clogged.
And pumping the septic tank will not stop that from happening.

It would depend on the age of the septic system. I lived in a 30 year old house with only 3 people and we got it pumped at least every 2 years just because that was the cycle the previous owner suggested.

I would absolutely have it pumped out. I had mine pumped out 2 years ago, and it cost $200. That is NOTHING compared to septic repairs, which run into the thousands, if not tens of thousands for a new system. I used Copsey Septic, and they did a fine job - ie, arrived on time, no mess, etc. They recommended every 2 years to be on the safe side and avoid any possibility of problems.

The only reason a tank would overflow would be if the drain fields clogged.
And pumping the septic tank will not stop that from happening.

I respectfully disagree. Pumping a septic system is to remove waste that settles at the bottom of the tank. If this is not pumped regularly, it will build up to the point where what you send down the drain goes back into the house or goes into the drain field. If the tank is pumped regularly, the level never gets to the point where this situation happens.

Septic Systems (http://www.doh.state.fl.us/chdclay/environmental/sepsys.htm)
"Failure to pump out a septic tank system when indicated will result in solids or greases overflowing into the drain field, which in turn may become clogged and stop functioning. In this event, not only will the tank have to be pumped out, but the drain field may also have to be replaced."

I respectfully disagree. Pumping a septic system is to remove waste that settles at the bottom of the tank. If this is not pumped regularly, it will build up to the point where what you send down the drain goes back into the house or goes into the drain field. If the tank is pumped regularly, the level never gets to the point where this situation happens.

Septic Systems (http://www.doh.state.fl.us/chdclay/environmental/sepsys.htm)
"Failure to pump out a septic tank system when indicated will result in solids or greases overflowing into the drain field, which in turn may become clogged and stop functioning. In this event, not only will the tank have to be pumped out, but the drain field may also have to be replaced."

Exactly. On a side note... the recent drought made it reall easy to see my drainfields are still flowing nicely... the bright green pattern among the rest of the crispy brown grass made it easy to spot. :yay:

Exactly. On a side note... the recent drought made it reall easy to see my drainfields are still flowing nicely... the bright green pattern among the rest of the crispy brown grass made it easy to spot. :yay:

actually, if you are seeing defined green patches over the drain field, there is a good chance that the field is failing.
Greener grass could be an indication that the drain field is no longer draining as it should and the liquid is starting to push up.

actually, if you are seeing defined green patches over the drain field, there is a good chance that the field is failing.
Greener grass could be an indication that the drain field is no longer draining as it should and the liquid is starting to push up.:lalala:

The ground is never wet and we do a 2 tons of laundry weekly and grasses feed off the stuff in detergetns so until I see wetness along the soil I'm not going to freak out.

:lalala:

The ground is never wet and we do a 2 tons of laundry weekly and grasses feed off the stuff in detergetns so until I see wetness along the soil I'm not going to freak out.

I wouldnt do anything about it yet either, but consider this.

the drain field is most likely 12 to 13 ft deep, grass roots usually dont go down past 12.

Mine went about 6 years after I noticed this before I had to put a new field in. (10k)

I wouldnt do anything about it yet either, but consider this.

the drain field is most likely 12 to 13 ft deep, grass roots usually dont go down past 12.

Mine went about 6 years after I noticed this before I had to put a new field in. (10k)
Oh I know it will eventually happen as the drainfields are well over 40 years old... I keep an eye (and a nose) on it and so far no problems.

Oh I know it will eventually happen as the drainfields are well over 40 years old... I keep an eye (and a nose) on it and so far no problems.

or original one crapped out (get it? crapped out?) in 1999, it was put into service in 1931. the last six years is when I saw the greening of the grass right before the pipes went into the woods. after a heavy rain, the area just never dried up again.

It was also old terra cotta pipe that was used when it was installed. I guess, when it was installed it would have been new terra cotta pipe.....

I recall living in a house with a septic tank. There was a good 4 inches of water on the ground outside after a heavy rain, and the soil never seemed to dry completely. There was also a mysterious "pond" about 4' X 3' on the property about 30 yards away from the house hidden in the woods. I didn't own the house, I only rented for a short time. I often wondered if there was septic problems in the house.

doubt the problem was in the house, sounds like it was outside the house though..
and yes, I would suspect a problem with a drain field at that point.

Thanks for all of your input. Now I need a reputable company to do it for a reasonable price. I live in Huntingtown.

Thanks for all of your input. Now I need a reputable company to do it for a reasonable price. I live in Huntingtown.

Cotton's Septic

Cotton's Septic

I have used B&P, Lee and Wilson. Redid my drain field with Wilson and they did a great job. I think Hayden plumbing does it now too. They did my well pump.

BTW - don't listen to Hank, you should do it every 3 to 4 years.

For those on the La Plata and Mechanicsville side, consider Dave's Septic 301-609-9889 - my dad has used him numerous times for serious issues and he has been wonderful. He'll be out to use next week for routine pumping at my house.

BTW - don't listen to Hank, you should do it every 3 to 4 years.

Maybe for you since you're so full of chit!

Maybe for you since you're so full of chit!

Now Hank,
who would be more full of chit
the guy that only pumps out every 10 years
or
the guy that needs to pump out every 3 years??

Biologically speaking, someone is holding on to dinner way to long.

Now Hank,
who would be more full of chit
the guy that only pumps out every 10 years
or
the guy that needs to pump out every 3 years??

Biologically speaking, someone is holding on to dinner way to long.

Good point... but I think I would label the 10 year guy as clueless and the 3 year guy as a sucker!

Good point... but I think I would label the 10 year guy as clueless and the 3 year guy as a sucker!

It does depend on water use.
example would be, two people in the house that use little water other than flushing and quick showers will require pumping out more often than the same two people that use a lot of water and take long showers.
The more grey water you can pump into the tank, the longer you can go without pumping out.
If you do go too long, you can end up with solids seeping into your drain fields and this is a slow and painful death for the field.

I have three in the house, I clean out every 4 years.

Maybe for you since you're so full of chit!

Well Hank if you like crabs and oysters and you follow the recommended pump out, then you would know that pumping 3-4 years is recommended. Amazingly your liberal environmental stance does not show. Your advice is crap...ha!

For those who do not want to spend 8 K on a new drain field, it is recommended that you pump every 3 t o4 years. For those who like the bay, it is recommended that you pump every 3 to 4 years.

The county offers prizes and payment to a winner who pumps. I will find the link. It is called Pump for the Bay.


Septic tank cleaning or pumpout frequency guidelines or rules: this article provides a septic tank pumping schedule based on septic tank size and level of usage. This document explains a key point in how septic systems work: the septic tank & septic system cleaning schedule - when to pump out the septic tank. We describe all of the reasonable methods for determining the recommended frequency for cleaning out a septic tank: using a cleanout frequency table, using objective measurements, using an electronic tank monitor. We also explain what is septic tank effluent retention time, why to measure septic tank scum and sludge levels in sum we provide a comprehensive guide to answering: How often should septic tanks be pumped?


Septic Tank Pumping Schedule Table - how often should you clean the septic tank? (http://inspectapedia.com/septic/tankpump.htm)

I've also been told that 3-5 years was appropriate for a pump out.


However, I didn't know that until recently. I moved into the house in '94 and have never had it pumped. There were 2 people in the house until 2001, then 1 after that. I had a problem with stuff backing up into the house earlier this year, but it turns out that the tank was not full, there was a plug where the pipe entered the tank. I was also told that the primary reason for the plug was the use of Charmin TP. He asked if that's what I was using after having seen the plug and knowing nothing else.

Cleared the plug, pumped the tank anyway. I should be good for another 15-20 years..... :lol:

I've also been told that 3-5 years was appropriate for a pump out.


However, I didn't know that until recently. I moved into the house in '94 and have never had it pumped. There were 2 people in the house until 2001, then 1 after that. I had a problem with stuff backing up into the house earlier this year, but it turns out that the tank was not full, there was a plug where the pipe entered the tank. I was also told that the primary reason for the plug was the use of Charmin TP. He asked if that's what I was using after having seen the plug and knowing nothing else.

Cleared the plug, pumped the tank anyway. I should be good for another 15-20 years..... :lol:

And keep using Scott TP.

Will Rid X eat the TP??? I am pretty faithful about flushing that down the toilet 1 time per month. I signed up for monthly delivery with Amazon.... so I wouldn't forget - it is less than $6.00 a month. When it comes in, I open the box and flush... :yay:

Will Rid X eat the TP??? I am pretty faithful about flushing that down the toilet 1 time per month. I signed up for monthly delivery with Amazon.... so I wouldn't forget - it is less than $6.00 a month. When it comes in, I open the box and flush... :yay:

No. Rid-X works on biological material supposedly. But my septic guy and others have said it is a waste of money if you get the system pumped regularly.

Will Rid X eat the TP??? I am pretty faithful about flushing that down the toilet 1 time per month. I signed up for monthly delivery with Amazon.... so I wouldn't forget - it is less than $6.00 a month. When it comes in, I open the box and flush... :yay:


The only time you need to use Rid X is right after it has been pumped when the bio guys are not hanging around the tank to do the job. Otherwise you are just bumping $6 down the drain.

Here is the link on the Calvert County Website to win a free pump or other fun stuff:

http://www.co.cal.md.us/assets/pumpforthebaybrochure_2012.pdf

No. Rid-X works on biological material supposedly. But my septic guy and others have said it is a waste of money if you get the system pumped regularly.

The only time you need to use Rid X is right after it has been pumped when the bio guys are not hanging around the tank to do the job. Otherwise you are just bumping $6 down the drain.

And here I thought I was doing a good thing...

My father, like I previously mentioned, had serious septic issues several years back. It was so bad, in fact, that he applied and got a grant and had to dig hard into his pocket for the rest to install a sand mound septic system. I guess the Rid X makes me feel like I'm doing something/anything towards an attempt to avoid serious problems later.

I guess the Rid X makes me feel like I'm doing something/anything towards an attempt to avoid serious problems later.

Instead of Rid X pour a gallon of milk down the drain.

If the house is 10 years old, its at least a 1500 gallon two chamber concrete tank.

He said he was in the house 10yrs not that the house was 10 yrs old.

Septic tank size is based on the number of bedrooms in the house.

Septic tank size is based on the number of bedrooms in the house.

I thought it was bathrooms.

I thought it was bathrooms.

When we had our new field put in a few years back, we were ask if we ever planned on adding any bedrooms. I was a little confused at that question but the guy (Morty Bowen) said you can have as many bathrooms as you wanted but the number of bedrooms was the deciding factor with the drainfield.

the number of bedrooms was the deciding factor with the drainfield.

Never knew that.

Dave's Septic was wonderful... We were told when we settled on this house that both tanks were drained.... it was in the contract. It is obvious that during the big housing boom (which is when we bought) that it wasn't done. They may have done the septic test (at that time) but there is no effing way our tanks were drained. They were FULL... both of them. Which was wonderful news after digging for hours to unearth the tops and having to remove a fence. After we were done, we put risers and lids on them and recreated the fence (which actually looks better because it is at an angle).

So my posting is a warning to those who bought during the housing boom, have yours checked. I cannot stress enough how important it is... you don't want serious septic issues because my father had them and they are extremely costly.


I did learn that Rid-X is a wonderfully marketed product that is pretty useless.... and that I need to be careful what toilet paper we use. It looked like a #### ice burg in our tank.... totally yuck.

Just my 2 cents: The house I grew up in was 35 years old when my mother sold it. We NEVER pumped the tank. However for the last 15 we used a box of RidX every month.

The house I live in now is 12 years old. Never pumped. Box of RidX every month.

Just sayin

You don't want the stuff floating on top or building up in the bottom to get into the drain field.

Exactly. On a side note... the recent drought made it reall easy to see my drainfields are still flowing nicely... the bright green pattern among the rest of the crispy brown grass made it easy to spot. :yay:

Erma Bombeck "The grass is always greener over the septic tank (http://www.amazon.com/Grass-Always-Greener-Over-Septic/dp/0449207595)"

Just my 2 cents: The house I grew up in was 35 years old when my mother sold it. We NEVER pumped the tank. However for the last 15 we used a box of RidX every month.

The house I live in now is 12 years old. Never pumped. Box of RidX every month.

Just sayin

Thats because you are on city sewer.
:killingme

Thats because you are on city sewer.
:killingme

Good one, Gary.

Some people get lucky and never have 1 single issue with the septic... but I'm not taking chances that I'll be within that very small percentage. I'd rather take the preventive steps to avoid issues later.

Erma Bombeck "The grass is always greener over the septic tank (http://www.amazon.com/Grass-Always-Greener-Over-Septic/dp/0449207595)"

This is BS. All of my grass is DEAD.
Bring on the rain.

This is BS. All of my grass is DEAD.
Bring on the rain.

You don't have to mow dead grass.

When we had our new field put in a few years back, we were ask if we ever planned on adding any bedrooms. I was a little confused at that question but the guy (Morty Bowen) said you can have as many bathrooms as you wanted but the number of bedrooms was the deciding factor with the drainfield.

That's because the number of bedrooms is the best way to guage the number of people who will live there. If you have a three bedroom house with 1 bath people will use use the toilet and shower just as much as if you had 3 baths.

Ok....How do I find my septic tank?

Here's the thing. We bought the house in 2005. The home inspector did the inspection with my husband on the phone....my husband was sick, and couldnt do the walking around the house, and I know the septic tank was discussed. He explained everything to my husband. Well, my husband died in 2006. Since then, I've learned...the hard way....that I have a sump pump....and a grinder pump....and dont want to learn about septic problems.

Do I have to have the tank unburied for them to empty it? And how much does this cost? And furthermore, who is reliable to call?

Ok....How do I find my septic tank?

Here's the thing. We bought the house in 2005. The home inspector did the inspection with my husband on the phone....my husband was sick, and couldnt do the walking around the house, and I know the septic tank was discussed. He explained everything to my husband. Well, my husband died in 2006. Since then, I've learned...the hard way....that I have a sump pump....and a grinder pump....and dont want to learn about septic problems.

Do I have to have the tank unburied for them to empty it? And how much does this cost? And furthermore, who is reliable to call?

It can usually be found by following the outflow pipe out of the house. Long metal rods are pushed into the ground until they hit something solid and rectangular. Once found, they might have to dig down 2-4 feet until they find the tank cover. Remove that, pump out, cover back up. Mine was about $250-300, but I also had them put in an extension cover so I never have to dig it up again.

Lots of good recommendations here, I used Wayne's Drains, quite happy with them.

Ok....How do I find my septic tank?

Here's the thing. We bought the house in 2005. The home inspector did the inspection with my husband on the phone....my husband was sick, and couldnt do the walking around the house, and I know the septic tank was discussed. He explained everything to my husband. Well, my husband died in 2006. Since then, I've learned...the hard way....that I have a sump pump....and a grinder pump....and dont want to learn about septic problems.

Do I have to have the tank unburied for them to empty it? And how much does this cost? And furthermore, who is reliable to call?

In addition to what GW told you, you can also ask your local heath department to look it up. If you have to have somebody dig, it is anywhere from $300-$500 in addition to the pump, which was $200... riser and lid on both cost about $230.

In addition to what GW told you, you can also ask your local heath department to look it up. If you have to have somebody dig, it is anywhere from $300-$500 in addition to the pump, which was $200... riser and lid on both cost about $230.

I Just called Copsey's yesterday to schedule a pump out. We don't have a riser on ours, so I inquired about them. $100 per 12" and they use the cap currently on it unless it is damaged..... If I remember correctly the cost for pumping was $230 or $235.

Now as for Ridex.... I recently attended a meeting where a well known inspection company spoke to all us agents. According to them, using Ridex is the WORST thing you can use in your septic. The usual flushed items add enough bacteria, the tank shouldn't need anymore and it can actually do damage.

If you need to add anything use yeast. But flush it at night before you go to bed.

As for TP brands, I am a firm believer of Scotts, but there is no proof it is better or safer then other brands.

Have a good flush!

I Just called Copsey's yesterday to schedule a pump out. We don't have a riser on ours, so I inquired about them. $100 per 12" and they use the cap currently on it unless it is damaged..... If I remember correctly the cost for pumping was $230 or $235.

Now as for Ridex.... I recently attended a meeting where a well known inspection company spoke to all us agents. According to them, using Ridex is the WORST thing you can use in your septic. The usual flushed items add enough bacteria, the tank shouldn't need anymore and it can actually do damage.

If you need to add anything use yeast. But flush it at night before you go to bed.

As for TP brands, I am a firm believer of Scotts, but there is no proof it is better or safer then other brands.

Have a good flush!

Why is Ridex the worst thing you could use?.
Ridex has yeast in it.

If you pour alot of bleach and antibacteria cleaning agents down the drain, that kills the poop eaters and I thought ridex contains poop eaters.?

Can anyone recommend a good Septic company in Calvert County?

this is one crappy thread

Can anyone recommend a good Septic company in Calvert County?

Cotton's

Cotton's Septic & Portable Toilet Rentals -Serving all of Southern Marylands Septic Needs - Calvert, Charles, St. Mary's, Anne Arundel and Prince Georges Counties (http://www.cottonsseptic.com/)