Those are EPA's general figures, and they carry a range for a reason. New Jersey's septic rule has its own permit and repair duties, covered in our story on who approves septic work. Keep the inspection and pumping receipts together. A buyer may ask, and the next inspector can use them.
When should you not pump?
Do not pump when the field is flooded. EPA warns that a tank emptied in those conditions may "float out of the ground." That matters on low Ocean County lots after a big storm or a long wet spell. Wait for the water to drop, then read our story on septic after a flood.
Who does the work?
Licensed people do, every time. This is a job to watch from the lawn. Ask the company what it found, and have that written on the receipt. Word of leaks or of sewage in the yard is a sign named in the state rule, and the owner then has a duty to call the local authority at once. Our page on septic in sand has the list.
Also asked
Does pumping fix a system that keeps backing up?
It may buy time without reaching the cause. Repeated back-ups that a plumber cannot trace to a clog are a malfunction sign, so report them to the authority before booking another pump-out.
Should I pump the tank before selling?
We found no rule requiring it. A recent receipt can answer a buyer's question, and the buyer's inspector may want to see the tank before it is emptied, so ask first.