Frequently Asked Septic & Drain Questions
Q: Can I put an
additive in my tank instead of pumping it out?
A: There is no additive that you can put in the tank that will
deal with the sludge. Some of the material in the tank is not
biodegradable. It must be pumped out. If not pumped out,
the sludge will eventually overflow into the soil absorption area
and clog the system.
Q: How often should I have
my septic system cleaned?
A: This will depend on the number of people in your household, the
amount of wastewater generated and the volume of solids in the
wastewater (e.g., using a garbage disposal will increase the amount
of solids). For the areas of Prince William County and Fairfax County,
state and county laws mandate cleaning the septic tank every 3-5
years. For optimum performance, we recommend every
2½-3 years.
Q: I recently had my tanked
pumped out. Why is it full already?
A: Septic tanks are designed to operate full for proper water/solids
separation. It is necessary for the tank to be full for this
to occur.
Q: Are there certain items that
I shouldn't flush down the drain or toilet?
A: There are many items that can overtax or destroy the biological
digestion taking place within a system, or clog pumps and pipes.
Do not use the septic system for disposal of anything that can
easily be put into the trash. Some examples of items that
should not be flushed are: hair combings, coffee grounds, diapers,
kitty litter, feminine hygiene products, cigarette butts, condoms,
paper towels, fat or oil, dental floss and bandages. Never
flush chemicals of any kind, such as paints and pesticides.
Q: Is there
anything I can do to protect my septic tank?
A: To protect and prolong the life of your septic system:
- Do not drive over the drain field
- Do not plant trees or shrubbery in the drain field
area - roots can clog the lines
- Do not cover the drain field with hard surfaces -
grass is the best cover
- Divert surface runoff water from other areas away
from the drain field
- Use water sparingly and replace plumbing fixtures
with high-efficiency models when possible
- Check all plumbing fixtures for leaks
- Don't put a lot of water into the system at one
time; space out your laundry
- Use toilet paper that is biodegradable
- Never tie a water softener into a septic system