Frequently Asked Questions
A septic system is a mini sewer treatment plant for your home. Its primary function is to partially treat the wastewater and then return that wastewater into the ground on the property. Done correctly, septic systems are environmentally friendly. All of the wastewater that the home produces, remains on the property safely, partially treated, hidden, and contained. Also, for homes with well water, a septic system returns the water to the ground from which it came. A very green way to live.
A septic system is a mini sewer treatment plant for your home. Its primary function is to partially treat the wastewater and then return that wastewater into the ground on the property. Done correctly, septic systems are environmentally friendly. All of the wastewater that the home produces, remains on the property safely, partially treated, hidden, and contained. Also, for homes with well water, a septic system returns the water to the ground from which it came. A very green way to live.
A leaching field is a structure (or series of structures) with the primary function of dispersing effluent wastewater that’s partially treated by the septic tank, back into the ground on your property.
Septic tanks can be located in a variety of places. Typically septic tanks are buried between the house and the leaching fields. The best way to locate a septic tank is to obtain the original drawing from the local health department. If there is not a drawing available, having a licensed professional locate it is your best option.
Abnormal odors inside or outside the home, indoor plumbing backups, and gurgling drains, are often signs of an issue. Wet areas on the exterior of the home adjacent to the leaching field, or septic tank are common warning signs. Problems with septic systems don’t always produce warning signs a homeowner will notice right away. If you’re unsure of the condition of your septic system, having an inspection done can answer many of those questions.
Avoid disposing materials or chemicals that are not deemed septic safe. Don’t drive over septic systems that are not engineered, or designed to be driven on. Do not plant trees near the septic system. Having your septic tank serviced every 2 to 4 years is recommended to promote the longevity of your septic system.
Septic tank cleaning, or pumping, should be performed by licensed technicians on a 2-4 year basis. However cleaning/pumping schedules can be determined by usage, age of the system, and may vary between different individual homes and businesses.
Septic tank sizes depend on the age of the septic tank, and size of the dwelling it serves (number of bedrooms). You may contact your local health department for any records pertaining to your septic system design. Check out our repair page here to see a chart that may help to determine the size of your tank.
A variety of issues can cause an odor issue, and are not always related to the septic. It’s best to have a licensed installer look at your particular situation and guide you to the best resolution.
The cost of installing a new system, or repairing existing septic systems vary greatly depending on several factors. Please call us to get an estimate for any potential repairs for your particular issue.
Soil testing is a requirement prior to repairing or installing a new leaching field. Soil testing is conducted by a contractor of your choice, and the local health department. The result of the soil testing determines designs and costs of the potential new leaching system. Soil testing is the first step in moving forward with any new septic system.
A cesspool is an old, primitive wastewater structure. Cesspools act as a tank, and leaching field in one. Cesspools are no longer allowed to be installed as new septic systems. Occasionally we still come across cesspools, usually on older homes.
A homeowner is allowed to repair their own septic system. Homeowners are still bound by public state health code design and installation requirements.
Typically up to 10 years. The local health department has full discretion on when soil re-testing is required on any particular job.
You should never build any permanent or heavy structure over your septic system. Code compliance vary, and often doesn’t allow most structures to be built over your septic system. It’s never a good idea to reduce access to any component of your septic system. In order to keep your septic system running and safe, it’s best to place any structures safely away from the septic system.
Not necessarily. Many factors can contribute to green grass over the septic, Some of which are normal. If you have any concerns, it’s best to have a licensed installer evaluate your system.
Sinks holes can become dangerous problems.They can also impede or damage your septic system. Have a licensed installer evaluate any sink holes around the septic system to find the cause and best solution.
Is there a question we missed? Let us know below!
Snow Septic Repair, LLC
Septic System Inspections, Repairs, & Installation
P.O. Box 148, East Hampton, CT 06424