Septic Tank Pumping

When a septic tank is emptied, a vacuum truck pumps the accumulated sludge out of the tank. How often the septic tank must be emptied depends on the volume of the tank relative to the input of solids, the amount of indigestible solids, and the ambient temperature (because anaerobic digestion occurs more efficiently at higher temperatures), as well as usage, system characteristics and the requirements of the relevant authority. Some health authorities require tanks to be emptied at prescribed intervals, while others leave it up to an inspector's decision. We recommend septic tank pumping every 3-5 years with a family of four. Older systems require more frequent pumping to maintain their grandfather status. An older system with an undersized tank that a large family uses will require much more frequent pumping than a new system used by only a few people.

For more septic system information, please visit the following link: 

http://flatheadhealth.org/environmental-health/sewage-and-septic/