Home/Pumping
Septic Tank Pumping Around Hattiesburg
The Pine Belt gets heavy rain throughout the year, and a lot of the ground around Hattiesburg is already wet. A tank that sends solids out to the field makes both problems worse.
Where septic is common
Central Hattiesburg is largely on city sewer. Septic systems are much more common out in Forrest and Lamar counties, around Petal, Oak Grove, Purvis, Sumrall, Rawls Springs and Brooklyn, and further south toward Lumberton. If you are not sure, check your water and sewer bill.
The basics, by number
| Usual interval | About every 3 to 5 years |
|---|---|
| Typical tank | Around 1,000 gallons for a three-bedroom home, sized under MSDH tables |
| Usual price | $300 to $650 |
| Who does it | An MSDH-certified pumper |
Wet ground and pumping
Where the water table is high, as in the lower areas along the Leaf and Bouie rivers, an empty tank can be pushed upward by groundwater. Pumpers may recommend against pumping while the ground is saturated, or take extra care. Dry stretches are generally the best time.
After a hurricane or tropical storm
Hattiesburg is well inland, but Hurricane Katrina in 2005 showed that Gulf storms can cause major damage this far north, and tropical rains still flood low ground. If water covered the tank, do not have it pumped until the flood has receded and the ground has drained, and have the system checked before normal use.
Signs not to ignore
- Gurgling drains or slow toilets after rain
- Sewage smell near the tank or field
- A soggy, bright-green strip over the field
- An alarm on a treatment unit or pump tank
Hattiesburg pumping questions
How much does septic pumping cost in Hattiesburg?
Generally $300 to $650, depending on tank size, access and whether lids need digging up.
Should I pump my septic tank when the ground is flooded?
Usually not. In saturated ground, an empty tank can be pushed up by groundwater. Wait for the water to recede and ask a certified pumper.
Do I have septic if I live in Petal or Oak Grove?
Some homes are sewered and many are not. Check your utility bill or ask the local utility.
How often should a Pine Belt septic tank be pumped?
Usually every three to five years, more often for large households or systems with treatment units.
A licensed site evaluator has to answer that with a soil test; nobody can tell from a map. Send us your address and we will pass it to a licensed local professional where one is available. Request a quote →
Around the Pine Belt
- Richburg: Unincorporated Forrest County with a mix of older and recent systems.
- Rawls Springs: Northwest of the city, on acreage, effectively all private treatment.
- Hattiesburg: The city is largely sewered, but the growth at the edges and across the county line is not.
Underneath most of it: silt, clay, and far too much rain. What that means for a system.