FREQUENT QUESTIONS | Arcola Septic

Some Frequently Asked Questions:

What Does a Septic Tank Do?

A Septic Tank and its leach field (drainfield) are actually ancient and efficient technologies for underground disposal of human bodily waste and other sanitary wastes. These wastes have the potential for causing and spreading numerous diseases as well as polluting surface water sources. Since these pose a potential threat to public health and environmental health, well designed and installed Septic Systems efficiently treat the wastes, reducing their potential hazards and threats, as well as reducing their nutrient contents to levels compatible and even beneficial to the soil. A septic tank acts to a large extent as a giant filter to remove components that cannot be easily degraded, as well as beginning the process of biologically breaking down organic compounds and organisms to harmless elemental nutrients. A well-functioning septic tank releases clear "grey" water to the drainfield to be absorbed into the soil, where other beneficial bacteria further reduces potential harms of this water, and eventually the cleaned water cycles back into the subsurface shallow water table.

How Large is my Septic Tank?

The typical Residential application is a 1,000 gallon septic tank which holds nominally 1,000 gallons of septage at its correct operating level. Some homes with larger septic use have larger, 1,500 gallon tanks. Special situations will have tanks even larger, sized to fit their unique needs.

How Often Do I Need to Pump my Septic Tank?

Typically, we recommend that a residential system be pumped every 5-7 years. The regular water use and load placed on a system determines the best answer for each individual situation. The greater volume of water used, the frequently a tank should be pumped to avoid septic issues. Other systems with low use and demand need only be pumped at longer intervals. Experience is the best judge on the right timing to prevent septic surprises.

Why is my Toilet Bubbling?

A bubbling toilet is talking to you and giving you fair warning that your septic system needs some tender loving care. Generally, a toilet will bubble when water is flowing into the septic tank faster than effluent can leave the tank. This most often takes place with a long shower running or a washing machine discharge. Water displaces air in the sanitary trunk line and forces air to escape through the s-trap in the toilet. Consider it a timely and friendly warning usually caused by two common and easily resolved problems. For systems with effluent filters, the filters can become partially blocked and restrict the water flow out of the tank. Left uncleaned, partly clogged filters will become completely clogged and cause a backup into your home. For systems with or without effluent filters, the principle cause is buildup of indigestible solids around the inlet pipe of the tank. Eventually the buildup will completely block the inlet and cause a septic backup into your home. The simple solution is to have your septic tank pumped by a competent and properly equipped Septic Services Contractor like Arcola Septic Care.

What is a "Cleanout" and how do I find it?

A "Cleanout" is an access point to the sanitary plumbing in your home. These are places that clogs can be easily and quickly cleared with a sewer tape or low-pressure jetting. In a well-plumbed home, there will be multiple cleanouts at strategic points around the structure. Typically, there are at least two. Look for a 3" or 4" pvc plug with a square fitting in the foundation of the home, either at or just above ground level or further up the lower part of the wall. This is typically the "high" side cleanout of the main sanitary trunk line for the residence. There may be similar cleanouts on lateral lines at other locations around the home, but these are not common. A second and very important Cleanout should be located in the sanitary drain line between the home and the septic tank. Sometimes these are at or above ground level, but more often they are just under surface grade of the dirt. It is a good idea to locate these and mark them for future access in case of "emergencies" like sudden and unexpected backups from the septic tank.

Why Do I Have a Wet Spot in my Yard and a Septic Smell?

A wet spot in your yard with a faint septic smell is almost certainly a "Surface Excursion". There are a couple of typical reasons for this to situation to develop. First, there may be insufficient topsoil cover over the septic drainfield, and excess water finds its way to the surface faster than it can soak into the ground. A second and more dire situation is the drainfield is saturated, either under-sized, over used or abused, and the only recourse for the excessive water is to find its way to the surface. This situation is common with lift pump-assisted systems that send water to the drainfield under pressure. Only an invasive assessment can determine the root cause and best resolution to this situation. Very often this is a sign that your drainfield is under-performing and could potentially need to be replaced or enlarged. Call you trusted Septic Services Contractor like Arcola Septic Care for an assessment.