/ Pricing · King & Snohomish County
How much does septic pumping cost?
Routine septic tank pumping starts at $590, plus the county pumping report fee and tax. Price varies with location, fuel costs, tank size and access.
The short answer: routine septic tank pumping starts at $590, plus the county health department’s pumping report fee and sales tax. Here is what goes into the price, what can raise it, and how to keep it down.
What’s included
- Pumping the septic tank
- Measuring the sludge and scum layers so you know when the next pumping is due
- Filing the required pumping report with the county health department for you
What affects the price
- Location and fuel. Our trucks run on diesel, so homes farther from our Kirkland and Woodinville offices cost more to reach.
- Access. Lids buried deep underground take time to dig out. Risers bring lids to the surface and make every future visit faster.
- Finding the tank. If the tank location isn’t known, it has to be located first. Your King County or Snohomish County as-built drawing can save time.
- Tank size and number. Larger tanks and systems with more than one tank or a pump chamber take longer.
- Distance from the truck. A long hose run from where the truck can park adds time.
How to keep costs down
- Pump on schedule. Waiting until there’s a backup usually turns a routine visit into a repair. See 7 habits that keep a septic system healthy.
- Install risers if your lids are buried.
- In Snohomish County, use the Savvy Septic rebate program.
For an exact price for your property, call (206) 962-2600 (Kirkland) or (206) 790-9392 (Woodinville), or request service online. More on septic tank pumping.
Septic pumping cost FAQ
How much does septic tank pumping cost?
Routine septic tank pumping with Septic Response starts at $590, plus the county health department pumping report fee and sales tax. The final price depends mainly on your location, tank size and how easy the tank is to reach.
Why is there a county report fee?
The county health departments in King and Snohomish counties require a pumping report every time a septic tank is pumped. We file it for you, and the county fee for that report is added to the bill.
Why does price vary by location?
Our trucks run on diesel. Homes farther from our Kirkland and Woodinville offices, or in more remote parts of the county, take more fuel and drive time, so the price can be higher.
What makes pumping cost more?
Lids buried deep underground, a tank that has to be located first, a long distance from where the truck can park, a larger tank or more than one tank or chamber. Risers that bring the lids to the surface make every future pumping faster.
How often do I need to pump?
It depends on tank size and household use. Many homes land somewhere between every two and five years. We measure the sludge and scum on every visit and tell you when the next pumping is due.
Are there rebates?
In Snohomish County, the Health Department’s Savvy Septic program offers rebates for residential pumping, inspections, risers and some minor repairs after you complete its free online Septic Care Workshop.