1. How do I know if my tank is overdue for pumping?

You will experience one or more of the following problems:

Sluggish and/or gurgling drains

Backups

Odor

Soggy ground or greener grass over your system

2. How often should my tank be pumped out?

The longest interval recommended between tank cleanings is three years. However, this may be too long for most septic tanks. If four or more people live in the home, if your system is an older one, or if there is heavy water usage, every two years or would be advisable.

3. How long does it take to clean the tank?

Usually less than an hour, but this too depends upon the tank size.

4. My basement is wet from drains backing up — will pumping the tank solve the problem?

Since there are several different causes of this problem, it would be best to call a septic technician to diagnose and solve it. Most likely, the septic tank does not have to be cleaned before he finds the cause of the problem.

It could be caused by blockage in a sewer line, a clogged filter or going too long between pumpings.

5. How much will it cost to have my tank pumped out?

This will depend upon several factors — tank size; proximity of your home to the septic service company, and whether any extra services such as digging to the tank cover, or locating the tank, are needed. Because of these factors, the range could be anywhere from a little over $100 to $250.

However, regardless of the cost, one thing is sure: it is not nearly as costly as replacing the entire leaching field.

6. Why does the tank need cleaning anyway?

Regular tank cleaning removes the sludge from the tank bottom. If the sludge is allowed to build up, it will enter the leach field, plugging pipes and the sludge solids also prevent liquid from being absorbed and filtered. The end result will eventually be failure of your leach field.

7. How can I find my septic system?

Your local health department and/or state environmental protection agency may have a copy of the approved plans for your property on file. Before calling the state, you will need to know the previous owner's name and/or construction approval number and approximate date of installation.

In New Hampshire:

Subsurface Systems Bureau,
NH Dept. of Environmental Services
PO Box 95
Concord, NH • 03302
603-271-3711

in Massachusetts: call the local health department in your municipality.

Here is another way that has helped most homeowners: In the crawl space or basement find the point at which the house sewer pipe leaves the house. The tank should be found 10 feet minimum out and at a straight line from the house.