On the average, a four-bedroom home with a 1500-gallon tank is usually pumped every 2 to 3 years. However, a more accurate guide is to measure the graywater-to-solids ratio at the time of pumping.
The disbursement field (“leach field”) of a septic system can last up to 30 years, depending on the type of system and frequency of use. Proper septic system care and maintenance can also extend the life of your septic system 5, 10, or even 15 years longer than a septic system that is neglected. We have seen concrete tanks that lasted 50 years. PVC tanks and sewer lines last indefinitely.
No. This is a gimmick. All the bacteria you need to add comes into the tank when you flush your toilet. You should, however, use antibacterial soaps and bleach in moderation because it will kill the bacteria in your tank.
If the grass is not greener over your septic tank (or leach field) may be an indication that your system is backing up and/or not functioning properly. Household soaps and chemicals are saturating the soil above the disbursement pipes. Aerobic bacteria are not able to digest the effluent in the leach field. It is also possible that there is not enough topsoil covering the sand, causing the lawn to dry out quickly.
Baby wipes – even the biodegradable ones – should NEVER be put into a septic system. While they may break down in a landfill quicker, baby wipes can plug exit baffles, causing sewage to backup into the house. Also, these products contain antibacterial chemicals that hinder your septic system’s ability to break down solids.
We recommend tossing food scraps in the trash or composting rather than using an in-sink grinder. Food scraps will increase the solids layer in your tank and require more frequent pumping. Grease can be especially problematic because it can plug outlet baffles or buildup in the disbursement system, causing your leach field to fail prematurely.
Not to worry – we have equipment that can find your tank and your leach field. We map out and document the septic tank location as part of our septic tank maintenance service. After we pump your tank, we will also provide you with a recommended pumping schedule for your individual household needs, and send a reminder card when it’s time to pump again.