What septic tank cleaning typically costs
| A typical household tank | $589–$889Pumped out, with lids already accessible. |
|---|---|
| Large tanks or buried lids | $889–$1,389Digging to find the lids adds time. |
Typical prices in Metro Vancouver and the Fraser Valley in 2026, before tax. They are a guide, not our quote. Too much depends on your home to price these jobs unseen, so your price is set on site, in writing, before any work starts.
What changes the price
| Tank size | Larger tanks take longer to pump and cost more to dispose of. |
|---|---|
| Finding and opening the lid | A buried lid has to be located and dug out first. |
| Truck access | The truck needs to park within hose reach of the tank. |
| Time of day | Regular hours are 9 to 5, Monday to Friday. Outside those hours, every price is double. |
Time to call if
- Drains throughout the house are slow
- The ground over the tank or field is wet or smells
- It has been several years since the tank was last pumped
Call 1-800-604-0631, any hour.
What the job involves
- Locate the tank and uncover the lids.
- Pump out the liquid, the floating scum and the settled sludge with a vacuum truck.
- Check the baffles, the tank walls and the level coming back from the field.
- Record the condition, close the tank and haul the waste to an approved facility.
- Time on site
- Usually 1 to 3 hours
How pricing works for this job
There is no one price for septic tank cleaning, because the factors above change it from one home to the next. It starts with an on-site estimate for $269. A Pure Mechanical Group plumber looks at the job and gives you a price in writing, good for 30 days. Approve it and the $269 comes off the price. If you do not go ahead, the fee covers the visit. Anything found once work has started is priced and approved before it is done.
Read next
Questions people ask
How much does septic tank cleaning cost in Metro Vancouver?
A typical household tank: $589–$889. Large tanks or buried lids: $889–$1,389. Typical prices in Metro Vancouver and the Fraser Valley in 2026, before tax. They are a guide, not our quote. Too much depends on your home to price these jobs unseen, so your price is set on site, in writing, before any work starts.
How often does a septic tank need pumping?
Every two to five years for most households. It depends on the size of the tank and how many people live in the home.
What are the signs it is overdue?
Slow drains throughout the house, gurgling, sewage smell outside, or wet, unusually green ground over the tank or field.
What should never go into a septic system?
Wipes, grease, paint, solvents and chemical drain cleaner. The tank works because of bacteria, and those products kill them or clog the field.
Is the estimate free?
No. A Pure Mechanical Group plumber comes out, looks at the job and gives you a written estimate. Approve it and the $269 comes off the price. If you do not go ahead, the fee covers the visit.
What if you find something unexpected once work starts?
The estimate is based on what can be seen. Anything found once a wall, floor or the ground is open is shown to you, priced and approved before it is done.
