Keeping up on regular septic tank maintenance ensures that your tank will work for the long haul. Pumping your septic tank on a regular basis also ensures that sludge levels don’t become too high, causing waste matter to be pumped out before it has settled. While the maintenance demands of septic tanks vary, most tanks are designed to be pumped out every three to five years. Check your owner’s manual and talk with your plumber to set the right maintenance schedule for your septic tank.