Resources to Communicate the Why and How of Septic Tank Pumping

The odds are quite high that you’ve run into someone who believes that the decade or more that has gone by since they last had their septic tank pumped is a sign that they’ve got a well-functioning tank and system. Which, of course, is false. The generally recommended time frame between a tank’s pump-outs is just 3-5 years. There are a number of factors that determine exactly how long it should be, based on system/property characteristics, usage rate, and more, but the vast majority of tanks should fall into that range. 

So how do you communicate to these septic owners that they’ve got it wrong? Do you find that they listen and rush to schedule their next pump-out? Or, even if they take your word for it, do they keep delaying the pump-out because it’s just one more thing to handle that doesn’t seem like a high priority? 

Here are key points to make sure septic owners understand about pumping their systems:

• Properly maintained systems safeguards your family’s health, protects the environment, and saves thousands of dollars on potential repairs or replacement.
• Most residential septic systems should be pumped about every 3-5 years. Some more specialized systems will require more frequent pumping and maintenance. 
• Follow the recommendations of your service provider and local health department.
• Schedule your tank’s pump-outs at appropriate regular intervals.
• Keep maintenance records in a handy place so you always know your system’s history. 

If you’ve already got a strategy and set of resources on hand to share that convinces homeowners to pump their tanks regularly or finally get to taking care of their overdue tanks, we’re glad to hear it. In this blog post, we’re sharing a set of videos and articles that can be a jumping off point for communicating the necessity of routine septic tank pumping. We also have some advice on effective communication!

First, there’s always the handy pumping chart, with which anyone should be able to pinpoint how often to pump their tank based on the tank’s size in gallons and the household size/number of people living in the house using the tank. Sure, it does show a number of combinations in which a tank could theoretically go multiple decades without pumping — But how many people live by themselves on a property with a 2,500 gallon tank? 

But the chart by itself doesn’t communicate why pumping routinely is so necessary or how the process of pumping happens. So, here is a set of resources to point septic owners to if you find them struggling with the concept. (Important: Much of this same information can be found in countless places on the web, from state environmental & regulatory agencies to university extension services to septic businesses. These are examples, and you can easily find other sources with the same info if they would work better for you or your customers!)

Webpages and Articles

• How to Care for Your Septic System at the US EPA
  • The number one instruction: Inspect and pump frequently! The EPA doesn’t get too in depth here, but the page does provide a set of short videos to help explain, and tips on how to get a pumping service provider and what to expect in the process. There are also instructions on using water efficiently, properly disposing of waste, and maintaining drainfields.
    
• To Pump, or Not to Pump, that is the question… at RCAP
  • This article, published in 2023, explains more about the fallacy of thinking a septic tank that is overdue for pumping is operating well, and why the tank really does require frequent pumping.
    
• What to Expect When Getting Your Septic Tank Pumped at Virginia Cooperative Extension
  • This webpage is essentially a Q&A on septic pumping. It addresses why tanks need pumping, what gets pumped out of a tank, how to find and contact a pumper, how to best facilitate pumping, the consequences of not pumping, and how long pumping will take.
    
• What to Expect During a Septic Tank Pump-out at the University of Rhode Island
  • This short document explains what pumpers do and how to safely reduce the number of pump-outs needed. It also addresses the impact of system additives on pumping, and includes a short pump-out record table a septic owner can (and should!) fill out. 

You can also search our Resource Library for more documents like these. You could simply search “pumping,” or filter by ‘TYPE’ > ‘Consumer Information’ to find more documents that address pumping and other maintenance for homeowners.

Videos

There’s a whole host of videos available on YouTube that explain the necessity of pumping, demonstrate a standard pump-out, or show the consequences of neglected pumping. One could spend hours watching them all, so here’s a few to start with:

Pump Your Tank!

Part of the EPA’s SepticSmart quick tip video series, this video communicates the essentials of pumping in less than two minutes.

Pumping Your Septic Tank Part 1: Why and How to Maintain Your System

This new EPA video focuses on the items that should not be going down sinks or toilets, which can cause septic clogs and other maintenance issues.

Pumping Your Septic Tank Part 2: How Pumping Works and Why It’s Important

This second new EPA video explains to a homeowner how, when, and why to pump their tanks.

Being Septic Smart

This webinar recording from the Minnesota Water Resources Center is for those who are willing to watch a video that’s a whole lot longer than the offerings above — and wants to hear more about how septic systems work and other general maintenance guidelines. While every septic owner should know all of these basic lessons, this will best suit those who won’t be overwhelmed with learning everything at once!

How to Get the Message Out

If you’re worried about how to proactively engage septic owners on this topic, here are a few ideas:

• Publish an article or ad in your local newspaper
• Provide an interview for your local television or radio station
• Publish a blog post or webpage on your business website 
• Post on your business social media (Or, even your personal social media, if you feel comfortable with that!)
• Post notices for pumping on community boards (physical and virtual)
• Create a bill insert on pumping for after you’ve designed, installed, repaired, or otherwise serviced a system
• Partner with your local health department, local government, or community leaders

Most Effective Communications Practices

• Write or speak in a simple and consistent manner on the subject at hand.
• Describe the risks to one’s health, finances, and the environment that septic failure can cause.
• Provide links to both simple and more in-depth resources for additional information (like we’ve gathered here)
• Use graphics, photos, charts, and other visuals as you have available to illustrate visually.
• Anticipate that many people will skim or only read very little of written content you create. Put the most important information right at the top, and make sure other salient points stand out. 
• If necessary and possible, communicate in multiple languages.
• Provide your contact information so people can follow-up with you later!