Cost To Drain Septic Tank

What Does A Septic Tank Cleaning Include

The cleaning process of a septic tank includes:

Removing The Old Piping And Installing New Piping

The old pipes should be excavated along with the tank. If theyre in good condition, they could be reused for the new location. Otherwise, a new batch needs to be procured.

The installation of pipes costs from $700-$1200. Depending on the state of the original pipes, and the linear distance between the house fixtures to the septic tank.

Maintaining A Septic Tank

To avoid costly septic tank repairs or replacement, you should maintain the entire system properly. When your tank is healthy, bacteria break down the solid waste constantly.

Here are some of the things to avoid so that your tank can function optimally:

Avoid building structures or parking cars over the septic tank Avoid putting paper towels, baby wipes, and diapers down the drains Avoid planting root shrubs or trees over the septic tank

Additionally, you will reduce your by enrolling in a maintenance program. Also, make sure that you have a clear diagram showing the location of your tank to reduce the time that contractors spend trying to locate it.

Generally, regular maintenance reduces the time and cost of repairing or replacing a septic system. Whats more, you should be careful about what goes into your septic tank and ensure that your tank is pumped and cleaned after a maximum of every 3 years. Hiring a professional contractor to clean and pump out the tank will keep it healthy and functioning efficiently. This is important because it ensures proper functioning of both residential and commercial septic tanks.

Also Check: Shower Drain Distance From Wall

Who Does Homeadvisor Background Check

The owner or principal of each business in HomeAdvisor’s network must pass a background check. Unfortunately, we cannot perform a background check on every employee of a businessthe background checks are performed only on the owner or principal. As always, we recommend that you conduct your own research on the businesses you hire, including making inquiries directly with the businesses regarding their employee background check policies.

How Often To Budget For A Septic Tank Emptying Cost

Residences need to budget for a septic tank emptying cost roughly every 3-5 years. This depends on the size of the reservoir, how many people use the system, how long it has been since the last service, and whether things that add to the sludge layer are in use, like garbage disposals. Sometimes, home systems need service done every year.

Commercial and industrial reservoirs require service every few months. This is determined by the number of people using the system, as well as whats being added to it. For instance, restaurants and hotels with a kitchen may need to have it done every 1-2 months, but something like a retail store could probably space visits further apart.

Don’t Miss: Water Won’t Drain From Washer

Washing Powder For The Septic Tank

It is recommended to choose the liquid laundry detergent over a powder as sometimes the powder will not break down properly and it can clog the system. Brands such as Bio D, ecozone, and E-cover are eco-friendly detergents that you can use safely for the cleaning of septic tanks.

The multipurpose household cleaners are generally used in septic tanks. But the multipurpose household cleaners should be phosphate-free as these products do not contain any harmful chemicals that will damage the bacteria present in the septic tank.

Additional Considerations And Costs

• Cold temperatures. If you live in a freeze/thaw climate and need repairs during the winter, your rates could be higher because workers may require additional equipment to cut through the frozen ground.
• Heavy vehicles. Be advised that heavy vehicles like tractors driven over the top of a septic tank may damage it.
• Tank removal. You may not have to remove the septic tank right away if you have a sewer hookup, but you need to remove it if you sell the property, open a new business, or build in that area.
• Insurance. Some forms of homeowners insurance cover septic systems. This is typically under the other structures’ part of the policy and protects septic tanks, detached garages and sheds, gazebos, and other items.
• Warranty. offer you coverage over your system for a certain amount of time. These offer protection for the system and peace of mind that repairs will be handled when needed. Homeowners can choose between a separate septic warranty or a full home warranty.
• Lifespan. On average, a septic system lasts as long as 20 to 30 years assuming it has been maintained properly. In some cases, they can last a decade or longer. Improperly maintained systems may last 10 to 15 years.

Recommended Reading: How To Drain Nasal Passages

Plastic Septic Tank Prices

Polyethylene or plastic septic tanks are cheaper to buy and install because they are lighter, costing an average of $800 to $2,000. They arent prone to cracking, but they can sometimes break under pressure or in changing soil conditions. In some states, they arent approved for use.

Plastic Septic Tank Prices

Average Cost Of Pumping A Septic Tank

Your septic tank needs to be pumped one to three years, depending on the number of people living in the home and the size of the tank. According to Home Advisor, costs to clean or pump out your septic tank range anywhere from $198 to $892, with the average ranging between $265 and $479. Obviously the price range depends not only on area but also on what is done. A simple pump may cost less than a pump with a complete clean.

Angies List concurs, but offers prices from three years ago. They state back in 2013, the average price for pumping a septic tank was between $245 and $295.

Recommended Reading: Cost To Install Sump Pump And Drain Tile

How Long Does It Take For Zep Liquid Heat To Work

The specific working time of Zep Liquid Heat will depend upon several factors, including the type of material being cleaned, the level of staining or buildup, and surface temperature. For best results, allow the liquid to dwell on the surface for 10 to 15 minutes, then rinse with hot water.

Zep Liquid Heat is designed to penetrate, dissolve and suspend grease, oils, sludge and other soils, so it works quickly and effectively. If a heavier soil is present, additional dwell time may be required.

In any case, proper dwell time is important to ensure optimal performance.

Cost To Pump A Septic Tank

The average cost to pump a septic tank is about $400, though the price can range between $225$600 for most residential tanks. Youll have the following factors to consider when determining your overall septic tank pumping cost:

• Gallons of waste: The more waste thats built up in your tank, the more it will cost to pump.
• Size of the tank: Residential septic tanks range in capacity from 7501,500 gallons.
• Location: Where you live affects the cost of home services, including septic tank pumping.

Recommended Reading: Bathtub Drain Leaking Through Ceiling

How Can You Tell If Your Septic Tank Needs To Be Pumped

We always recommend that you employ a licensed and experienced service technician to do the inspection and maintenance of your septic tank. Septic pumping is typically done at least once every three to five years. The best way to know if your septic system needs pumping is by checking sludge levels with a sludge gauge, and by checking the level of scum to determine if it may be time to pump the tank.

Other common signs of a tank that requires maintenance or pumping include:

Disposing Of Septage: From Yuck To Eureka

Wherever there are a lot of people operating their homes’ waste systems on , you can bet you’ll find plenty of local businesses that specialize in removing the scum and sludge that accumulate in the tank over time. This is an important service if too much sludge builds up, it can lead to overflow, which is bad for everybody.

Generally, commercial septic pumping involves a pump truck removing the sludge, effluent and scum in the tank, then leaving the tank empty and ready to be filled again. Once the waste is removed, there are only so many things that can be done with it. Before federal laws that restrict septic sludge dumping, waste companies could simply bury it in dump sites. As it became clear that sites like these were a health hazard, they were outlawed. These sites remain, though many are in the process of remediation .

These days, federal and state laws govern the final destination of the contents of your septic tank. In some cases, the septic contents are taken to waste treatment plants and added to the stew piped in from a municipal sewer system or delivered to independent, for-profit companies specializing in the treatment of septage. Septage may also be dumped in approved landfills. The guidelines concerning septage dumping are strict and sites can be few and far between, however.

Originally Published: Jul 29, 2008

Recommended Reading: Garbage Disposal Not Draining Well

How Much Does It Cost To Pump Out A Septic Tank

The cost to pump out a septic tank is influenced by some factors such as the size of the tank and how full it is, your geographical location, and the contractor you hire. However, the average cost would be anywhere between $80 and $760.

Expect to pay anywhere between $80 and $155 to clean a small tank, that has a capacity of 500 to 750 gallons.

If you need to clean an average-sized tank with a capacity of 1,200 to 1,500 gallons, then you should plan on spending anywhere between $210 and $410.

The cleaning of larger tanks with a capacity of around or over 2,500 gallons costs anywhere between $510 and $760.

You might also like our articles about the cost of , PERC tests, or well inspections.

You will be able to save a lot of money in the long run with this little preventative maintenance as the cost to replace a damaged would be anywhere between $3,100 and more than $10,000. However, if you take care of your septic system properly it can last 20 to 40 years.

In the table below you will find the average costs to pump out a septic system in different cities from the United States of America.

What to expect when having your septic system pumped?

New York Septic System Contractors

Allcityplumbing heatingDoran ave, Ridgewood, NY 929-494-7423

Also Check: Home Depot 4 Inch Pvc Drain Pipe

Drain Field Replacement Cost

Leach field replacements for a septic system range from $2,000 to $20,000. This is one of the most expensive jobs when it comes to this type of repair. Leach fields fail for many reasons, mostly associated with improper tank maintenance, and digging out a new field costs a lot of time and money. While leach fields can last as long as 50 years, damage can occur that requires them to be replaced. A few signs include sewage odors near the leach field, mushy grass, or standing water.

Questions To Ask About Septic Tank Pumping

Scheduling a septic tank pumping project is a necessary part of home maintenance. But that doesnt mean a homeowner shouldnt consider multiple professionals before scheduling the job. To ensure the best pro makes the cut, homeowners will want to consider asking the following important questions about septic tank pumping.

• Do you have an operating license?
• What type of experience do you have?
• How long have you worked in this geographic area?
• Do you carry insurance?
• How much does it cost for septic tank pumping?
• Whats included in the service price?
• Who will be completing the job?
• How are your employees trained?
• What is the process for septic tank pumping?
• How often do I need to have my septic tank pumped?
• Should I use a bacteria additive product?
• Should I expect there to be a lingering odor after the septic tank is pumped?
• Can I use bleach in between septic tank pumping sessions?
• Are there certain cleaning products I should avoid to protect my plumbing system?
• Does it look like Ill need a new septic system in the near future?
• What other maintenance should I be performing to make sure my septic system remains functional and safe?

Read Also: Natural Drain Cleaner For Hair

Leach Field Rejuvenation Cost

rejuvenation costs between $1,000 and $5,000. This method is used to clean leach fields that have become clogged or soaked with wastewater and solid waste. Rejuvenation essentially gives the soil a helping hand and allows the field to absorb wastewater easily. It also involves pumping the field to remove excess water before adding good bacteria and enzymes to refresh the system.

What Are Signs A Septic Tank Needs Repair

Signs a septic tank needs repair include:

• Sewage odor in the yard
• Standing water in the yard near or over the septic system
• Sewage puddled on the surface over the tank or drain field
• Slow drains or plumbing backups in the sinks and showers
• Gurgling noises when flushing the toilet
• Grass growing more densely over the tank or drain field
• Sunken area over the tank
• Contaminated well water due to sewage seeping into the area

Read Also: French Drain With Catch Basin

How Much Does It Cost To Have Your Septic Tank Pumped

• Average total cost: $375
• Price range: $80-$760
• Filter replacement: $200-$300

Nobody likes to deal with the awful smell of sewage in the house, not to mention dirty, stinky water in the front yard. If youre experiencing these issues, it most likely means your septic tank is full or damaged, or theres a drain field issue. Odors and water pooling are common symptoms, but there are other symptoms that can include slow house drains, gurgling pipes and a very green patch of grass in the drain field area.

Ideally, you can avoid these issues by regularly pumping your septic tank. Heres a look at how much that costs.

What Does Baking Soda Do For Septic

Baking soda can be a very useful tool for helping to keep your septic system running efficiently. Baking soda can help to neutralize the build-up of acidic compounds in your septic system, thus helping to maintain a healthy, balanced environment.

It can also help to dissolve certain solids, such as greases and oils, which can help to reduce or prevent back-ups in the system. Adding a few teaspoons of baking soda to your septic system on a regular basis, can help to keep the system functioning properly.

Also Check: 24 7 Drain And Sewer Service

Why Do You Need To Pump Your Septic Tank

The sludge that accumulates at the bottom of your septic tank over time is called sludge. Sludge will ultimately leak into your leach field and then back up into your pipes if you do not pump your tank. Your septic tank may fail and require replacement if it is not pumped and maintained on a consistent basis.

How To Save Money On Septic Tank Cost

There are a few ways that can help save money on septic tank costs. Some of these can be achieved by DIY-ing some of the easier preinstallation tasks. Here are a few ideas to get started.

• Ask about current or upcoming discounts or promotions.
• Request a quote from at least two companies, if possible.
• Ask about all-in-one installation costs, and compare them to expected costs in the event you complete some tasks on your own.
• Consider preparing the land before installation begins.
• Consider purchasing and placing the gravel thatâs used beneath the tank and drain field yourself.
• Request soil tests and permits yourself. However, be aware that some companies will only accept permits they obtained.

Also Check: Drain Lg Front Load Washer

What Does The Background Check Cover

We use a third-party vendor to conduct a criminal records search in the state in which the business owner or principal works. Our third-party vendor uses a national criminal database to screen service professionals. Businesses will not be admitted to the network if their owners or principals have the following felonies in their available criminal records*:

Emergency Septic Repair Prices

When emergency septic repair is needed, costs increase compared to non-emergency service. This is because the professional doing the repairs needs to handle your problem quickly, which may cut into other work or time away from the job. There are several situations where emergency septic service may be needed. If the drain field is flooding, the toilets or drinks are backing up, or you have a septic alarm going off, a professional should be contacted immediately. A premium of around 25% to 50% is needed for these repairs. If a lid repair would otherwise cost $200, having it done on an emergency basis might bring the costs to $250 to $300 instead.

You May Like: Drain Cleaning Machine For Sale