According to the United States EPA, “The average household septic system should be inspected at least every 3 years by a septic service professional. Household septic tanks are typically pumped every 3 to 5 years. Alternative systems with electrical float switches, pumps or mechanical components should be inspected more often, generally once a year. A service contract is important since alternative systems have mechanized parts.”   Remember, not all cesspools, septic systems, households, or businesses are created equal! Factors such as household size, septic tank size, the volume of solids in wastewater, and the total wastewater generated influence the frequency of septic pumping in a major way. For example, a couple living in a single-family home who both go to work during the day and flush only toilet paper and nothing else is probably going to have a less frequent amount of pumping than a family of five who is home most of the day and flush the toilets much more often.