Q : How often should a septic system be cleaned?
A : It depends. A tank should be pumped and inspected every 2 years, but frequency of cleaning depends on the size of the tank and the use it is given. If the solids settle to the bottom the tank and are not pumped out at proper intervals, they can be carried out into the leaching system and may clog the leaching pipes. This could cause system failure. A failure could require replacing the system at a cost of thousands of dollars.

Q : What causes the thick crust in my septic tank?
A : The crusting is organic material that has congealed into a solid mass. This condition is dangerous and indicates a bacterial deficiency. Your tank needs pumping.

Q : My system recently backed up for the first time in years. Why should I start maintaining it now?
A : A backup is the first sign of septic system failure. You will be lucky to go another six months without another backup. If you don't start a maintenance program right away, you will be replacing your system soon.

Q : What are the signs of system failure?
A : Typical signs of system failure are sluggish drains, plumbing backups, gurgling sounds in your pipes, outdoor odor and mushy ground or greener grass in the area of the septic system.

Q : Is there anything that I can't put down my system?
A : YES! Do not put items down drains that may clog septic tanks such as fats, grease, coffee grounds, paper towels, sanitary napkins, condoms, tampons, or disposable diapers. Do not put toxic substances such as solvents, degreasers, acids, oils, paints, disinfectants and pesticides in drains. Normal household cleaning chemicals, when used in moderation, should not affect the system.

Q : If I have an aerator, how do I service it?
A : General maintenance includes cleaning the shaft of hair and debri every 6 months and pumping out the tank on a regular basis. We offer a maintenance agreement in which we will come and clean your shaft and do a thorough check up on your system every 6 months.

Q : What's involved in a tank pumping?
A : For an aeration tank all three chambers should be pumped and cleaned. If an upflow tank is present, which is usually indicated by square concrete cover after the third aeration lid, it should be pumped, cleaned, and the gravel raked and flushed with clean water so that proper filtering can take place.