FAQ: What every homeowner should know about Septic Tanks.

The frequency of septic pumping and inspections depends on several factors, including tank size, household size, and water usage. As a general guideline, it is recommended to pump the tank every 3-5 years and schedule an annual inspection. Regular inspections can help identify and address issues early, such as an overworked pump or tree roots clogging leach lines, potentially saving you money in the long run.

Line jetting clears out your drain lines by using high-pressure water. This will clear obstructions and help with regular maintenance of your septic system to prevent backups.

1. Too much water at once

• Cause: Doing multiple loads of laundry back-to-back, long showers, or running the dishwasher and washing machine simultaneously.
• Fix: Spread out laundry over several days and install water-saving fixtures.

2. Excessive solid waste

• Cause: Flushing non-biodegradable items (wipes, feminine products, paper towels) or overloading the system with food waste.
• Fix: Only flush toilet paper and human waste. Avoid using the garbage disposal heavily.

3. Chemical overload

• Cause: Using harsh cleaners, antibacterial soaps, or dumping chemicals that kill septic tank bacteria.
• Fix: Use septic-safe cleaners and avoid pouring chemicals down the drain.

4. System undersized for household

• Cause: A small septic tank serving a large household or high water usage.
• Fix: Upgrade your tank size if needed.

Signs of Overload:

• Slow drains
• Gurgling sounds in plumbing
• Sewage odors
• Standing water near the drain field

Here’s a list of what should never be flushed down the toilet, especially if you have a septic system:

1. Non-Biodegradable Items

• Baby wipes (even “flushable” ones)
• Paper towels and tissues
• Cotton balls, swabs, and pads
• Dental floss

2. Hygiene Products

• Feminine hygiene products (tampons, pads)
• Diapers
• Bandages

3. Chemicals and Cleaning Products

• Bleach (in large amounts)
• Harsh drain cleaners
• Paint, solvents, or motor oil
• Medications

4. Food and Kitchen Waste

• Grease, fats, and oils
• Coffee grounds
• Eggshells
• Bones

5. Pet Waste and Cat Litter

Even if labeled “flushable,” cat litter can clog pipes and disrupt your septic system.

1. Keep the Drain Field Clear

• Avoid Parking or Driving: Never drive or park vehicles on the drain field to prevent soil compaction and pipe damage.
• No Heavy Structures: Don’t build sheds, decks, or pools over it.

2. Manage Water Use

• Spread Out Water Usage: Avoid overloading the system with large amounts of water in a short time.
• Fix Leaks: Even a dripping faucet can overwhelm your septic system over time.
• Install Water-Saving Fixtures: Toilets, showerheads, and washers can help reduce strain.

3. Watch What You Flush and Drain

• Do Not Flush: Wipes, feminine hygiene products, diapers, coffee grounds, grease, or harsh chemicals.
• Use Septic-Safe Cleaners: Avoid bleach-heavy or antibacterial products that kill necessary bacteria.

4. Landscape Smartly

• Plant Grass: Grass helps prevent erosion and absorbs excess water.
• Avoid Deep-Rooted Plants and Trees: Their roots can clog pipes.
  • Safe plants: Turf grass, wildflowers, and shallow-rooted ground covers.

5. Inspect and Pump Regularly

• Professional Inspections: Have your system inspected every 1-3 years.
• Pump Every 3-5 Years: More often for larger households.

Signs of Trouble in the Drain Field:

• Soggy areas or standing water
• Sewage smells
• Greener or faster-growing grass over the field

In most cases, septic tank additives are not necessary and may even harm your system. Here’s the scoop:

Why Additives Might Not Help

• Natural Bacteria Does the Job: Your septic tank already contains the bacteria needed to break down waste.
• Some Additives Kill Good Bacteria: Chemical-based products can do more harm than good.
• Risk of Pushing Solids into the Drain Field: Overuse of additives can break down solids too quickly, leading to clogs in the drain field.

When Additives Could Help

• After Heavy Use of Harsh Chemicals: If bleach or antibiotics were flushed and killed the bacteria, a biological additive (like Rid-X) might help restore balance.
• If the System Was Inactive: For example, in a vacation home where the tank hasn’t been used for months.

Best Practice:

Stick with regular pumping every 3-5 years, avoid flushing anything harmful, and manage water use. That will keep your septic system healthy without the need for additives. Call us today for a free estimate or to schedule service.

Call 209-295-PUMP (7867)

No, you don’t need a special laundry soap, but it’s best to use septic-safe detergents. Regular detergents can disrupt the natural bacteria in your septic tank, which are essential for breaking down waste. Here’s what to look for:

• Liquid detergent (better than powdered, which can cause clogs)
• Low-sudsing or HE detergents (if you have a high-efficiency washer)
• Biodegradable and phosphate-free
• No antibacterial or harsh chemicals

Here are a few septic-safe laundry detergents:

1. Seventh Generation Free & Clear – Biodegradable, fragrance-free, and plant-based.
2. ECOS Laundry Detergent – Made from coconut-based cleaners and gentle on septic systems.
3. Method Laundry Detergent – Concentrated, plant-based formula without phosphates or harsh chemicals.
4. Mrs. Meyer’s Clean Day – Biodegradable and available in multiple light, natural scents.
5. Arm & Hammer Liquid Laundry Detergent (Free of dyes and perfumes) – Affordable and septic-friendly.

If you smell a strong, unpleasant odor coming from your septic system, it usually indicates an issue that needs immediate attention. Here’s what you should do:

1. Identify the Source

• Outside: Check for odors near the drain field, septic tank, or vent pipes.
• Inside: Smells in bathrooms or near sinks may indicate a problem with your plumbing, venting, or sewer line.

2. Possible Causes and Solutions

• • Full Septic Tank:
    Solution: CALL SEPTICO at 209-295-PUMP (7867)
  • Blocked or Broken Vent Pipe:
    Solution: CALL SEPTICO at 209-295-PUMP (7867) to inspect your vent pipes for clogs or damage. We provide minor repair services as well as snaking and line jetting to clear clogs.
  • Drain Field Issues:
    Solution: Check for soggy spots or standing water, which may mean your drain field is failing.

Dry P-Traps (Sewer Gas Escape):
Solution: Run water in unused drains to fill P-traps and block gases.

• Damaged or Cracked Tank:
  Solution: CALL SEPTICO at 209-295-PUMP (7867) to inspect for cracks or leaks.

3. Avoid Quick Fixes

• Don’t use chemical additives or quick solutions, as they can harm the system and worsen the problem.

4. If the smell persists, CALL SEPTICO at 209-295-PUMP (7867) to diagnose and resolve the issue.

Yes! We are not only local but family-run as well. We strive for the best service at a reasonable price and treat our customers like family. As a matter of fact, we travel with family almost every day with Holly, the Septico Dog! No need to fear when the Septico dog is here!

Yes, I am licensed and insured, fully complying with state and local laws. Hiring a licensed and insured contractor like myself provides protection and ensures that your homeowner’s insurance doesn’t have to cover any potential damages. Avoiding uninsured contractors is important to prevent potential costs in worst-case scenarios.

Yes! We operate from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m., seven days a week! We are available outside of those hours in emergencies.

We will travel to all cities in Amador, Calaveras, and San Joaquin counties.