Septic tanks are designed to last for decades.

The only catch is that you have to maintain yours to enjoy a long shelf life.

Part of the maintenance routine is pumping it out to get rid of stubborn sludge and scum layers that settle at the top and bottom of the tank respectively.

According to the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), a septic system should be checked every 1-3 years.

This includes looking at the pipes, inspecting the leach field, and measuring the sludge and scum levels.

Pumping of the system should be done every 3-5 years.  

Most homeowners prefer having their septic systems pumped by professionals. But the procedure often costs a pretty coin.

Most plumbers ask for anywhere from $300 and $500 just to pump out a septic tank.

If you don’t have this kind of cash or want to know how to empty septic tank yourself out of curiosity, I have a detailed guide to help you do just that.

Here’s How To Pump Your Own Septic Tank

While a septic system is designed to discharge its effluent to the leach field and into the soil, it needs help to do that efficiently.

 See, over time, scum and sludge layers build up in the tank making the system inefficient.

This is where pumping your own septic tank comes in. Pumping makes sure that the tank doesn’t overflow and cause its contents to flow to the drain pipes and back to your house.

It also keeps waste water from overflowing to the surface or seeping to the groundwater below the water table.

Whether you have a DIY septic tank or one that was installed by the pros, you can roll up your sleeves and get pumping.

Follow the guide below to learn how to pump your own septic tank.

What You Need

• A vacuum pump

• Vacuum hose

• A tank

• Hose pipe connected to a water supply or muck rake

• An electric line

• Water and Clorox mixture

• A pair of gloves

Steps

1. Break the Sludge and Scum Layers Apart

The first thing you want to open the tank lid. If the lid is buried (for people who prefer to hide their tanks lids, for instance), you need to find your tank and dig out the top of it to expose the lid.

For your own safety, put on some latex gloves before touching anything.

I don’t need to remind you of the kind of waste you are dealing with.

Next, you want to break up the bottom and upper layers of the tank. Doing this makes it easy for the pump to remove as much waste as possible.

To break the layers apart, you have two options – first, use a garden hose to spray water in the tank, and second, stick a mud rake in the tank and swish it around to separate the layers.

Either one works as long as it is done patiently and properly.

Take a few minutes to split the layers before going in with the pump.

Failure to do this will make it hard for the pump to get the waste through the vacuum hose efficiently.

You will also need to keep doing this during the actual pumping.

2. Prepare The Pump

First, identify the electric line that will connect to your vacuum pump.

Next, connect all the vacuum lines of the pump.

One will go into the tank to suck out the sludge and another will connect to the recipient tank of the scum and sludge.

If you plan on dumping the waste somewhere within your property, get a long garden hose that connects to the pump on one end and the hole (where the waste will go) on another end.

3. Get Pumping

Once the vacuum lines have been connected, you want to insert the pump’s vacuum in the septic tank.

Do the same with the mud rake.

The outlet should be connected to the tank or wherever the waste will be dumped.

If using a garden hose, consider using an extra set of hands to add water into the tank as pumping takes place.

Now, connect the pump to a power source and hold the vacuum in the tank as it sucks out.

Run the pump and hold the vacuum line inside the tank, moving it continuously during the operation.

Take breaks as you switch to moving the mud rake around the sludge and scum to break it apart further.

This process aids in the smooth and efficient removal of effluent from the tank.

Keep pumping until the waste has been removed from the tank.

4. Dump Your Waste Properly

If you have a tank to collect the waste after pumping, you will need to transport it to where the pros often take it.

Usually, this refers to a sewer drain field of sorts.

If not, a shallow hole in your property will do just fine.

Be sure to dig a hole that is not too shallow lest the contents overflow to the ground.

 A hole that is too deep may compromise the water table.

When in doubt, consult the pros.

Finally, clean your hands thoroughly with the water and Clorox mixture to get rid of any germs.

If something isn’t clear in my description, feel free to watch this amazing video by Apple Drains:

Extra Tips For Pumping Your Own Septic Tank

If you decide to pump out your own septic tank, there are a few things to look out for before doing that.

I. Use The Right Pump

Vacuum pumps are the best for pumping out septic tanks.

They are high-suction style pumps built to pump out sewage, waste oil, septic waste, grease trap waste, and much more.

They use high-pressure rotary vane pumps to suction thick liquids from different areas.

 If you don’t have a vacuum pump, a diaphragm pump will do the job.

It may not be as efficient as a vacuum pump but it will get it done.

In case you don’t have both pump types, a good trash pump is also a good option.

Any other pump may not be the best for the project.

II. Get The Right Permits

While some states in the United States don’t restrict homeowners from pumping out their septic tanks, some do—and for good reason.

If wrongly dumped, septage can overflow and if there’s run-off water, make its way to nearby rivers and lakes.

Below the ground, waste can seep further down and contaminate groundwater used for drinking and cooking purposes.

You might want to check with your local and state authorities if you can clean out your own tank.

Related: Do You Need A Permit To Repair A Septic System?

III. Check Your System For Damages

After a pumping session, it is a good idea to inspect your septic system for cracks.

Check the inside of the tank, along its sides, and the pipes for any damages.

Broken and rusted pipes need repair or replacement.

Any crack in the tank also needs to be repaired.

Failure to do this may cause a system failure in the future.

If you catch anything, call the pros to get to it sooner rather than later.

Conclusion

Regardless of their simple design, septic systems need close monitoring by homeowners to catch problems before they arise.

Pumping your tank after every three to five years saves you the trouble of having to re-install the entire system or make costly repairs to it.

Not only does it save you thousands of dollars but it gives you the peace of mind you desperately need.

What’s more – you can make the project a DIY.