FAQs

The frequency depends on your household size, tank capacity, water usage, and the amount of solids that enter the system. In general, septic pumping is often recommended every 3 to 4 years, although some systems may require more frequent service. Regular septic pumping helps remove accumulated solids before they interfere with the normal operation of the tank. Scheduling professional septic service can also help identify potential concerns and keep your system functioning properly between pumping appointments.

Yes, Swihart's Septic Inc provides real estate septic inspections through a certified inspector. These inspections can help buyers and sellers better understand the current condition of a septic system during a property transaction. A professional inspection may evaluate the tank, components, and other accessible parts of the system for potential concerns. Scheduling septic service with an experienced professional can provide useful information about the system, while septic pumping may be recommended when the tank needs to be emptied as part of its maintenance or evaluation.

If you experience a septic backup, reduce water usage immediately and contact Swihart's Septic Inc for assistance. Avoid flushing toilets, running washing machines, using showers, or sending additional wastewater into the system until the issue has been evaluated. A backup can have several possible causes, including a full tank, blockage, or drainfield problem. Professional septic service can help determine the source of the issue, and septic pumping may be necessary if the tank is excessively full. Prompt attention can help prevent wastewater from causing additional problems around your property.

Yes, Swihart's Septic Inc offers emergency septic services for urgent situations. If you notice a sewage backup, wastewater surfacing in your yard, unusually strong sewage odors, or another serious septic concern, contact a professional as soon as possible. Emergency septic service can help determine what is causing the problem and what steps are needed to address it. Depending on the condition of your system, septic pumping may also be necessary to remove excess wastewater and solids from the tank.

Yes, excess water from heavy rain and melting snow can affect how effectively a septic system operates. When the soil around the drainfield becomes saturated, its ability to absorb wastewater may be reduced. This can contribute to slow drainage, backups, or standing water in the area surrounding the system. Professional septic service can help evaluate concerns following periods of excessive moisture. Keeping up with routine septic pumping is also an important part of maintaining the tank and reducing the risk of problems related to an overloaded system.

Yes, tree roots can penetrate pipes, tanks, and drainfields, potentially causing blockages and costly damage. Roots naturally seek sources of water and nutrients, which can make underground septic components vulnerable when trees and other vegetation are located too close to the system. If you suspect roots are affecting your septic system, professional septic service can help assess the situation and determine the appropriate next steps. Regular septic pumping also helps maintain the tank and provides an opportunity for potential issues to be identified during routine maintenance.

Sewage odors can result from several different issues, including problems with the tank, plumbing, vents, drainfield, or other septic components. Strong or persistent odors should not be ignored, particularly when they occur inside the home or around the septic system. Contact Swihart's Septic Inc to schedule an inspection and determine the possible source. Professional septic service can help identify the cause of unusual odors, while routine septic pumping helps manage solids and maintain the tank as part of a regular maintenance routine.

Yes, routine maintenance can help prevent avoidable problems and keep your septic system operating more efficiently. Regular maintenance may include inspections, monitoring system performance, addressing minor concerns, and scheduling pumping based on your household's needs. Investing in professional septic service can help you stay aware of your system's condition instead of waiting until a major problem occurs. Consistent septic pumping is also important because accumulated solids can eventually interfere with the system if they are allowed to build up excessively.

No. Despite being marketed as flushable, wipes can create problems for septic systems because they may not break down as readily as toilet paper. Swihart's Septic Inc recommends following the simple "3 Ps": pee, poop, and paper. Keeping inappropriate materials out of your plumbing can help reduce the risk of clogs and other issues. If wipes or other materials have contributed to a problem, professional septic service can help evaluate the system, while regular septic pumping supports proper tank maintenance.

No, maintaining easy access to your septic tank is essential for inspections, maintenance, and addressing potential issues. Installing a permanent patio or other structure directly over the tank can make it difficult or impossible for professionals to access the system when septic service is needed. It can also complicate future septic pumping and maintenance procedures. Before adding patios, decks, sheds, driveways, or other permanent structures to your property, identify the location of your septic tank and drainfield and plan your improvements accordingly.