Septic Services, Inc - Customer Help Desk

Do you have a septic system and need a bit of help understanding the basics of septic tank maintenance or what to do when a problem happens? Start here, but remember you can always call us at (636) 583-5564. Our friendly staff is happy to answer any question.

Frequently Asked Questions

How often should I pump my septic tank?
Each person in the family should be considered to use 100 gallon of sludge per year, so if you have a 1200 gallon tank and a family of 4, divide 1200 gallons by 4 and your tank should be pumped every 3 years.

How can I tell if it's time to pump my tank?
If sewage is coming up out of tank; your toilet and fixtures gurgle when used; or there is a bad odor in your yard by the tank, your tank is well overdue for pumping.

Can I build or drive over my tank?
No. Please do not drive over your drainfield with anything heavier than a lawn mower, and no roads or construction at it will compact the drainfield, do not build over your septic tank we need to get to your tank for pumping.

Can I plant trees over my tank and drain field?
Do not plant anything with a heavy root system because the roots follow the water supply and can clog up your tank and drainfield.

Can I use a garbage disposal with my septic tank?
Yes. Anything organic will be digested by the bacteria. There are some items such as chicken bones and egg shells which should not be put down your disposal since they do not decompose.

Can I put grease down my drains to my septic tank?
No. Do not put grease down the drains as it clogs your lines and does not dissolve in the tank.

What are the advantages of an aeration system over a septic system?
An aeration system is typically used in families of over three people because of the larger water consumption. The oxidation supports aerobic bacteria which cleans the sewage water faster and better.

How do I service my aerator?
General maintenance includes cleaning the shaft of hair & debris every 6 months and pumping out the tank on a regular basis.

What is the best type of drainfield to install?
There are several types of drainfields, each are tailored to specific site conditions. The best way to determine the correct system for your site is to have a soils test and install the recommended system accordingly.

I have a thick black or pink crusty layer on top of my tank. Is this a problem?
This is a problem since it's an indication that the bacteria in your tank have died. You may be flushing harmful chemicals into the tank that are killing the bacteria.

What does it mean if I have wet spots in my yard?
This is not an emergency but it could be a leaking drainfield. You should schedule an inspection by a qualified septic service technician to access the situation.

My aerator is not working. Will my tank back up?
No. The aerator's main function is to induce air into the tank in order to promote aerobic bacteria growth. The bacteria digest the raw sewage in the tank to break it down.

Emergency Situations

Help! My septic tank is backing up!

Determine if it is backing up in the house or outside at the tank itself. If in the house, you need to check water level at tank. Normal level is 10" – 12" from point where riser opens up into the tank to the water level. If it is normal, call a plumber because you have a problem before the tank (Example: clog in the line or a broken pipe). If the water level is grossly above the norm, we can pump the tank to relieve your backup, but it is probably only a temporary fix. You may have clogged effluent filter or broken outlet line – bad drainfield.

What does this loud alarm buzzing in my house mean?!

This is the lift station alarm going off & it is an emergency!

Do not use any more water than what is absolutely necessary!!! No wash, dishwasher etc. (Shower ok but limit water). The sounding alarm tells us that for whatever reason the lift pump is not working. You have a certain amount of holding space left in their tank – how long the alarm will go off depends on the size of the tank -- However, if you do use too much water, it WILL back up into their house.
You'll need to contact whomever installed the lift station right away. We generally only work on our own, but we'll do work on someone else's IF you cannot find out who put it in. Most of the tanks we install are oversized allowing additional storage capacity to lessen the impact of pump failure.

I have a strong sewer gas smell in my home!

Dump a 5 gallon bucket of water down any drains, tubs, sinks, etc that you do not use allot. Whenever you use a drain only part time, it can cause water to evaporate and allow sewer gases back in the house.
Check that the roof vent from your bathrooms is not clogged. Sometimes leaves and other debris can clog the vent which will prevent gasses from escaping.
Check the seals at the base of your toilet. Sometimes the seals crack or break and allow gassy small to come out around the base of the toilet.

If you're experiencing an emergency - CALL (636) 583-5564.

Basic Do's & Dont's for Aeration / Septic Tank Owners

Limit bleach usage. (2 to 3 cups per day)
Liquid detergents and soaps are better for your tank than powders since they don't contain phosphates that build up in the tank.
Stagger your loads of laundry. No more than 5 loads a day. This allows your tank to recover from each washing.
Do not use non-septic compatible toilet tissue. Improper toilet tissue does not biodegrade very well in the tank and can cause clogs.
Do not put cigarette butts, egg shells, etc. down the toilet or sink. They are not biodegradable and are not healthy for your tank.
DO NOT flush feminine products, diapers, baby wipes or other non-biodegradable products. They do not degrade and cause clogs. Also, if your system has an aerator, they will wrap around the shaft and cause problems.
Add bacteria additive to your tank on a monthly basis.
Clean aerator shaft on a regular basis.

We recommend that you have your tank cleaned every 3-5 years to help prevent drainfield blockage or unexpected back up.

Water Saving Guidlines

Bathroom

Bathroom use accounts for 73% of all water used in the home. Small changes can eual big savings.

Check toilets or leaks. Drop food coloring or a leak-detection tablet in the toilet bowl tank. If color appears in the bowl, there is a leak that requires immediate attention.
Flush only when necessary. Every time you flush you use about six gallons of water. Don't use the toilet as a wastebasket. This not only wastes water, but may damage your onsite sewage system, which cannot handle items that are not biodegradable.

Kitchen and Laundry

Use the dishwasher only when full. Wash smaller amounts of dishes in the sink. Using the sink uses less water.
Use both sides of the sink when washing dishes by hand; one to wash, one to rinse. Avoid washing dishes under running water.
Buy and install a faucet aerator.