Septic pumping
Septic tank and holding tank pumping.
We pump residential and commercial septic tanks and holding tanks from Golden up to Bailey. Call the office, tell us where the property is, and we'll set a time.
What pumping does
Every septic tank separates what comes out of the house into three layers: scum that floats, liquid in the middle, and sludge that settles to the bottom. The liquid flows on to the leach field. The scum and sludge stay in the tank until it's pumped.
When the solids get too deep, they start leaving with the liquid. That is how a leach field gets plugged, and a plugged leach field is a much bigger job than a pump-out. Pumping on schedule keeps the solids where they belong.
How often
Tank size and the number of people in the house drive it. Oregon State University Extension's estimates put a 1,000 gallon tank at about every 3.7 years for three people and about every 2.6 years for four. A 1,500 gallon tank with four people runs about 4.2 years. A garbage disposal shortens all of those. The tool below works it out for your tank.
Holding tanks
A holding tank has no leach field. Everything stays in the tank until it's pumped, so it fills on a schedule and has to be emptied on one. Some of our regular customers are on holding tanks and call us when it's time.
What to have ready
- The property address, and the town or road
- Tank size, if you know it
- About when it was last pumped
- Where the lids are, if you know
Don't know any of that? Call anyway. Locating a tank is one of the things we do.
Work out your pumping schedule.
For a 1,000 gallon tank and a household of four, about every 2.6 years. Bigger households fill a tank faster. Set yours below.
Pump about every
2.6years
That's about 3 pump-outs in the next 10 years.
Estimates for year-round homes from Oregon State University Extension, EC 1343, Table 1. A garbage disposal means pumping more often. Not sure of your tank size? Call (303) 670-3160 and we'll help you find out.
4.7
What people say after a pump-out.
“Vic and His team is the best! They are very timely, affordable and all around great to work with!”
“Vic and Nate are super nice, amazing customer service, pumped our septic and inspected it.”
“I needed my holding tank emptied and they worked me into a busy Spring schedule.”
“Replaced my tank over a decade ago and have pumped it a few times since.”
“We have used Foothills septic for years. They are prompt, reliable and good for their word.”
“They were even able to come a week sooner than anticipated. The crew was great. Very fast and friendly.”
“Foothills Septic is my go-to for pumping our holding tanks. They are always quick to respond.”
“They are professional and informative.”
Pumping questions.
Straight answers to what people ask most. Anything else, call the office.
How often should I have my septic tank pumped?
It depends on tank size and how many people live in the house. Oregon State University Extension's table puts a 1,000 gallon tank with four people at about every 2.6 years, and the same tank with two people at about every 5.9 years. A garbage disposal means more often. Use the tank tool above, or call and we'll help.
What should I have ready when I call?
Your address, the tank size if you know it, roughly when it was last pumped, and where the lids are if you know. If you don't know any of that, call anyway. Finding the tank is part of the job.
Do you pump holding tanks?
Yes. Some of our regular customers have us empty their holding tanks. A holding tank has no leach field, so it needs pumping on a schedule. Call and we'll set one up.
Do you pump commercial tanks?
Yes. We pump residential and commercial septic tanks.