If your septic tank is used on a regular basis, a layer of sludge will accumulate at the bottom of it as time goes on. This is normal, but after about two to three years, it will get to the point where the system can no longer handle it adequately. This is because when it reaches a certain point, sewage doesn't have enough time to settle properly before exiting the tank, which is one of the biggest causes of blockages (other than foreign objects entering the tank.) To prevent this, a septic tank pumping service needs to be performed every two to three years.

Your septic system maintenance documentation will indicate the last time the system was serviced. However, sometimes these records are lost or not properly done in the first place, which leaves the homeowner or property manager having to do some guesswork to determine whether or not a pumping service is necessary. Here are a couple clues that may indicate that that's the case:

1. Backups in the system

2. Toilets and/or sinks that are suddenly draining slowly

3. Foul odors inside or outside of the building or home

4. Pump station alarm sounding

5. Water surfacing on the ground in odd spots

6. Strange, gurgling sounds coming from the ground-level plumbing/toilets

Septic tanks are usually buried near your house, so sewer pipes connect your indoor plumbing to it. At ground level or just above, there should be an access lid. It's also sometimes possible to locate older septic tanks by looking for odd-looking spots in the yard. It might be an area that's turning greener or growing faster, or it might be one that's growing slower. It also may be worth it to contact your local department and see if a permit is available. It may include a graphic that shows the exact location of the system if there is no obvious sign of the locaiton of the tank.

We understand how frustrating it is when your septic tank fills up after you just had it pumped. Pumping out a septic tank removes any sewage buildup that could cause failure of the system in the future. You should not be alarmed if you see water in the septic tank after it has been pumped. Within a few hours, the water level will return to normal. Levels in this region should, however, be at or beneath the outlet line. Otherwise, there may be an issue with the septic system. Please contact us as soon as possible if this occurs.

We hate to break it to you, but there is absolutely no magic bullet when it comes to protecting your septic system. There is no fluid, tablet, or solution that you can pour into your tank that will make regular septic system maintenance any less necessary.

We can inspect older septic systems in order to determine whether part replacement or replacement of the whole system would be beneficial to you. Newer systems have their advantages, that's for sure. The modern use of PVC pipes and other plumbing techniques have greatly reduced the possibility of a system backup if they are properly maintained. However, if it ain't broke, don't fix it! We have seen some older septic systems that were installed and maintained so well over the years that there is simply no need to replace them.