Should we have our septic system inspected?
Our septic tank recently overflowed, so we had it pumped out. It had been pumped out about a year ago. I didn't ask the company who pumped it out to inspect it since I don't really trust them to do a good job. (They were available immediately which is why we hired them to pump it.) Should we hire a different company to inspect the system? One year seems short to me. If yes, is a plumber the person to call? Or a better septic pumping company? Thanks!
Public Comments
- how about stop flushing toilet paper into your septic so it won't get full to fast. plus how many people leave in your house... that's probably the reason your septic is getting full to soon, so you probably have to pump it every six months instead. i live in a house with a septic we have to pump it every two years and their's only two of us.
- You might contact a certified septic installer. You obviously have something wrong with your system. Does your wife use bleach to do laundry? That causes alot of the backup, because it kills the natural bacteria. You might need to get it pumped again, or maybe replace the filter and add new bacteria. You really shouldn't have to get it pumped but every 5 years or so.
- You should not have to clean out on average of 4-5 years depending on your family size and the size of your septic. How old is it, how deep is it, do you have a riser on it? Heavy Heavy rain can help your septic overflow too. Is your washing machine water going into it as well as everything else and your dishwasher too. You can fill one pretty fast that way but a year? Wow!! I would call the guy that came out and just talk, no money. Tell him what happened and maybe he has some information for you. We just had ours emptied also last week. Good luck.
- When the tank is pumped, your service person should also check for any undigested solids (sludge) in the bottom of the septic and the tank baffles for possible damage...you should have asked them to inspect it while the tank was open which would have been included in the overall cost. Whoever you contract (the same company or a different one) to inspect it will charge you for their service. Pumping is usually every 4-5 yrs depending on your family size.
- I would have it inspected. I would also contact the health department for your county. It sounds to me as if your septic system isn't sufficient for your use. Check to make sure the perc is sufficient for the number of people in the house. If not, it shouldn't be a HUGE problem if you have it pumped frequently. However, it may prematurely wear out the system and drainfield. Another thing to keep in mind is how you use it. Is there a disposal on your kitchen sink? If so, use it sparingly. NEVER put citrus rind or potato peels down a disposal on a septic system. They also make disposals specifically for septic systems, you may want to invest in one. Many people don't realize that you need to treat a septic differently than public sewer.
- It all depends what state you are in..In Mass. you must hire a licensed Title 5 Septic installer.. Your system has a problem if you MUST pump it so often.. If you live in Mass. and they find that your tank of leach field is faulty they are compelled to notify the board of health and you must repair it....
- The tank is generally sealed except for the outlet to the leach drains (drain field). The outlet is at the top of the tank, so the tank is always full. If it is overflowing, your pipe to the leach drain may be blocked, either effluent or tree roots
