Residential

Choosing a Certified Septic Tank Pumper

You should choose the best pumper that suits your needs, not theirs.

It is not necessary that you locate your septic tank before calling us to pump.  Ask the following questions:

1. What is the cost?
2. If the septic tank is over 1000 gallons, will extra gallons cost extra?
3. Does this include digging to uncover the lids?
4. Does this include the dumping fees?
5. Does this include inspecting the inlet and outlet baffles in the septic tank?
6. What if extra hoses are needed?

The only way to keep your septic tank system functioning properly is to have the tank solids pumped by a local pumping service.  While the need for pumping depends on size, usage and wastes added, it is recommended by many local health authorities and the Environmental Protection Agency that a system be pumped every 3 to 5 years.  While the pumping frequency may vary, every septic tank should be pumped every 5 to 7 years maximum.  Failure to maintain a regular pumping schedule, or the use of additives can cause more solids to pass through the septic tank increasing the likelihood of drainfield failure.

It is only during a pumpout that the septic tank can be inspected for possible leaks and the baffles inspected.

These are the only things that generally go wrong with a septic tank itself.  If either of these fail, it is a serious problem that must be addressed immediately. The baffles help prevent grease, oils, and solids from passing through the septic tank to the drainfield.  The inlet and outlet baffle can only be inspected during a cleanout.  If the baffles are damaged in any way, they must be replaced immediately.  The is less costly than drainfield replacement.

The most common Septic System Care program consists of pumping the tank every few years and then the system is forgotten about.  This pattern can continue for many years, however, there will come a time that your system will need serious attention and costly replacement.  Septic Systems fail when when the absorption field no longer accepts and filters the drain water from your home.  The septic tank, which is designed to separate and decompose the solid waste from the homes drain water, overflows with excess water and waste when the absorption field not longer accepts water.  The result is smelly septic gasses; slow running drains, soggy lawn and frequent pumping of the septic tank.

We are all guilty of abusing our septic tank at some point in time.  It may range from excessive water usage, failure to repair a leaky faucet, or dumping some hazardous solvents or liquids down the drain.  A simple rule is “ If you cannot eat it, then it probably will be damaging or difficult for your septic system to process”!

How to restore a failed septic tank system:

They could replace the failed soil absorption component, install a more expensive active septic tank system., or be forced to install a holding tank.  Replacement systems generally have a cost range from $5,000 to 30,000.00

POSSIBLE SIGNS OF TROUBLE!!!!!

The septic tank has not been pumped out in the past 5 years.  Even if the system appears to be working well, sludge may have built up to the point where waste water is released without sufficient  time in the tank for treatment and settling of particles.  This situation may result in pollution of groundwater or cause eventual clogging of the drainfield.

A wet area or standing water occurs above the drainfield.  This situation can develop when sludge particles clog the drainfield, when tree roots or broken pipes keep waste water from dispersing through the entire drainfield or when water use in the house exceeds the design capacity of the system. 

Toilets run slowly or backup; in the worst cases, the basement is flooded with sewage.  Septic odors occur in the house, above the tank and drainfield  or escape from the vent pipe.  If the system is operating properly, there should be no odors.  If there are odors this is an early sign of failure.

Your wastewater treatment system is not a substitute for the trash can or compost.  Dispose of tissues, diapers, baby wipes, sanitary napkins, tampons, condoms, cigarette butts and other solid waste with regular garbage and not down the toilet. 

Chemical Products advertised to “sweeten” or improve your septic tank system operation cannot replace routine pumping and may even be harmful.  Additives containing solvents to unclog your system can kill the microbes needed to digest wastes in your septic tank and drainfield. 

Your septic tank system needs to be pumped if:

1. the sum of the solid layers takes up more than half of the tank capacity
2. the top of the sludge layer is less than a foot below the outlet baffle or tee, or
3. the bottom of the scum layer is within three inches of the bottom of the outer baffle.

You can estimate how frequently your tank needs to be pumped using the following table.  Find your tank size (in gallons) along the left side of the table.   Go across the row for your tank size and down the column for the number of people in your home.  Where the row and column intersect, you’ll find the estimated number of years of between pumpings.

If you have a distribution box it should be  periodically checked to be sure that the distribution pipes are properly leveled.  Solids accumulating in the distribution box indicate damaged baffles, inadequate septic tank pumping, or that the tank is too small to handle the wastewater load.  If the system includes a pump, the pump should be checked along with the float switch, alarm, and air vents to the doesing tank.

A septic system depends on good soil conditions for treatment and disposal of effluent.  Water must be able to percolate through the soil at a reasonable rate.  Some tips for protecting the drainfield are:

• To prevent soil compaction and damage to pipes, do not drive vehicles on the drainfield.
• Do not pave, build, pile logs or other heavy objects, or put a swimming pool over the drainfield. 
• Divert roof runoff, footer drains, sump pumps, and other surface runoff away from the drainfield. 
• Avoid planting trees and shrubs whose deep roots can damage piping. 
• Grass is the best drainfield cover.

Septic systems should last 15 to 40 years or longer, depending on how appropriately they were designed for a site and how well they are maintained. 

To take proper care of your system, you must know where it is.  The exact locations of systems are not obvious.  Contact your local Health Department for paperwork explaining where your system is. Regular pumping is the most important action you can take to manage your system.  The cost of pumping is far less expensive (265.00-400.00) than replacing drainline clogged from non pumping.

YOU DO NOT NEED TO ADD ANY COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS OR YEAST TO YOUR SYSTEM.  ADDITIVES DO NOT IMPROVE HOW WELL YOUR SYSTEM WORKS.  THERE ARE ALWAYS PLENTY OF BACTERIA AVAILABLE TO DO THE JOB.  (THEY COME FROM YOUR DIGESTIVE SYSTEM).

An average family of four sends about 300 gallons of water through the system each day.  Reducing the flow of wastewater through the septic tank system allows more time for the solids to settle out and less chance of solid particles being carried over to the drainfield.

To reduced water consumption:

1. Install low flow toilets.  Water saving shower heads.
2. Take shorter showers.
3. Repair leaky faucets and toilets immediately
4. Don’t run water longer than necessary; for example turn the water off while brushing your teeth or shaving.
5. Wait until dishwashers and washing machines are full before running a load.
6. Adjust water softener settings to reduce the amount of water needed for backwashing and regeneration.
7. Spread out laundry and other major water using chores over the week or day

Don'ts

Don't go down into a septic tank. Toxic gases are produced by the natural treatment processes in septic tanks and can kill humans in minutes. Extreme care should be taken when inspecting a septic tank, even when just looking in the lid opening. Don't allow heavy vehicles to drive over or park on the drainfield. Don't plant trees or shrubs on the drainfield. The roots from the plants could damage the system. Don't cover the drainfield with a hard surface such as concrete, asphalt above ground pools or decks. The area should have only a grass cover. Don't overuse a kitchen garbage disposal unit. Heavy use adds large quantities of solids and shortens the time between septic tank pumpings. Don't use commercial septic tank additives. These products usually do not help and some may hurt your system in the long run. Don't use your toilet like a trash can or poison your septic system and the groundwater by pouring harmful chemicals and cleansers down the drain. Harsh chemicals can kill the beneficial bacteria that treat your wastewater.

 

 

 

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