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CALGARY & AREA SEPTIC SERVICES
Frequently Asked Questions - We know that you know it might not be your area of expertise when it comes to septic services. However, at YYC & Area Septic Services, we know the answers to the questions you may have. Below we've compiled a list of the most common questions we get asked (in no particular order!)
Question: How often should a septic tank be cleaned? Answer: That is dependent on how often "matter" is sent down the system and also how big the tank is, or how many tanks you have on site. We recommend and have seen trends around the 12-15 month mark is ideal for getting it cleaned and emptied!
Question: Why is regular maintenance important? Answer: Like an automobile, your septic system is meant to move things from Point-A to Point-B. We're sure you'd like to deal with breakdowns a lot less on a septic system that you would with an automobile! Oh yeah, plus a regularly maintained system can minimize or eliminate most of the human health or environmental risks that can be introduced by pollutants into your regular household wastewater.
Question: When installing a new septic system into a raw parcel of land, does it matter where it's placed? Answer: Absolutely! First thing you need to know is how far away are your closest neighbors wells or water sources. You'll also want to make sure that you're not driving on where the tank is buried, or where the septic field is to be set. Driving/Parking on the top of these will cause shifts in the dirt and gravel above, and depending if it's in winter can apply unnecessary pressure to an already fragile ground space around (we recommend nothing heavier than your ride-a-mower lawn mower)!
Question: Is it safe to plant grass and trees over-top of the septic field and tank? Answer: We recommend sticking to just grass. If you plant trees over-top of the area, you run the risk of the tree roots growing and expanding to the point where the only path is through the piping/drainage system and this can damage it. Smaller roots have been known to weave their way through the dispersal field and can cause clogging ... leading to an emergency service call!
Question: Are Flushable wipes "really and truly" flushable? Answer: According to tests conducted at Ryerson's University, they put 101 products through the evaluation, and of which 23 had labeling and markings indicating they were "flushable" by the maker/manufacturer. Want to know an interesting fact? After testing was conducted, it was deemed that not one of the "single-use wipes" were able to dissolve well enough to the point of entering your septic system without the potential for causing damage or harm to the overall setup (whether it's the plumbing, infrastructure or perhaps even the environment).
Question: Can I tie my RV sewage disposal line into my septic line? Answer: We can absolutely tie that in for you. In Alberta, we have a lot of campers who store their RV's on their property. After a very long and exciting weekend, nobody likes to end it by waiting in the long line-ups to dump their dumps (pun intended!). So we are capable of tying into your existing system to create an extra down-line that can release that matter for you. But remember - don't plan to have the tie-in where you drive or park your RV on top of any part of it!
Question: How long does a septic tank last? Answer: Great question! This all varies on the type of tank and system that you have. On average, a concrete holding tank "can and should" last APPROXIMATELY 40 years, but can go up to indefinitely. Obviously there are multiple factors that come into play with this, as it depends on the quality of concrete used at time of manufacturing, and even the acidic values of the ground dirt around it. When it comes to plastic tanks - although they are lighter and typically less expensive to install, we've seen the average lifespan of a petroleum based tank last "around" 30 years.
Question: Is The Septic Tank Healthy? Answer: Because the septic tank is underground, it can be difficult to see signs of issues. However, as experts, we know that the signs always present themselves before the problem becomes a huge issue. We tell our customers to look for these signs as an indication that it may be time to pump out the septic system. If you perceive a septic tank smell, like rotten eggs outdoors, or when you see dark green grass growing around the absorption area, it may mean it is time to pump out the septic tank. You should also be on the lookout for toilet backups and slow drains. A way to avoid these issues is to keep septic tank enzymes healthy, avoid the use of harsh chemicals and bleaches, and if you have not had septic tank maintenance in the last 12 months, it is time to call us. Question: Why Is Pumping Out the Septic Tank Important? Answer: Sewage effluent can cause microorganisms to grow, and this septic tank discharge can cause diseases. It is important that you ensure the safe disposal of sewage contaminants to protect your health. You definitely need a pump out service before the sludge levels reach 30% of the volume of the tank. Diagnosing the need for pumping out the septic tank is important as pumping out the septic tank is important before sludge levels reach 30% of the total volume of the septic tank. We offer these services to remove sludge from the entire system. Question: Why Pump Out the Septic Tank System Periodically? Answer: Prevent sewer drain blockage while it eliminates harmful smells and to avoid sewage seepage! Question: How Much Does a Pump Out Cost? Answer: Avoid going out and learning how to put in or pump out a septic tank yourself! This will always end up being the more expensive option. That being said, we have to mention that there are numerous factors involved in using a septic cleaning truck and the cost this involves will fluctuate. There is no one-size-fits-all cost because the influencing factors include, the size of the tank, the location of the septic tank and the prior pump out date. Even something as inconsequential as knowing how to tell if the septic tank is full or what type of septic tank toilet paper to use can be an influencer of the pump out cost.