How often should you pump your septic tank?

There's no single answer, but most homes in Texas need their septic tank pumped every three to five years. Where you land depends on three things: how big your tank is, how many people live in the house, and how much water you use.

A quick rule of thumb

• 1 or 2 people, 1,000 gallon tank: about every 5 years
• 3 or 4 people, 1,000 gallon tank: about every 3 years
• 5 or more people: every 2 to 3 years, or a bigger tank

A garbage disposal, a lot of laundry, or guests who stay for weeks all fill the tank faster.

Signs you're overdue

Slow drains all over the house, a gurgling sound, a smell near the tank, or a wet spot over the drain field all mean it's time to call. Don't wait for a backup. Pumping a tank costs far less than replacing a drain field.

Not sure when it was last pumped?

Ask for a health check. We'll look at how full the tank is and tell you when your next pump is due, so you never have to guess.