Question 1

My septic alarm is on, what do I do?

Accepted Answer

Don't panic! You can silence the alarm. Press the silence button to silence the buzzer. This could be a toggle switch or a red or black button.  Sometimes short power outages can cause the alarm to activate. If the light stays on or if the buzzer sounds again, call us as soon as possible. Never turn the system off.

Question 2

What does it mean when the red light is on?

Accepted Answer

This is a general alarm light most likely signaling high water in the system. Your system needs serviced immediately, please call us as soon as possible so we can schedule a service call.

Question 3

What does it mean when the yellow light is on?

Accepted Answer

If your system has a yellow light, as not all systems do, this usually indicates an aeration problem. The system is most likely not getting properly aerated and you will need to contact us to further inspect the problem. Call us as soon as possible so we can schedule a service call.

Question 4

The drains smell in my house, is this a septic issue?

Accepted Answer

No, This is likely a plumbing issue.  In your house you have pee traps. These don't allow any gas from your septic to pass into the house. If you have a smell it could be bacteria, food residue or a pee trap malfunction.

Question 5

Why does my septic system smell?

Accepted Answer

This can be caused by many different issues: overuse, broken or malfunctioning equipment, disinfectants and other chemicals being introduced to the system. If the smell persists contact your maintenance provider.

Question 6

We have a strong odor outside our house. Could this be coming from our septic system?

Accepted Answer

Yes, but it could also be from another source. You will first want to determine if the source is on your property. To locate the cause, go upwind from your house. If the source of the odor is on your property, check for possible propane or gas leaks and take appropriate safety measures. Once the possibility of a propane or gas leak is eliminated, you can then move onto the septic system as a likely source. Have the tank pumped if it has been more than 5 years since you have had it pumped out.

Question 7

What are the symptoms of septic tank failure?

Accepted Answer

A stinky area of wet, soggy soil, sometimes with visible water, may appear. Sewage may back up into the house and toilets may not flush properly, gurgling.

Question 8

What can’t I put down the drains or toilets?

Accepted Answer

It’s much simpler to tell you what you can put down the toilets. Water, toilet paper and human waste. Everything else adds to the solids of the septic and will require the system to be pumped more frequently. Normal household day-to-day operations are fine for your septic system.

The best thing to do for your septic system is to be sure not to flush anything other than human waste and toilet paper. Even if items are marked as "septic safe" do not flush them. For example, some baby wipes and cat litter may be labeled this way. It is not good for your septic system to flush anything other than human waste and toilet paper because it does not break down in the septic system correctly.

No Flush List
• Coffee Grounds
• Disposable Diapers
• Sanitary Napkins
• Tampons
• Condoms
• Cigarettes
• Fats, Grease & Oils
• Disinfectants (including bleach)
• Photographic Chemicals
• Pills & Unused Medication
• Thinners
• Backwash Water from Water Softeners
• Kitty Litter
• Plastic Materials
• Paper Towels
• Tissues
• Cloth
• Dental Floss
• Pesticides
• Other Chemical Wastes
• Paints
• Varnishes
• Waste Oils
• Poisons
• Sump Pump Discharge

**This is not a comprehensive list. If you have any questions about what can go into your septic system, please give us a call.

Question 9

How can I protect my septic system?

Accepted Answer

Don't plant anything but grass near your septic system and keep this area trimmed and cut. Roots from shrubs and trees can enter and clog drainfield pipes. Don't allow anyone to drive over any part of the system. Do not construct buildings or concrete over any part of the sewage system. Grass is the most appropriate cover for the drainfield.

Question 10

How does my garbage disposal impact my septic system?

Accepted Answer

We highly recommend not using a garbage disposal with a septic system as they are very hard on the system. We recommend having a removable strainer in the kitchen sink so solids can be disposed of in the trash instead of running it through the garbage disposal. Garbage disposals  require a lot of water which contributes to solid build-up in your tank, requiring more frequent pumping. Garbage disposals also chop particles up so fine that they neither sink nor float in the system, which can clog filters and drain lines.

Question 11

Do I need to add additives or enzymes to my system?

Accepted Answer

In most instances additives are unnecessary to maintain a properly functioning septic system. However, sometimes a system will become overloaded with organic material and the enzymes and bacteria in additives can actually help. This can occur when a system is temporarily required to process more waste than it was designed to process, such as instances when there are frequent large parties or extra guests for an extended period of time. The need for these supplements is best determined by your service provider.

Question 12

I have a conventional system and my yard has a wet spot emitting a bad odor. What is the problem?

Accepted Answer

There is most likely something wrong with your drain field. If too much of the effluent or sewage that has been treated in your septic tank gets into the field, it produces a film that will not let the water drain into the ground; instead of going down, the water eventually starts to come up into the yard. Your field may need revitalized or it could be something as simple as a blockage in the line that needs cleared.

Septic Troubleshooting

Frequently asked questions