FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

You may have a lot of questions about the care and maintenance of your septic system. We have answered a few of them here, but if you still have questions, don’t hesitate to call Katem Septic Solutions. We are the septic professionals in St. John’s.

Q: How do I know when I need my septic tank cleaned?
A: There are a few signs that indicate it is time to have your septic tank cleaned.

Plumbing backups
Sluggish or slow drains in your house
Gurgling noises in pipes or drains
Soft ground or greener grass in the area of the septic field
Sewage breakout on the surface of the disposal bed

If you see any of these, please call for an inspection and cleaning as soon as possible.

Q: What causes septic tanks to back up?
A: The most common cause of septic tank failure is improper maintenance. The best course of action is to educate yourself on the proper use of the system so you understand the process and maintenance.

However, failure can also be caused by:

Lack of regular maintenance and cleaning
Poor soil conditions
Faulty design or installation of the system
Unusually high water table, causing flooding of the tank or bed
Clogged pipes from tree roots
Breakage of pipes caused by traffic driving over the disposal field
A clog in the pipe between the house and the tank

Q: What can I do to ensure my septic tank works properly?
A: If you follow these guidelines, your septic tank should function properly with minimal malfunctions

Repair or replace leaking or slow-draining plumbing fixtures
Spread out water use so as not to overload the system
If you are expecting a large number of guests, have the system pumped before they arrive
If you have additional people moving in permanently, look into expanding the system
Reduce water use by taking shorter showers, turning off water when brushing teeth, etc
Install water-conserving fixtures
Use methods such as heat tape to prevent pipes from freezing
Ensure the tank is watertight so groundwater does not leak into it
Make sure the tank is in an area where it is protected from unnecessary extra water such as groundwater, roof and foundation drains, etc.

Q: How often should my septic tank be cleaned?
A: There are a variety of things that factor into when you should have your tank cleaned, such as the size of your tank and the number of people in your household, but it is generally recommended that you have your tank pumped every 3-5 years.