Frequently Asked Questions
Q.
What is the typical size of a septic tank?
A.
The typical sizes are 1,000 gallons and 1,500 gallons. There are smaller cesspools and larger tanks, but the 1,000 and 1,500 gallon are the most typical.
Q.
I had my tank pumped two weeks ago. Is it possible that it would be almost full already?
A. Not only is it possible, it’s necessary. Septic tanks are designed to operate at a proper working level, allowing for proper water/solids separation.
Q.
Is there anything I can put in my tank to avoid pumping?
A.
No. Some of the material in the tank is not biodegradable. If this material is not pumped out, it could cause problems.
Q.
I’ve had quite a few people tell me that I should have my tank pumped every three or four years. What is recommended?
A.
To avoid septic tanks problems, we recommend pumping once a year to remove all the solids and sludge from your tank. Sludge will accumulate until it eventually overflows into distribution box, then flowing into the soil absorption area (leach field). During septic maintenance, the technician will do a viewing of the tank with a mirror to be sure all the components are intact.
Q.
How do I find the cover to my tank?
A.
You will need an As-Built plan of your septic system. The As-Built shows the location of the tank, the distribution box and leach field system. If you do not have an As-Built plan in your possession, you can get one at your town’s Board of Health, which is usually located at the town offices.
Q.
My septic tank is working fine, but I haven’t had it pumped in over 10 years. Someone told me that if I have it pumped now, I will start having problems?
A.
If you have septic tank problems after pumping, they are problems that have already started. In other words, it is only a matter of time before there are problems with a septic tank that is never pumped. If the tank is not pumped, solids and sludge will accumulate, eventually harming your septic system. If there is no more room in the tank and the solids have no where to go, they will start accumulating in the main line to the house, eventually causing a blockage and a backup. If the sludge is not removed, it will accumulate in the tank and overflow into the soil absorption area.
Q.
I had a backup in my house. Should I call a plumber or a septic pumper?
A.
More times than not, a backup in the house means your tank is full or your main line is clogged, and there is no where for the water to go. If you know where the cover to your septic tank is, you can remove it and look at the level of the tank. If the level of the tank is below the inlet pipe (coming from the house), the main line probably needs a snake or jetting. If the level of the tank is over the inlet pipe, you need call a septic pumper to pump the tank.
Q.
Is it possible for the septic tank or main line to freeze in the winter months?
A.
Yes, depending on the depth of the pipe and depth of frost. We have actually seen a layer of ice in the septic tanks during cold winter months. Snow insulates the soil, so there's less chance of freezing if there is snow on the ground.
Q.
I am having a deck built onto the back of my house. What concerns should I have regarding the location of my septic system?
A.
It is strongly recommended that you know where you septic system is before doing any additions to your home. Covers of septic tanks that are covered by a deck make it difficult for the septic pumper to do a thorough job.
Q.
I smell a septic odor near my tank cover or in my basement.
A. On occasion you may smell septic odor in your back yard or in your home. Every system has septic gas. Where the gas resides or escapes to depends on your septic systems' use. First consideration is the number of people living in your home. More people means more water usage: laundry, showers, toilet flushing, and dishwasher use. If a lot of water is being used, this heavy usage can force the gases to escape through the tank's cover, causing an odor in your yard. The gas can also come back into the basement via the pipe going from your house to the septic tank. The best solution is to use less water and spread out your laundry washing and showers. That may help to alleviate escaping gases. This seems to be more of a problem in the winter months. Good septic maintenance includes checking your stink pipes (on your roof) to be sure they are not clogged with leaves..
Any others questions - feel free to call us. We'll be happy to help.
