See What Clients Have Been Asking Hall’s Septic Service!

A septic tank is the key component of the septic system. It is a large container that collects sewage and decomposes it through bacterial activity before draining out.

The three main functions of a septic tank:
1. Removal of solids
2. Bacterial action
3. Sludge and scum storage

There are 3 main types of septic tanks for on-site water treatment:
1. Common concrete tanks
2. Fiberglass tanks
3. Plastic or Polyethylene tanks

It is usually buried near your house and connected by a pipe to your indoor plumbing system. The newer septic tanks have access lids visible at the ground level or just above. Older tanks can be found by observing which section of the yard is greener and grows faster than the rest or which sections have less growth. If you cannot see any visible signs of your tank, get in touch with your local health department for help locating it.

No. Septic tanks come in various sizes, all for different purposes. The size of your tank is strictly determined by the number of people living in the home, the number of bedrooms, the home’s square footage, and if there are any efficient water-saving fixtures present in the home.

Sludge will gather at the bottom as the septic tank is being used. Septic tanks that are correctly designed have enough space for 2-3 years of sludge accumulation. When the sludge levels exceed how much your tank can handle, more solids escape into the filter. If sludge accumulates too long, it can leak sewage directly into the absorption area, and your drain fields will need to be replaced. To prevent this kind of damage, please pump out your tank at least every 2 years minimum.

It depends on the size of the family in the home. As a rule of thumb, a family of 4 should have their tank pumped out every 2 years. If there is a 2-member household, pump your tank every 3 years. Those homes with a large number of people living in them should pump out their systems every year.

After being pumped, your septic tank will resume normal water level. Typically there will be water in the tank and the water level must be below or at your outlet line. There is a problem with the system if the water is above the outlet line, if this is happening with your tank, please call Hall’s Septic Service immediately.

• Grease
• Cigarette filters
• Baby wipes
• Bleach
• Diapers
• Feminine hygiene products
• Paper towels
• Any product that has trouble breaking down

• Don’t dump excess water into your system
• Save any non-liquid wastes for the trash can
• Do not wash solids down the drain
• Keep a separate container for waste grease and throw it in the garbage

• If your sinks or toilets are draining slowly
• If your plumbing is backed up
• If you hear gurgling sounds coming from your plumbing
• If you see wet or mushy soil in the yard
• If there are sewage odors in your house or yard
• If there is standing water in your sinks that are greyish in color
• If there are bacteria in well water
• If the grass is growing faster and greener in a spot in the yard

Chemicals do not protect or enhance your septic system.

Inlet and outlet ports are necessary to inspect and maintain your septic tank. Childproof access and riser lids can be installed for easy access.

Yes, when antibiotics, for example, enter your tank, it can cause drinking water contamination and cause an imbalance in the ecosystem and kill the necessary bacteria that break down human waste. This could cause solid waste and sludge to build up in your tank faster than normal.

It could be your septic tank, or it could be something else. Go upwind of your house to locate if the odor is coming from your property. Check for any potential gas leaks if the odor is on your property. If it is not a gas leak, your septic system is most likely the source. Call Hall’s Septic Service for a pump-out.

Yes. Please channel all water away from your septic system as excess water can flood the secondary treatment system.

Peace of mind is the top advantage of a new septic system. Another advantage is new PVC lines and other modern plumbing techniques.

It depends on a number of factors. The average lifespan is up to 35 years if the system is installed correctly and has had regular maintenance. With steel septic tanks, on average they last 15-20 years and tend to rust. Concrete tanks can last up to 50 years with the proper care and maintenance.

It depends on its size and how much water you will use. It can range from $8,000 to $10,000 for a 1,250-gallon tank and up to $15,000 for a 1,500-gallon tank.

Garbage disposals should be used in moderation because they put too many solids in your system. Typically garbage disposals are meant for city sewers.

Most likely, there is an issue with your drain field. If too much sewage has been treated in your septic tank gets into your field, it can produce a waterproof film and won't let water into the ground. The water will eventually come up into the yard.

Please get in touch with your local Environmental Health Department for more information regarding septic systems.

Hall’s Septic Service will be able to provide you with different options regarding different systems. The permit you receive from the Environmental Health Department will identify which system should be installed, though you may be able to use a different septic system per your individual property needs.