FAQs
Listen to the experts talk about all things septic systems and service.
Honey Wagon's Mel and Gene make a guest appearance on "The Rural Realtor" podcast to impart over 30 years of knowledge and experience.
Septic Tank Pumping
How do I know where my septic tank is located?
Your septic tank is generally located 10-15 feet out from the house, usually from where the main bathroom is located. If the house has a basement, the septic tank should be directly out from where the main drain goes out of the basement. Or see where a vent pipe is located on the roof and follow out 10-15 feet in a line straight out from there. However, this may not always be the case. Our technicians are able to locate the septic tank using a probe rod. In some cases, a camera may need to be run from the house to the tank in order to locate it.
What kind of access will there be for pumping my tank?
The lid to the top of your septic may be underground, covered with dirt. You may dig to expose the lid(s) of the septic tank. Our technicians can dig up the lid(s) for an additional charge.
Many septic tanks will have a lid at ground level which can be unscrewed and removed for pumping. The septic tank will have an extension (riser) to bring it to ground level. Many people prefer to add a riser to their septic tank so they will never have to dig to the lid again, saving money and time. Ask us about our service of installing a riser for your septic tank!
How often do I need to get my septic tank pumped?
Industry standard suggests pumping your septic tank every 3-4 years for a family of 4. Less frequent pumping (every 4-5 years) may be needed if only 1-2 people live in the house. Some reasons that requiring more frequent septic tank pumping are:
- Occupants taking some types of prescribed medications
- Heavy use of a garbage disposal
- An old, outdated system (pre-1986)
- Use of anti-bacterial soaps & detergents, or cooking oils
- Excessive water consumption over what the drainage fields is designed for.
Regular pumping for preventative maintenance helps ensure your septic tank system is healthy and clean.
What are septic tanks made of?
The vast majority of septic tanks are made of concrete, although the installation of plastic septic tanks has become more popular in recent years. Older septic tanks could be made of concrete blocks. Occasionally we come upon a steel septic tank in older houses.
How much will it cost to get my septic tank pumped?
The cost will vary, depending on several things:
- Size of the septic tank--more gallons pumped costs more in disposal fees paid to the wastewater treatment plant. Basic price is figured on a 1000 gallon septic tank, with more for capacity above 1000 gallons.
- Your location--the further your septic tank is from the disposal plant, the more is needed for fuel costs, etc.
- Distance from the truck to the septic tank -- occasionally a septic tank may be located further than usual from the place we can park, requiring more time spent running additional hoses to the tank.
- How many septic tanks are to be pumped -- larger homes may require 2 septic tanks; smaller and older homes will generally have 1 septic tank.