Main Office

Frequently Asked Questions

Cleaning and Maintenance

Why do I need my tank cleaned?
Cleaning of the tank is an important part of any systems’ maintenance. Without cleaning, the solids will build in the tank, overflow and block the secondary treatment causing system failure. Regular cleaning will extend the life of the system.

How do I know when my tank needs pumped?
On average a family of 4 should have their tank cleaned at least every 2 years.

When I look in the tank I see the liquid near the top, is it time to clean?
All tanks have a normal working liquid level which is approximately 12” below the top of the tank. The only way to determine if it is time to clean the tank is by the size of the tank and size of the family in the home.

I just had my tank cleaned 2 weeks ago and it is already full. Did my pumper not do his job?
All tanks have a normal working liquid level which is approximately 12” below the top of the tank. The average family of 4 uses 500 gallons of water a day. It sometimes only takes a couple days to fill back to working level.

What does my aerator do and do I need it?
Aerators do a very important job. The aerator introduces air into the system which helps keep the bacteria alive, in turn the bacteria breaks down the waste enabling the system to last much longer.

Do the additives I see on TV really help?
The Ohio Dept. of Health have done studies on the use of additives to septic systems and have found that to date no product has proven to be beneficial, some may even harm the system.

How close does the truck need to be from my tank for cleaning?
Our trucks carry 200’ of hose. The first 100’ of hose is included in the cost of cleaning. Prices vary if more hose is needed. Sometimes if the weather and soil conditions are favorable the truck can be driven across the lawn.

I’m buying a home with a septic system do I need an inspection?
A septic inspection is definitely recommended when buying a home. Many times the homeowner is unaware of any problems. These problems can be found by having a thorough septic inspection. A new septic system can cost up to $17,000.

My home inspector offers septic inspections as well. Why should I hire you?
We are septic tank professionals; we have been in the septic business for 40 years. Today’s systems are more complex than ever, having a inspector that specializes in septic tanks will be able to give you the most comprehensive inspection available.

System Installation

Should I repair or replace my septic system? What do I really need?
When considering repair or replacement the main components of the system must be evaluated. Sometimes the tank can continue to be used and a new secondary treatment can be added, of course the system must meet all county regulations first. You must trust the installer not to sell you more than you need.

What is the best system?
There are many systems in today's market. Some are very inexpensive to install but the maintenance is extremely frequent with high service costs. Finding a good balance of system installation cost versus maintenance costs is essential. You must trust the Installer and do some research to choose the right one for you.

What are the pros and cons of concrete and plastic/fiberglass tanks?
Plastic/fiberglass tanks are lighter, less expensive to ship to the site, therefore they are cheaper to install. Concrete tanks must be delivered and set in place with a boom truck. A concrete tank is built of 4" thick concrete. It is many times stronger than a fiberglass/plastic tank. Fiberglass/plastic tanks when empty can float out of the ground after cleaning, while concrete tanks very, very seldom do.

If the system is inspected is the workmanship inspected as well?
Sadly not all workmanship is inspected. I have serviced many newer systems that had problems which can be traced back to poor workmanship at the time of installation. Most installers don’t maintain systems, they install the system and walk away. What sets some installers apart is knowing septic maintenance and installing in a way that will make service following the installation easier and less expensive.

Why do prices vary so greatly between contractors?
Many factors that determine cost include:
    The brand of system being installed.
    The type of maintenance agreement included.
    The type of sampling well.
    The type of sump pump (if applicable).
    The proposed location of the system.
    The access to an electrical circuit.
    Standard backfill.
    Backfilling with landscaping and seeding.
    The reuse of some existing components.
    The low installation cost initially, but high maintenance cost later.
All of these things must be taken into consideration.

How can I tell a good installer from a bad installer?
Just because a contractor is on the county list of approved installers does not make them proficient at their trade. Unfortunately there is no easy way to decide on an installer. Asking for references, asking the county inspector, neighbors and friends are some of the best ways to determine what kind of work the contractor is doing.

Taking the lowest bid is not always the best rule. The easiest and sometimes most overlooked part of the job is backfilling, if the installer does not take the necessary time to backfill the excavation properly it could make the difference between rototilling your yard the next 5 Saturdays or watching the grass grow.