Frequently Asked Questions

What kind of soap should I use?
In dishwashers and washing machines, it is best to only use liquid or a gel; powdered soaps can build up in the tank. Some natural powder soaps might be ok. 
 
What kind of toilet paper should I use?
You should only use single ply toilet paper. But 2ply is ok too.
 
Should I use additives in my tank?
No, There are no products, at this time, that can be used without also periodically pumping the tank.
 
How often should tanks be pumped?
1-2 years – depending on the amount of people in the house, As a rule of thumb, Family of 4 or more once a year, Less than 4 (depending on use) every 2 years.

Can I use a garbage disposal with my septic system?
It is recommended that you do not use a garbage disposal.

Should I have baffles and distribution box checked for corrosion?
Yes, baffles are normally checked every time the tank is pumped by looking in the tank with a light or a mirror. If baffles are cement on older tanks, the outlet baffle can fall off. 
 
Distribution Box is a box that connects the outlet pipe to the other pipes in the system. It should be checked when the house is 12-15 years old or older. Distribution Boxes last longer on houses on town water and corrode faster on well water or if water softener discharges into the septic tank.
 
How big is my septic tank?
The average septic tank size is 1000 gallons until 1991, 1991 codes changed and houses built after 1991 are 1250 gallons or larger and new houses can have filters.
 
The septic design for your house should have tank size, type of system on it. The homeowner should design on a newer house, if not the town office in your town should have a copy. 
 
Septic tank size is important. When you want to get an estimate for septic pumping.

How close do you need to get to the septic tank?
Our trucks carry approximately 200’ of hose. More hose is available at an additional cost.

My drains are gurgling, what is wrong?
In most cases you probably have a plugged main line or your septic tank is flooded or overfull. But, in some cases a vent problem could cause gurgling.

 

Do's Spread out laundry over several days. Doing all of your laundry on one day can put more water into the system than it can treat. Use only biodegradable soaps and cleaning agents. Spend less time in the shower with the water running. Long showers can attribute to excess water usage. If your system has a splitter (diverter) box, make the adjustment to alternate the usage of your leach lines once yearly. Dont's Don't pour cooking or any other kind of oil or grease down the drains or toilet. Don't put any paints or solvents of any kind down your drains, not even water based paints. Don't flush anything down the toilet except toilet tissue and what ever you have already eaten. This should be a strict rule. Don't neglect your septic system. It is your onsite wastewater treatment plant. Having city sewers comes with a sewer tax. While you have the benefit of not paying that tax, you have the responsibility to maintain your treatment plant. Don't rely on the wide range of septic tank additives to be a substitute for the routine pumping of you tank. There are no products, at this time, that can be used without also periodically pumping the tank.