pumping a septic tank

 I seriously have no idea how much it will cost me to get it done.  I have a
1500 gallon tank and I need to begin planning for emptying it.

I'm not looking for hard and fast estimates, but just SWAGs.  How much is
it?  $50?  $250?  $500?  $1000?  Give me a ballpark, please.  Thanks!

--
Mit der Dummheit kämpfen Götter selbst vergebens.

  says...

In our area the going rate is $600. I would not be surprised if it is less
elsewhere. A tank of that size getting normal use with a family of four might be
good for as long as 5 years, but you never want to let it go too far or serious
damage to the drainfield can result. Maybe you get it pumped after three years
and
ask the operator how long you can go before the next pumping.

If you are new to septic tanks, there are a few things to keep in mind that will
help it last longer before needing service. Minimize use of a garbage disposal.
Minimize the amount of fat that goes down the drain.

 
be

serious

and

will

disposal.

   $600?  Do they use gold-plated hoses or something?

   The last few times we had ours done in Rochester, NY, it cost about $75.00.
Competing prices ranged from about $60 - $100.

- Rich

 says...

No, but the guys that come out to do the job are well manicured. Seriously, this
is the area where a modest home cost $350K five years ago and sells for $750K
today. A year ago I forgot to take my garbage can up to the top of the road
where
the truck could pick it up. So instead I had to transfer it to a couple of
garbage
bags, toss it in the trunk, and drive to the transfer station. You know what
that
cost to dump ? $40. (minimum charge at the dump)

 wrote:


be

General rule on family of 4 with 2-3 toilets and a garbage grinder is 2
years, maybe 3.  You can add 6-12 months without the grinder.


Absolutely.  Too few people understand this.  They think that just because
the toilets aren't backing up that everything is OK.  


Good advice.  As long as you are using a reputable pump company.


will

Actually, that's a slight misnomer.  Your septic tank is designed to
contain solids.  ANY solids.  If it fits down the drain, it can go in the
tank.  It is not designed to break down these solids (like the old
cesspools were).  You can put anything you want in there as long as you
keep up on regular pump intervals.