Frequently Asked Questions
Q:
How often should I have my wastewater system (septic tank) serviced?
A: Generally,
service to your wastewater system (septic tank) is recommended every 3-7
years depending on the size of your family and the amount of wastewater
processed through your system. As an example, a system used by a family
of four may require service every 3-5 years where a family of two may
only require service every 5-7 years. Contact our office for additional
information.
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Q:
How much will the service to my wastewater system (septic tank) cost?
A: The cost of service varies depending on the actual services required.
System pumping is charged at a rate determined by the volume of liquid
removed plus the applicable unloading fees. Additional fees may be incurred
if our serviceman is required to locate and uncover your system and/or
minor repairs to your system are identified and authorized for repair.
Our office can assist you with an individual evaluation of your needs
after a brief review of services desired and an estimate of your systems
capacity. Contact our office for additional information.
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Q:
How long does a wastewater system (septic tank) service take?
A: The normal period of time to complete a wastewater system service
is approximately 2 hours. Certain existing conditions can impact the actual
amount of time such as location of system, accessibility to system, whether
or not the system has been exposed or required our service man to locate
and uncover, the actual condition of the system, period of time lapsing
since previous service, etc. Contact our office for additional information.
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Q:
What's involved with a real estate inspection of my wastewater system
(septic tank)?
A: Our inspectors are trained by the National Association of Wastewater
Transporters (NAWT) and perform an extensive inspection which includes:
interviewing the owner/occupant to determine current use and history of
system, locating system, visual inspection of area around the system prior
to exposing, visual inspection of interior components of system and content
composition, identify any indicators of system failure (previous and/or
present), after pumping inspect the integrity of the systems components,
determine current condition of system overall, share results with owner/occupant
including any recommendations and/or concerns and complete a comprehensive
inspection report. Contact our office for additional information.
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Q:
How big is my system (septic tank)?
A: Generally, the size of your wastewater system (septic tank) is
determined by local ordinances and building codes in effect at the time
your system was installed. It is estimated that a home with 3 bedrooms
and 1 bath to 1 ½ baths would require a system between 1200 and 1500 gallons
where a 4 bedroom, 2 bath home may require a 1500-2000 gallon system.
Contact our office for additional information.
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Q:
Where is my wastewater system (septic tank) located?
A: Location of wastewater system (septic tank) is regulated by local
ordinances and building codes. In general a wastewater system is located
approximately 8 - 10 feet from the foundation exit of the main sewer/waste
line. Depending on the terrain, the condition of the surrounding soil,
etc. the system may be located as far as 200 feet from the home. Contact
our office for additional information.
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Q:
What is your service area?
A: Wastewater Solution services the geographic area of the Central
Coast specifically Monterey County, Santa Cruz County, San Benito County
and the southern Santa Clara County region including Morgan Hill and Gilroy.
Contact our office for additional information.
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Q:
What exactly is a septic tank?
A: The conventional septic tank is usually a concrete, fiberglass,
or steel box where the wastewater from the house collects. Wastewater
from toilets, bathtubs, showers, laundry, kitchen, etc., is fed into this
tank. It is designed to hold the water for two or three days or long enough
for most of the heavy suspended material such as feces, soil, grit, and
food residues to sink to the bottom of the tank to form a sludge.
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Q:
How long does an average septic tank last?
A: Concrete tanks should last the life of the dwelling. The drainfield
is the part of the system prone to failure. Proper maintenance and inspection
of the septic tank reduces the chances of drainfield failure.
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Q:
What is a drainfield failure?
A: A drainfield is considered to have failed when: insufficiently
treated effluent reaches groundwater or surface water such as lakes and
streams; effluent surfaces on the ground; and/or household fixtures will
not drain. NOTE: Slowly draining household fixtures do not necessarily
mean a failing drainfield system. Other factors, such as clogged plumbing,
can cause slowly draining fixtures.
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Q:
What causes drainfield failures?
A: Usually a combination of things leads to failure: poor soils, high
seasonal groundwater, extremely high household water use, lack of maintenance,
clogged drainfield, or poor initial construction. Some of these causes
can be corrected or compensated for, some cannot. The major cause of drainfield
failure is poorly drained soils and associated high groundwater tables.
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Q:
How can I tell if my system is failing?
A: Drainfield failures (those that are breaking out on the surface)
usually cause soggy soil, often with a very offensive odor. Surfacing
effluent usually turns black or gray. Surface failures can easily be spotted
in dryer months when lawns start to turn brown. Areas, in which septic
tank effluent has, or is about to surface, are characterized by lush,
green grass as contrasted to other more brown portions of the lawn. When
a soggy area is suspected to be the cause of a failing drainfield, inspectors
may use dye tablets flushed through the septic tank to see if the dye
will show up in the wet area. Another symptom of an ailing septic tank-drainfield
system is slowly draining household fixtures. When this occurs, the system
may need pumping, or even replacement.
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Q:
Can I prevent or delay failures?
A: Proper system maintenance is essential for long term successful
performance of any septic system. A properly constructed and maintained
system can last indefinitely if it is not overloaded or abused.
The
two most important thoughts to keep in mind are: reduce the amount of
wastewater discharged into the system by the use of water conservation
devices or changes in water use habits and be careful of the types and
amounts of harmful materials flushed into the tank.
It
is not recommend that items such as: fats or greases, fuels or motor oils,
plastic objects or disposable diapers, caustic soda, acids, chemical cleaners,
coffee grounds, egg or nut shells, matches, filtered cigarette butts,
sanitary napkins or tampons, paper towel or rags, paints, solvents, waxes,
polishes, pesticides, poisons, or hazardous wastes be put into these systems.
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Q:
How can I locate my septic tank?
A: If the house is not too old, the local planning department may
have a record of where your septic tank is located in relationship to
your house. Anoth | 