The Typical Costs of Cleaning a Septic System

Cleaning a septic tank ranges in price across the country and with the type of septic tank used.

A septic tank needs consistent maintenance in order to maintain a proper environmental balance. If owners of a septic system do not maintain their system, then waste can degrade the tank and impact the surrounding environment. This can cause thousands of dollars in damage to your home, property, and the surrounding environment.

Time Frame

The usual amount of time a septic tank owner wants to unload and clean out their septic tank is once every three years.

Types

How the septic tank is emptied affects the price. There are two main types of septic tanks. One type is a gravity-fed tank, which is the most common. The other type of septic tank is a wetland or sand filter tank. These tanks are safely emptied into a secluded environment near a property. Emptying these tanks tend to be more expensive.

Size

Larger tanks, especially tanks that hold up to 1,250 gallons, are more expensive to empty out.

Average Cost

Each time a septic tank owner empties their tank, the price range may be as low as $75 or as high as $350, as of November 2010.

References

• Cost Helper: How Much Does Septic Tank Cleaning Cost?
• Septic Tank Guide: Septic Tank Costs