Septic Tank Pump Out & Cleaning - How Much Does It Cost?

​On average, the cost of septic tank pump out and cleaning is $385. However, most homeowners spend between $282 and $525. If you go for more than 5 years without pumping out your tank, you will eventually start seeing standing water over your drain field or wet areas. Toilets will start running slowly and odors will fill your home. These are signs that you need help of septic tank cleaners like Hemley’s Septic.  

​How your septic tank functions 

​Wastewater from your toilets, showers, washing machines, and sink drains flows to a septic tank that is buried somewhere within your compound. Once inside the septic tank, this water is divided into solid waste, water, and scum. Solid waste settles at the bottom of the tank and bacteria break it down into sludge. Water forms the middle layer while oils and fat float at the top where it forms a scum. Water moves to the drain field where it is eventually distributed to the soil after bacteria break down solid waste into sludge. When a septic tank fails to function this way, that’s when you hear a property owner ask, who are the best septic tank contractors near me? 

​Pumping a septic tank 

​A normally functioning septic tank should not go for more than 3 years without being pumped out. However, how often a septic tank is pumped out should depend on the number of the people in a home and size of the tank. Timely pumping will reduce the cost of septic tank repair and extend the lifespan of the tank. Although it’s possible for a homeowner to do this job, septic pumping requires specialized skills and experience. That’s because the sludge that is pumped out should be transported and disposed of properly. That’s why many property owners find hiring professional septic tank contractors more cost-effective, safer, and easier. 

​Costs and parts 

In most cases, the part of a septic system that needs replacement or repair is the filter. On average, installation of a quality filter costs between $200 and $300. Other parts that may be used in the repair work include PVC fittings and pipes, plastic or concrete lids and risers, as well as submersible pumps. Perhaps, you have heard a homeowner whose septic tank has malfunctioned say, I need a plumber near me. That’s because they want to know the cost of these parts. Nevertheless, these parts can cost between $50 and $500. With a professional contractor like Hemley’s Septic, all this will be taken care of efficiently and cost-effectively.  
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Replacing septic tank pumps costs more than replacing parts like pipes. If your tank needs replacement, be ready to pay between $1,200 and $3,000. You may also pay between $500 and $1,000 for stone, gravel, topsoil and fill dirt to ensure proper setting of the new tank. 

​Fracturing the soil 

​If you suspect that you have a failing tank, proper pumping and cleaning can resurrect it. However, you may have to install filters, have the drain field lines cleaned, and fracture the soil. Soil fracturing entails ground insertion of a hollow tube followed by injection of a 300-pound of air blast. This procedure costs between $1,000 and $2,000 on average. However, it’s less expensive than installation of a new system. It also requires professionalism because the tank must be inspected carefully and thoroughly. That’s why you may hear a property owner ask, how do I get septic tank camera repair near me? 

​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.
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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 septic cleaning cost by enrolling for 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. What’s 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.