How Often Should You Empty a 1000 Gallon Septic Tank?

Measure Sludge

According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), septic tanks should be pumped every three to five years, regardless of the size of the tank. The EPA says the amount of sludge on the floor of the tank is the determining factor. If it measures 6 inches from the bottom outlet tee or 12 inches from the top outlet tee, pumping is necessary.

Every Three Years

Roger Machmeier, Ph.D., P.E., professor emeritus, University of Minnesota, says that as a rule of thumb, a 1,000-gallon septic tank for a three-bedroom dwelling with four occupants should be pumped every three years.

Bottom Line

Although the three-year rule is useful as a general guideline, the EPA offers a more precise guide with its method of using a measurement of sludge as the determining factor.

References

• Envrionmental Protection Agency: Maintaining a Septic Tank
• Septic Tank Info: Care and Feeding of Your Septic Tank
• Eco-nomic: Septic Tank Design