How often should septic tank be pumped?

A septic tank should be pumped every 3 to 5 years depending upon the number living in your household.

I cannot agree with the above statement it is too simple and ignores logic.

It may not be obvious, but septic tanks come in various sizes!

A property may well be fitted with a septic tank suitable for a large family.

Over the years the children grow up and leave home, until there is possibly only one or two people using the septic tank.

From this, you can appreciate that a blanket statement.

A septic tank should be emptied every "..." many years, is illogical and a waste of money!

Most areas have a minimum size, that is suitable for four people, a lot of users are singles or couples.

Do you expect them to have their septic tank emptied every "...." years?

Lets be sensible about this.

A septic tank is full and needs to be emptied, when it is half full of composted/processed solids!

And/or the space at the top, that starts off full of water, is perhaps a third to half full of oils and fats.

A sensible owner will measure the contents of their septic tank, before throwing good money away having it emptied.

A sensible owner who is keen to save money does not use a waste disposal unit, does not dump food, fats, oils, salt/sodium or waste of any kind, into their septic tank, they feed the birds and animals and compost.