When Do I Need Septic Tank Pumping?

This is an important question for a homeowner to ask. Equally important is the answer they get. Septic tank pumping is the way to keep your tank from overfilling and causing a variety of problems. Lakeland Septic Company of Lakeland, FL, would like to share some helpful information on septic tank pumping and how often it should be scheduled.

Septic Tank Cleaning in Lakeland FL

Pumping rule of thumb


It’s generally accepted in the septic industry that residential tanks should be pumped out every three to five years. We realize this is a very general timeframe, but it’s a start to understanding how often you’ll need septic tank pumping.


Things that can affect the pumping schedule


Several things can cause a residential septic tank to require cleaning and service more frequently than the rule of thumb above.

Household use

Assuming the tank size is the same, a small, two-person household won’t fill the tank as quickly as a 10-room home with eight people living in it.

Ideally, a larger home should have a larger tank, and vice versa for a smaller home. Unfortunately, this isn’t always the case.

If you believe that your tank is needing pumping too frequently, here are some strategies:

  • Take shorter showers
  • Use the garbage disposal less
  • Don’t let sink water run when you’re not actually using it
  • Consider having a larger tank installed

Low levels of bacteria


Septic tanks rely on “good” bacteria to help them do their jobs. This bacteria reduces the amount of solids in your tank and thereby the frequency with which your tank will need pumping. The Lakeland Septic Company crew will make sure your tank’s bacteria levels are correct. It’s up to you to help keep them that way by not introducing anti-bacterial products, such as certain soaps and cleaning solutions, into your drains.


Excess solids


The greater the amount of solids in your septic tank, the more frequently you’ll need pumping, maintenance and possibly repair at some point. The “normal” solids that the tank was designed for are expected. But avoid adding any of the following to drains that go to the septic tank:

  • Coffee grounds
  • Paper towels
  • Oily and greasy substances
  • Feminine products
  • Cat litter


These and similar items can damage various parts of your septic system.

The ideal septic tank pumping schedule


When you work with Lakeland Septic, we’ll monitor your pumping needs and determine the optimal schedule for having your tank cleaned out. To do this, we’ll look at the size of your tank, the size of your household and your drain-usage patterns. Every home is different, although in most cases, every three to five years is a good schedule for most septic tank pumping projects.

Septic Tank Pumping Service in Winter Haven Fl

Trusted Experts

For more than 15 years, we’ve served homeowners with exceptional septic services, including pumping, septic installations, septic repair and inspections of entire systems.

Not only do we perform the work, but we also make sure that you understand exactly what needs to be done to your septic system and why.

Our trained crew is thorough and conscientious, placing our customers as the number-one priority on every job. Give us a call at (863) 738-0504 or get in touch with our handy contact form.

We serve Lakeland FL, Winter Haven FL, Auburndale FL, Polk City FL, Bartow FL, and other communities in Polk County and Hillsboro County.