Septic tank pumping
Regular pumping is the cheapest way to protect your drain field, which is the most expensive part of the system to replace.
Septic tank pumping removes the sludge that settles at the bottom of the tank and the scum that floats on top, so solids don't flow out into the drain field. In Deschutes County it's done by DEQ-licensed pumping companies, and on many systems it's paired with cleaning the effluent filter and checking the baffles, pump and alarm.
How often does my tank need pumping?
Oregon DEQ recommends pumping when sludge and scum take up more than about 35 percent of the tank, which is typically every 3 to 8 years. A 1,000-gallon tank serving a household of four may need it about every 3 years. Bigger households, garbage disposals and smaller tanks all shorten the interval. A septic company can measure your sludge and scum and suggest a schedule.
What are the signs a tank is overdue?
- Slow drains throughout the house
- Gurgling from drains or toilets
- Odors near the tank or in the yard
- Wet spots or lush grass over the drain field
- A sewage backup
What happens during a pumping visit?
- Locate the tank and uncover the lids
- Pump both compartments
- Check the inlet and outlet baffles
- Clean the effluent filter, if there is one
- Look for cracks, roots or signs of backflow from the drain field
- Check pump chambers and alarms on pressure or ATT systems
Should I install risers?
Risers bring the tank lids up to the surface, so future pumping doesn't start with digging. In Central Oregon, where winter snow and frozen ground can make digging harder, risers can save time and cost on every visit.
What affects the cost of pumping?
- Tank size. Larger tanks hold more to haul away.
- Lid access. Buried lids mean digging first.
- Distance and access. Long hose runs or tight driveways take more time.
- Extra service. Filter cleaning, pump checks and repairs.
Prices come from the septic company after they've seen the system. We don't quote prices ourselves, and a phone estimate is only a starting point.
Where we connect you with help
Common questions
How often should I pump my septic tank in Bend?
Oregon DEQ recommends pumping when sludge and scum fill more than about 35 percent of the tank, typically every 3 to 8 years, depending on tank size and household.
Can I pump my tank in winter?
Usually, yes, though snow and frozen ground can make it harder to reach buried lids. Risers help.
Does a pumping company need a license in Oregon?
Yes. Septic pumping businesses need a DEQ sewage disposal service pumper license.
Related services
More background: Deschutes County septic guide.
Septic backing up or alarm going off?
Call now instead of sending a form. Backups are a same-day problem.