FAQ

Helpful Septic System FAQs

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Get Answers to All Your Questions About Septic Systems

Do you have questions about your septic system? Get answers from ACME Septic. FREE estimates are available over the phone for pumping and inspection. Call us at 303-459-1106. Estimates are provided in a timely fashion. If we have to travel to the location and troubleshoot, we charge for labor. Remember to ask for a discount if you're a senior citizen.

Q. What Is the Purpose of a Septic System?

A. The septic system is used in rural areas where city sewer is not available for the disposal of all water used in a household.

Q. Why Is It Necessary to Pump a Septic Tank?

A. All household water goes into a septic tank. Some household waste contains solid material and other debris, which goes into the septic tank. Over time, the solids and debris in the septic tank build to a point where it is necessary to extract them from the tank.

Q. How Often Do You Need to Pump Your Septic Tank?

A. It is recommended, given ordinary household use, to have the septic tank pumped every 2 to 3 years.

Q. Should I Be Using a Bacteria Additive?

A. A healthy septic system generally does not need any bacteria additives.

Q. Why Is My Tank Full When I Just Had It Pumped a Couple of Weeks Ago?

A. Given ordinary use, a septic tank will fill up with water within one to two weeks after having it pumped. The water level in the septic tank is at full capacity in an operating septic system.

Q. What Is a Riser?

A. A riser is a concrete or plastic collar that is installed over the lid(s) on the septic tank bringing the access to the tank closer to the surface of the ground.

Q. Can I Drive on the Field or Tank?

A. It is not recommended to allow any type of compaction (driving, livestock, dog runs, etc.) over any part of the septic system.

Q. Is It Okay to Have Trees on the Absorption Unit of the Septic System?

A. It is recommended to keep all trees a minimum of 10 feet from the septic system.

Q. Should I Use a Garbage Disposal?

A. It is okay to use a garbage disposal; however, the non-digested solids from the use of the garbage disposal will build up in the septic tank more quickly. Households using a garbage disposal on a regular basis should have the septic tank pumped more frequently (every one to two years given ordinary use).

Q. Is Something Wrong If I Smell Sewer Outside?

A. Getting a sewer smell from outside is not a concern unless it is coming from standing water. Sewer gases from the septic tank sometimes emit an odor from a roof vent stack or from the tank itself. If the smell is coming from the tank, putting a couple of inches of dirt over the lids can solve this problem. If the odor is coming from the vent stack on the roof, there are other options that ACME Septic can help you with. Either of these circumstances is not a concern for the well-being of your system. If you have water surfacing outside that is causing the odor, then this is a concern and you should call ACME Septic for an assessment.

Q. Is Something Wrong If I Smell Sewer Inside?

A. Generally smelling sewer gas inside the home is not indicative of a problem with the septic system. One of the most common causes for sewer gas in the home is because the water in a P trap has evaporated. If there are any drains in the home (sink, tub, floor, etc.) that have not been used for a period of time, pour some water down the drain in order to put some water back into the P trap. If that doesn't solve the problem, then there may be a small air leak in a wax ring of a stool or in one of the pipes in the home and further exploratory work will be necessary.

Q. Why Does It Look Like My Tank Is Full of Solid Matter When I Look in From The Top?

A. There is a layer of scum that forms on the top of the water in the septic tank. This scum layer consists of everything that floats, and over time, with exposure to the air, becomes crusty. If you push on it with a stick, you should see that it is only a floating layer on top of the water in your tank.

Q. Can I Flush Baby Wipes, Tampons, or Disposable Diapers Into the Septic System?

A. No. Baby wipes do not break down like toilet paper will and they build up in the septic tank.

Q. Is There Any Way to Check My Tank in Order to See If It Needs to Be Pumped?

A. The best way to determine if your septic tank needs to be pumped is with timing. It is recommended to have your tank pumped every two to three years, given ordinary use. However, if you look in your tank and see that you have 4" to 5" of scum floating on top of the water, you should pump your tank. If you see no scum layer on top, this is not necessarily an indication that you do not need to pump your tank, as there may be a considerable amount of sludge at the bottom of the tank that you cannot see.

Q. What Are Signs That There Is a System Failure?

A. The most common sign for a system failure is effluent water (septic water) surfacing outside. Water surfacing can also be an indication that there is a toilet in the house sticking or some other source of water running consistently into the septic system.

Q. Is It Okay to Put Cleaning Products Into the Septic System?

A. Constant use of large quantities of drain solvents, disinfecting solutions, and strong chemicals may reduce bacterial action and cause rapid accumulation of sludge and the clogging of the absorption field. Household cleaning products when used in moderation are okay.

Q. Should I Keep a Diagram or Drawing of My Septic System?

A. Yes. Learn the location of your septic tank and absorption unit. Keep a sketch of it handy with your maintenance records for service visits.

Q. Should I Plant Anything on the Absorption Unit?

A. Yes. Grass should be planted over the absorption unit area to aid in the dispersal and evaporation effect. Avoid planting trees and shrubs in the same area due to possible root damage. Also, avoid placing a sprinkler system too close to the absorption unit.

Q. Is It Okay to Have Water Drain Onto the Absorption Unit?

A. No. All surface drainage runoff should be diverted away from or around the absorption unit to prevent saturation of the soil. Avoid piling snow near or on the absorption unit as well.

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"Five stars to this man for great customer service.

He returned my call in due time, was knowledgeable about my system, and continues to be enthusiastic about his work after 30 years in the same business. Also, he was willing to be flexible with my weird schedule.

He was friendly and the best damn active listener I've met in years.

Yay for the power of an awesome local businessman."

A Satisfied Customer., Yelp