Pointers for a Longer Lasting Septic System
In addition to providing excellent service to our customers, we also work to help educate them on ways to keep their septic systems functioning well. By following these tips your system will be less likely to encounter problems. If you have additional questions, please do not hesitate to give us a call at (508) 824-8370.
It is so important to become educated on your system and how it works! Here are some of the basics:
All your drains in your home (toilets, sinks, showers, laundry, dishwashers etc.) are connected to one main drainage pipe running directly to your septic tank. The solids settle down to the bottom of the tank forming sludge, the oil and grease float to the top forming the scum. The “outlet line” which is the pipe on the other side of the tank allows the waste water to flow through to your leaching area. The leaching area is a shallow area of piping installed in unsaturated soil or stone. The waste water is dispersed into a porous surface that allows this to seep through the material surrounding the area and finally going into the ground water.
Depending on the number of people in the home we normally recommend every 1-2 years.
Your system it will fill up withing 7-10 days depending on the water usage in the house. Many people open their cover for the first time and see their system full and think they need to pump immediately. As long as you can see the pipe coming into the tank from the house and the liquid is sitting a few inches below your system is at proper working level.
If you have your as-built plan from when your system was installed that will be able to refer to this. If not, no problem! Out trucks can read how much volume is pumped.
Your as-built plans usually will note there was a filter installed in the tank. The filter is located in the cover furthest away from the house, and should be cleaned regularly.
- Cigarettes
Feminine products
Wipes (even ones that say septic safe)
Paper towels
Cat litter
Cooking grease
Paint
Powdered detergent
Garbage disposal
Excessive bleach /cleaning products
