Frequently Asked Questions

 

Q: How often does my septic tank need to be pumped?

A: As a general rule of thumb, every three to five years depending on family size. A family of two can go up to five years, while a family of five should have it done every two years.

Q: How can I save money on my septic tank service?

A: Having your system pumped regularly can save you money. Often times people think they can push out their pumping another year or two. However, this can be detrimental to your system. It can easily cost triple to fix issues with your drain field or there may be added cost to the regular pumping price.

Q: What cleaning agents and household chemicals should I avoid using?

A: You should avoid using the following:

  • Pharmaceuticals, particularly antibiotics and chemotherapy.
  • Excessive amounts of bath or body oils
  • Water softener backwash
  • Flammable or toxic products
  • Household cleaners, especially floor wax and rug cleaners
  • Chlorine bleach, chlorides, and pool or spa products
  • Pesticides, herbicides, agricultural chemicals, or fertilizers

Q: I am on chemotherapy or long-term antibiotics. Do I need to be concerned about my septic system?

A: If you expect to be taking medications on a long or short-term basis, there are some things you can do to protect your septic system and groundwater. The human body does not completely metabolize medications, so they enter septic systems unavoidably through our body wastes. Certain medications may cause premature failure of your septic system.

Do not flush leftover medications into your septic system. High concentrations of antibiotics will destroy the beneficial bacteria. There is also potential for medications to contaminate groundwater, as a septic system may not adequately remove them from the waste water. Some pharmacists will dispose of the medication for you if you return it to them.

There are many possible solutions to deal with medication use and septic systems. They start with simple techniques, but get more sophisticated as the problem increases.

  • Minimize the use of antibacterial soap, cleaners and bleach, as these products further stress the bacteria in the system.
  • Increased maintenance of your system may be required if you are taking certain strong medications, such as chemotherapy drugs. Your tank may have to be pumped more often to remove solids that are accumulating rapidly due to the loss of beneficial bacteria. If your septic tank gets too toxic, it may be necessary to use your tank as a holding tank during a prescribed treatment.
  • An effluent screen is particularly helpful if you expect a lot of hair loss; prevent hair from being washed into the septic system. It can remain suspended in the waste water and get carried to the drain field, where it could plug the soil and cause drain field failure.

Q: My septic alarm is on; does this mean my septic tank needs to be pumped?

A: A septic alarm can mean a few things:

  • Your septic system may be experiencing a “high-water” event and is unable to get the water out, or process the waste.
  • If you have a timer then you may have given your septic system too much water to process and it simply needs more time to catch up.
  • You could have a leak and are taking on ground water, and the system is simply unable to keep up.

Q: What do I do if my septic alarm goes off?

A: First and foremost, stop running all water; no laundry, dish washing, showers, toilet flushing, or anything else that requires water as all drains lead to the septic system. When the alarm goes off it means a pump may have stopped working and septic backup into the house is possible. You will need to give a septic professional a call to diagnose.

Q: How many covers do I need to uncover for my septic tank service?

A: If your system was installed prior to 1975 you should have a single compartment tank. The main lid will be in the center of the tank and be about 24″ in diameter. There will be two smaller lids, one on each end, about 6-8″ in diameter.

From about 1975-1980 to now you will have a minimum of two 24″ lids to be uncovered. These were designed to allow access to the inlet and 1st compartment for the first 24″ lid and the second compartment and outlet for the second 24″ lid.

From 1990-present if you have a pressure system (pump), you will have one main lid on the septic tank in the center. If the pump tank and septic tank are side by side, the lids will be on one end of the tank. Your pump tank should have risers.

Q: Pierce County, what inspection may I need and when?

A: For simple gravity with or without pump, pressure distribution:

  • Every 3 years.
  • At time of sale system needs to be inspected and pumped to file for Report of System Status.

For all alternative systems and all proprietary systems:

  • Yearly
  • Every 6 months depending on manufacturer of proprietary systems
  • At time of sale, system needs to be inspected and pumped to file for Report of System Status

Q: Kitsap County, what inspection may I need and when?

A: For simple gravity with or without pump to gravity:

  • Every 3 years
  • At time of sale
  • If no record on online RME in the last 3 years Inspection and pumping if needed to file for Property Conveyance

For all alternative systems, all proprietary systems, pressure distribution systems, small community drain fields, small commercial systems, and all food establishments:

  • Yearly
  • Every 6 months depending on manufacturer of proprietary systems
  • At time of sale
  • If there is no record on online RME for the last three years of inspection and pumping, if needed to file for Property Conveyance

Q: Mason County, what inspection may I need and when?

A: For simple gravity systems with or without pump, pressure distribution:

  • Every 3 Years
  • At time of sale if no record on online Carmody in the last three years, inspection and pumping if needed

For all alternative systems, all proprietary systems, pressure distribution systems, small community drain fields, small commercial systems, and all food establishments:

  • Yearly
  • Every 6 months depending on manufacturer of proprietary systems
  • At time of sale
  • If no record online for the last 3 years, inspection and pumping if needed