We receive the same call quite frequently - someone stating that they haven't had their tank pumped in x number of years because their neighbour hadn't either, and their system was running just fine. If their neighbour says so, and their system works fine, then the same should apply. We have had people with tanks that had not been pumped in ten years!

This is the problem. It has to be relayed to those on septic systems that a tank in good repair and kept under careful maintenance is pumped out at the most every three years. Every two years if you have a large family or above-average water usage.

It's a gamble. The home owner who hadn't pumped his tank in ten years may have not had any problems, but he did have a rather large bill after the time it took for us to pump his tank. The solids that remain in your septic system solidify over time to an almost concrete-like mass, so if you can imagine ten years worth of hardened........

Many septic tanks have had to be replaced due to this negligence. A regular pumping schedule of not more than three years is highly recommended.

The next time your neighbour tells you not to pump your tank because he hasn't had to do his in the last 5 to 10 years, tell him that he's in for a surprise when he does have it done.

Be neighbourly - set him straight.