- When your septic tank is opened you will find it is full of water. This is normal and is not a cause for alarm; it does not necessarily indicate the tank needs to be emptied. At the bottom of the tank, solid waste that has not be broken down will slowly accumulate until problems develop. The tank is considered to be full when the sludge occupies 35 percent of the interior volume of the tank. The sludge will develop at a much faster rate if the homeowner uses a garbage disposal or harsh chemicals.
- How often your tank needs to be emptied will depend on the size of your tank, the number of people living in your home, and the amount of waste water entering the tank. In most areas, the standard septic tank size is 1,000 gallons. The major factor determining when a tank needs to be emptied is the number of people in the home. With only one person, a 1,000-gallon tank will need to be emptied about every 12 years. The same 1,000-gallon tank will need to be emptied about every 4 years with three people living in the home. With 10 people in the home, the tank will need to be emptied about every 10 months.
- The cost of emptying your septic tank depends on which part of the country you live, but it costs between $350 and $450 in most areas. Inspect the interior of the tank while it is being emptied. You should never enter or allow anyone to enter the septic tank. The fumes and lack of oxygen can be fatal. Inspect the baffles to be sure they are still in good condition, especially if the time between servicing is five years or more. The baffles are located on each end of the tank at the inlet and outlet openings.
