Learn

How it Works

Leach Field
Typical Layout

What Is A Septic System?

An on-site sewage treatment system commonly comprised of a septic tank and a leach field.

What Is The Tank's Role?

Receives all wastewater from dwelling including toilet, bath, kitchen, and sometimes laundry, depending on setup
Separates organic solids (scum), fats, grease, and soaps; and inorganic solids (sludge). Scum floats to the top of the tank while the sludge settles to the bottom
Creates the most important middle section of clear wastewater (effluent). Only effluent should exit via the outlet baffle to the leach field

Maintenance

What Is The Leach Field's Role?

Effluent enters the distribution box (D-Box) and then proceeds into the absorption area for further treatment by the soil
The partially treated effluent is pushed along into the
drain field for further treatment
Once effluent reaches the soil area, it percolates into the soil which provides final treatment by removing harmful bacteria, viruses, and nutrients. Now the cycle is complete and the water can re-enter the groundwater safely

Maintenance

DOs & DON'TS

DO

Keep a record of tank location and services
Keep tank cover(s) accessible
Pump your tank regularly
Be proactive with what goes down the drain/toilet
Repair leaky plumbing fixtures no matter how small
Divert drains and surface water away from the system
Minimize water usage after heavy rain
Space out your laundry washes to different days

DON'T

Use a garbage disposal (limit use if you already have one)
Overuse bleach, disinfectants, cleaning products
Dump chemicals such as solvents, paints, paint thinner, or pesticides down drains
Flush wipes*, feminine products, cigarettes, plastics, or other inorganic material down a toilet
Park, drive, build, put plants with deep roots, or place heavy objects over the system
Use excessive amounts of water

*This includes the so-called "flushable" wipes. Learn more

Tip: If you don't know where you septic tank is, winter could be a good time to mark the spot where the snow melts first

Trouble Symptoms

Your septic system may be failing if one or more of the following conditions exists:

All of the drains from the house are slow
There is a persistent wet area over the leach field
Sewage is surfacing near the septic tank or distribution box
There is sewage seeping through the foundation
The liquid level in the leach field is at the top of the crushed rock layer, the chambers, or other underground structures
The vegetation over the leach field is greener and lusher than over adjacent areas in the yard
There is a septic odor in the yard at times or constantly
There is back flow from the leach field when the septic tank is pumped
The septic tank needs to be pumped very frequently
The septic tank outlet baffle is damaged or missing
Rainwater seems to take longer to disappear over the leach field than over adjacent areas in the yard
Well water is contaminated

Is your toilet paper septic safe?

Learn how to test your toilet paper for break down effectiveness in this video:

See which brands of toilet paper break down the best here:

Frequently Asked Questions

Our septic inspections use advanced video technology to see where the human eye cannot. We use top-quality professional equipment, among the best in the area. Before we begin, we speak with the client about the system and review any existing septic plans or diagrams. If the client is unfamiliar with how a septic system works, we take the time to explain the components and their function.

During the inspection, we examine the septic tank, inlet and outlet baffles, outlet pipe, distribution box, and leach field. Everything we observe is clearly communicated and shown to you both in person and in our detailed, high-quality report. Finally, we provide a clear diagnosis summarizing the condition of the system.

Our inspectors bring decades of experience in the septic industry, paired with some of the most advanced inspection equipment available in the area. We treat your property with care and respect, and we take the time to clearly explain everything we find throughout the inspection process.

There are no hidden fees and no withheld information—just honest, straightforward reporting. Our combination of extensive experience and top-quality technology makes choosing our team for your septic inspection an easy decision.