- How quickly can someone fix my problem? It depends on the size of the problem. Most of the time a problem can be fixed the day of service. Though sometimes, it takes longer because it’s important to know and fix, not replace and hope.
- How much is it going to cost? Usually a problem can be fixed for a lot less than people may think. The technician that is assigned to your job will be able to give a good educated cost quote before they arrive to do the job.
- Will my landscaping be destroyed? The unfortunate part about septic systems that are in need of repair (i.e. sewer line, water line, French drains), is that they are all buried in the ground a minimum of 3 feet. However, an experienced service company should be able to repair landscape to original condition before calling a job complete.
- How can I be sure I’ve hired the right professionals? There is no way to know until you make the decision to hire a company. Always make sure they are licensed with local regulators (health department); they will have a list of licensed contractors. The BBB and other organizations are there to help as well. A good way to know is to always feel good about who you are working with.
- How is the environment affected? On-site waste water systems are one source of reintroducing septic waste back into the ground water table. A properly kept septic system is the most realistic way of achieving natural quality.
- How long is it going to take to fix? The average repair takes 1 to 2 days, unless engineered plans are required for the repair. The average installation of a new system, shouldn’t take more than 4 days from start to finish, weather permitting. You want the installation and repairs to be complete, so that it never gets to this point again.
- What can I do to prevent these problems? Your installer should educate you on how to properly maintain a system. Most regulators and county health departments can also provide you with the do’s and don’ts’ of septic systems. Make sure your installer will also be the company that will service your system as well as help you maintain it in the future. A few tips to help protect your bacteria level: no garbage disposals, bleaches, anti-bacterial soaps, excessive amounts of food, grease or chemicals (normal household liquid waste).
- How do septic tanks work? The diagram below illustrates the journey that water takes through a typical septic system. When water leaves the home through the plumbing, it flows directly into the septic tank, where the primary treatment or solid settling takes place. The wastewater (effluent) is then distributed into the leaching field, where the effluent will seep into the ground and become fully treated, and eventually become groundwater again.
- How often should I service my septic tank? Your system needs to be serviced based on the usage. Your maintenance company will help you determine your schedule.
Rule of Thumb:
- Family of Two - Pump every 2-3 years
- Family of Four - Pump every 18-36 months
- Family of Five - Pump every 12-24 months
- Seasonal Home - Once a year with heavy bacteria treatments, natural bacteria yeast
- What can happen if tank is not serviced? If your tank is not serviced properly, it can allow the sludge level to rise in the tank and discharge into the field, which can lead to a leach field failure. Not to mention, septic systems protect the ground water in which we drink.
- How can I locate my septic tank? When your system is installed, there is a plan created with the complete layout design which is on record with the county. A copy can be provided at no cost to you. Also, a service company has equipment to visibly inspect the line from house to tank. Once they have located and exposed the tank lid they can then come in and locate the lines from tank to field. It’s very difficult to locate the exact layout of the field, but a trained eye can get pretty darn close.
- How often should I clean my septic tank? You want to be careful about “cleaning” a septic tank. Septic systems require live bacteria. On the side walls of a septic tank there is a heavy black layer of a resin looking gunk. That’s your bacteria. It takes 2 to 6 months to get an even bacteria level in your system. A heavily used system could discharge 1000’s of gallons of untreated waste into a ground system. That’s the process and it’s very important to always maintain bacteria.
- What are the warning signs that my septic system is failing? A few warning signs are:
- Your toilet flushes slowly
- The area in your leach field is soaked.
- Tou have a back-up in a floor drain
Get on a regular schedule of maintenance and you will never have a problem arise. There are many signs not listed that could indicate a failure and your professional service company can help!
- What is the best way to maintain my Septic Tank?
- Protect your bacteria levels (see #7)
- Watch what you introduce to the system
- Pump your tank on a schedule
- Watch vegetation around septic system
- Avoid heavy vehicles driving on or through system area
- Watch ground water runoff into septic system area
- How can I prevent having septic back up and clogged drain lines? MAINTENANCE! And as always, let a professional work on any part of your on-site waste water system.
- Who should I call to have my tanks cleaned? Use a local company that can handle all your septic needs. A local company tends to invest in its name and reputation. Your concerns are their concerns. Remember, a septic system that ceases to work properly can affect not only you, but your neighbors as well.
Protect our environment, clean and
use your septic system properly!
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