Septic FAQ's

Our Experts Answer Your FAQ's!

With over 50 years of serving our neighbors in the greater Snohomish county we have heard many questions and concerns from new owners regarding the care and maintenance their septic systems.  Proper care and maintenance of your system can assure it works well and reduces your costs of service and repairs.  With this goal in mind, we have selected the following FAQ's and recommended Do's & Don'ts to assist you.   

Pumping FAQ's
  •   How often should I have my septic tank pumped?
It is recommended that you have your system pumped every 3-4 years, however, if you are unsure of the last service date, we can gladly come and check your levels to determine whether pumping is necessary.

  •   How can I locate my septic tank?
Locate your system by finding the lid(s) for your tank out in your yard.  Most of the time they are round, concrete or fiberglass, and are level with your yard. Sometimes the lids are not on risers, therefore are not at surface level.  In cases where you cannot find your lid, you can visit the Snohomish County Health District website to obtain an “As-Built” (a drawing of your septic system) that will show where your system is located. 
http://ww2.snohd.org/shdcontactcore/CMSDisclaimer.aspx

  •   Do I need to pump my pump tank at the same time as my septic tank?
Your pump tank will not fill as often as your septic tank; however, we recommend that they both be pumped at the same time to keep your system free of any build up and in proper working order saving you both time and money.

  •   If my pump tank is full, do I need to have it pumped?
A full pump tank could indicate that your septic tank is full or that your pump is not working        properly.  We recommend you have a technician come and advise your best course of action in   these cases.

  •   I am experiencing liquids that are bubbling up, what do I do?
If you see liquid bubbling up out of the lid of your tank, if your toilets gurgle when flushed, or if your fixtures are slow to drain, this could be an indication that either the tank is full or the filter inside the tank is clogged. If you experience any of these problems, please contact us right away.

  • Do you offer regular operations and maintenance plans?
Yes. We can tailor a plan for your specific type of system and lock in your price for two years. We offer a reminder service and some plans come with online monitoring. Please call our office for more information or to create your plan today.

Inspection FAQ's

  • What does an inspection service entail?
Your Snohomish Septic Services’ technician will provide you a detailed Operational Report covering all findings during the inspection.

  • Does Snohomish County require septic system inspections or pumping for Real Estate transactions?
No. The Snohomish County Health Department does not currently have requirements regarding inspections.  However, we recommend that you have an operational inspection performed on your system before you buy the home to make sure the system is in good working order. You may want to check with your lender to see if they are requiring these services to be performed.

  • Is pumping the septic tank necessary when selling a house?
No. Unless the buyer specifically states in the purchase and sale agreement that this service be   performed, pumping is not mandatory, however, our technicians can advise if pumping is recommended.

Septic Systems Do's and Don'ts

  • Waste Products

Don't: Flush dangerous and damaging substances in to your wastewater

Do: Use your trash can to dispose of substance that cause system problems like; egg                 shells, kitty litter, coffee grounds, tea bags, cigarette butts, paper products, sanitary                   products, diapers, cooking grease, rags and large amount of hair.

  •  Additives

Don't: Use special additives that are touted to enhance your systems performance, they           can cause major damage to your drain field.

Do: Collect grease in a container and dispose of in trash.  Avoid using garbage disposals    excessively.  Food byproducts accelerate the need for pumping and maintenance.

  • Water Usage

Don't: Leave the faucet running to protect water lines from freezing, allow leaky fixtures            to run or use excess water. 

Do: Conserve Water! and keep lint out of your wastewater system by cleaning your                  washer filter after each load.  Installing a supplemental lint filter on your washer would be advised. 

  • Cautionary Practices

Don't: Dig without knowing the location of your wastewater system

Don't: Drive over your tank system, unless it is equipped with a special traffic lid.

Don't: Dump your RV waste into your septic tank.

Don't: Ever connect rain gutters or storm drains to your septic system.

Don't: Ever enter your tank!  Any work to the tank should be done from the outside and by a professional.  Gases within the tank can deplete oxygen levels and be fatal.

·  Positive Practices

Do:     Keep your tank access lid secure to the riser at all times.

Do:     Schedule regular monitoring and maintenance service with a professional.

Do:     Keep a file of your service providers sludge and scum monitoring report and                 pump-out schedule.

Do:     Keep an "As Built" system diagram in a safe place for reference.

Do:     Minimize the use of your garbage disposal. 



Call us for quality service at a fair price.  425-249-4216.