FAQs
Question: What takes place during a septic pumping service?
Answer: During a proper septic pumping service your technician will pump the entire septic tank down. Once he is done pumping, he will check the inlet and outlet tees to the tank to ensure they are still intact and working properly. He will also check the bacteria count and the tank levels. At the end, he will ask you to flush your toilets so he can make sure everything is flowing back properly. Once the service is done, he will cover the lid back up and give you a service report.
Question: How often do I need to have my septic tank pumped?
Answer: Experts say you should have your system pumped every 3 to 5 years but several factors should be considered when deciding how often your septic tank needs to be serviced. You must take into account the age of the system, the number of occupants in your home, the use of a garbage disposal and the amount of laundry being done in the home. Every system is different. What is right for your system may not be right for your neighbor’s . If you have a question about when your septic system should be pumped – give us a call.
Question: Should I use a bacteria additive product?
Answer: Yes! Bacteria must be present in the septic tank in order to break down and digest the organic solids. Today, households use a wide range of anti-bacterial soaps, detergents and cleaning fluids. While these ordinary household products do a great job killing unwanted bacteria in your home, they also destroy beneficial bacteria that your system needs in order to function properly.
Question: What is a leaching field?
Answer: A leaching field is a series of pipes (usually 20 to 40 feet long) that extend out from your distribution box. These pipes have small holes along the sides that leach out grey water from your septic system. The leaching field pipes are laid over dirt and gravel to help kick start the filtration process which occurs naturally. As the water seeps out of the leach field lines, it will filter through the ground entering into the natural hydrologic cycle of the earth.
Question: What is a distribution box?
Answer: A Distribution or D-Box is usably a 2 foot by 2 foot cement box that has 2-3 holes in it which the leach field lines attach to. The distribution box does just that, it helps to distribute the liquid from the tank out evenly along the leach field lines. The distribution box does not need to be pumped at the time of the septic pumping during regular servicing.
Question: Why do I have pools of water over my septic system?
Answer: There are a few reasons you could have standing water in your yard; also called “ponding.” Your septic tank could be overflowing due to too much rain or there could be a break in your main link. If the ponding is concentrated over the leach field that could mean a leach line is blocked with bio-material and needs to be cleaned and jetted.
Question: Why do I have more than one cover?
Answer: Most septic tanks have three covers; one over the inlet side of the septic tank (where the water from your home enters the tank), one in the center of the tank, and one on the outlet side of the tank (where the liquid from the tank exits to your leach field).
Question: What is “proper working level”?
Answer: Proper Working Level is where the water level in your tank meets the outlet T of the tank. As water enters your tank it should push water out of your tank through the outlet pipe. Even after one week of septic pumping service, your septic tank should return to a “proper working level” about 1 foot from the top of the tank. Your septic tank will hold liquid in order for the separation of solids and liquid to happen. Only the liquid (or grey water) should flow out to the leach field pipes.
Question: What does a septic filter do?
Answer: Filters keep the hair, grit and grime from getting out into your leach field lines. A filter goes on the outlet tee of your septic tank and would act as a strainer, keeping all solid large particles in the tank and therefore out of your leach field lines.
Question: Why would I have odors inside my house?
Answer: There could be many reasons why. You’ll have to answer questions, such as has it been more than a year since your last septic pumping service or where are the smells coming from, in order to diagnose the problem. It could be that you need your septic tank pumped or it could be a drain issue. The only way to find out is to call us and we’ll discuss your issue.
Question: Are there certain cleaning products I need to use if I have a septic system?
Answer: It’s recommend to use non-chlorine, non-ammonia, non-antibacterial and bio-degradable cleaning products. Most all-natural cleaners are septic safe. These types of products will not kill off the bacteria in the system.
Question: Is it okay to plant flowers or bushes over my leach field?
Answer: No. Don’t plant anything over the leach field except grass. Roots can cause major clogs in your leach lines. It’s also important to never cover the septic tank or leach field with asphalt, concrete or other impermeable material.
Question: What is okay to flush down the toilet?
Answer: Even if items are marked as “septic-safe” do not flush them. For example, some baby wipes and cat litter may be labeled this way. It is not good for your septic system to flush anything other than human waste and toilet paper because it does not break down in the septic system correctly.
Question: I’m in the process of selling my home – is it required to have a septic inspection?
Answer: In most states, it is required to have an inspection done on the septic system for a real estate transaction. It’s best to check with your local Board of Health since it may vary from town to town or state to state.
Question: What is the Number One cause of septic system related issues?
Answer: Ignoring your septic system. Schedule regular septic pumping service and stay ahead of any potential issues. This is the best way to prolong the life of your septic system.