Frequently Asked Questions

A septic tank is a buried, watertight tank designated and constructed to receive and partially treat raw domestic sanitary wastewater. Heavy solids settle to the bottom of the tank while greases and lighter solids float to the top. The solids stay in the tank while the wastewater is discharged to the drainfield for further treatment and dispersal. 

It is recommended to have your septic system pumped every 3-5 years, depending on the size of your tank and the number of occupants in your household.

Signs that your septic system needs to be serviced include slow draining sinks or toilets, foul odors, and sewage backups. 

Regular septic system maintenance fees of $250 to $500 every three to five years is a bargain compared to the cost of repairing or replacing a malfunctioning system, which can cost between $5,000 and $15,000 for a conventional system. Alternative systems can cost even more. An unusable septic system or one in disrepair will lower your property value, and potentially can pose a costly legal liability.  

The owner of the system (i.e., the homeowner, property owner, homeowner’s association, or other responsible management entity) is responsible for the overall operation, maintenance, and upkeep of the system, including repairs or replacement. The system users (i.e., occupants, tenants) are responsible for the proper use of the system, such as what materials go down the drain, how much water is used, etc.

If you have not pumped your septic tank in several years, but do not seem to be having any problems, it may mean one of several things:

1. There is minimal water use in the home, and/or the size of the septic tank and the biological activity maintains the solids at sustainable levels. This is rare but may occur when there are only one or two people in the home.
2. The tank has a leak and is discharging wastewater into the ground instead of into the drainfield.
3. The tank is full of solids, which are slowly migrating and may eventually clog the drainfield. This may increase the cost of pumping the tank and may require replacing the entire drainfield if it becomes clogged. 

The lifespan of a septic system depends on the material it is made of, the design, installation, service and exposure conditions, and maintenance of the system. Typically, a septic tank made of concrete may last 50 years or more, although older tanks may not be as well constructed as newer tanks. Tanks made from other materials, such as plastic may last a similar timeframe.

If your septic system includes a pump, many pumps and controls will need to be replaced every 10 to 20 years. 

If your drain field is more than 25 to 30 years old, the natural biomat that forms in the bottom of the trenches or beds can thicken and reduce the ability of the drainfield to properly discharge the wastewater into the ground. This can cause ponding in the drain field, surfacing of untreated wastewater, or backing up into the septic tank and into the plumbing in the house.

If your septic system is more than 25 to 30 years old, start planning for an upgrade before you are in an emergency situation. It is likely your system is close to its useful lifespan.

Septic system maintenance is not complicated, and it does not need to be expensive. Upkeep comes down to four key elements:

1. Inspect and pump frequently: When you call Sonny's Septic we will inspect for leaks and examine the scum and sludge layers in your septic tank. These are the major factors that influence how often to pump your septic system: Household size, total wastewater generated, volume of solids in wastewater, and septic tank size.
2. Use water efficiently:  all the water a household sends down its pipes ends up in its septic system. The more water a household conserves, the less water enters the septic system. Efficient water use improves the operation of a septic system and reduces the risk of malfunctions. 
3. Properly dispose of waste:  Whether you flush it down the toilet, grind it in the garbage disposal, or pour it down the sink, shower, or bath, everything that goes down your drain ends up in your septic system. What goes down the drain affects how well your septic system works. 
4. Maintain your drainfield:  Your drainfield—a component of your septic system that removes contaminants from the liquid that emerges from your septic tank—is an important part of your septic system. Here are a few things you should do to maintain it: 
   1. Parking/Building: do not park, drive, or build on your drainfield.
   2. Planting: It is not recommended to plant trees, shrubs, or vegetable gardens on your drainfield. Plant them the appropriate distance from your drainfield to keep roots from growing into your septic system. Native grasses and ground covers are the most appropriate planting over your drainfield.
   3. Placing: keep roof drains, sump pumps, and other rainwater drainage systems away from your drainfield area. Excess water slows down or stops the wastewater treatment process.

Yes. Many materials that might be poured down the drain do not easily decompose. This can be harmful to the healthy bacteria that grow in your septic tank and drainfield to help break down organic matter. Do not pour grease (such as fats, butter, wax, cheese, heavy cream), liquid wastes (such as pesticides, drain cleaners, household chemicals, paints, paint thinners), oils or coffee grounds down the drain. If you have a garbage disposal, limit its use because food waste can add an unnecessary amount of solid material to your septic tank. Harmful chemicals put down your drain can also be discharged into the groundwater and can impact drinking water supplies and the environment.  

Only flush human waste and septic safe toilet paper down the toilet, never non-flushable wipes such as baby wipes and other wet wipes, photographic solutions, feminine hygiene products, condoms, dental floss, diapers, cigarette butts, coffee grounds, cat litter, paper towels, pharmaceuticals, household chemicals like gasoline oil, pesticides, antifreeze, paint, and paint thinners.