SEPTIC SERVICE FAQ

What are the components of a septic system?
The components of a septic system include: Septic Tank Pump tank with pump Inlet and / or outlet baffles (filters) Drainfield

How often should I pump my septic tank?
Depending on the number of people in your household, and the size and age of your septic system, you should pump your tank every 2-3 years (more often if you use a garbage disposal).

How do I access my septic tank?
Most household septic systems have between 1 to 5 lids that are risered to grade, or slightly below the surface of the ground, and need to be exposed.

Should I know where my septic tank is located? Yes.
It is important to know the location of each component of your septic system for multiple reasons. Some of these reasons include:
Cleaning and maintenance of the system
Prevention of driving or moving vehicles or heavy machinery over septic system
Landscaping - keeping shrubs, trees, and overgrowth from harming your system
Adding an addition to your residence such as another room, porch or walkway

Can I build or do any other kind of landscaping on my drainfield?
We strongly suggest not building or landscaping on any part of your drainfield or any other part of yor septic system. Costly damage can occur to the system as well as the potential to pose a serious health risk to you and your family.

What if I don't know where my septic tank is located?
You can locate your septic system by: Contacting your local Health Department office and asking them for a copy of the "AsBuilt" for your residence, if available. Snohomish County AsBuilts click here. King County AsBuilts click here. Give us a call and our expert technicians can utilize a variety of techniques to include probing or state of the art electronic locating equipment.

Is there anything I can do to make access to my septic tank easier? Yes!
If access to your septic tank is more than a couple of inches below the surface, we suggest installing risers. Risers are an extension of the tank that reaches the surface of the ground. Not only are risers required according to current regulations on new septic systems, but installing them saves you money every time you have to pump eliminating possible location or dig fees. They also provide you with quick and easy access for proper maintenance.

Does the pump tank need to be pumped as well as the septic tank? Yes.
Although not as often as your septic tank. You should get the pump tank pumped with every 2nd or 3rd septic tank pumping depending on the size and usage of your system.

Do I need to clean the filters in my septic tank? Yes.
Filters should be cleaned every 6 months to 1 year.

What does it mean when the sink or bath begins to back up or gurgle?
Your septic system is beginning to experience problems. The pump may be failing, the lines may be clogged, or the drainfield may not be draining correctly. Getting your septic tank pumped will most likely alleviate these problems and is usually the first thing we suggest you do.

I've heard I shouldn't do all of my laundry at one time. Is this true? Yes.
Washing all of your laundry at one time, as well as performing other daily activities that require heavy water use such as showering and washing dishes, causes excessive water discharge into the septic system known as "Hydraulic Overload" and is the number one killer of drainfields.

What types of things should I avoid putting in my system?
Grease, paints, automobile fluids, excessive citrus products, feminine hygiene products, baby wipes, condoms, strong medicines such as antibiotics, bleach and Downy and Snuggle water softeners are only some of the items that can cause harm to your septic system.

Does using my garbage disposal hurt my septic system?
We highly recommend not using a garbage disposal with a septic system as they are very hard on the system. They require a great amount of water to use, contribute to solid build-up in your tank requiring more frequent pumping, and chop particles up so fine they neither sink nor float in the system clogging filters and drain lines.

I want to hook up to sewer.Can you help me? Yes we can!
We offer complete septic system decommissioning as well as performing everything needed in order to hook up your home to the sewer line connection at the street.
(Sewer service must be available by your water district)

What if I need a septic system installed? Have a design already?
Fax or e-mail it to us, along with your contact information, and we can give you a quote on what it would cost to install it for you!

My broker requires a Real Estate Certification stating my tank has been pumped in order to sell. Do you offer this service? You bet!
When you call to schedule an appointment just let us know what you need and we can perform the inspection as well as pump your septic tank at the same time.