Septic Tank Pumping in Knoxville, TN

Most household septic tanks need pumping every three to five years, sooner with a small tank or a full house.

Technician opening a septic tank for pumping at a Knoxville, TN home — septic service scene

Price guide: Typically $300 to $500 for a standard 1,000-gallon tank. A larger tank, digging down to a buried lid, or adding a riser so the lid sits at ground level can add to that.

These are typical prices for the Knoxville area, to help you plan. Every property is a little different, so we look at yours and confirm your price with you before any work starts.

What actually happens

Pumping a 1,000-gallon tank usually takes well under an hour once the lid is open. Finding and digging up the lid is often the slow part, because plenty of older tanks around here have lids buried 6 to 18 inches down. If you know where yours is, tell us when you book. A permit drawing from the county shows it too.

Before the truck comes, unlock any gates, keep the dogs in, and keep cars off the yard over the tank and the drain field. If the lid is buried, ask about a riser: it brings the lid up to ground level, so next time there is nothing to dig.

Septic tank cleaning and pumping are the same job

If you searched for septic tank cleaning, this is it. Pumping removes the sludge that settles on the bottom of the tank and the scum that floats on top. Left too long, those solids get carried out into the drain field, and a clogged field costs far more to fix than a pump-out.

How often yours needs it

The interval depends on tank size and how many people live in the house. Three to five years covers most homes, but a 1,000-gallon tank with five people in the house needs it more often.

What customers say about our septic tank pumping

★★★★★

Knox Septic Services did a great job pumping our septic tank. They arrived on time, explained what needed to be done, and completed the job without any issues. The technician was friendly and knowledgeable and even gave me some helpful advice on maintaining the system. Great experience overall!

Michael R., septic tank pumping

★★★★★

We contacted Knox Septic Services for routine septic system maintenance and had a great experience. Scheduling was easy, the technician was courteous, and everything was handled efficiently. I appreciated that they took the time to answer my questions and explain what I should be doing to keep our system working properly.

Lisa T., septic maintenance

Read all customer reviews

Helpful answers

Questions people ask

How often should a septic tank be pumped?

Every three to five years for most households. A small tank or a large household shortens that, and a tank serving one or two people can go longer.

How much does septic pumping cost in Knoxville?

Typically $300 to $500 for a standard 1,000-gallon tank. A bigger tank, a buried lid that has to be dug up, or a new riser adds to it.

Do I need to be home?

Not if we can get to the tank. Leave the gate unlocked and tell us where the lid is. Most people like to be there the first time, so they can see the tank opened and ask questions.

Towns we cover

Also covered: Lenoir City, Loudon, Greenback, Oliver Springs, Rocky Top, Maynardville, Blaine, Dandridge, Jefferson City, New Market, Pigeon Forge, Townsend, Friendsville.