Handling your septic tank is not an easy task. It contains sewage that is being stored there for several years. So, if you don’t let an expert do the job of handling it, a mess is expected in most cases. And we know that you don’t want the mess.
That’s why we’re here. With the experience of handling septic tank issues and tasks for a long time, we offer several services related to your septic tank and similar. So, if you want a dependable service for handling your septic tank, we’re one call away.
Our Septic Tank Services
Septic Tank Installation
With long experience, we’re experts in both conventional and modern septic tank installation. Starting from designing a good septic waste management process to installing it, our team is good at every component of the process.
We use proper tools and systems to get the job done. So, you can expect a fast and perfect septic tank installation service from us.
While doing the task, we follow all the standards set by the Department of Health for residential septic tanks and the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) for installing septic tanks in commercial properties. So, you won’t have to be worried about the rules and regulations that you have to follow.
Inspection and Consultation
Problems are common in septic tanks if you don’t maintain them properly. In case you face any issue with your septic tank, we can inspect the issue and take the necessary steps to minimize it. Besides inspecting, we provide several tips to make sure that your septic tank is not bothering you that much.
Repairing Service
The Septic tank and system related to it is a combination of several components. For poor maintenance or any other reason, any component can be broken or misplaced anytime.
We have a repairing service for that. If we find any such issue in our inspection, we repair the broken or misplaced parts.
Replacement Service
We can replace your septic tank when it has passed the life expectancy. It depends on several factors.
Also, if your septic tank has some issue that can’t be repaired, the whole system or several parts of the system should be replaced. We can do that for you too.
Pumping Service
When your tank is almost full of sludge, which may happen every 3-5 years depending on several conditions, it needs to be pumped and the sludge needs to be removed and dispatched somewhere else.
We offer a pumping service too. If you see that your septic system is not receiving the waste anymore, there is a chance that the septic tank is full of sludge. Call us right away to pump that sludge out.
Removing excess water
There might be several reasons behind flooding. But at the very first step, you have to remove excess water from the septic system.
Call us. We’ll remove the flooded water and inspect the issues. Then we’ll take necessary steps like improving the drain field, cleaning sludge, or fixing if anything is broken.
Drain fields
If your septic tank gets full frequently, improving the drain field system may help to make the periods a bit longer.
We have expertise in designing and improving the drain field system so that it can take the water away from your septic tank and spread those in the surroundings.
Installing Riser
Checking your septic tank or pumping the sludge becomes easier when it has a riser. Otherwise, you have to excavate to reach the tank.
We can install a riser on your tank. This will allow you to check the tank regularly without any issue. Regular checking makes sure that there are fewer problems. Riser also makes it easier for us to get access to the tank for inspection, repair, or pump out.
High-Pressure Jetting
Sometimes, the septic tank system collapses because of obstructions in the system. Our High-Pressure Jetting system allows us to remove several types of obstructions from the system and bring the system back in fully functioning condition.
Many More
Our service is not limited to the things shown above. We also work on removing the growth of roots in the system, planning a child safety system, bio cleaning, installing filters, and so on. Just call us for any type of help you need about the septic tank and the system.
Septic Tank Pumping Service
How often the Septic Tank should be Pumped?
There is a general rule that you have to pump your septic tank once every 3-5 years. You can follow the general rule. However, the frequency of pumping septic tanks depends on several factors. Those are discussed below.
Factor 1- Size of the Tank
The size of the tank is the main factor here. If your tank is very large and can store a lot of sludge, pumping it once every 5-6 years is okay. On the other hand, smaller tanks should be pumped more frequently. Once every 2-3 years is the right frequency of pumping for the smaller tanks.
Factor 2- People in the Household
The number of people using the sewage tank is also another factor. If there are only 1-3 persons and the tank is a large one, pumping once every 5-6 years is great. On the other hand, in a household with 6-8 people and a big septic tank, it should be pumped once every 2-3 years.
If the size of the tank is small, the frequency should be increased.
Factor 3- Amount of Solid Waste
If your sewage waste contains a high volume of solid waste, the tank would get full fast. Is the case, you need to pump it frequently. On the other hand, for a low volume of solid waste, the pumping frequency would be lower too.
Factor 4- Use of Chemical
If the use of chemicals is very frequent in your household, you should frequently pump the septic tank. Chemicals in soap, dishwashers and several other products are responsible for killing the bacteria that decompose the waste.
As a result, the tank gets filled up quickly and you have to pump it frequently.
These are the common factors that have an impact on the frequency of pumping the septic tank. There are a few more factors like the amount of wastewater generated, types of waste disposed of in the sewage system, etc.
No matter how frequently you have to do it, you need to pump the sewage system whenever it is full. Let’s know why you have to do it.
Related Article: How To Dissolve Baby Wipes in Septic Tank?
Why is Septic Tank Pumping Important?
Taking care of the septic system of your property is a must for several reasons. Below here, let’s know exactly why you should knock us up to pump your septic tank.
To Prevent Overflow
If you don’t pump your septic tank regularly, it’ll cause overflow. As a result, your sewage system would be destroyed and your waste would start coming back. This is not a pleasant situation to follow.
So, to get rid of this sewage overflow, you should pump your septic tank regularly.
To Prevent Odor
If your septic tank is full and you don’t pump it, the water and sludge inside would break out. This causes a very bad smell that is tough to tolerate. It creates several health hazards. Besides, because of the odor, you and your neighbors would be affected.
So, if you don’t want to face such an odor, make sure that you’re reaching us for regular pumping.
To Stay Away of Several Health Issues
If the tank is not pumped regularly and it overflows, there is a chance that you’ll face several health issues. Starting from the bad smell to the overflowed yard- everything is the reason behind several health hazards.
So, if you want to stay away from these hazards, make sure that you’re taking our service regularly.
To Make the System Durable
Pumping the septic tank regularly makes sure that the components of the system are working properly. If you don’t pump regularly, the components become over-pressured. Thus, their durability is reduced and they break easily. Regular pumping ensures normal pressure that they can handle easily.
Thus, if you pump your septic tank regularly, everything in your septic tank system stays in good condition. So, do it.
To Protect Your Property
When the septic tank overflows because of not draining, the wastewater spreads around your property. This creates a swampy environment that affects the foundation and walls of your buildings. Wastewater damages way faster than regular water. Thus, your properties fall at the risk of being inhabitable.
If you think you don’t want such damages to your property, make sure you’re pumping the septic tank regularly.
When You Should Call Us
Several signs tell you to call us. In most cases, people ignore the signs and end up with more mess. So, you should know the issues that ask you to get our service as soon as possible. Below here, you’ll find some situations when you should pick up your cell phone and call us.
Nasty Smell
If you find any nasty smell coming from toilets, drains, around your drain fields, or near the septic tank, you should take professional help to get the issue fixed.
A nasty smell occurs when the tank is almost full or there is a leak. Calling us will help you to get rid of this as soon as possible. We inspect and find out the source, fix it, and leave you breathing in the fresh air again.
Sluggish Drain
Sluggish drain is another sign that says you need us. The drain becomes sluggish for two reasons- an almost full septic tank or clogs in the pipes.
If your septic tank is not pumped in the last 3-4 years, it has a huge chance of getting full. So, in such a case, call us to check the issue and take the necessary steps.
On the other hand, if the tank is pumped recently, the issue might happen because of clogs in the pipes. In this case, you can call a plumber and check the reason.
Sewage Backup
If you see that raw sewage is coming back into the home, you must call us as soon as possible. When your septic tank gets full, it sends the raw sewage back. So, wasting time, in this case, is not what you should do.
Raw sewage spreads odor. Besides, it is toxic and can make your family members ill. Also, if it stays in your sewage line for a long time, you might have to spend more to get rid of the damages it can make.
So, call us as soon as you see sewage backup.
Standing Water in the Yard
If there is no rain recently and you find standing water in your yard, this can be a sign of a leaked or damaged septic tank. When the septic tank is leaked or damaged, water comes out instead of flowing towards the drain field. The water may come with an odor or might be odor-free. Also, it can be a sign of a failing septic system too.
In such a case, call us as soon as possible. Leaked septic tank or failing septic system- no matter the reason, it should be fixed as soon as possible. Otherwise, the leaked water may cause health issues.
Extra Green and Lush Grass Around the Drainage Field or Tank
Green and lush grass express the beauty of the yard. But when those are greener and lusher than normal, especially around the drainage field or septic tank, you have to worry a bit.
When the drainage system or septic tank gets damaged or overflowed, it allows the sludge or excess waste comes out. Those waste or sludge works as fertilizer for the grass. Thus the grass becomes greener and lusher around the tank and drainage system.
So, when you see greener grass around the septic tank or drainage system compared to the other portion of the yard, call us because your septic tank should be taken care of.
High Nitrate in the Well Water
If you have a well in your house, you need to check the well water regularly. It is a must.
While checking the well water, if you see that the nitrate level is higher than your previous results, you should check the septic system.
The main reason behind increased nitrate in the well water is the mix-up of sewage water with it. The only way sewage water can mix up with well water is a faulty sewage line or septic tank. If you drink the water regularly, you’ll get ill quickly.
So, whenever you see that your well water contains a high amount of nitrate, make sure that you’re calling us to check the sewerage system. We’ll find out the fault and fix it.
These are the most common signs that say that you need to have a septic tank cleaning service as soon as possible. So, don’t ignore these.
Our Septic Tank Service Cost
To make sure that you can take care of your septic tank within a budget, we’ve designed the price of our services carefully. Compared to many other services, our septic tank service cost is reasonable. As the cost depends on several components, the costs mentioned here are approximated and they can vary.
Why Choose Us
Getting a professional septic tank service is mandatory for several reasons. That’s why we’re here to serve you. Let’s talk about the reasons you should hire us.
Expertise and Experience
Dealing with a septic tank system is not an easy task. There are a lot of risk factors. Finding out the exact problem and solving it is not easy. Also, the components and tools need to be handled properly to prevent any accident. Handling the sewage and other elements is not something that everyone can do.
But we can do all these. Our professional and expert team has experience in dealing with all the issues caused by the sewage system. So, you can leave the task in our hands.
Essential Equipment
Working with sewage requires several types of tools and equipment. Our team is equipped with all the necessary equipment required in the process. We have modern toots and technology to get the job done properly.
Besides having all the necessary equipment, we know where we need to use those. We’re not leaving you with any mess. So, keep your trust in us.
Faster Work
As we have experts and the necessary equipment, we can get the job done faster than most others. So, if you call us, you won’t have to wait for a long time to get rid of the mess. Our expert team will locate the problem, design a work plan, and get it done within a short time.
If you want to get rid of the problem faster, knock us.
Save Your Money and Effort
When you’re hiring us, you won’t have to think about anything else. Starting from finding the issue to solving it, we’ll do everything. The only effort you have to put in is calling us.
Also, as an expert team, we’re focused on getting the job done without creating a mess. Also, our services are priced pretty reasonably, just to make sure that you can get rid of your sewage problem at a reasonable cost.
Thus, hiring us would save your money and effort.
Safety
Working with a septic tank is dangerous because it can spread a lot of bacteria and chemicals that may cause health hazards. If you don’t deal with these properly, these may spread here and there and cause disease.
Our professional team handles the waste with care and makes sure that there is nothing of these left in your yard or anywhere else. No matter what we’re doing, starting from repairing the system to replacing the tank, we follow maximum safety rules so that you can stay away from health issues.
Consultancy
Besides providing the service, we also provide consultancy depending on the condition of your septic system. While working on the system, our experts examine the system properly. When the task is done, we provide you with a proper guideline about how to take care of your septic system.
Our consultancy is provided depending on the long experience and expertise on different types of septic systems. Our consultancy would help you to keep the septic system healthier and more durable.
Following Laws and Regulations
Working on a septic tank is subject to several laws and regulations. To set up a septic tank for residential property, you have to follow standards given by the Department of Health. For commercial properties, maintaining regulations by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is mandatory. Besides, there are several rules established by the local authority.
Our experts are aware of the rules and they follow the rules properly while working on your property. So, there is no chance of facing any issues related to law and regulatory authorities.
Ensuring a Healthy Home
We aim to make sure that you have a healthy home that is free from any type of sewage issues. For that, we do everything possible from our end. Starting from expertise to equipment, we have everything on board. And we’re waiting for a call from you.
So, pick us as your sewage consultant and service provider so that you can get a healthy home to stay in with your family. We ensure the best service to keep you and your family safe from health hazards and irritation caused by septic tank issues.
Related Article: How To Find Septic Tank Lid
How to Take Care of a Septic Tank System?
To stay away from the disasters created by your septic tank system, you need to follow some ways. Check those below.
Inspect regularly
You need to check several components of your septic tank system regularly to make sure that these are not creating any trouble in near future. Below are the points to check-
- Gravity System- It should be checked every three years
- Pressure Distribution System- Check it annually
- Mound or Sand Filter System- Perform an annual checking
- Other Components- you should check all other components annually too. Taking advice from the manufacturer or service provider is better in these cases.
If your inspection finds something unusual, you should contact a professional who can help you to fix the issue. Regular inspection and maintenance keep you away from several sudden issues.
Regular Pumping
Pumping is required when your septic tank is almost full. This is a must and you have to do it once in around 3 to 6 years, depending on several factors. This article contains huge information about pumping. So, I’m not going deeper.
If you don’t pump your tank when it is needed, you’ll face several issues that you haven’t thought of. Starting from damaging your property, not pumping the septic tank regularly damages your health too. So, keep your eyes on it.
Use Less Water
Supplying less water to your septic tank allows it to last longer. Using a huge amount of water in your daily life affects your septic tank. Thus the tank fails frequently. So, try to be thoughtful about your water use.
This doesn’t ask you to stop using water. Just be careful and don’t use a lot of water when using just a little is enough.
Keep Tank Lid Accessible
Septic tanks are placed deeper down the ground. So, accessing it is a bit tough. To make it easier, use a riser that’ll make the lid easily accessible.
When the lid is accessible easily, you’ll be able to inspect it more frequently. As a result, if there is any chance of disaster, you can handle it by taking the necessary steps as soon as possible.
Thus you can stay away from messes and save a lot of your money.
Design the Landscape Properly
The drain field of your septic system is somehow sensitive. So, you need to design the landscape focusing on it. Near the drain field, don’t plant trees that spread roots deep down the ground. You can plant grass which is the best solution. Also, you can go for trees with shallow roots.
Besides, while designing the exit path for rainwater, make sure that it is different and distant from the drain field. Otherwise, the drain field would be overflowed very frequently and you have to spend a lot on it.
Don’t Throw Garbage
Your septic tank system is not for disposing of garbage. If you throw garbage in the system, those will clog the system. Also, solid garbage and grease caused by those can damage the components of the system. Thus, you’ll have to spend a huge amount to fix the issues.
So, be careful about what you’re throwing in the septic system.
Limiting the Use of Household Chemicals
Household chemicals are responsible for destroying bacteria that are important for decomposing the waste in the septic tank. As a result, the septic tank gets full quickly and you have to pump it frequently.
So, try to limit the use of household chemicals. Otherwise, try to make sure that most of the chemicals are sent to a different destination.
Direct Hot Tub Water to a Different Destination
Just like household chemicals, you have to design a different destination for water from your hot tub. Sending this huge amount of water to the septic tank system easily overflows the drain field. Thus your drain field gets damaged.
Also, chlorine that you use in the hot tub water is harmful to the septic tank bacteria. It kills them.
Be Careful about Septic Tank Additives
Septic tank additives are said to ensure a huge improvement in the system. But those have negative sides too. Those can clog the system and cause backflow. Also, these are able to pollute the soil and groundwater. So, try to avoid these.
If you still want to use these, don’t use them very frequently. Also, make sure that you’re using additives that are approved by the proper authority.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is a septic tank?
A Septic tank is an underground chamber where domestic wastewater is stored for basic and natural treatment. When the wastewater comes to the septic tank, the solid waste is decomposed by several bacteria and turns into a thinner sludge that can be processed later.
The tank is typically made of fiberglass, plastic, or concrete and placed under the ground at a distance from the residence or property. It can be of various sizes.
Once the tank is full of sludge, it is pumped to remove the sludge so that it can be used again.
How does a septic tank work?
Septic tank works in a very simple process. It typically has two pipes- an inlet pipe and an outlet pipe.
The inlet pipe in the septic tank brings the wastewater from the household to the tank. The outlet pipe takes pre-treated wastewater to the drain field where the water is spread on the surface. Here the water doesn’t contain any heavy waste.
When the wastewater from the household comes to the septic tank, eventually it is separated into three layers. The bottom layer contains solid and heavy wastes. These are the wastes that are decomposed by bacteria eventually. Bacteria break these as much as possible and turn them into sludge. When the amount of sludge makes the tank full, it is pumped and taken away for the next treatment.
The middle level contains water that is free from maximum waste. This is just impure water. When the water surface reaches the outlet pipe, it is taken to the drain field and spread around.
The top level contains grease, oil, and everything that floats on the water. These are called scum. Typically scum is also removed with sludge from a septic tank. This is the basic design and process of a septic tank.
How much does it cost to pump a septic tank?
The cost of pumping your septic tank depends on several factors. Among those, the size of the tank is the most important issue. Besides, another factor that influences the cost is how full the tank is.
Also, to reach the septic tank, some pre-work is needed. If you do the pre-work, you can save some bucks. Otherwise, pre-work also increases the cost of pumping. The age of the septic tank also matters. If there is a risk of spreading sludge, it would affect the price too.
There are several other factors. The common range of cost to pump a septic tank is around 300 to 600 bucks.
How long do septic tanks last?
The lifespan of your septic tank depends on a lot of factors. You can expect a septic tank to last around 15 to 35 years. Let’s know the factors that affect the lifespan of a septic tank.
- The material used to make the septic tank is a matter that has an impact on the lifespan of the tank. If the material is prone to corrosion, it won’t last long. On the other hand, plastic, concrete, or fiberglass tanks last longer.
- If the tank is installed properly with proper measurement and management, it lasts longer.
- If the tank is overflowed several times, the whole structure goes through pressure. Such pressure makes the lifespan shorter.
- If you frequently pass chemicals through the system, it won’t last long.
- The location and the soil around it also affect the lifespan of the septic tank. So, take help from a professional company to choose the right spot.
- If anything in the system gets damaged, you need to make sure that it is fixed. If you don’t ensure proper servicing, the system is not going to last long.
None can tell exactly how long the tank would last. But to get an idea about it, ask the people who are installing the tank for you.
How much does a septic tank cost?
If you’re asking about the cost of a septic tank only, it is around 600 to 2500 bucks for a standard 1250-gallon one. The cost depends mostly on the material it is made of. Depending on the strength and quality of the material, the cost varies.
Besides this, you have to spend an amount on labor costs. Depending on the service provider and the amount of work required, the cost of labor is typically 1500 USD to 3500 USD.
How much does it cost to replace a septic tank?
The cost of replacing a septic tank is typically higher than the cost of installing a new one. This happens because when you’re replacing the old one, you have to spend money on the removal of the old one. Also, if there is any contamination in the ground, you have to bear the cost of maintaining that.
Then comes the cost of the new tank and the labor cost required for installing it.
Overall, the cost of replacing a septic tank would be somewhat between 2700 USD to 6500 USD. It varies depending on several parameters.
How to check if the septic tank is full?
Septic tank inspection allows you to check if the tank is full or not. If you don’t want any hassle, you can simply ask someone professional to do this. You can just pay them.
But if you don’t want to spend the money and check it by yourself, you have to go through a process. Below here, I’m going to talk about the detailed process of checking the septic tank. Go through it carefully.
Step 1- Gathering Tools and Other Things
At the very first step, you’ll have to arrange some tools and other necessary things. Below are the things-
- 2-pieces of 10 ft. PVC pipes
- End caps (4 pieces) and 90-degree elbow (1 piece)
- One coupler and two adapters (threaded)
- Old towel or sock that is not used anymore
- Duct tape and glue
- Waterproof marker
- Rubber gloves
- Disposal bag
- Disinfecting solutions
Step 2- Preparing the Sticks
With the 10 ft. pipes, you’ll have to make two sticks. One is a scum stick for measuring the level of scum. Another is a sludge stick that is used for measuring sludge.
Make the scum stick by cutting one pipe to 6 ft. Then use glue to add a 90-degree elbow at one end. Cut around 6-inch from the rest of the pipe and glue it to the other end of the 90-degree elbow. Add end cap on both ends.
To prepare the sludge stick, cut the other pipe and make two 5 ft. sections. At one end of both sections, glue an adapter. Then use the coupler to add these two again. This will give you a 10 ft. stick again, but with a customized appearance for what you’re going to do. Cover the ends with end caps.
At one end of the sludge stick, wrap the towel, sock, or anything and use duct tape to make sure that it is tightly fastened there.
Step 3- reaching the Tank
Once you’ve arranged everything, now it is time to reach the tank. If your tank has a riser, it is very easy to reach it because the lid is on the ground surface. In case the tank doesn’t have a riser, you’ll have to dig a hole to reach it. I think you know the position of your septic tank.
Step 4- Measuring the Scum Thickness
To measure the scum thickness, follow the process below.
- Take the scum stick and insert it into the tank. Make sure that the elbow end is leading the stick. Once the stick reaches the upper surface of the scum, you can feel it as scum is thick. Stop pushing the stick and put a mark on the stick.
- To put marks correctly, you can place a stick across the opening of the tank and mark where the stick touches the scum stick.
- After marking, push the stick through the scum layer as long as you can feel that the scum is pushing the stick back. When the backward push stops, go around 6-7 inches more.
- Then turn the tick around 90-degree or a bit more and start pulling it. Do it slow and stop when you feel that the stick has touched the bottom layer of the scum.
- Mark the stick again. The difference between the two marks is the thickness of the scum.
Step 5- Measuring the Sludge Thickness and Others
Here you have to focus on a few things. So, go carefully.
- Before picking the scum stick up, make a hole in the scum with it. You shouldn’t let the scum stain the sludge stick. Otherwise, measuring won’t be correct.
- Inset the sludge stick into the tank. Make sure that the towel or sock end is leading it. Insure through the hole in the scum.
- Once the stick reaches the top of the water or the bottom of the scum, mark it. You know the trick to marking properly. Suppose this is point A.
- Continue pushing the stick and reach the bottom of the tank. Mark it again. This is point B.
- Now hold the stick there for around 4-5 minutes and allow the sludge to stain the towel or sock.
- Pull the stick and measure the difference between A and B. This is called the working depth. Then measure the stain in the towel or sock. This is the Sludge Depth.
Step 6- Calculation
Now it is time for calculation. However, it is not that tough, so don’t worry.
We have three measurements right now- depth of scum, depth of sludge, and working depth.
Typically, when the sum of the depth of scum and sludge crosses 1/3 of the working depth, you have to pump the tank. Sometimes people wait a few more months. However, my suggestion is to pump it as soon as possible.
Step 7- Cleanup and Disinfection
The gloves must be stained with scum and sludge in the process. Besides, you have a towel or a sock stained by sludge. Put those in a plastic bag and throw them in your trash can.
Use disinfecting solutions to disinfect the sticks. Leave those under the sun for a few hours before storing them.
This is a bit long process. Call a professional if you don’t want to do this. A typical inspection service costs you around 100-150 bucks. Inspection with a camera and other tools costs you more.
How to locate a septic tank?
To locate your septic tank, you can follow the main sewer line. Check your basement or crawl space for a pipe of around 4-inches diameter. Make sure that you’ve located it properly. Then come out and from above the ground, find out where it is. Use a soil probe to follow the line. You’ll get the septic tank.
You can also check out your property properly for that. In this case, you can avoid areas with any special landscaping, paved surface, or water well. Look for any small hills or dips in the ground. Those are the common indicators of a septic tank. Use your soil probe to confirm the location. Tanks are placed deep in the ground. So, make sure that your probe is strong enough to reach around 6-8 feet.
You can also call the County Health Department to see if there is any record or map of the property. Typically such maps contain the location of the septic tank. Also, checking the building permit can be a good option.
You can call us anytime for it and we’ll find it for you in exchange for a small charge.
Related Article: How To Hide Septic Tank Lids?
Final Verdict
The Septic tank is sensitive and should be handled carefully. That’s why we offer professional septic tank service where we provide all types of services related to the septic system of your property. Our professional service is always there to serve you with care by making sure that you’re not getting stuck with this issue, or not violating the rules and regulations.