These questions pertain to field systems or discharge systems.
- How often should I pump out my septic tank?
- Most households should pump every 2 years, but frequency depends on tank size, number of people, and water usage.
- What are signs that my septic tank is full?
- Slow drains, gurgling toilets, sewage smells, pooling water around the tank, or alarms on holding tanks.
- Is it okay to flush “flushable” wipes?
- No. Even “flushable” wipes don’t break down. They can cause clogs or damage pumps and may result in costly repair and clean out bills.
- What can and can’t go down my drains?
- No grease, wipes, feminine products, paper towel, kitty litter, harsh chemicals, or food scraps.
- Do you need access to my tank?
- Yes. The lids must be exposed and we need clear access to back up to your tank.
- Can I be home when you pump my tank?
- You don’t need to be home if we have access and your tank location is known.
- Why does it smell around my septic system?
- A full tank, blocked vent stack, or issues with drainage.
- What areas do you service?
- Pigeon Lake, Wizard Lake, Westerose, Mulhurst, Wetaskiwin County, and surrounding areas.
- Can I use additives to break down waste?
- No. Additives don’t reduce pump frequency and often cause buildup in hoses or tank sensors.
These questions pertain to holding tanks.
- How often should a holding tank be pumped?
- It depends on tank size and water use. Most lake properties need pumping every 2–6 weeks, but some require weekly service.
- Do you clean holding tanks at lake properties?
- Yes — holding tanks should be pumped before completely full to avoid backups.
- How can I reduce how often my tank needs pumping?
- Use less water, avoid flushing wipes, repair leaks, and space out laundry loads.
- Why does my holding tank fill so fast?
- High water use, leaking toilets, groundwater entering the tank, or a small tank size.
- Can heavy rain affect my septic system?
- Yes — saturated ground can slow drainage or cause backups.
- What’s the difference between a septic tank and a holding tank?
- A septic tank has a drain field; a holding tank stores everything and needs more frequent pumping.
- Can I monitor my tank level myself?
- Yes — many tanks have alarms or float sensors. You can also:
- Lift the lid and check visually.
- Install a digital tank monitor.
- If you need any help with creating a simple float, reach out to us for help!
- Do holding tanks need maintenance?
- Yes. Even though they don’t have drain fields, you should:
- Keep lids accessible
- Check for leaks
- Ensure vents are clear
- Inspect alarms annually
- Can holding tanks freeze in winter?
- Yes. Shallow or rarely used tanks can freeze. Solutions include:
- Keeping the tank at normal use levels
- Using non-salt-safe RV antifreeze in the lines (sparingly)
- Can I use additives to break down waste in a holding tank?
- No. Additives don’t reduce pump frequency and often cause buildup in hoses or tank sensors.
- How big should my holding tank be?
- For lake properties, common sizes are 1,200–1,600 gallons, but families who use their cabin frequently often need 2,000–2,500gallons.
- Why does my holding tank smell outside?
- Usually caused by:
- A full tank
- Blocked vent pipe
- A cracked tank lid
- Wind pushing air back through the vent
- Do I need to be home for a holding-tank pump-out?
- Not usually. If the tank location is known and lids are exposed, you do not need to be home.
- Can you pump my tank in winter?
- Yes — as long as:
- The tank is accessible
- Driveways are plowed
- Steep driveways are sanded and salted
- Lids are not frozen in place
- What happens if I let the tank get too full?
- You may experience:
- Sewage backing up into the house
- Overflow into the yard
- Damage to toilets, lines, or pumps
- Costlier service due to emergency call-outs
- What should I NOT put into a holding tank?
- Avoid:
- Grease
- Wipes
- Paper towel
- Food scraps
- Harsh chemicals
- Paint or solvents
- Why do you charge by the tank, not by the gallon?
- The price is per tank because the truck, travel, and county disposal fees are fixed regardless of how full it is.
JAK 