Frequently Asked Questions

1. How often should I have my septic tank pumped?

We recommend pumping your septic tank every 5-7 years, depending on your soil conditions and how much water your household uses. Maintenance of your septic system is just as important as servicing your car.

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2. Is there anything I can or should add to my septic system?

Additives do not replace the natural process and decomposition of human waste. Many create foreign bacteria which, if pushed out into the drainfield, can cause premature failure of the system. If odors persist or too much bleach, disinfectants or medications are flushed into the system through the toilets, sinks, or the garbage disposal, an enzyme additive treatment is the best. Ask us for more information and pricing on this acceptable treatment.

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3. Can I drive over my septic tank or drainfield?

It’s ok to drive a lawnmower over the system, as they are designed to bear this weight. Driving anything heavier like a car or truck can damage the septic tank or drainfield.

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4. What access does my septic tank have for cleaning out?

Normally the septic tank will have an access hole plug at each end of the septic tank, making it accessible. However, in homes older than 40 years there may be a strip lid-style cover on the septic tank. This needs a more specific location to access the tank.

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5. What can I do to preserve my drainfield?

To help your drainfield work better and more efficiently, it is wise to:

• Spread out clothes washing to several times a week instead of doing it all at one time.
• Do not dispose of grease or fats in your septic system, and don’t put them into the garbage disposal.
• Scrape off table scraps before washing dishes, pots and pans.
• Never build any structures or driveways over your septic tank or drainfield.
• Don’t plant any trees over or within 10 ft. of your septic tank or drainfield.
• Add an approved outlet filter to the septic outflow if you don’t already have one.

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6. Are permits required to repair a septic tank or drainfield?

Yes, all septic system repairs and drainfield replacements require a permit from the Department of Health. The work must be performed by a contractor licensed by the state. However, no permit is needed if you are just having your septic tank pumped or inspected.

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7. Are there warning signs when my septic tank or drainfield is about to fail?

Some signs are:

• Yellowing grass over the drainfield area where it was once green and lush
• Sinks and toilets that are slow to drain
• Gurgling sounds in sinks or tubs
• Smelly water standing over your septic tank or drainfield area
• Holes developing in the area of the septic system

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8. Is it ok to put a sprinkler system over my septic tank and drainfield?

It is ok, but the drainfield doesn’t need much extra water. If the drainfield ever needs to be repaired, the sprinkler system will be one more obstacle.

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9. What is a laundry interceptor, and do I need one?

A laundry interceptor is an approved 300-gallon or larger tank with a drainfield of 100 sq. ft. or larger specifically for the washing machine and separate from the septic system. If you do more than eight loads of laundry a week, it might be a good idea to consider a laundry interceptor to avoid adding all that extra water through the drainfield. It is easier to add a laundry interceptor when building a new house.

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10. Can cleaners and household chemicals hurt my septic system?

Yes, some chemicals, solvents and additives are toxic to your system and even possibly toxic to the soil. Even worse, if these toxins get into the water table or water supply, someone may get sick.

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11. What are performance-based systems, and when are they needed?

Performance-based systems are aerobic tanks with separate chambers or filters. Air is added or infused into the system, which creates bacteria that treats the wastewater to an even cleaner degree than a regular septic tank. This allows a cleaner discharge of water, which can be used for low-pressure dosing or drip irrigation drainfield styles.

These systems are well suited for environmentally sensitive and springs protection areas and may be required by local ordinances.

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12. Do you inspect septic systems?

If you are having issues with your system, we will come out to inspect and diagnose.

Our office hours are Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. You can contact us here to arrange an inspection.