Frequently Asked Questions

A septic tank is just a sewage trap. Sewage and water come into it, the sewage is trapped, and the water keeps going out to a drainage field. Periodically you must remove the sewage or the water leaving the tank will have sewage in it which will cause damage and possibly ruin the drain field. 

Also, how often was it pumped out? Did they go 10 years between pumping? Knowing when and how often helps determining how the system may be functioning or demonstrate lack of good maintenance.

A Good Rule of Thumb:

• 1 Person living in the house, every 10 years
• 2 People living in the house, every 5-7 years
• 4 People living in the house, every 3-5 years

If you are unsure when your tank was last serviced, call and have it pumped to ensure protection of the drain field and reset your date of service.

The most common methods used to locate a tank includes a probe and metal detector. However, if a tank is difficult to locate, or it is suspected that it may be located under a deck, patio, driveway, etc., a flushable electronic locator can be used to help find the tank. 

A vacuum truck that carries more hose can usually pump the tank from the street or your driveway, verses having to drive on your lawn to get right up to the tank. Right Time Septic has over 200 ft on their septic trucks. 

Each time the tank is cleaned, the pumper should check for any problems in your tank. 

Companies that keep thorough pumping records should have a system in place to remind you to pump out your septic tank every 3-5 years. Experience the “RIGHT TIME Difference” 

Baffles are septic tank components that slow wastewater entry sufficiently to ensure the distillation of solids, and prevent their release (as well as the release of scum) into the drainfield. In doing so, they protect the absorptive quality of the soil and prolong the life of the septic system as a whole. They are normally made from the same material as the septic tank — either fiberglass, steel or concrete.

Inspectors should check baffles for the following:

• Solids covering the baffle. This should be reported immediately, as it indicates overflow erosion from chemicals and water flow
• Evidence of previous overflow
• Sewage level should be several inches below the baffle top. A lower level indicates leakage and a higher level indicates blockage