Frequently Asked Questions

Common Questions

Here are a few common questions about our services.  If you have more questions or need further help, contact us today.

What size is my septic tank?

Typically a 2 or 3 bedroom home will have a 1000 gallon tank and a 4 or 5 bedroom home will have a 1500 gallon tank. Larger homes may have multiple tanks.

How often should I have my tank cleaned?

The health department recommends every 3 to 5 years for a family of 4. For a person living alone, every 8 to 9 years is sufficient.

Do I have a grease trap?

If your home was built prior to 1963, it may have a grease trap that is still in service.

Do I need to use flushable septic treatments?

There are plenty of natural bacteria and enzymes in your tank. Treatments are costly and not necessary. However, they certainly will not hurt and you may use them if you would like.

Why do I smell sewer gas in my home?

A sewer gas smell typically means there is a dry trap somewhere that is allowing gas to enter a home from the septic tank. If you have a seldom used fixture (laundry sink, downstairs shower, guest bath sink, etc.), the water in the trap may have evaporated. Try running water into the trap for about 10 to 15 seconds and the odor should dissipate within an hour or so.

Why does my toilet gurgle when I flush it?

This could indicate a blocked drain line or a blocked vent near the fixture as water must have air behind it to drain properly. It does not necessarily indicate a full or overflowing septic tank.

Why do I have wet spots in the yard when it hasn’t rained recently?

If the wet spots are above or near the septic tank, it could indicate clogged field lines which is not allowing the water in the septic tank to exit properly. If this is the case, the water will take the path of least resistance which is to overflow the tank and become absorbed by the ground cover over the tank. There may also be an odor associated with the wet spots.