FAQ on Septic System Maintenance

What Is a Septic Tank?

A septic tank is the part of your septic system that holds solids, debris, and waste matter. It is typically located underground between your home and the drain field. The drain field is the mechanism of your septic system that slowly releases water back into the soil. So, the septic tank acts as a container for solid materials that have not yet broken down enough to pass into the drain field.

Why Is Septic System Maintenance So Important?

Repairing and replacing septic systems can be very expensive. So, correctly maintaining your septic system is always a wise financial decision. On top of that, you can prevent the day-ruining inconvenience of an unexpected sewage backup into your shower, sink, and drains. Septic system preventative maintenance ensures the flawless functioning of your septic system.

How Often Should I Pump My Septic System?

We recommend yearly septic system pumping and maintenance for the average household and more frequent service for commercial systems. The average person only performs this maintenance every three years, but those people are much more likely to run into septic system failures. For most people, yearly septic tank system maintenance will keep their system running efficiently.

What Household Appliances Affect My Septic System?

Many of the appliances in your home may have an impact on your septic system. One common problem occurs when someone puts fat, grease, or coffee grounds in the garbage disposal. While a septic system can handle food waste, too much can clog and damage your septic system. Similarly, flushing anything other than toilet paper down the toilet can result in costly blockages.

What Are the Steps to Effective Septic System Maintenance?

There are four basic steps to keeping a septic system running safely. First, we pump your entire tank until it’s clear of all debris and solid matter. Second, we use high-pressure hydro-jetting to clear away any potential sources of blockage in your lines and drainpipes. This ensures that water flows effortlessly through your system. Third, we use a bacteria additive that breaks down the presence of non-organic substances in the tank. Finally, we install a fresh new filter that keeps solid matter from entering your drainpipes.

What Should I Do if My Septic System Backs Up?

If sewage is backing up into your home, you must act fast to repair the problem. In most cases, you will need the assistance of a professional septic system maintenance team, like David Zuidema. We can find the source of the problem and fix it at any time of day or night. Once the backup stops, it is a good idea to hire a professional cleaning crew to clean and disinfect any affected areas of the home.

What Are the Benefits of Septic System Maintenance?

The most significant benefit of septic system maintenance is the peace of mind that comes with knowing your plumbing and sewage will never fail. More importantly, it will extend the life of your septic system. Replacing a system is a significant expense. So, every extra year you can get out of your septic system equates to substantial savings.

How Do I Know if I Need to Pump My Septic System?

If it has not been pumped in the last year, it may be time to pump your septic tank. While people often report waiting three or even five years between pumpings, a routine yearly inspection is the safest way to handle your tank. A specialist will measure the scum levels, and from there, we can estimate how soon you need to pump your tank.

How Do I Know if My Septic System Is Failing?

If you suspect your septic system is failing, there are two places you should look at first: your plumbing and your drain field. When your septic system begins to fail, your plumbing will usually act up in one way or another, gurgling, draining slowly, or backing up. At the same time, your drain field will usually get muddy and start to produce an unpleasant odor.