Septic Pumping 
Download a copy of Septic Smart
Regular septic tank maintenance is important and will help to avoid costly repairs.
Here are some tips to keep your system functioning efficiently:
- Have your septic tank pumped regularly according to the above guidlines.
- Don't use a garbage disposal and if you do pump the system more frequently.
- Conserve water to avoid flooding the system.
- Don't discharge water from hottubs or other heavily chlorinated water into the system.
- Minimize the use of bleach, drain and toilet cleaners.
- Do not clog your tank with kitty litter, grease, gas, paint thinner or oil paint.
The Ministry of the Environment recommends that you have you tank inspected for sludge and scum buildup on a regular basis (3-5 years) and that you clean out your tank when a third of the depth of your tank is full of sludge and scum. You can find more information in the downloadable book Septic Smart produced by the Government of Ontario.
You can also use our handy SepticTank Pumping Chart below to find out how often you should have your septic tank pumped.
|
Household Size - Number of Occupants |
1 |
2 |
3 |
4 |
5 |
6 |
7 |
8 |
9 |
Tank Size - Gallons |
Septic Tank Pumping Frequency in Years
|
500 |
5.8 |
2.6 |
1.5 |
1.0 |
0.7 |
0.4 |
0.3 |
0.2 |
0.1 |
800 |
10.1 |
4.7 |
3.0 |
2.1 |
1.5 |
1.2 |
0.9 |
0.7 |
0.6 |
1000 |
12.4 |
5.9 |
3.7 |
2.6 |
2.0 |
1.5 |
1.2 |
1.0 |
0.8 |
1250 |
15.6 |
7.5 |
4.8 |
3.4 |
2.6 |
2.0 |
1.7 |
1.4 |
1.2 |
1500 |
18.9 |
9.1 |
5.9 |
4.2 |
3.3 |
2.6 |
2.1 |
1.8 |
1.5 |
2000 |
25.4 |
12.4 |
8.0 |
5.9 |
4.5 |
3.7 |
3.1 |
2.6 |
2.2 |
|
