Septic FAQs

Your septic tank requires enzymes and additives to break down wastewater and a mixture of solids, also known as sewage. A normal operating septic tank can be broken down into levels for the owner to understand how to better maintain it, but it should ultimately be handled by a professional like us here at Grump’s Pumps and Septic!

Solid waste is the sludge that accumulates at the bottom of the tank, and the grease accumulates as scum that floats near the top. The mixture of solids consists of sand, grit, bits of plastic, and other non-organic materials that the enzymes and bacteria can’t break down. Contact Grump’s Pumps and Septic for septic tank pumping, and we will measure your septic tank levels, including the sludge and scum thickness.

The minimum distance from your home that a septic tank can be installed is 5 feet. However, most septic tanks are installed 10-20 feet from a house.

On average, a newly installed septic system will last 20-30 years. The longevity of a septic system has many variables, such as proper installation, routine maintenance, and making sure toxic chemicals and harmful products are not allowed to enter the system.

You should avoid putting anything down the drain that won’t break down properly and will instead just sit in your tank, including:

• Grease
• Paper towels
• Cigarette butts
• Baby wipes
• Sanitary napkins or feminine hygiene products
• Diapers
• Oil

There are a few different materials a septic tank can be made of, including:

• Plastic
• Concrete 
• Steel
• Fiberglass

Investing in routine professional maintenance and septic cleaning is one of the most critical factors determining your septic system’s lifespan. Depending on the number of people utilizing your facilities or living in your home, we recommend septic tank pumping every 3-5 years.

During a maintenance visit, we can clean and install filters, inspect the overall condition of your septic tank, and even help educate you on what products are harmful or helpful to your septic system.

A family that uses the garbage disposal dumps approximately 50% more solid waste down the drain than a family without the garbage disposal. This excess waste accumulation in the septic tank due to garbage disposal use requires septic tank pumping twice as often, costing time and money. Avoid putting food particles and FOG (fats, oil, and grease) down your drain; try composting instead, or throw waste in the trash.

It is recommended that you have your septic tank pumped every 3 to 5 years to maintain optimal performance and avoid overflowing.  

• Foul odors around the septic tank
• Greener and taller grass around the septic tank
• Slowly draining bathtubs, sinks, and showers
• Gurgling noises coming from the plumbing system
• Damp spots near the drain field area
• Water and waste backing up from toilets, sinks, and drains

You should consider the following before having a professional complete your septic tank installation:

• Heavy equipment movement
• Site slope
• Lot size
• Household size
• Soil type
• Nearby bodies of water
• Local regulations
• Local weather condition

We’re proud to offer a 5-year warranty on all of our field line installations and replacements! Contact us for more information regarding drain field installation or septic tank installation.

Your septic tank repair cost could vary from $200 to $2,000 depending on what part of your tank or lines needs to be repaired or replaced. Major repairs can cost more, but we never know until we perform a thorough inspection to accurately quote you a septic tank repair estimate. All estimates are free!

Because we offer 24 hour emergency septic repair service, we can be there as soon as you call. No matter what time of day or night, we’ll be there!

If your septic system is backing up into your drains, immediately stop using the toilets and water. This will only cause more water to rush into your septic tank and cause further backups. Next, call a professional septic company for septic tank pumping and cleaning.

The following are other signs that your septic tank is full and needs immediate professional septic services attention:

• You notice pooling water.
• You hear gurgling sounds in the plumbing system.
• There are foul odors around the septic tank.
• All of your sinks, baths, and showers drain very slowly.
• Your toilet clogs or rises consistently with no help from a plunger.
• The grass around the septic tank is getting greener and taller. 
• There are damp spots near the drain field area. 
• Your yard constantly has puddle spots.
• There are high levels of coliform bacteria in the water wells.
• Water and sewage from your toilet, your sinks, and your drains are backing up into your home.

We offer numerous commercial septic tank services, including:

• Lift Station Pump for Septic Tanks
• Commercial Drain Cleaning 
• Commercial Septic Tank Maintenance
• Commercial Septic Tank Installation 
• Commercial Septic Tank Repair
• And More!

Here are a few common signs that you may need a commercial drain cleaning:

• Your drain is constantly getting clogged
• Your drain is backing up
• Your drain is draining much slower than usual
• There is a bad smell coming from your drain
• There are strange sounds coming from the drain