Every 1–3 years, depending on the number of people in the house, whether the house has a water softener, and whether the house has a washing machine (some washing machines fill the tank with lint).
When you call for an estimate on septic pumping, knowing your tank size helps us give you an accurate quote. Your septic design should have the tank size listed on it. If not, your town office should have a copy.
In dishwashers and washing machines, it is best to only use liquid or gel soap. Powdered soaps can build up in the tank. Some natural powder soaps might be okay, but liquid is always the safer choice.
You should only use single-ply toilet paper. Thicker toilet paper breaks down more slowly and can contribute to buildup in your septic tank.
When septic tanks are pumped and there is not a crust layer on top — with water in the middle layer and sludge on the bottom — the tank probably needs bacteria.
We recommend Roebic K-37 bacteria in the tank and Roebic K-57 in the distribution box, especially if you wash clothes with bleach or have hard well water with minerals like magnesium.
The average septic tank size is 1,000 gallons for homes built before 1991. In 1991, codes changed and homes built after that have tanks of 1,250 gallons or larger. Newer homes can also have filters installed.
The septic design for your house should have the tank size and type of system listed on it. The homeowner should have this design for newer houses. If not, your town office should have a copy. Knowing your tank size is important when getting an estimate for septic pumping.
Yes. Baffles are normally checked every time the tank is pumped by looking in the tank with a light or a mirror. If baffles are cement (common on older tanks), the outlet baffle can fall off over time.
The distribution box connects the outlet pipe to the other pipes in the system. It should be checked when the house is 12–15 years old or older. Distribution boxes last longer on houses with town water and corrode faster on well water or if a water softener discharges into the septic tank.
Yes. Front-load washers use less water and discharge little or no lint compared to most top-load washing machines. Less water and lint means less strain on your septic system.
Yes. Medications, especially antibiotics, can slow down the bacterial growth in your septic tank. Septic systems function in a similar way to our bodies — they rely on healthy bacteria to break down waste, and they can get "ill" too.
If you're on long-term antibiotics, you may need to have your tank checked more frequently or add bacteria to maintain proper function.