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Technician pumping out a septic tank through an open access in a dirt yard

Septic tank pumping and cleaning

Septic Tank Pumping in Miami, FL

Septic Masters pumps and cleans septic tanks for homes and businesses in Miami-Dade and Broward County. A pump-out removes the sludge and scum that build up inside the tank so wastewater can keep flowing to the drain field. The U.S. EPA says household tanks are typically pumped every three to five years.

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Schedule Septic Pumping

Tell us the address and when the tank was last pumped, if you know.

Prefer to talk? Call (786) 282-8690

Pump-out hose inside an open septic tank

What a pump-out does

Septic Tank Pumping vs. Septic Tank Cleaning

According to the EPA, a septic tank separates solids and floatable matter, like oils and grease, from the wastewater. Over time that leaves three layers in the tank:

Scum

Oils, grease and lighter solids that float on top.

Liquid

Partly treated wastewater in the middle that flows out to the drain field.

Sludge

Heavier solids that settle on the bottom and build up over time.

Pumping

A vacuum truck draws the liquid, sludge and scum out of the tank through the access opening.

Cleaning

Most people use the word for the same job. When there is a difference, cleaning means extra work to break up and remove built-up solids.

Either way, the goal is an empty tank that can do its job again. Read more in the difference between septic pumping and cleaning, or see how a septic system works from the EPA.

Pumping schedule

How Often Should a Septic Tank Be Pumped in Miami?

The EPA's typical range is every three to five years for a household tank, but the right schedule for your property depends on four factors the EPA lists as the major ones.

Household size

More people means more wastewater and more solids reaching the tank.

Total wastewater

Long showers, frequent laundry and leaky fixtures all send more water through the system.

Solids in the wastewater

Food waste and anything besides toilet paper adds to the sludge and scum layers.

Tank size

A smaller tank fills faster than a larger one in the same household.

Family of 2 or family of 4?

There is no single number that fits every household of the same size, because tank size and water use vary so much. A small household with a large tank can go longer between pump-outs than a large household with a small tank. The EPA also notes that if you use a garbage disposal, your tank will need to be pumped more frequently. For a Florida-focused guide, read how often a septic tank should be pumped in Florida.

Let your tank set the schedule

The most reliable schedule comes from your own tank. The EPA suggests writing down the sludge and scum levels the septic professional finds at each visit, so you can see how fast your tank fills. Ask us for those levels after your pump-out, and keep them with your records. Not sure if it is time now? See how to tell if your septic tank needs pumping.

Source: U.S. EPA, How to Care for Your Septic System

Customer Reviews

What Miami Customers Say About Septic Masters

Real reviews from homeowners and businesses in Miami-Dade and Broward, pulled live from our Google Business Profile. Read what they say about the work, then decide for yourself.

Septic Masters on GoogleLive reviews from our customers

Our Services

Septic Services for Miami-Dade and Broward Properties

From routine pumping to repairs, new systems and commercial grease traps, Septic Masters handles residential and commercial septic work across South Florida.

  • Hose pumping out an open septic tank
    Residential and commercial

    Septic Tank Pumping and Cleaning

    We pump out the sludge and scum that build up in your tank so wastewater can settle and flow the way the system was designed to. Regular pumping helps prevent backups and bigger repairs down the road.

  • Technician setting up inspection equipment at a septic access point

    Septic Tank Inspection

    A clear look at your tank, lids, baffles and overall system condition.

  • Septic tank lid being opened for service

    Septic Tank Repair

    Damaged lids and baffles, cracked tanks and broken or clogged pipes.

  • New septic tank set in an excavated site

    Septic Tank Installation

    New and replacement systems planned around your property and permits.

  • Inside of a commercial grease trap
    Commercial

    Grease Trap Cleaning

    For restaurants and commercial kitchens on a regular schedule.

Not sure which service you need? Describe the problem and we will point you in the right direction.

What to expect

What Happens During a Septic Pump-Out

A septic pumping visit from Septic Masters follows the same five steps at homes and businesses across Miami-Dade and Broward.

Vacuum hose lowered into an open septic tank during a pump-out

How long does it take? It depends on the size of the tank, how full it is and how easy the lid is to reach. See how long septic tank pumping takes.

  1. 01

    Get the lid ready

    Clear a path to the tank lid and keep pets inside. If you are not sure where the lid is, tell us when you book.

    What to do before the pump truck arrives
  2. 02

    Open the tank

    The crew opens the access and runs the vacuum hose from the truck to the tank.

  3. 03

    Pump it out

    The liquid, sludge and scum are pumped into the truck until the tank is empty.

  4. 04

    Look inside while it is empty

    With the tank open and empty, the crew can see things that stay hidden the rest of the time, like damaged baffles, cracks or water flowing back from the drain field.

    Why so many of our jobs start with a pump-out
  5. 05

    Close up and plan the next one

    The tank is closed, and we tell you what we saw and when to plan the next pump-out.

Found a problem? If the pump-out shows damage, the same team handles septic tank repair, so you do not have to start over with another company.

Septic tank repair

Homes and businesses

Septic Pumping for Homes and Commercial Properties

Septic Masters provides septic tank pumping and septic tank cleaning for residential and commercial properties across Miami-Dade County and Broward County.

Residential septic pumping

For single-family homes and other houses on septic, on a routine schedule or when something is not right.

  • Routine pump-outs to keep the system working
  • Pumping when drains slow down or odors show up
  • Pumping before or after buying a home, alongside an inspection
About septic inspections

Commercial septic pumping

For offices, shops and other businesses whose buildings are on a septic system.

  • Pumping planned around how the building is used
  • Restaurants with grease traps need a separate service
  • One company for the septic tank and the grease trap
About grease trap cleaning

Cost

What Affects the Cost of Septic Pumping

The price of a septic pump-out in Miami depends on the tank and the property, so we quote each job once we know the details. These are the main factors. For more, read what affects septic tank pumping cost.

Tank size

Larger tanks hold more to pump out.

Time since the last pump-out

A tank that has gone years without service has more built-up solids.

Getting to the lid

A buried lid or a tank far from where the truck can park adds work.

Home or business

Commercial tanks and how the building is used can change the job.

Need a quote? Send the address and what you know about the tank.

Between pump-outs

How to Protect Your Tank Between Pump-Outs

What goes down the drains decides how fast the tank fills. These habits from the EPA's septic care guidance help a tank go longer between pump-outs and protect the drain field.

Use water efficiently

  • The EPA says indoor water use in a typical single-family home can be as much as 70 gallons per person, per day.
  • A single leaky or running toilet can add as much as 200 gallons a day.
  • Spread laundry across the week instead of doing it all in one day.

Flush only waste and toilet paper

  • Never pour cooking oil or grease down the drain.
  • Keep wipes, paper towels, coffee grounds and chemicals out of toilets and sinks.
  • Limit or skip the garbage disposal.

Protect the drain field

  • Do not park or drive on the drain field.
  • Plant trees far enough away to keep roots out of the system.
  • Keep roof drains and other rainwater away from the drain field area.

Source: U.S. EPA, How to Care for Your Septic System. For a printable routine, see our septic maintenance checklist for homeowners, and read what can go wrong when pumping is skipped.

Service Areas

Septic Service Across Miami-Dade and Broward County

Septic Masters is based in Miami and works on homes and businesses throughout Miami-Dade and Broward County. Not sure if your property is in our area? Give us a call.

FAQ

Septic Pumping Questions

Straight answers to what Miami-Dade and Broward property owners ask most about septic tank pumping and cleaning.

How much does it cost to pump a septic tank in Miami?

It depends on the size of the tank, how long it has been since the last pump-out, how easy the lid is to reach and whether the property is a home or a business. Call (786) 282-8690 or send the form on this page with your address and we will follow up with a quote.

What affects septic pumping cost →
How often should I pump my septic tank?

The EPA says household tanks are typically pumped every three to five years, but your schedule depends on household size, how much water you use, how many solids go into the tank and the size of the tank. Using a garbage disposal means pumping more often. Tracking the sludge and scum levels at each visit shows how fast your tank fills.

How often to pump in Florida →
What is the difference between septic pumping and septic cleaning?

Most people use the two terms for the same job: removing the liquid, sludge and scum from the tank with a vacuum truck. When there is a difference, cleaning means extra work to break up and remove solids that have built up in the tank.

Pumping vs. cleaning explained →
How long does it take to pump a septic tank?

It depends on the size of the tank, how full it is and how easy the lid is to reach. A lid that is buried or far from where the truck can park takes longer to get to than one that is already exposed.

How long septic pumping takes →
Will pumping fix a septic backup?

If the backup is caused by a full tank, pumping relieves it. If drains back up again soon after a pump-out, the cause is usually something else, such as a blocked pipe, a damaged baffle or a drain field that is not draining, and it needs a repair.

Common causes of septic backups →
Do you pump commercial septic tanks?

Yes. Septic Masters pumps septic tanks for businesses and other commercial properties in Miami-Dade and Broward. Restaurants and commercial kitchens with grease traps need grease trap cleaning, which is a separate service.

About grease trap cleaning →

Talk to Septic Masters

Septic Problem or Routine Pumping? Let's Get It Scheduled.

Call to talk it through with our team, or send a few details about your property and what is going on. We will follow up to confirm the service and a time that works for you.

Have this ready when you call
  • The property address, and whether it is a home or a business
  • What you are noticing, such as slow drains, odors or a backup
  • When the tank was last pumped, if you know
Septic Masters, Miami

Get In Touch

Call to talk to the team, or send a quote request online.

Call now(786) 282-8690

Sewage backing up right now? Call us instead of sending a request.