What are signs I need to get my system pumped?

Check out our DIY guide. There are different signs including scum layer and sludge layer that can help determine if you need to pump before there is a problem. There are also signs that the system is not operating properly such as:

• Sewage backing up in the house

• Gurgling when flushing toilets or using sinks and showers

• The cleanout outside your house holding water

• A wet or soggy spot that will not dry at your septic tank

• an odor when your sprinkler system is operating

• The alarm on the your treatment plant is activated.

How do I know where my tank is located?

There are several signs you can look for to find your tank such as the cleanout outside your house typically means the tank is on that side. Dead grass or extra green grass in an area can be a sign. If your tank was installed with risers, the green lids in your yard is your tank. If you still cannot find it, relax we can. If we can find it using the tricks above, we have transmitters and cameras that we can put in the line to find it.

Do I need to use Rid-X or some other type of additive?

Commercially available microbiological and enzyme additives are promoted to reduce sludge and scum accumulations in septic tanks. They are not necessary for the septic tank to function properly when treating domestic wastewater. Results from studies to evaluate their effectiveness have failed to prove their cost-effectiveness for residential application. For most products, concentrations of suspended solids and BOD in the septic tank effluent increase upon their use, posing a threat to drain field performance. No additive made up of organic solvents or strong alkali chemicals should be used because they pose a potential threat to soil structure and ground water.

What causes sewage backing up into the house the house?

Well that could be a few different issues but we can help you find the issue. Typically if you have back ups at the clean out and/or multiple locations inside then you have one of the following problems:

• A blockage between the treatment plant and the fixtures

• A problem with the treatment plant

  • Too much sludge or scum

  • A pump problem

  • An aerator problem

• A drain field problem

No matter which of these problems exist, we (and any good plumber or septic repairman) is going to recommend you get the system pumped. It is the best way to find the problem. Such as a drain field problem will back flow into the tank when pumped so you know it is the problem. A blockage in the main drain will become obvious when the tank is pumped, etc.

I heard that if my system is functioning properly, I don’t need my tank pumped. Is that true?

If you have not pumped your septic tank in several years, but do not seem to be having any problems, it may mean one of several things:

• There is minimal water use in the home, and/or the size of the septic tank and the biological activity maintains the solids at sustainable levels. This is rare but may occur when there are only one or two people in the home.

• The tank has a leak and is discharging wastewater into the ground instead of into the drainfield.

• The tank is full of solids, which are slowly migrating and may eventually clog the drainfield. This may increase the cost of pumping the tank and may require replacing the entire drainfield if it becomes clogged.