All on-site residential septic systems operate with the same goal in mind, which is to biologically treat all water used in the home and safely return it to the environment. Settling tanks, also referred to as septic tanks, are common to all septic systems. The purpose of these tanks is to trap the solids carried from the house via the sewer line and separate these solids from the water. This water, now called effluent, is then treated by the many variations of septic systems.

The reason for pumping a septic tank is to prevent solids from building up to a point where they begin overflowing and exiting the septic tank and potentially plugging other components of the septic system. On today’s modern systems, we recommend a minimum of every 3 years. The number of household residents also plays a role in the recommended pumping frequency.

One of Micsky Excavating & Septic Systems’ trained professionals can identify the location of an existing tank simply by looking for variations in the ground’s characteristics. There are also locating devices designed for this task, such as probe rods and electronic locating equipment that can be flushed down the toilet.

There are many different types of septic systems, and each comes with its own unique characteristics. Are the tanks lids exposed? Is there a large mound or hill on the property? Do you have an alarm system in or around the home? This information can help in determining the type of system you may have. Please feel free to contact us. Sometimes an answer can be determined over the phone. We would also be happy to stop by the property and take a look to help determine your system type.

Many contributing factors can lead to septic system failure. Not pumping the septic tank on a routine basis greatly increases the chance of system failure. Other reasons may be pump(s) failures, lack of routine maintenance, improper disposal of household products and cleaning agents, excessive water usage, or groundwater entering a leaking system component. An older system may have been incorrectly built on unsatisfactory soil conditions, which can simply not absorb the household water.

The most common harmful items we routinely find being used in the household are cleaning products containing chlorine bleach. This includes chlorine bleach being used in the laundry, toilet bowl cleaning products containing chlorine bleach, and salt brine backwash from water softener units.

Many septic system component manufacturers will void all company warranties if salt brine backwash is found to be discharging into the septic system.

NEVER FLUSH THE FOLLOWING:

• Disposable diapers
• Bones
• Sanitary napkins
• Tampons
• Tampon applicators
• Condoms
• Coffee grounds
• Plastic bandages
• Bandage wrappers
• Dental floss
• Cigarette butts 

These items won’t break down. Throw them in the trash. Otherwise, they accumulate in your septic tank. 

Petroleum-based and latex paints will inactivate the bacteria located inside your septic tank and can pollute the groundwater.

The definition of a failing septic system is improperly treated water/sewage entering the environment. Many homeowners have failing septic systems and never know they have a problem. The household drains seem to be working correctly from inside the home. The problem exists outside the home. Where is all that water going? Many instances are of overflow pipes going over a hillside, gravel trenches that are supposed to absorb the effluent, but only work during the dry seasons of the year. Take the time to walk around your property. Wet spots in the yard, unknown purpose pipes, and constant water in road ditches can be indicators of potential problems. If you are unaware of where your septic system is located, that is also a good indicator that your system may not be functioning properly.

The price of a septic system is determined by the type and size of the system required on your specific property. The system type and size are determined by soil testing conducted by a sewage enforcement officer. Once the soil characteristics are known, we will match the most appropriate type of system to the specific property. Without this specific knowledge, the cost would only be a guess at best.

Before purchasing any property, the potential buyer should always have a soil probe conducted. This determines what type of septic system will be required on that particular property. In some cases, the seller may have already had a soil probe conducted. In this case, always ask for a copy of all the reports, paying specific attention to the date the soil probe was conducted, as expiration dates do exist and the property may need to be retested. The type of septic system determined to be installed will greatly affect the cost of installation and the value of the property. Admittedly, the cost of having a property soil tested is not inexpensive; however, the potential cost of not having the soil tested could be catastrophic. Many potential buyers and sellers come to an agreement to negotiate the costs as the soil probe is valuable to both parties involved.

Vacant Land

Before purchasing any property the potential buyer should always have a soil probe conducted. This determines what type of septic system will be required on that particular property. In some cases, the seller may have already had a soil probe conducted. In this case, always ask for a copy of all the reports, paying specific attention to the date the soil probe was conducted, as expiration dates do exist, and the property may need to be retested as some soil requirements may have changed since the soil probe was conducted. The type of septic system determined to be installed will greatly affect the cost of installation, as septic systems can range from $3,500 to $30,000. This has a big impact on the value of the property. Admittedly, the cost of having a property soil tested is not inexpensive; however, the potential cost of not having the soil tested could be catastrophic. Many potential buyers and sellers come to agreement to negotiate the costs, as the soil probe is valuable to both parties involved.

Existing Home

Before purchasing an existing home, the potential buyer should always have a qualified installer/service provider conduct an inspection of the existing septic system to help determine if there are potential problems with the system. Typically, a dye test is conducted, where colored dye is introduced into all drains and toilets, including floor drains. Where this dye appears outdoors can be an indicator of the condition of the existing septic system. A dye test alone is not a sufficient test of the system’s functionality. This is the reason for hiring a qualified installer/service provider like us. Our expertise is invaluable in this situation. If the existing septic system is found to be failing and simple repairs cannot correct the condition, then a new system would need to be installed. The steps to proceed would be the same as vacant land (as described above).