Septic Tank Emptying FAQ
On the FAQ page below, you can find out more information about the emptying of your septic tank and how to take care of it.
What is a Septic Tank?
The septic tank is a large container usually buried near the home that receives all of the waste water.
Solids settle to the bottom and grease and lighter solids float on the top.
Healthy bacteria continually break down these materials and allow effluent water to leave the tank to be dispersed through the leach field. If the water has sludge present, the system will fail.
Should there be access to the top of my septic tank?
Yes. In order to inspect and maintain your septic tank, access to the inlet and outlet ports is a must. Risers and childproof access lids can easily be installed to ground level to provide for easy access.
Do Septic Tanks last forever?
No. Deterioration of both the steel and concrete type of septic tank begins immediately. Polymer tanks last the longest and without physical abuse should serve you well for many, many years. Concrete is porous and cracks by nature. Salts and chemicals are the major factors in deterioration of concrete and metal tanks.
What should go into my septic tank?
The best situation for a long, happy septic tank life would be that only human wastewater enters the tank.
This includes bathroom sink waste and proper toilet tissue.
This however, is seldom the case. People often put anything and everything down sinks, drains and toilets.
In moderation, a properly working septic tank can handle some biodegradable detergents, laundry soaps, kitchen wastes and biodegradable household chemicals.
In large amounts, any and all of these things can limit the digestive properties of your septic tank.