Ask the Experts

How long should it take to pump the tank?

On the average, it should take a septic pumper between 20 and 35 minutes to clean a 1000 or 1250 septic tank which includes 1 or 2 backwashes, if needed. It may take longer if a tank has not been pumped for a while and there is an accumulation of solids and grease in the tank. Oftentimes rocks, diapers, baby wipes (which do not belong in the tank) will plug the hoses which results in extra time spent to service the septic.