Helgerson's Environmental FAQs

a. Most often you do not. The proper operating level of a septic tank is nearly full. From the floor to ceiling, most septic tanks average 5-ft. The proper operating level will be at the outlet pipe’s invert which is typically 1-ft below the ceiling of the tank. If you notice the liquid level is above the ceiling of the tank, you will soon notice a backup in your home. Call us ASAP to service.

a. Before. If pumped after, there is a potential for surges of effluent (water being sent to the leach field) when the tank is at the normal operating level. By emptying before, the leach field will most likely be saved from any surges.

a. Pump/inspect your septic tank or cesspool regularly. Most septic designs now require inspection and pumping every 2 years. Each property is unique, and circumstances may dictate shorter or longer durations, however Helgerson’s recommends every 2 years.

b. Do not use a garbage disposal unless the septic system is designed for its use. Consult your septic design plan for information.

c. No chemicals down the drain! Gasoline, antifreeze, oil, or high amounts of bleach should never be disposed down the drain. Anti-septic cleaners and detergents should be limited.

d. Is your sump pump, air conditioner condensate drain, water softener backwash, or water treatment system connected to your drain piping? REMOVE IT ASAP. Any unregulated wastewater should not be discharged to your septic tank. Consult a plumbing contractor to assist with removal and relocation.

e. Protect your leach field. Do not drive over with vehicles or plant trees / shrubs in the proximity of your leach field area. Heavy vehicles will crush pipes and tanks, and roots will travel and clog your leach field and affect its proper operation.

f. Keep out cloggers! Coffee grounds, baby wipes, so-called “flushable wipes”, feminine products, cooking grease, cigarette butts should never be flushed or poured down the drain.

g. Don’t flood your system! Be smart with water usage. Space out your loads of laundry, dish washes, and shower lengths. Stagger these high usage tasks throughout the day.  

a. Early detection of issues goes a long way to limiting any adverse effects on your leach field. Our service includes a thorough inspection of your septic tank/cesspool and its interior components so that costly issues can be resolved ASAP.

a. No. The remaining bacteria coating the walls, floor and pipes of your system will repopulate rapidly after pumping. If your system has been experiencing issues, or your system is older (greater than 25 years), periodic or one-time treatments might be beneficial. Please call to discuss with us.

a. In short, no. Leach fields will never be able to return to their original state when it was installed. In case-by-case instances, leach fields can have their piping jetted clear of obstructions (e.g., carryover sludge-debris, roots), and bio-remediated to potentially help extend a leach field’s life. Please call us to discuss your unique situation.

a. Costs can typically be in the $20,000 range plus engineering. However, systems can cost much more depending on the site limitations and the engineer’s design.

a. At Helgerson’s, we save all plans, records and notes about your septic system. If you have lost records pertaining to the design plan, as-built plan, permits or other particulars about your septic system or private water supply, call your local board of health as they may have these items on file.

a. Unless the system is impacting human health or the environment, health departments typically allow 2-years to repair/replace a septic system. 

a. This could be an indicator of issues with your septic tank, piping, or leach field. It could be due to high groundwater, or an internal plumbing p-trap may be dry allowing odors to enter the home. First, check any seldom used sinks/showers and run some water to fill, usually 12 ounces. Second, if you have not serviced your septic system recently, call us for service to diagnose the issue. Lastly, if you have serviced your septic system, an exploratory inspection of your distribution box and leach field may be necessary to determine that cause. 

a. The alarm usually refers to a high liquid level in a pump chamber, a component not part of all septic systems. Often the circuit breaker related to the pump may have tripped and can be reset. However, the pump chamber should be inspected to determine the cause of the alarm, which could be a faulty float, faulty pump, broken pipe, or other.

b. If you have a “tight tank”, (no leaching component) this alarm means that your tight tank needs to be emptied. Typically, alarms are set so that you have 72-hours of storage volume available. Please call us to address this issue.

a. The US EPA has an updated website with loads of useful information at; https://www.epa.gov/septic