How Much Does Septic Tank Pumping Cost in 2025?
This project can cost anywhere from $200 to $1,240, so take a look at what could affect this price and get a quote from a pro.
Pumping a septic tank is highly regulated and requires professional tools, making professional service safer and more efficient.
Pumping a septic tank costs $250 for small tanks, $325 to $700 for medium tanks, and at least $700 for large tanks.
The cost of septic tank pumping depends on tank size, number of residents, wastewater generation, and water-saving devices.
Signs your septic tank needs pumping include unpleasant smells, backed up sewage, slowed draining, and pooling water.
Regular septic tank pumping prevents sludge buildup, clogged pipes, broken pumps, and drain field damage.
This article was updated using automation technology and thoroughly reviewed for accuracy by HomeAdvisor Editor Ryan Noonan.
The average cost to pump a septic tank is $423, with most homeowners paying between $289 and $557. Septic tank pumping isn't the most glamorous task, but staying on top of it every three to five years keeps your system running smoothly and prevents unsightly (and smelly) messes in your yard. Here's what you need to know about what you'll pay to pump your septic tank.
How Often Do You Need to Pump a Septic Tank?
Most septic tanks get pumped every three to five years. According to the EPA, you should have it pumped when the scum layer reaches six inches of the outlet tee or the sludge layer within 12 in. of the outlet tee. However, you might clean it out every year or every 10 years depending on several factors:
| Septic Tank Size | Home Size | Average Pumping Frequency |
|---|---|---|
| 500 gallons | 1 bedroom | 5 years |
| 750 gallons | 2 bedrooms | 5 years |
| 1,000 gallons | 3 bedrooms | 3 years |
| 1,250 gallons | 4 bedrooms | 3 years |
| 1,500 gallons | 5 bedrooms | 2 – 3 years |
| 1,750 gallons | 6+ bedrooms | 2 years |
Septic Tank Pumping Prices by Size
Pumping a 600-gallon septic tank—like a small tank for one or two people—may cost as little as $250 while pumping a large 2,000-gallon tank can cost $700 or more. Most homeowners have tanks that are between 1,000 and 1,500 gallons, falling in the middle of the price range.
| Septic Tank Size | Average Cost |
|---|---|
| 750 gallons | $250 – $550 |
| 1,000 gallons | $325 – $700 |
| 1,250 gallons | $375 – $900 |
| 1,500 gallons | $450 – $1,100 |
| 1,750 gallons | $550 – $1,250 |
| 2,000 gallons | $700 or more |
Septic Tank Maintenance Cost
Septic tank maintenance costs between $100 and $1,000. Costs can vary depending on your location. For example, homeowners may pay between $440 and $750 in Portland, OR, while in Minneapolis, MN, costs range from $175 to $275. Factors such as local regulations, cost of living, and availability of service providers can influence these prices.
| City | Average Cost |
|---|---|
| Portland, OR | $440 – $750 |
| Boise, ID | $250 – $440 |
| Denver, CO | $260 – $350 |
| Little Rock, AR | $260 – $510 |
| Phoenix, AZ | $360 – $600 |
| Minneapolis, MN | $175 – $275 |
| Milwaukee, WI | $245 – $320 |
| Jacksonville, FL | $245 – $435 |
| Concord, NH | $255 – $330 |
| Long Island, NY | $275 – $515 |
Septic system inspections cost $250 to $1,175. The EPA recommends inspections every one to three years, depending on the type. Your pro will do a visual inspection of the system. Adding a complete camera-assisted inspection can double the price. It’s usually not necessary.
Adding bacteria to an aerobic system costs anywhere from $50 to $500 depending on the size, type, and any prep work needed. Most homeowners pay in the range of $100 to $200, but you might pay a little less if you combine this with pumping or cleaning.
| Maintenance Task | Cost |
|---|---|
| Pumping | $289 – $557 |
| Jetting | $150 – $450 |
| Effluent Filter Clean/Change | $100 – $200 |
| Sewer Line Inspection Cost | $250 – $1,175 |
| Field Aeration (Fracking) | $10,000–$20,000 |
How to Save Money on Septic Tank Pumping
The difference between spending $400 every two years vs every five years might come down to how you treat your septic tank and leach field. Consider these tips:
Don’t throw coffee grounds down the sink.
Compost kitchen scraps instead of using the garbage disposal frequently.
Don’t put grease down your drain. This clogs the drain and septic tank.
Spread out laundry loads or divert the water to a separate system. Detergents and cleaners can harm your septic system.
Don’t park on the leach field. It’ll compress the soil, ruining its efficiency.
Don’t build any structure on a leach field.
DIY Septic Tank Pumping vs. Hire a Pro
Pumping your septic tank is a job best left to the pros. Sludge pumped out of the tank must be stored for transport in appropriate containers and disposed of following important safety procedures. This process is usually highly regulated at the local and state levels. For most homeowners, it's safer and more cost-effective to hire a local septic tank pumping professional.
How HomeAdvisor Gets Its Cost Data
No place is more important than your home, which is why HomeAdvisor connects homeowners with local pros to transform their houses into homes they love. To help homeowners prepare for their next project, HomeAdvisor provides readers with accurate cost data and follows strict editorial guidelines. We surveyed thousands of real customers about their project costs to develop the pricing data you see, so you can make the best decisions for you and your home. We pair this data with research from reputable sources, including the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, academic journals, market studies, and interviews with industry experts—all to ensure our prices reflect real-world projects.
Frequently Asked Questions
Wastewater from your home from your showers, toilets, sink drains, and washing machines flows to your septic tank. When wastewater enters your septic tank, it divides into three parts sludge, water, and scum. Outlet and inlet pipe positions and baffles keep sludge and scum from leaving the tank. Wastewater, the effluent, moves down pipes to the drain field.
If a septic tank is not pumped, it can lead to serious issues. The accumulation of sludge and scum will eventually overflow into the drain field, causing blockages and system failure. Pipes may become clogged, leading to sewage backups in your home. Pumps can also break due to excessive buildup, and the drain field may become damaged, requiring costly repairs or replacement.
Signs that your septic tank needs to be pumped include unpleasant odors around your property, slow draining sinks and toilets, gurgling sounds in the plumbing, and sewage backups in your home. You may also notice standing water or damp spots near the septic tank or drain field. If you observe any of these signs, it's important to schedule a pumping promptly to prevent system failure.
Septic tank odors are typically caused by gases produced during the breakdown of organic waste in the tank. If these gases escape, it can indicate a problem such as a crack in the tank, a clogged drain field, or issues with the venting system. Odors can also result from overflows due to a full tank. Addressing septic tank odors promptly is important to prevent more serious issues.
You should pump your septic tank every three to five years, depending on factors like tank size and household size. Larger households generate more wastewater and may require more frequent pumping. For example, a family of four with a 1,000-gallon tank may need pumping every three years, while a smaller household with a larger tank might extend to five years. Regular maintenance ensures optimal system performance.
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