Frequently Asked Questions
Q.
I had my tank pumped out
last week. Is it possible that it would be full
already?
A.
Not only is it possible, it’s probable. For proper
water/solids separation, tanks are designed to be full, which is known
as it's "working level."
Q.
Is there anything I can
put in my tank to avoid pumping?
A. No. Some of the contents of the tank are not
biodegradable. These contents must be pumped out.
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.
Pumping once a year is recommended. This removes all the
solids and sludge from your tank. If sludge is not removed,
it will accumulate until it eventually makes it way to the soil
absorption area (leach field). This is also a good time for
the technician to look into the tank using a mirror to be sure all the
components are intact.
Q.
How do I find the cover to
my tank?
A.
You need an As-Built plan of your system. This plan 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 obtain one at your local town’s Board of
Health, usually located at the town offices. It is a good idea to have
an As-built plan filed with your other household maintenance files.
Q.
I haven’t had my
septic tank pumped in over 10 years, and it is working fine.
If I have it pumped now, will I start having problems?
A.
It is only a matter of time before there are problems with a septic
tank that is never 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
backup. If sludge is not removed, it will accumulate in the
tank and overflow into the soil absorption area, which can eventually
cause system failure.
Q.
I have 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 and
there is no where for the water to go. If you know where the
cover to your 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, you
probably need a snake or jetting of the main line (pipe from house to
tank). If the level of the tank is over the inlet pipe, you
need to pump your 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.
Q.
I am having a deck added onto the back of my house. What
concerns should I have regarding the location of my septic system?
A.
It is strongly recommended
you know where you septic system is before doing any additions to your
home. Covers of septic tanks that are covered by a deck
create a difficult situation for the septic pumper. If there
is not enough space allowing for the use of proper tools, it is very
difficult to do a thorough job.
Q.Why
do I smell a septic odor near my tank cover or in my basement.
A.
On occasion, you may smell septic gases in your back yard or in your
home. Where does this smell come from? 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.
In some cases, the stink pipe on the roof can be clogged with leaves and pine needles, which can cause odor in the house. If you have old cast iron sewage pipes in your basement, they have been known to crack, giving sewage gases yet another escape route.
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 am a new homeowner and have no experience with septic
systems. How do I maintain my system?
A. We advise
pumping once a year. However, there are families
who pump every two years or every three years. The longer you
wait, the more you can have.. Our number one goal
is to educate the consumer so that they make educated decisions on how
to maintain their septic system. To prevent emergencies,
which come with emergency fees, pump annually.
Any others questions - feel free to call us. We'll be happy to help.
