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Regular pumping is key to maintaining your septic tank, but many homeowners are not sure how often this task should be performed. General recommendations range from multiple times a year to once every couple of years. Unfortunately, it’s a bit more complex than that, as the frequency at which you pump depends on several different factors, including the size of the tank and the number of people in your household.

Septic Tank & Household Sizes

When you’re trying to figure out exactly how often you should pump, you need to know two numbers. First, you need to know your septic tank size in gallons. In Hawaii, the minimum size is 1,000 gallons for a home with four bedrooms or less. Houses with five or more bedrooms require a 1,250-gallon tank at minimum.

septic tankThen, take a look at the number of people living in your home full time. For an average four-person household, a 1,000-gallon tank should be pumped every 2.5 years. The same family living in a home with a 1,250-gallon tank would only require pumping every 3.5 years. A larger tank with fewer people living in the home requires pumping less frequently. The more people living in the home and the smaller the tank, the more often you’ll need to schedule pumping.

Other Variables

Another factor you’ll need to consider when determining how often you should have your septic tank pumped is whether or not your home has a garbage disposal. These appliances generate a greater volume of wastewater, and, as such, they may lead to the need for more frequent pumping. A 1,000-gallon septic tank in a home with a family of four and a garbage disposal would require pumping every two years instead of every 2.5.  

Homes that aren’t occupied year round, such as vacation residences or rentals, require less frequent pumping. Additionally, if you’re hosting a large event and expect heavy use of your septic tank, it may be a good idea to have it pumped before or after to keep it in proper working order.

 

Unfortunately, there’s no standard answer when it comes to septic tank pumping. Bob’s Sweetwater Pumping Service will ensure your septic tank is pumped as often as necessary to avoid the need for major repairs or a premature replacement. In addition to septic tank pumping, maintenance, and repairs, they also handle wastewater removal and sewer line and drain cleaning. Visit their website to learn more, or call (808) 885-7159.

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