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

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.