Frequently Asked Questions about Septic Systems

1. When should I pump my septic tank?
2. Where is my septic system located?
3. How often should I have my system cleaned?
4. Why is it important to maintain my septic system?
5. Do I need to add additives to my septic system?
6. What is harmful to flush down into my septic system?
7. Can household cleaners affect my septic system working properly?
8. What is a failed system, and are there signs to look for?
9. Is it okay to drive on top of my septic system?
10. Can a leaking faucet or toilet cause problems to my system?
11. I have water standing in my yard. Has my drain field failed?
12. Why can’t I have a kitchen disposal if I’m on a septic system?
13. Do you recommend things like Rid-X for a septic tank?
14. Is it normal for me to be able to smell a sewer like odor coming from the area where my septic tank is located after a heavy rain?
15. How often should I have my septic system inspected?
16. How long is a septic tank good for?
17. Is soap bad for my septic system?
18. Do I need to avoid using water, cutting back on laundry or taking shorter showers if there have been several heavy rains in a row?
19. Will you need to dig up my yard to inspect my septic tank?

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When should I pump my septic tank?

It is recommended that homeowners should have their systems routinely cleaned every three to five years. However, there are other factors that should be taken into consideration, such as the number of people in the household, the capacity of the septic tank, the volume of wastewater and solids entering the system. With these factors in mind, use the chart below to determine how often your system should be properly cleaned.

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Where is my septic system located?

Septic systems are installed on the property according to the size of the lot and where suitable soils are available. You can try to find your septic tanks location by starting at the house and determine the direction of your sewer pipe. Next take a thin metal rod and start probing the soil. If you are not able to locate your system, it may be best to let the professionals do the job. You may also need to do a deed research to find the original homeowner. Once you have established who the original owner was at the time the system was installed you can go to your local Health Department and request a copy of the Septic System permit. (Please keep in mind that sometimes system are not installed exactly as it is shown on the permit)

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How often should I have my system cleaned?

See #1 above.

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Why is it important to maintain my septic system?

All septic systems should be checked and cleaned on a regular basis to ensure that they are working properly. Septic systems cannot dispose of all the material that enters the system. The solids that are not broken down by bacteria begin to accumulate in the tank and eventually need to be removed. Failure to properly maintain a system will eventually result in serious problems and could be very expensive to repair or even replace.

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Do I need to add additives to my septic system?

No, unless you like flushing your money down the toilet.  The use of an additive will not extend the amount of time that you will need to clean the tank. The most effective method of breaking down the solid matter in the tank is by allowing the bacteria that’s in the tank to naturally digest it. Although some additives may not harm your tank they could contaminate the soil.

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What is harmful to flush down into my septic system?

A good rule to follow is this: If you can throw it into the trash, then don’t flush it. The septic system is not a garbage disposal. The following list of items can destroy the biological digestion within your tank and cause you to need more frequent cleaning.

• Food scraps
• Coffee grinds
• Dental floss
• Disposable diapers
• Baby wipes
• Cat litter
• Sanitary/personal hygiene items
• Q-tips
• Cigarette butts
• Condoms
• Fats, grease, oils
• Hazardous chemicals: paint, varnish, thinners, pesticides, oils, gases
• Paper towels
• Plastic bags
• Clothing
• Deceased pets
• Toys

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Can household cleaners affect my septic system working properly?

It is recommended that you follow the manufacturer label on the product. While some products may not harm the system they can have the potential to contaminate groundwater and the soil.

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What is a failed system, and are there signs to look for?

The most common reason for system failure is not having the solids removed on a regular basis. Homeowners should be alert to the following warning signs and call to have their system cleaned and inspected to determine if their system has failed.

• Slow draining of sink, tub, toilets or washing machine
• Gurgling sounds
• Backup of toilets, sinks, drains or washing machine
• Sewage odors
• Wet or mushy ground at tank, drain field or distribution box area
• Grass growing fast or greener in one particular area

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Is it okay to drive on top of my septic system?

It is best to keep vehicles off the septic system. The weight can damage the pipes and tank causing them to need to be replaced. The weight can also compact the soil and reduce your drain-fields ability to treat wastewater.

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Can a leaking faucet or toilet cause problems to my system?

Yes, it doesn’t take long for a leaking faucet or toilet to add up to several gallons of water. Excessive water can overwork your system and cause backups and surfacing.
Remember that the septic system has a maximum daily capacity.

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I have standing water in my yard, has my drain field failed?

Not necessarily.  This could be the result of excessive water consumption. It would be best to have the system cleaned and check for water leaks.

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Why can’t I have a kitchen disposal if I’m on a septic system?

If you must use a garbage disposal just remember that you are putting excessive solids into the tank and this will require more frequent cleanings. Avoid putting grease or oils in the disposal or drain as these can clog pipes and drain field soil and damage the system.

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Do you recommend things like Rid-X for a septic tank?

No. If you feel that an additive is needed, be aware that some can do more harm than good. It is best to let the natural bacteria process do the job.

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Is it normal for me to be able to smell a sewer like odor coming from the area where my septic tank is located after a heavy rain?

Septic odors can occur in the house, above the tank and drain-field, or around the vent pipe. Odors are naturally produced by the decomposition of waste in the tank. Some odor problems can be easily and inexpensively corrected. The most common problems with septic odor are a clogged vent pipe, saturated and or waterlogged drain-field, a broken or cracked lid, tank or pipe. If the smell is inside the home, the most common problems are a dry trap, a clogged or cracked vent pipe.

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How often should I have my septic system inspected?

Inspections are normally done to evaluate the present and future performance of the sewage treatment system. Inspections are not a warranty or guarantee that the system will continue to function properly for any given period of time.

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How long is a septic tank good for?

This will depend on how you care and maintain your system.

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Is soap bad for my septic system?

Using too much soap, detergent or washing powder can cause problems. Use in moderation.  We recommend liquid soaps rather than powdered soaps.

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Do I need to avoid using water, cutting back on laundry or taking shorter showers if there have been several heavy rains in a row?

Just remember that each septic system has a maximum daily capacity. If more liquid flows in than the system can handle, backups or surfacing will occur.

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Will you need to dig up my yard to inspect my septic tank?

To properly clean and inspect a septic tank the manhole cover should be removed. This is the only way to be sure that all the solids have been pumped out and the tank is adequately cleaned and inspected.

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