How often should I have a licensed septic tank pumper pump the septic tank?
The septic tank is designed to detain and store solid and semi-solid matter as well as various buoyant materials. Over time, these materials will accumulate and build up in the septic tank. If the materials are allowed to accumulate for an excessively long period of time, they will eventually reduce the volume of the effluent zone in the septic tank. At this point sludge and scum can be discharged directly to the pretreatment unit or the absorption field. The discharge of these materials directly to a pretreatment unit or to the absorption field is the single leading cause of septic system failures in Tillamook County. Therefore, regular pumping of the septic tank which will remove these materials is required. The septic tank should be pumped at intervals of approximately four (4) years by a licensed septic tank pumper. Regular septic tank pumping is the cheapest form of insurance you can purchase that will guarantee the long term satisfactory operation of your septic system.
