Septic questions, answered.

A septic system is a mini sewer treatment plant for your home. It partially treats your wastewater and returns it to the ground on your property. Done correctly, septic systems are environmentally friendly: all the wastewater stays on the property — safely, partially treated, hidden and contained. For homes with well water, it returns the water to the ground it came from. A very green way to live.

A leaching field is a structure (or series of structures) with the primary function of dispersing effluent wastewater that’s partially treated by the septic tank, back into the ground on your property.

Typically it’s buried between the house and the leaching field. The best way to find it is the original drawing from your local health department. If there isn’t one, have a licensed professional locate it.

Septic tank sizes depend on the age of the septic tank, and size of the dwelling it serves (number of bedrooms). You may contact your local health department for any records pertaining to your septic system design. Check out our repair page here to see a chart that may help to determine the size of your tank.

A cesspool is an old, primitive wastewater structure. Cesspools act as a tank, and leaching field in one. Cesspools are no longer allowed to be installed as new septic systems. Occasionally we still come across cesspools, usually on older homes.

Abnormal odors inside or outside the home, indoor plumbing backups, and gurgling drains, are often signs of an issue. Wet areas on the exterior of the home adjacent to the leaching field, or septic tank are common warning signs. Problems with septic systems don’t always produce warning signs a homeowner will notice right away. If you’re unsure of the condition of your septic system, having an inspection done can answer many of those questions.

A variety of issues can cause an odor issue, and are not always related to the septic. It’s best to have a licensed installer look at your particular situation and guide you to the best resolution.

Not necessarily. Many factors can contribute to green grass over the septic, some of which are normal. If you have any concerns, it’s best to have a licensed installer evaluate your system.

Sinkholes can become dangerous problems. They can also impede or damage your septic system. Have a licensed installer evaluate any sinkholes around the septic system to find the cause and best solution.

Avoid disposing materials or chemicals that are not deemed septic safe. Don’t drive over septic systems that are not engineered, or designed to be driven on. Do not plant trees near the septic system. Having your septic tank serviced every 2 to 4 years is recommended to promote the longevity of your septic system.

Septic tank cleaning, or pumping, should be performed by licensed technicians on a 2-4 year basis. However cleaning/pumping schedules can be determined by usage, age of the system, and may vary between different individual homes and businesses.

You should never build any permanent or heavy structure over your septic system. Code compliance vary, and often doesn’t allow most structures to be built over your septic system. It’s never a good idea to reduce access to any component of your septic system. In order to keep your septic system running and safe, it’s best to place any structures safely away from the septic system.

A homeowner is allowed to repair their own septic system. Homeowners are still bound by public state health code design and installation requirements.

Soil testing is a requirement prior to repairing or installing a new leaching field. Soil testing is conducted by a contractor of your choice, and the local health department. The result of the soil testing determines designs and costs of the potential new leaching system. Soil testing is the first step in moving forward with any new septic system.

Typically up to 10 years. The local health department has full discretion on when soil re-testing is required on any particular job.

Whether you’re buying or selling a home, knowing if the septic system is working properly is critical. Because it works underground, the best way to find out is a full inspection by a licensed installer. Ours includes a camera inspection of the piping, a 150-gallon flow test and a 3–5 page photo report you get within 48 hours. Book a real estate inspection

The cost of installing a new system, or repairing existing septic systems vary greatly depending on several factors. Please call us to get an estimate for any potential repairs for your particular issue.

Free estimates cover small repairs and tank installations. A leaching field replacement needs soil testing before we can give an estimate, so the first step is finding out what soil testing costs at your location. Ask us about soil testing