How often should you pump a septic tank?

Every 3 years.

Only some homes need this one. It is optional on the checklist and starts switched off in the tracker.

How to do it

Have a licensed septic service inspect and pump the tank. Every 3 to 5 years is typical, sooner for a large household.

Why it matters

An overfull tank pushes solids into the drain field, which is far more expensive to fix than the tank.

Recommended interval: every 3 years, per U.S. EPA.

General guidance for a typical home; the manufacturer's instructions come first.

Get reminded when it is due

Paper works until it goes on the fridge and stays there. The Househand app keeps the same checklist and tells you when each job comes due, based on when you last did it.

  • A reminder when a job is due, not on a fixed date
  • A history of what you did and when
  • The same schedule as this site, optional tasks and all

The app is not in the stores yet. Until it is, track your house in the browser: same schedule, same rules.

More plumbing & water tasks