Micsky Septic Systems Greenville, PA - 724-475-4625

Maintenance

Proper maintenance of your septic system is the key to system longevity. Much like the car or truck you drive, your septic system will benefit from regular routine inspections. A qualified service provider will be able to diagnose system malfunctions prior to becoming major problems. This can save the home owner costly repair expenses and damage to the surrounding environment. The required maintenance for each individual type of septic system differs on its system components. All septic systems should have routine maintenance conducted at a minimum of once annually. Many of the more advanced septic systems such as the Alternate Technology System and the Small Flow Treatment Facilities require the home owner to enter into a service contract with a qualified service provider before receiving an installation permit.

Micsky Septic Systems offers routine maintenance contracts on all newly installed septic systems. The first two years of the contract will be included in the initial installation quoted price. At the conclusion of the initial two year period, the home owner will automatically be mailed a maintenance contract with a letter outlining the advantages of continuing routine maintenance and a fee quotation before the initial two year period is about to expire. Micsky Septic Systems will also offer maintenance contracts to previously installed septic systems upon home owners request. Please contact us and we will be happy meet with you at your property for a complete system analysis.

Frequently Asked Questions:

How often do I need to pump my septic tank ?

The reason for pumping a septic tank is to prevent solids from building up to a point where they begin overflowing and exiting the septic tank and potentially plugging other components of the septic system. On today’s modern systems we recommend a minimum of every two years. Number of household residents also plays a role in the recommended pumping frequency. Many municipalities are now adopting this minimum two year guideline.

I have never pumped my septic tank and do not know where it is located. What should I do ?

A trained professional can usually spot the location of an existing tank simply by variations in the grounds characteristics. There are also locating devices designed for this task such as, probe rods and electronic locating equipment that can be flushed down the toilet.

What causes a septic system to fail ?

Many contributing factors can lead to septic system failure. Not pumping the septic tank on a routine basis greatly increases the chance of system failure. Other reasons may be pump(s) failures, lack of routine maintenance, improper disposal of household products and cleaning agents, excessive water usage or ground water entering a leaking system component. An older system may even have been incorrectly built on unsatisfactory soil conditions, that can simply not absorb the household water.

What household products are harmful to my septic system ?

The most common and most harmful items we routinely find being used in the household are cleaning products containing chlorine bleach, These include chlorine bleach being used in the laundry, toilet bowl cleaning products containing chlorine bleach and salt brine backwash from water softener units.

Many septic system component manufacturers will void all company warranties if salt brine backwash is found to be discharging into the septic system.

NEVER FLUSH THE FOLLOWING:

Disposable diapers, bones, sanitary napkins, tampons, tampon applicators, condoms, coffee grounds, plastic band aids, bandage wrappers, dental floss and cigarette butts will not break down. Throw them in the trash. Otherwise they accumulate in your septic tank. Petroleum based and latex paints will inactivate the bacteria located inside your septic tank and can pollute the ground water.

How do I know if I have a failing septic system ?

The definition of a failing septic system is improperly treated water / sewage entering the environment. Many homeowners have failing septic systems and never know they have a problem. The household drains seem to be working correctly from inside the home. The problem exists outside the home. Where is all that water going? Many instances are of overflow pipes going over a hillside, gravel trenches that are suppose to absorb the effluent, but only work during the dry seasons of the year. Take the time to walk around your property, wet spots in the yard, unknown purpose pipes, constant water in road ditches, all can be indicators of potential problems. If you are unaware of where your septic system is located that is also a good indicator that your system may not be functioning properly.

Can I use a garbage disposal in my house if I have a septic system ?

The bacteria located in the septic tank cannot efficiently digest the waste from a garbage disposal unit.  More frequent tank pumping would result and the potential for excessive solids passing through the septic tank would increase the chances of premature failure for the entire septic system.  We strongly recommend not using a garbage disposal when connected to a septic system.

What type of maintenance should I be doing to my septic system ?

NEVER ENTER A SEPTIC TANK! DEATH CAN RESULT!

Depending on the system type, detailed maintenance instructions should be given to the homeowner by the systems’ installer at the time of installation.

If you have an existing system that was installed in the past, at a minimum the septic tank should be pumped out if it has not been done so in the past few years. When having the septic tank pumped ask the operator to inspect the entire septic system and have them explain in detail the operation of the system and its components. The type of system will determine the maintenance required.

Do I need a service provider ?

Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection has a minimum of maintenance requirements for some types of septic systems. Local municipalities may also have minimum maintenance requirements that supersede PADEP.  In some instances the homeowner can be trained to do this maintenance. So the answer is dependent upon the type of system you may have.

Do I need to sign a maintenance contract with a service provider ?

Nearly all of today’s modern septic systems and their components require regularly scheduled maintenance visits by trained technicians to maintain the company’s product warranty’s . These companies do require a maintenance contract to be signed upon system startup, or during the permitting process.