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Faqs

Your septic system is designed to last for many years.  You can often exceed the life expectancy of a septic system by properly maintaining your system and pumping the tank regularly.  Consult a professional at 778-888-1672 if you have questions.

Reduce the amount of chemicals you put down the drain:

  • Harsh Detergents - Use one with a zero phosphate content.

  • Ammonia - use alternatives such as baking soda

  • Carpet and Upholstery cleaners - sprinkle dry cornstarch or baking soda on the stain then vacuum.  For tougher stains, blot with white vinegar in soapy water.

  • Toilet cleaners - use baking soda or a cuttle bone for etched marks, then scrub with a toilet brush.

  • There are a number of do's and don'ts that will help ensure a long life and minimal maintenance for your system. As a general rule, nothing should be disposed into any wastewater system that hasn't first been ingested, other than toilet tissue, mild detergents, and wash water. Here are some additional guidelines. 

  • Do not flush:

  • Old pharmaceuticals or lotions

  • Flammable or toxic products

  • Household cleaners, floor wax 

  • Chlorine bleach, chlorides, and pool or spa products

  • Pesticides, herbicides, agricultural chemicals, or fertilizers

  • Egg shells, seeds, coffee grounds, tea bags

  • Tobacco, cigarette butts

  • Condoms, dental floss, sanitary napkins, diapers, wipes of any kind

  • Paper towels, newspapers, candy wrappers

  • Clean paint brushes outside rather than in the sink.

 

Your Septic system contains beneficial bacteria that is active in your tank.  This bacteria help to breakdown the waste in your tank.  Use chemical household cleaners sparingly.  

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Do not flush grease down the drain.  Collect it in a container and dispose with your food recycling. Avoid using garbage disposals excessively by composting food scraps. Using disposals will accelerate the need for pumping and increase maintenance.

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Septic tanks can vary in size. Don't use or allow excessive amounts of water to go into your septic. Once a system becomes overloaded with fluid, solid waste moves into the field and can quickly block or reduce the field's effectiveness.

  • Quickly repair leaky faucets and toilets. A stuck toilet flapper can result in as much as 2,000 gallons (7,500 litres) entering your system. This can be up to 10 times the regular daily usage of water and will overload your system. 

  • Avoid long showers and full baths. In larger families, reducing the size of the hot water heater can help control shower usage.

  • Water saving shower heads are now available and are easily installed by the average homeowner.

  • Don't let water run unnecessarily while brushing teeth or washing hands, food, dishes, etc.

  • Limit laundry to full loads and avoiding trying to wash multiple loads on the same day.

  • Use water-saving devices on faucets and shower heads.

 

Avoid building anything on or across your septic field.  Avoid allowing heavy machinery or trucks to cross your field as they will contribute to soil compaction and will reduce your field's ability to process wastewater.

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  • Keep earthmoving equipment off your field

  • Don't park or drive over your field

  • Don't build patios, tennis courts, or other waterproof surfaces over any part of your field

 

Make arrangements with Will's Septic Service to provide regular monitoring and maintenance. Place our number 778-888-1672 on or in your control panel!

 

Keep a file copy of your pump out schedule. This information will be beneficial for real estate transactions or regulatory visits.

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Keep an “as built” system diagram in a safe place for reference

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