Frequently Asked Questions:

• What is a septic system?
• What do I do if I need a septic system?
• What do I do if my septic system is failing?
• When is a septic system permit required and what does it cost?
• How often should my septic tank be pumped?
• Why is it necessary to have my septic tank pumped?

WHAT IS A SEPTIC SYSTEM?

A septic system is a method of dealing with household wastewater in areas where public sewers are not available. The standard type of septic system involves a septic tank (to hold wastewater from toilets and drainpipes until solids settle out in the tank), and a system of pipes that distribute the remaining liquid waste underground over a large area --the leach field--where the wastewater "percolates" through the soil, which helps to clean the water. The goal is to make sure that this filtration though the soil is sufficient to clean the wastewater before it reaches drinking water well sources or surface waters.

WHAT DO I DO IF I NEED A SEPTIC SYSTEM?

Contact us! Affordable Septic Systems will handle the local Environmental Health Division for a permit. We can do the soil test according to current state and local regulations. Upon concluding the soils tests from your site, we will do an inspection of your site to insure the system can be constructed in compliance with state and county regulations and that soil and ground water conditions are satisfactory for a septic system.

WHAT DO I DO IF MY SEPTIC SYSTEM IS FAILING?

Contact your local Environmental Health Department. Affordable Septic Systems will consult with you on the causes for failure and advise you on how the failure can be remedied. We can also advise you on state and local regulations pertaining to emergency repairs, if needed. A repair permit will be obtained from proper athorities for all repairs.

IS A SEPTIC SYSTEM PERMIT REQUIRED AND WHAT DOES IT COST?

State and County laws require that a permit be issued by the department prior to constructing or making repairs to a septic system. All permits can be taken care of by Affordable Septic Systems, or you can call your local Environmental Health Department with any questions you might have.

HOW OFTEN SHOULD MY SEPTIC TANK BE PUMPED?

Regulations require that septic tanks be pumped by a licensed individual every 3 to 4 years. An average of every 1 year is recommended for most families.

WHY IS IT NECESSARY TO HAVE MY SEPTIC TANK PUMPED?

The cost of a septic system is a major investment. To protect that investment and prolong the life of your system, it is necessary to have the septic tank pumped out on a regular basis. Since all solids in your household wastewater settle out in the tank, it's important to have the tank pumped to avoid having sludge block the pipes that allows the liquids to move on to the leach field for filtration. Failure to routinely pump the septic tank may result in the clogging of your leach field and cause a premature malfunction of the system.

TIPS ON MAINTAINING YOUR SEPTIC SYSTEM

1. Do NOT use a garbage disposal!
2. Do NOT pour grease and oils down the drain.
3. Do NOT flush anything down the drain that is not biodegradable (i.e. disposable diapers, condoms, etc).
4. Do NOT have your water softener regeneration discharge to the mound or conventional system!
5. Do NOT use any type of additives in your system - they do not help your system and may actually harm it.