Where Is My Septic System Located? 

Septic systems are installed on the property according to the size of the lot and where suitable soils are available. You can try to find your septic tank's location by starting at the house and determining the direction of your sewer pipe. Next, take a thin metal rod and start probing the soil. If you are not able to locate your system, it may be best to let the professionals do the job. You may also need to do deed research to find the original homeowner. Once you have established who the original owner was at the time the system was installed, you can go to your local health department and request a copy of the septic system permit. (Please keep in mind that sometimes systems are not installed exactly as it is shown on the permit.) 

Why Is It Important to Maintain My Septic System?

All septic systems should be checked and cleaned on a regular basis to ensure that they are working properly. Septic systems cannot dispose of all the material that enters the system. The solids that are not broken down by bacteria begin to accumulate in the tank and eventually need to be removed. Failure to properly maintain a system will eventually result in serious problems and could be very expensive to repair or even replace. 

Do I Need to Add Additives to My Septic System?

No, unless you like flushing your money down the toilet.  The use of an additive will not extend the amount of time before you will need to clean the tank. The most-effective method of breaking down the solid matter in the tank is by allowing the bacteria that's in the tank to naturally digest it. Although some additives may not harm your tank, they could contaminate the soil. 

What Is Harmful to Flush Down into My Septic System?

A good rule to follow is this: If you can throw it in the trash, don't flush it. The septic system is not a garbage disposal. The following list of items can destroy the biological digestion within your tank and cause you to need more-frequent cleaning: 

• Food scraps

• Coffee grinds

• Dental floss

• Disposable diapers

• Baby wipes

• Cat litter

• Sanitary/personal-hygiene items

• Q-tips

• Cigarette butts

• Condoms

• Fats, grease, oils

• Hazardous chemicals such as paint, varnish, thinners, pesticides, oils, or gases

• Paper towels

• Plastic bags

• Clothing

• Deceased pets

• Toys

Can Household Cleaners Negatively Affect My Septic System?

It is recommended that you follow the manufacturer label on the product. While some products may not harm the system they can have the potential to contaminate groundwater and the soil. 

What Is a Failed System, and Are There Signs to Look For?

The most-common reason for a system failure is not having the solids removed on a regular basis. Homeowners should be alert to the following warning signs and call to have their system cleaned and inspected to determine of their system has failed. 

• Slow drainage of sink, tub, toilets, or washing machine

• Gurgling sounds

• Backup of toilets, sinks, drains, or washing machine

• Sewage odors

• Wet or mushy ground at the tank, drain field, or distribution box area

• Grass growing fast or greener in one particular area of your lawn

Is It Okay to Drive on Top of My Septic System?

It is best to keep vehicles off the septic system. The weight can damage the pipes and tank, causing them to need to be replaced. The weight can also compact the soil and reduce your drain field's ability to treat wastewater. 

Can a Leaking Faucet or Toilet Cause Problems for My Septic System?

Yes, it doesn't take long for a leaking faucet or toilet to add up to several gallons of water. Excessive water can overwork your system and cause backups and surfacing. Remember that the septic system has a maximum daily capacity. 

I Have Standing Water in My Yard. Has My Drain Field Failed? 

Not necessarily.  There could be a number of causes, including excessive water consumption. It would be best to have the system cleaned and check for water leaks. 

Can I Have a Kitchen Disposal If I'm on a Septic System?

If you must use a garbage disposal, just remember that you are putting excessive solids into the tank, and this will require more-frequent cleanings. Avoid putting grease or oils in the disposal or drain as these can clog pipes and drain-field soil and damage the system. 

Do You Recommend Products Like Rid-X for a Septic Tank? 

No. If you feel that an additive is needed, be aware that some can do more harm than good. It is best to let the natural bacteria process do the job.

Is It Normal to Smell a Sewer-Like Odor After a Heavy Rain Coming from the Area Where My Septic Tank is Located?

Septic odors can occur in the house, above the tank and drain-field, or around the vent pipe. Odors are naturally produced by the decomposition of waste in the tank. Some odor problems can be easily and inexpensively corrected. The most-common problems with septic odor are a clogged vent pipe, saturated and/or waterlogged drain field, and a broken or cracked lid, tank, or pipe. If the smell is inside the home, the most-common problems are a dry trap or a clogged or cracked vent pipe. 

How Often Should I Have My Septic System Inspected?

Inspections are normally done to evaluate the present and future performance of the sewage treatment system. Inspections are not a warranty or guarantee that the system will continue to function properly for any given period of time. 

How Long Is My Septic Tank Good For?

That will depend on how well you care for and maintain your system.

Is Soap Bad for My Septic System?

Using too much soap, detergent, or washing powder can cause problems. Use in moderation.  We recommend liquid soaps rather than powdered soaps. 

Do I Need to Avoid Using Water, Cut Back on Laundry, or Take Shorter Showers If There Have Been Several Heavy Rains in a Row?

Just remember that each septic system has a maximum daily capacity. If more liquid flows in than the system can handle, backups or surfacing will occur. 

Will You Need to Dig Up My Yard to Inspect My Septic Tank?

To properly clean and inspect a septic tank, the manhole cover should be removed. This is the only way to be sure that all the solids have been pumped out and the tank is adequately cleaned and inspected.