Septic tank pumping in Hong Kong is priced by district zone: HK$1,300 per visit in Tuen Mun and Yuen Long, HK$1,500 for Kowloon, Tsuen Wan and the rest of the New Territories, from HK$2,000 on Hong Kong Island and from HK$2,500 on the south side, with Lantau and remote areas quoted separately. Those rates are for a 24-tonne vacuum tanker, Monday to Saturday 09:00–18:00, and include 100 ft of hose run.
Septic Tank Pumping Rates in Hong Kong (per visit)
| Zone | Districts covered | Per visit |
|---|---|---|
| Zone 1 | Tuen Mun, Yuen Long, Tin Shui Wai, Lau Fau Shan, Deep Bay, Lok Ma Chau | HK$1,300 |
| Zone 2 | All Kowloon, Tsuen Wan, Kwai Chung, Tsing Yi, Lai King, Kwai Fong, Kwai Hing, Sham Tseng, Sheung Shui, Fanling, Lo Wu, Sha Tau Kok, Tai Po, Sha Tin, Tai Wai, Ma On Shan, Sai Kung, Tseung Kwan O, Tiu Keng Leng, Tung Chung | HK$1,500 |
| Zone 3 | HK Island: Sheung Wan, Siu Sai Wan, Central, Tin Hau, North Point, Sai Wan, Sai Wan Ho, Admiralty, Fortress Hill, Chai Wan, Jardine's Lookout, Happy Valley, Shau Kei Wan, Causeway Bay, Wan Chai, Quarry Bay | From HK$2,000 |
| Zone 4 | HK Island South: Aberdeen, Pok Fu Lam, Repulse Bay, Stanley, Tai Tam, Shek O, The Peak | From HK$2,500 |
| Zone 5 | Lantau Island and other remote areas | Quote on request |
Why is Yuen Long the cheapest? The trip. Our trucks work out of the Tuen Mun / Yuen Long side, so that is the shortest run; Sheung Shui, Tai Po and Sha Tin are a longer drive and sit in the second zone. Pricing is published by district, not sprung on you on arrival.
What Else Should You Watch Beyond the Rate Table?
- Rates apply to a 24-tonne vacuum tanker only — other vehicle types are quoted separately.
- Hours: rates are for Monday–Saturday, 09:00–18:00 (public holidays excluded). Other hours are quoted separately.
- Hose run: the quote includes 100 ft. From 100 to 500 ft, each additional 100 ft is HK$200; beyond 500 ft is quoted separately.
- Special conditions: height, traffic, utilities or road-weight restrictions, steep access roads and the like — anything needing more than one vehicle on site is charged at 1.5× to 2× the base rate.
- Sharing a trip costs less: 2 to 3 houses in the same or a neighbouring village, same day and same slot (max 3), get HK$200 off each — so HK$1,100 in Yuen Long. A group slot has to be opened at least 7 days ahead.
Main Factors Affecting the Cost
- Septic tank capacity and level of sludge build-up — the larger the capacity and the heavier the build-up, the more pumping time and vehicle resources are needed.
- Distance the vehicle can reach — if the septic tank is located far from where the vehicle can park (for example, over 100 feet or 500 feet away), longer hoses or extra manpower are required, and the hose-run surcharge above applies.
- District and traffic conditions — for remote village houses or areas with poor access, travel time and parking arrangements affect the quote, which is exactly why the rates are zoned.
- Service timing — call-outs on Sundays / public holidays or at specific emergency hours are generally charged higher than on regular days.
- Whether additional services are needed — for example, if a CCTV pipe survey is also needed to confirm the condition of the drains, or if a more complex blockage has to be dealt with.
How Can You Get a Transparent Quote?
We recommend providing clear information when you enquire: the approximate capacity of the septic tank, when it was last cleaned, on-site photos (if convenient), the distance the vehicle can reach, and so on. This way, the service company can already give a more accurate preliminary quote at the phone / WhatsApp enquiry stage, avoiding the situation of "send the truck first, then raise the price once on site." For the zone map and to book directly, see our septic pumping page.
How to Choose Without Getting Ripped Off?
Check whether the service company holds a Drainage Services Department (DSD) registration number (which can be verified on the DSD official website's public list), whether they clearly explain the pricing factors before quoting, and whether they are willing to provide a transparent quote already at the phone / WhatsApp stage. For a step-by-step way to vet a company, see "How to Choose a Septic Pumping Company".
Worth noting: the EPD's guidance on village-house sewage discharge states that a septic tank must be inspected at least every 6 months and the sludge removed once it exceeds 30 cm. A scheduled visit falls inside the standard-rate hours; an emergency call-out after a backflow is quoted separately. To stretch the interval between cleanings, see "Septic Tank Maintenance: How to Make Yours Last Longer".
FAQ
Q: How much does one septic tank pump-out cost in Hong Kong? HK$1,300 per visit in Tuen Mun and Yuen Long, HK$1,500 for Kowloon, Tsuen Wan and the rest of the New Territories, from HK$2,000 on Hong Kong Island and from HK$2,500 on the south side. Rates are for a 24-tonne vacuum tanker, Monday to Saturday 09:00–18:00, including 100 ft of hose.
Q: Why is Yuen Long so much cheaper than Hong Kong Island? It is the trip. Our trucks are based around Tuen Mun and Yuen Long, so that is the shortest run; crossing the harbour to the south side is the longest, which is why it sits in the highest zone. Rates are published by district and never raised on arrival.
Q: The truck cannot park next to my house — is there a surcharge? The quote includes 100 ft of hose. From 100 to 500 ft, each additional 100 ft is HK$200; beyond 500 ft is quoted separately. Tell us how close the truck can get and whether there are steps or a slope in between, and we can quote accurately.
Q: Is there any way to pay less? Yes. 2 to 3 houses in the same or a neighbouring village, done on the same day in the same slot, get HK$200 off each. Getting the neighbours in is the best value.
Motion Waste Management Limited (DSD registration number P0038) has provided septic tank pumping services since 1992, with rates published by district. When you enquire, we first understand the on-site situation, then provide a transparent quote with no hidden charges. Our registration number can be verified on the DSD's public list.