When working on a tank, make sure that it is well ventilated and that someone is standing by to provide emergency assistance. If someone has fallen in and is overcome by toxic gases or the lack of oxygen and a SCBA is not available, do not enter the tank. The best thing to do is to call for emergency services and put a fan at the top of the tank to blow in fresh air. After exposure to the contents of a septic tank, thoroughly wash skin and clothing that may have come in contact with the contents. Wastewater may contain microorganisms that cause disease.
Shaded area covers pumping frequencies for tanks that are smaller than minimum recommended sizes.
Table 1 shows estimated pumping frequencies for various septic tank capacities and number of people served. If wastewater flow is more than 50 gallons per person per day, increase the pumping frequency accordingly. If a garbage disposal is used, the time between pumpings should be decreased by about one-third. In Kansas, a minimum 1,000-gallon septic tank is recommended for a home with 3 bedrooms. According to Table 1, if 6 people live in a house with a 1,000-gallon tank, the tank should be pumped about every 1.5 years.