Most Frequently Asked (and Answered) Questions About Septic Tanks
Although this section is by no means an exhaustive list of all the issues you may face with a septic system, Grenville Pumping would like to address many of the questions which we receive from residential and commercial septic tank owners.
How Often Should I Have My Septic Tank Pumped?
To maintain a properly functioning septic system, you should have it pumped every three to five years, all depending on the number of people in your household as well as the capacity of the system.
What Items Shouldn’t Be Flushed?
Along with regular maintenance and pumping, proper system monitoring can be a huge help in extending the life of your septic system. There are also many items that can harm your septic system in the long run, such as:
The only items that should enter your septic system are waste, water, and toilet paper.
Is My Septic Tank Failing?
As always, if you have doubts about the condition of your septic system, you should schedule an inspection as soon as possible. Here are some key signs of a failing septic tank:
Is it Cheaper to Maintain a Failing Septic System or to Replace It?
This is known as a “softball” question. Having your septic tank pumped regularly can mean the difference between paying a few hundred dollars in maintenance versus thousands of dollars for a replacement.
If you have a specific question to which you haven’t found an answer, we invite you to give us a call to arrange a professional consultation, inspection, or maintenance service.
Although this section is by no means an exhaustive list of all the issues you may face with a septic system, Grenville Pumping would like to address many of the questions which we receive from residential and commercial septic tank owners.
How Often Should I Have My Septic Tank Pumped?
To maintain a properly functioning septic system, you should have it pumped every three to five years, all depending on the number of people in your household as well as the capacity of the system.
What Items Shouldn’t Be Flushed?
Along with regular maintenance and pumping, proper system monitoring can be a huge help in extending the life of your septic system. There are also many items that can harm your septic system in the long run, such as:
- Cigarette butts
- Condoms
- Dental floss
- Disposable diapers
- Facial tissues
- Kitty litter
- Paper towels
- Plastics
- Sanitary napkins
- “Septic explorers” (army men and other various toys)
- Tampons
- Wet wipes
The only items that should enter your septic system are waste, water, and toilet paper.
Is My Septic Tank Failing?
As always, if you have doubts about the condition of your septic system, you should schedule an inspection as soon as possible. Here are some key signs of a failing septic tank:
- Slow or backed-up drains
- Spongy spots on or near the leaching bed
- Sewage on the ground or near the leaching bed
- Sewage in the basement or outside
- Poor-quality well or surface water
- Unhealthy grass over the leaching bed
- Liquid oozing out around the lids
Is it Cheaper to Maintain a Failing Septic System or to Replace It?
This is known as a “softball” question. Having your septic tank pumped regularly can mean the difference between paying a few hundred dollars in maintenance versus thousands of dollars for a replacement.
If you have a specific question to which you haven’t found an answer, we invite you to give us a call to arrange a professional consultation, inspection, or maintenance service.