Septic System FAQs

  • Is it safe to use garbage disposal on a septic system?

    Garbage disposals are frowned upon. The food matter that goes down the drain kills off the beneficial bacteria that help keep your septic tank healthy. If you must have one, be prepared to service your septic tank more frequently and ask us about our septic additive to help supplement the bacteria needed in the septic tank.

  • How often should I pump my septic tank?

    The average household septic system should be inspected at least every few years by a septic professional. Household septic tanks are typically pumped every three to five years. Alternative systems with electrical float switches, pumps, or mechanical components should be inspected more often, generally once a year. A service contract is important since alternative systems have mechanized parts.


    Four major factors influence the frequency of septic pumping:

     

    Household size

    Total wastewater generated

    Volume of solids in wastewater

    Septic tank size

  • Does water usage matter?

    Yes! The average indoor water use in a typical single-family home is nearly 100 gallons per individual per day. Just a single leaky or running toilet can waste as much as 200 gallons of water per day.

     

    All of the water a household sends down its pipes winds up in its septic system. The more water a household conserves, the less water enters the septic system. Efficient water use improves the operation of a septic system and reduces the risk of failure.


    Click Here to learn WaterSense tips for Kids and Adults

  • What are the benefits of using a septic system to manage wastewater?

    Public health benefits - Proper use of decentralized systems reduces the risk of disease transmission and human exposure to pathogens, which can occur through drinking water, surface water, and shellfish bed contamination.


    Environmental benefits - Wastewater treatment removes pollution from surface water, recharges groundwater, and replenishes aquifers.


    Economic benefits - Decentralized wastewater systems help communities reduce large infrastructure and energy costs to collect and treat wastewater.

  • What Can You Flush?

    Whether you call it the toilet, the John, the commode, or the porcelain throne, we all know what it is used for. Unfortunately, some people are guilty of using the toilet for more things than what it was made for. Some use it as a trash can and flush inappropriate things down the drain. It doesn't always seem like a big deal, but "one little thing" adds up to a big issue over time!

Hair

It clogs the shower drain, bathroom sinks, and effluent filters inside the septic tank.

Huge clumps can create blockages in the plumbing pipes, creating backups.

Dental Floss

Dental floss does not biodegrade and is similar to hair, eventually becoming entangled and creating clumps that can cause blockages and create big problems for the septic tank and sewage pumps (if you have a lift station).

Fats, Oil & Grease

Thinking of oil and grease, you think BACON grease...but it's so much more. It's spoiled milk, any dairy, condiment liquids (ketchup, mayo, etc.), it eventually hardens and builds up in the plumbing and on the tank walls. It also kills the good bacteria in the septic tank, meaning more maintenance and likely emergency service calls!

Band-Aids

Non-biodegradable and should go straight in the trash!

Medications

The water you flush eventually ends up in our rivers, lakes and oceans. In some cases, it even becomes drinking water, so old and expired medications should never be flushed because they will contaminate the groundwater. Contact your local Sheriff's department on the proper way to dispose of unused medicines.

Paper Towels

Paper towels do not biodegrade at the same rate as toilet paper and will easily clog your plumbing and create a backup.

Disposable Wipes (Flushable)

While the package may say "flushable", it's a myth. The wipe material skims the top of the septic tank and creates a layer that eventually builds higher and higher and will block your inlet line, causing a blockage and backup. Plus, pumping the septic tank is more difficult for the pumper. You will likely be charged an additional cost to remove and dispose of the waste with wipes.

Contraceptives and Prophylactics

These items are not biodegradable. Throw in the trash!

Kitty Litter

Non-biodegradable and will clump and dry into the plumbing pipes.

Feminine Hygiene Products

The most common thing that is flushed down the toilet can cause the most havoc! Best to toss them and not flush them!

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