FAQs
Q. How often should I get my septic pumped?
A. It is recommended that you get your system pumped every three to five years. If your system is old or has a small tank you may have to get it serviced more frequently.
Q. How long will my septic system last before it needs to be replaced?
A. A modern septic system that has had regular servicing will last for many years, in some cases up to 50 years. Modern tanks are made from concrete which is extremely durable. The pvc lines that make up modern septic fields are designed to last for decades in the ground.
Q. Are the bacteria additives that I can get at the grocery store worth the money?
A. You cannot eliminate the need to pump a septic tank by using bacteria additives. They will help the bacteria colonies in your tank that get killed off by the introduction of household cleaners into your septic tank. That being said health bacteria growth in your septic system is essential for proper septic operation.
Q. What can't I put down my drain?
A. Things like grease, condoms, tampons, pads, cat litter, baby wipes, static cling sheets, diapers and cigarette butts will clog a septic tank.
Q. Can I put baby wipes down the toilet?
A. No, baby wipes are terrible for your septic system; they should never be flushed down the toilet.
Q. Should I install a garbage disposal?
A. Garbage disposals have a dramatic impact on often you will have to pump your septic tank. Food particles are usually not digested by the bacteria and accumulate as scum. If a large amount of water enters the septic tank, it can then push large quantities of food particles into the drainfields, causing clogging. If you must use a garbage disposal your tank will need to be pumped more frequently.
Q. What can I plant on my drainfield?
A. Grass is an ideal cover for drainfields. Trees and shrubs usually have an extensive root system that don't make them ideal for a drainfield. Vegetable gardens are not recommend on top of a drainfield. Vegetables need watering and excessive water can hurt the its ability to treat wastewater.
Q. Can I drive on my drainfields?
A. It is recommended that you do not drive over your drainfield. The weight of the vehicle can compact the soil making it harder for the drainfield to do its job. The weight can also damage the pipes that make up the drainfield.
Q. What is Orangeburg pipe?
A. From Wikipedia-"Orangeburg pipe (also known as "fiber conduit", "bituminous fiber pipe" or "Bermico") is bitumenized fiber pipe made from layers of wood pulp and pitch pressed together. It was used from the 1860s through the 1970s, when it was replaced by PVC pipe for water delivery and ABS pipe for drain-waste-vent (DWV) applications. The name comes from Orangeburg, New York, the town in which most Orangeburg pipe was manufactured. It was manufactured largely by the Fiber Conduit Company, which changed its name to the Orangeburg Manufacturing Company in 1948."
Orangeburg pipe is often a culprit when you are having septic issues; It slowly collapses over time creating an egg shape opening which restricts water flow.
A. It is recommended that you get your system pumped every three to five years. If your system is old or has a small tank you may have to get it serviced more frequently.
Q. How long will my septic system last before it needs to be replaced?
A. A modern septic system that has had regular servicing will last for many years, in some cases up to 50 years. Modern tanks are made from concrete which is extremely durable. The pvc lines that make up modern septic fields are designed to last for decades in the ground.
Q. Are the bacteria additives that I can get at the grocery store worth the money?
A. You cannot eliminate the need to pump a septic tank by using bacteria additives. They will help the bacteria colonies in your tank that get killed off by the introduction of household cleaners into your septic tank. That being said health bacteria growth in your septic system is essential for proper septic operation.
Q. What can't I put down my drain?
A. Things like grease, condoms, tampons, pads, cat litter, baby wipes, static cling sheets, diapers and cigarette butts will clog a septic tank.
Q. Can I put baby wipes down the toilet?
A. No, baby wipes are terrible for your septic system; they should never be flushed down the toilet.
Q. Should I install a garbage disposal?
A. Garbage disposals have a dramatic impact on often you will have to pump your septic tank. Food particles are usually not digested by the bacteria and accumulate as scum. If a large amount of water enters the septic tank, it can then push large quantities of food particles into the drainfields, causing clogging. If you must use a garbage disposal your tank will need to be pumped more frequently.
Q. What can I plant on my drainfield?
A. Grass is an ideal cover for drainfields. Trees and shrubs usually have an extensive root system that don't make them ideal for a drainfield. Vegetable gardens are not recommend on top of a drainfield. Vegetables need watering and excessive water can hurt the its ability to treat wastewater.
Q. Can I drive on my drainfields?
A. It is recommended that you do not drive over your drainfield. The weight of the vehicle can compact the soil making it harder for the drainfield to do its job. The weight can also damage the pipes that make up the drainfield.
Q. What is Orangeburg pipe?
A. From Wikipedia-"Orangeburg pipe (also known as "fiber conduit", "bituminous fiber pipe" or "Bermico") is bitumenized fiber pipe made from layers of wood pulp and pitch pressed together. It was used from the 1860s through the 1970s, when it was replaced by PVC pipe for water delivery and ABS pipe for drain-waste-vent (DWV) applications. The name comes from Orangeburg, New York, the town in which most Orangeburg pipe was manufactured. It was manufactured largely by the Fiber Conduit Company, which changed its name to the Orangeburg Manufacturing Company in 1948."
Orangeburg pipe is often a culprit when you are having septic issues; It slowly collapses over time creating an egg shape opening which restricts water flow.
