FAQs
Frequently Asked Questions About Septic Systems
What is a Septic System?
If you've never owned one before, a septic system is found in areas that are not served by municipal utilities including rural or older developments. According to the EPA, some type of septic system serves more than one in every five households in the US.
A septic system is eco-friendly, low-maintenance, and an affordable way to receive, treat, and dispose of the waste from your home.
In working condition, pipes take the wastewater from your home into an underground tank where solids and other wastes separate from the water. A natural filtration process eventually puts it back into the groundwater.
How Often Should You Get Your Septic Serviced?
Most experts recommend homeowners have their system pumped and inspected at least once every three to five years. If six or more people live in the house, then this should take place every 1-3 years.
Against the opinion of many experts, many homeowners wait longer than the recommended time or take action only when they smell trouble. At that point, repairs and replacement of your system may be necessary. This can be costly to the homeowner.
Installing a new septic system can cost anywhere from $6,000 to $12,000. Factors such as placement of the system and terrain of the property can further raise the cost to over $20,000.
You can save money by avoiding major repairs with regular maintenance of your system. Pumping the tank will enhance the home's value and avoid any liability issues that may result from a malfunctioning system.
​
What Takes Place During A Septic Pumping Service?
During a proper septic pumping service, your technician will pump the entire septic tank of all liquid and solid wastes. Once he is done pumping, he will check the inlet and outlet tees to the tank to ensure they are intact and working properly. He will also check the tank levels. At the end, he will ask you to flush your toilets to ensure everything is flowing back properly. Once the service is complete he will cover the lid back up and make note of the condition of your system.
What Does A Septic Inspection Involve?
There are two types of septic inspections- a Visual Inspection and a Full Inspection.
a.) A Visual Inspection
Often performed during your routine septic pumping service, the visual inspection involves asking a few questions, a walk around the yard to check for leaking water, a quick assessment of the condition of the tank after pumping, and a flush of the toilet to confirm proper flow and pressure to the system. Visual Inspections are limited but when accompanied by regular maintenance they can extend the life of your system and save you money.
**At O&I, we include a basic visual inspection with every septic pumping service we perform.
b.) A Full Inspection
When buying or selling a home, a full inspection should be performed. As the name suggests, a full inspection is important in detecting all possible problems in a septic system before repairs become costly. A full inspection includes a complete assessment of the system. A good inspector will be looking for low or high tank levels, cracks in the tank, and any excess water in the yard around where the tank is located. The inspector will also use a tool to measure the amount of sludge in the bottom of the tank and confirm that each pipe is taking on an equal amount of liquid.
**At O&I, our full inspection includes a comprehensive report on your system, as well as, photos of the condition of your tank at the time of inspection.
​
How Long Do Septic Systems Last?
The life expectancy of a septic system can last anywhere from 15 to 40 years with proper care. Regular routine maintenance and inspections can drastically extend the life of your system.
The longevity of a septic system is dependent on several factors including risk of damage from clogging by roots, flooding from groundwater, the number of people that use the system, household products in use, water usage, traffic or vehicles, and soil quality.
​
When Should You Replace or Repair Your Septic System?
Most septic systems will last several decades- at least. Below are the most common reasons to replace your septic system.
*Puddles or swampy patches in the yard that appear overnight. These are common warning signs it's time to replace the system.
*Upgrade the system to handle added demands of increased household size or if you're buying a home with a smaller than recommended tank.
*Repeated repairs are a clear sign of a failing system that should be replaced.
*Check the septic system for leaks if contaminants such as bacteria and/or nitrates are present in water quality tests for wells and other potable water sources.
​
How Should I Maintain My Septic System?
DO'S
*Regular inspection and maintenance of your septic system
*Securely close your septic tank lids
*Direct water from land and roof drains from the drain field.
*Cut down on water usage throughout the house as much as possible.
*Use environmentally friendly cleaning products and less harsh chemicals that can destroy the necessary bacteria in your system.
​
DON'TS
*Put household chemicals down the drain
*Use a garbage disposal
*Flush tampons, paper towels, baby wipes, or any foreign object that doesn't break down.
*Park vehicles on your drain field, septic tank, or reserve area.
​
What Is The Number One Cause of Septic System-related issues?
Ignoring your septic system. Schedule regular septic pumping services and stay ahead of potential issues. This the best way to prolong the life of your system and avoid costly repairs or replacements.
​