Septic System FAQs

WHAT ACTUALLY TAKES PLACE DURING A SEPTIC PUMPING SERVICE?

Pumping is only part of the process during a septic service from Townes. While our technician is on site, he will inspect the overall condition of the system and the levels in tank. Noting the levels will help him to understand if there is a potential issue with the system. Then, he will pump the entire septic tank down, removing all of the liquid and solid waste. Once he is done pumping he will check the inlet and outlet tees to the tank to ensure they are still intact and working properly. If there is a filter present, he will clean the filter of any build up. If you are home at the time of service (totally not required if that’s not your thing) he will ask you to flush your toilets so he can make sure everything is flowing properly. Once the service is done he will return the cover the way he found it!

HOW OFTEN DO I NEED TO HAVE MY SEPTIC TANK PUMPED?

Experts say you should have your system pumped every 2-3 years but several factors should be considered when deciding how often your septic tank needs to be serviced. You must take into account the age of the system, the number of occupants in your home, the use of a garbage disposal and the amount of laundry being done in the home. Every system is different. What is right for your system may not be right for your neighbor’s. If you have a question about when your septic system should be pumped, give us a call!

SHOULD I USE A BACTERIA ADDITIVE PRODUCTS?

No! We don’t recommend adding bacteria additives. The tank is designed to hold everything that enters it. The additives can break down waste into the leach field before it’s ready to leave the tank—causing premature wear-and-tear to your leach field.

WILL THERE BE ODORS WHILE AND/OR AFTER THE SEPTIC PUMPING SERVICE?

There can be odors immediately after the septic pumping service, but they should not last long. The odors are usually outside and will disperse a few hours after the septic pumping service. If you are experiencing odors in your home, give us a call.

MY PIPES ARE STARTING TO DRAIN VERY SLOWLY, IS IT THE SEPTIC SYSTEM?

Possibly. If your septic has not been serviced in more than 2 years, we would want to inspect the septic first. If the problem persists, a drain cleaner will then be sent out to clear the line to the septic tank.

IS IT TRUE I CAN’T USE BLEACH?

Bleach kills bacteria and your septic system needs to have a healthy supply of bacteria in order to help eat away at the sludge in your tank. Many products we use in our homes today are anti-bacterial, so it is ideal to reduce usage of anything anti-bacterial.

WHAT IS A LEACH FIELD?

A leaching field is a series of pipes (usually 20 to 40 feet long) that extend out from your distribution box. These pipes have small holes along the sides that leach out grey water from your septic system. The leaching field pipes are laid over dirt and gravel to help kick start the filtration process which occurs naturally. As the water seeps out of the leach field lines, it will filter through the ground entering into the natural hydrologic cycle of the earth.

WHAT IS A DISTRIBUTION BOX?

A Distribution Box or D-Box is usually a 2 foot by 2 foot cement box that has 2-3 holes in it which the leach field lines attach to. The distribution box does just that, it helps to distribute the liquid from the tank out evenly along the leach field lines. The distribution box does not need to be pumped at the time of the septic pumping during regular servicing.

WHY DO I HAVE PONDING OVER MY SEPTIC SYSTEM?

There are a few reasons you could have standing water in your yard. Your septic tank could be overflowing due to a blockage or a problem with the leach field. If the ponding is concentrated over the leach field that could mean further inspection is needed.

WHAT IS “PROPER WORKING LEVEL”?

Proper working level is where the water level in your tank meets the outlet T of the tank. As water enters your tank it should push water out of your tank through the outlet pipe. Even after one week of septic pumping service, your septic tank should return to a “proper working level” about 1 foot from the top of the tank. Your septic tank will hold liquid in order for the separation of solids and liquid to happen. Only the liquid (or grey water) should flow out to the leach field pipes.

WHAT DOES A SEPTIC FILTER DO?

Filters keep the hair, grit and grime from getting out into your leach field lines. A filter goes on the outlet tee of your septic tank and would act as a strainer, keeping all solid large particles in the tank and therefore OUT of your leach field lines.

IS IT OKAY TO PLANT FLOWERS OR BUSHES OVER MY LEACH FIELD?

No. Don’t plant anything over the leach field except grass. Roots can cause major clogs in your leach lines. It’s also important to never cover the septic tank or leach field with asphalt or concrete or other impermeable material.

WILL ENERGY EFFICIENT FAUCETS MAKE A DIFFERENCE WITH MY SEPTIC SYSTEM?

Yes! They are made to save water which will help prevent over taxing the system as well as helping the environment conserve water.

IS THE WHITE PIPE THAT LOOKS LIKE A CANDY CANE MY COVER?

No. The candy cane pipe is actually a vent pipe for your septic system to help the gases escape while also allowing oxygen to flow into your system.

I’M IN THE PROCESS OF SELLING MY HOME – IS IT REQUIRED TO HAVE A SEPTIC INSPECTION?

In most states it is required to have an inspection done on the septic system for a real estate transaction. It’s best to check with your local Board of Health or town hall since it may vary from town to town or state to state.

WHAT DO I DO IF I THINK I NEED A NEW SEPTIC SYSTEM?

First call Townes Septic Service and have them perform a proper septic inspection. There could be minor or major repairs depending on the reason why the system has failed.

WHAT ARE INEXPENSIVE WAYS TO MAINTAIN A HEALTHY SEPTIC SYSTEM?

The most inexpensive way to maintain your septic system is to service it regularly. You might think that having it serviced every 2 or 3 years might be a lot, but the cost of service is a lot less expensive than the cost of replacing the system or a component.

WHAT IS THE NUMBER ONE CAUSE OF SEPTIC SYSTEM-RELATED ISSUES?

Ignoring your septic system. Schedule regular septic pumping service and stay ahead of any potential issues. This is the best way to prolong the life of your septic system. Schedule a septic service today.