Tips and FAQs
Rhode Island Septic Services, Inc.
Septic Tank Pumping • Septic System Design & Installations
The following are common questions we have been asked over the years and are provided here for your convenience. If you don't see your question answered here, feel free to contact us and we will do our best to answer your question. We are always happy to help.
How often should I pump my tank?
- If the tank is working at proper level (2"-3" below inlet pipe) you should pump every 2 -3 years depending on how many people occupy the house
- If tank is over full, it should be pumped and evaluated
- If tank is being pumped frequently your probably have a failed system
Is there a product that I can use to help get a longer life out of a system?
- Hydrogen peroxide can help if added after pumping. It is not a cure for a failed system. It can sometimes help get a little more time between pumps
What are things that can hurt my system?
- Not pumping your system can cause solids to migrate into your leach field which clogs the field and destroys the system
- Slow leaks from toilets and sinks can cause "loading" which means too much water mixed with bacteria which causes good bacteria in your tank to die and system to fail
- Using a garbage disposal will surely destroy a system because over usage such as throwing fatty byproducts like animal fat, bacon grease and broths will clog up leaching field
Call Us Today at (401) 397-3167 and Let Us Show You
The Rhode Island Septic Services Difference!
TIPS AND SUGGESTIONS
Here is some helpful advice to prolong the life and service of your septic system:
- Pumping is the only effective way to prevent the clogging of the leach field and save the life of your septic system
- Never flush any plastics or personal hygiene products down your toilet
- Use only biodegradable soaps, toilet paper and cleaning products that contain no phosphorus. Look for "environmentally safe" or "septic system safe" product
- Never allow any toxic chemicals to enter the septic system as they kill the much needed bacteria contained therein. Examples of these are: paint thinner, gasoline, pesticides, drain cleaners
- Do not over bleach toilets
- Prevent any cooking grease, fat or oils from entering your septic system. Use a can or jar to contain these items in. DO NOT pour them down your drain
- Do not drive heavy cars! trucks over septic system
- Do not install above ground pool over existing septic system
- Always save your service records, as this will assist Rhode Island Septic Services, Inc. in the diagnosis of any problems that may arise in the future
- Through the years, I have found that small leaks in toilets have caused systems to fail in 75% of the septic systems that I have replaced. It is very important to make sure that nothing has a slow leak in your home