FAQ

SAFETY FIRST– Sewer gas can be deadly. Never enter the septic tank. No open flames around an open septic tank. Wear rubber gloves. If you have a pump always shut the electrical breaker off before attempting any repairs or diagnosis.

Q. How soon can you respond to a service call?

A. We have 3 repair personnel and 2 service vehicles. In most cases we are available 7 days a week. We try to respond as possible.

Q. My Septic System is backing up into my home or overflowing. What should I do?

A. You can try to diagnose the problem or call us (406-253-1151 or 406-471-0961) for assistance. First of all, if you have a filter in the tank, clean it and see if that solves the problem. When you remove the filter pull it up just a small amount and if effluent starts running leave the filter in the tube until it stops running. Totally removing the filter before it stops running will allow solids, sludge, etc. to enter the pump chamber and possibly damage the pump or plug the drain field. If the filter is not the problem, and the tank is overfull, then you have a pump malfunction or a plugged drain field. If the tank is not overfull then the there is a plug in the line between your home and the tank.

Q. My alarm is going off. What may be the problem?

A. Refer to # 1 above and see if the septic tank is overfull. If so clean the filter and if the problem persists you have a pump malfunction or plugged drain field.You can silence the alarm temporarily by flipping the switch on the alarm to “SILENCE”.

Q. My septic pump won’t work. What may be the problem?

A. It could be a faulty control float, plugged or burned out pump, open circuit breaker, or faulty wire or connection. Check the breaker first. If the breaker is closed open the tank – DO NOT TOUCH ANY WIRES-and see if you can hear a buzzing sound coming from the pump. If so the pump is burned out or plugged. If there is no buzzing sound you are not getting power to the pump which means a faulty control float and wiring problem.

Q. How often should I have my tank pumped?

A. Again it depends on several things such as the size of the tank and the volume of usage. Typically 3 to 5 years but it could be more or less. We have a sludge gauge that will tell if the tank needs to be pumped but always err on the side of pumping too often. If a tank overfills with sludge it can damage the pump or plug your drain field.

Q. Should I have my drain field cleaned occasionally?

A. Generally it is not necessary as long as it is functioning properly. As long as you have a filter and have the tank pumped on a regular basis it may never need to be cleaned.

Q. How often should I clean my septic tank filter?

A. It depends on the size of the filter and how your system is used (i.e. number of individuals regularly using the system, whether or not you use a garbage disposal). Check it at the end of 6 months and if still mostly clean (less than 20 percent of the surface openings are covered) then you probably can get by with cleaning it once a year. If more than 20% covered then continue to clean it every 6 months. Err on the side of cleaning too often rather than not often enough as costly repairs can result from plugged filters.

Q. Can I cover the access lid(s) to my tank?

A. They can be covered but it is not a good idea. Preferably the access lids are visible at ground level. If they are covered and your tank has to be pumped or you need repairs your costs will go up accordingly.

Q. What is a Level II (Level 2) system?

A. A basic septic system provides only primary treatment of wastewater. A Level II system also provides a secondary treatment process that can remove up to 90% of the organic matter in wastewater by using a biological treatment process. The resultant wastewater that is discharged into the ground is much cleaner than that from a conventional septic system. Level II systems also allow for smaller drain fields if there is limited space.