Read Our Frequently Asked Septic Questions

Have your installer make a to-scale illustration that shows the location of your tank and drain field with your home. This drawing will help guide your service provider should any repairs be required. You’ll also need a septic system diagram when considering any home renovations, landscaping projects, or new parking places and driveways.

Not often. A family of four living in a three-bedroom house will require their tank pumped every three to five years.

If your installer is a licensed septic contractor in the area, he should know the precise guidelines for your home, usage, and locality. Or you can check with your local county health department.

If there are no significant changes in your household and your usage is stable, you may want to think of a regular pumping schedule for the best results with the slightest worry.

We do not advise building over a septic tank. It is even against most municipal codes. Do not build any additions, pools, or driveways over a tank. Also, do not build or plant on top of your drain field.

NO! Though septic systems are safe for your family, opening the septic tank without skilled training can expose you to hazardous gases and bacteria. Call a certified and trained septic professional if you notice any problems in your system.

• Conserve water to reduce the wastewater that must be treated and disposed of.
• Repair any leaking faucets and toilets.
• Only discharge biodegradable wastes into the system.
• Restrict garbage disposal use.
• Divert down spouts and other surface water away from your drain field.
• Keep your septic tank cover accessible for tank inspections and pumping.
• Have your septic tank pumped regularly and checked for leaks and cracks.
• Call a professional when you have problems.
• Compost your garbage or put it in the trash.

• Do not flush tampons, disposable diapers, pads, condoms, wipes, or products into your system.
• Do not dump solvents, oils, paints, thinners, disinfectants, pesticides, or poisons down the drain, disrupting the treatment process and contaminating groundwater.
• Dig in your drain field or build anything over it.
• Plant anything over your drain field except grass.
• Drive over your drain field or compact the soil in any way.