Septic Maintenance
Failing to properly maintain residential septic tanks can increase the chance of waste-related disease and health hazards. At MCM Plumbing, we’ll help you maintain your septic system, saving you time and money in dealing with more expensive repairs.
Our septic experts can help you:
- Locate your septic tank.
- Locate your leach lines.
- Map out your septic system.
- Repair your septic system
- Diagnose septic system issues and make recommendations.
- Maintenance & Hydrojetting
- Install/design new septic system
Call our team today for professional septic services!
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a septic system?
A septic system is a system, located on your property, that’s designed to safely handle effective wastewater treatment and disposal.
How often should I have my system cleaned?
Our company recommends that you have your system cleaned every 2 to 3 years, depending on the size of your system & the size of your household.
How often should I pump out my septic tank?
Generally, you should pump out your septic tank every three to five years to prevent tank overflows. How often you pump out your septic tank depends on size of your septic tank and the number of people in your household.
How do septic systems work?
After sludge and scum leave your home, they flow through a drainage pipe into your septic tank. In residential septic systems, septic tanks are usually buried in water-proof containers made of either polyethylene, fiberglass, or concrete.
Once the wastewater reaches your tank, solids settle at the bottom while grease and oil float to the top. Septic tanks are divided into compartments to prevent sludge from escaping the tank.
Liquid waste (known as effluent) drains into a special area known as a septic drain field. Residential drain fields are usually installed underground and surrounded by soil. Subsurface drain fields hold wastewater until it can seep into the surrounding soil and be filtered and broken down by microbes in the soil.
What are some common problems with septic systems?
Some common problems with septic tanks include:
- Broken pipes
- Clogs in the tank, drain, or pipes
- Drain field buildup
- A contaminated drain field
- Drain field/ground saturation
What are some general tips for maintaining my septic tank?
While it’s best to hire a professional for complex septic tank repairs, here are some general septic maintenance tips:
- Follow a septic tank pumping schedule, typically between 3-5 years
- Perform annual septic inspections to ensure your septic system is working
- Avoid overloading your drain field
- Keep non-flushable items like diapers, tampons, food, and hair out of your septic pipes
How long does it take to complete a septic system inspection?
Most septic inspections are completed within 3 hours. A typical septic inspection can take between 45 minutes and 3 hours. This timeframe can vary depending on the complexity of your septic system and the inspector’s findings throughout the inspection.
Do I need to be with the inspector during a septic inspection?
It’s not required, but it’s a good idea. You’ll need to let the inspector inside your home. Being present during the septic inspection can help you understand what your system looks like, for future reference.
General Tips To Maintaining Your Septic System
- Check with the local regulatory agency or inspector/pumper if you have a garbage disposal until to make sure that your system can handle this additional waste.
- Check with your local health department before using additives. Commercial septic tank additives DO NOT eliminate the need for periodic pumping and can be harmful to the system.
- Use water efficiently to avoid overloading your septic system. Be sure to repair leaky faucets or toilets & use high-efficiency fixtures.
- Use commercial bathroom cleaners and laundry detergents in moderation. Many people prefer to clean their toilets, sinks, showers, and tubs with a mild detergent or baking soda.
- Check with your local regulatory agency or inspector/pumper before allowing water softener backwash to enter your septic tank.
- Keep records of repairs, pumpings, inspections, permits issued, and other system maintenance activities.
- Learn the location of your system. Keep a sketch of it with your maintenance record for septic service visits.
- Have your septic system inspected and pumped as necessary by a licensed professional.
- Plant only grass over and near your septic system. Roots from nearby trees or shrubs might clog and damage the drainfield (if you have one).