FAQ
What should I do if my septic alarm is sounding?
The septic alarm is indicating the water level in the pump/dose tank is high. This could be due to several reasons. When the alarm sounds, 1st step to take is to check the breaker panel to see if the breaker labeled “septic” or “sewage” pump is tripped off. If it is NOT off or after resetting, the alarm is still activated, contact our office to have this situation rectified.
Can you clean my septic tank from the PVC pipe I see in my yard?
No. The 4” or 6” pipe that you are seeing is just an inspection pipe to the tank. This pipe is located at the beginning of the septic tank. The tank itself has up to 3 manhole lids on it that need to be accessible to do a proper cleaning of the septic system. The number of lids is dependent upon the type of the septic system and the age of the home.
How do I find the lids to the septic tank?
Once you have located the PVC pipe, or inspection pipe, measure from that pipe 30” away from this pipe and that is where your lids should be located. The lid that you are locating is 20-24” in diameter. The depth of the lids, however, can vary from home to home.
Is there something that I can do so that I do not have to dig open each time?
Yes. Risers or Extensions can be put onto the opening of the septic tank to bring the access up to, or closer to, ground level for easier access for the next service.
Do I need to expose my septic lids?
Yes. In order to due an effective cleaning of the septic tank, the manhole lids do need to be accessible for the technician to complete the service thoroughly.
How do I know what type of septic that I have?
There are a few variations of septic systems. A STANDARD SEPTIC is a tank that has an underground drain field. A PRESSURIZED DOSE septic has 2 tanks. The 1st tank, or solids tank, and a pump station, or dose tank. The pump station has a pump inside of the tank that pumps the water out to an underground drain field. A SANDMOUND SEPTIC system also has 2 tanks. The 1st tank is the solids tank, and a pump station pumps the water to an elevated drain field, or a “sand mound”. These are the most common type of septic systems that we encounter, however there are other options as well.
How often is it recommended that I have my septic tank cleaned?
It is recommended that a septic be cleaned and check every 3 years for a full- time use home with a family.
Do I need to add anything to my septic system to not clean as often? How to tell if it is time to clean my septic?
The best practice is to have the septic system maintained (cleaned) on a regular basis to ensure proper function. The recommendation is to have the tank cleaned every 3 years for a full time use home with a family. Once a customer is established, it can be determined their personal frequency based on factors such as number of people in the household and usage.