Brad's Septic & Sewer Service, LLC FAQs

A septic system is made up of the septic tank and leach field (or drainage field). The main pipe from the house is connected to the septic tank on the inlet end. As waste and water enter the tank, the solids (and toilet paper) settle to the bottom, the middle is water storage, and the top layer is a grease layer.

The opposite end of the septic tank has an outlet pipe that connects to the leach field. Water will exit the outlet pipe into the leach field lines and filtrate through the bed of rock to filter clean water into the ground. 

The frequency of pumping is factored by the age of the system, the number of people living in the home, the size of the septic tank, and the household usage. The recommended pumping frequency is once every two to three years for homes without a garbage disposal and once a year for homes with a garbage disposal.

The number of people living in the home is only a partial factor to determine the frequency of pumping. Whether there are minimal people living in the home or there is a limited usage of water flow (showering, toilets, sinks, laundry), pumping the septic tank will help prevent the solids from entering the leach field and plugging the leach field lines.

Another important reason for pumping is to eliminate the gases that are released from the sewage waste buildup. The gases will increase the deterioration of the septic tank structure. Proper pumping maintenance performed every two to three years will prolong septic system longevity.