Out of all the household maintenance chores you have on your radar, septic tank cleaning is likely not on it. But it should be! The EPA says that the average septic tank should be cleaned and pumped every three years by a septic tank professional. The actual schedule for your home may vary by the following factors:

  • Household size
  • Septic tank size
  • Total wastewater generated
  • Volume of solids in wastewater

Not only will a service professional pump out your tank, they will inspect all septic system components, including risers, lids, tank baffles, effluent filters, and leach fields. This provides greater insight into the state and condition of your septic tank and any issues that should be investigated further.

Why Should You Maintain Your Septic System?

From cost savings to protecting your property value, there are several advantages to maintaining your septic system on a regular basis. The average cost to pump a septic tank in 2024 is $400, with a range of $225 and $600. That’s not much when you learn that the cost to repair or replace a septic tank ranges from $5,000 to $15,000.

In addition to the costs of septic tank neglect, a well-maintained septic system:
  • Protects your property value: A septic system that is unusable or in disrepair lowers your property value, and can even pose a costly legal liability.
  • Keeps you and your neighbors healthy: Household wastewater can contain disease-causing bacteria and viruses, as well as high levels of phosphorus and nitrogen. A properly-working septic system removes most of these pollutants. Sewage from septic systems that is insufficiently treated can lead to groundwater contamination, with the ability to spread disease in both humans and animals. It can also contaminate nearby surface waters, potentially causing infectious diseases in swimmers (eye and ear infections, hepatitis, acute gastrointestinal illness).
  • Protects the environment: With more than four billion gallons of wastewater being dispersed below the ground every day, it stands to reason that it can become contaminated by untreated or poorly-treated household wastewater. Not only does this pose a risk to the quality of the drinking water, it poses a risk to the environment. That’s because malfunctioning septic systems send viruses, bacteria, and toxic chemicals to local waterways, such as streams, rivers, and lakes. In turn, this harms the local ecosystems, killing native plants, shellfish, and fish.
  • Prevents major clogs and other issues: Regular septic tank cleaning eliminates debris accumulation that can lead to major clogs. Clogs originate for many reasons, such as family members throwing objects they shouldn’t down the drains, like grease, solids, and other dangerous materials. You tank can get built up with dirt, hair and other things that can cause blockages. Regular cleanings will remove those items, preventing inconvenient clogs from occurring.
  • Optimizes function: In the same vein, a clean septic tank simply performs better. Over time, sludge and solid waste accumulate in the tank, hindering its ability to function efficiently. When you pump the tank at recommended intervals, this works to remove the solids, preventing backups and blockages.
  • Eliminates foul odors: Clogged tanks can also cause foul odors throughout your home. Waste exits the septic tank via a drain and out into a leach field. If the drain or tank is blocked in some way, there’s nowhere else for the waste to go: it will flow right back into your house. A foul waste odor will then be very noticeable in your sinks and showers. Serious clogs will spread that smell throughout the entire house.
  • Complies with municipal regulations and codes: Many municipalities and townships have septic pumping codes and regulations in place in regards to septic system maintenance. Remaining compliant with these regulations ensures your property is in good standing with the local authorities. Compliance with regulations will help you avoid potential fines while ensuring optimal septic tank performance.

If you’re due for a septic tank cleaning, it’s important to make that appointment now. If you don’t remember when the last time you pumped your system was or you don’t think you ever have, it’s even more important to pick up the phone. You may assume that even though you haven’t pumped the tank in many years yet aren’t experiencing problems, that everything is OK. It’s not. This can mean one of the following:

  • Minimal water use in the home.
  • A leak in the tank that is discharging wastewater into the ground rather than into the designated leach field.
  • The tank is full of solids that are slowly migrating and will eventually clog the leach field.
  • In any case, septic tank pumping will be inevitable at some point. It’s best to have it done now before it becomes a problem to avoid incurring a higher cost or encountering backups.

Book Your Septic Tank Cleaning With Miami Valley Septic Service Today

Now that you know how important it is for you to book regular septic tank cleanings for your Miami Valley home, request a quote today from the trusted leader in septic tank services: Miami Valley Septic Service.