Most people don’t think about their home’s septic system until something goes wrong. When sewage backs up into the shower or the back yard becomes a muddy and smelly mess, then they can’t think about anything else.
Goodman Septic Services is here to help! Browser our selection of frequently asked questions about septic systems below. You might learn something that not only saves you from a serious headache, but might save you money in the process.
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Septic System Pumping
If your septic tank exceeds its capacity, it could leak raw sewage into your drainfield or home. Raw sewage isn’t just unpleasant to deal with; it can also pose a threat to your family’s health, which is why it’s important to regularly get septic pumping services.
Next step: Contact Goodman Sanitation to get your septic tank pumped.
Most homes should pump their septic tanks once every 3 years. There are a few other factors that can impact how often your septic tank needs to be pumped:
- Number of people in the household: The more people in your household, the more wastewater you produce. Larger households will need to pump their system more frequently.
- Size of your septic system: Larger septic systems can handle more waste, which means they don’t need to be pumped as often as smaller tanks.
- How frequently you clean your drains: If you don’t clean your drains, more solid waste can travel through your pipes and into your septic system. This extra waste can fill your septic system faster, requiring you to pump it more often.
- Age of your septic system: Older septic systems may not function as efficiently as newer systems. If your septic system is old, then it will likely need more maintenance and pumping than newer options.
- Garbage disposal: If you use a garbage disposal in your kitchen, you might be surprised by how much more quickly your septic tank reaches its capacity.
Next step: Contact Goodman Sanitation to schedule a free estimate.
Goodman Septic Services offers emergency septic services to keep your home protected 24/7. Our trained staff is available around the clock and can help with any problem, from leaking and flooding to slow drainage. With over 70 years of experience serving the Portland OR area, we’re confident that we can provide you with fast and effective solutions when you need them.
Next step: Contact Goodman Septic Services today if you are experiencing a septic system emergency.
Septic System Installation
Once construction begins, most septic tank installations take between a few days and a couple of weeks to complete. Timelines largely depend on unique property factors such as slope, soil type, and tank size. It’s also important to note that permitting, soil testing, and designing can extend the project by days or weeks, though at that point you won’t have to worry about contractors on your property.
Next step: The best bet is to contact the helpful team at Goodman Septic Services who can answer all your questions.
You can probably do anything yourself if you are willing to get really dirty and don’t care about a quality result.
Joking aside, although it’s possible to DIY your septic tank installation, these projects can become very complicated and mistakes could cost you a LOT of money and mess.
From soil type and topography to local regulation compliance, there are dozens of critical factors to take into account during the design process alone. Small errors during construction can also lead to sewage leaks, property damage, and a whole host of other problems. That’s why it’s always best to enlist the help of a professional for septic tank installation or replacement projects.
Let the pros at Goodman Septic Services be the ones getting dirty while knowing it will be done right the first time.
Next step: Estimates for septic tank installations are free at Goodman Septic Services. The best bet is to contact the pros at Goodman Septic Services who can answer all your questions.
Septic systems fall into one of two categories: conventional or alternative. Conventional tanks have been around for decades and are still widely used, though alternative options use modern technologies to increase efficiency and longevity. Here’s a breakdown of the main system types:
- Conventional tanks: As the most widely used type of septic system, conventional tanks are a great choice for a variety of homeowners. After solids are filtered out into a tank, the wastewater travels from a pipe into a shallow underground trench of gravel – known as the drainfield. A combination of stones and microbes break down the effluent even further.
- Gravity septic systems: A gravity septic system works much the same way as a conventional septic system, except instead of relying on electronic pumps to disperse effluent into a drainfield, the system simply uses gravity. The simplicity of this design often means that gravity septic systems are easy to service, but they still do need professional septic maintenance every few years.
- Sand filter septic systems: A sand filter septic system is a great choice if you live on a property with insufficient soil. A pit gets dug and a wooden frame is added and filled with sand. The septic tank is buried in this giant sandbox and wastewater gets filtered into the system and effluent is discharged through the sand and gravel.
- Pressure distribution systems: This kind of septic system allows even discharge of effluent into a drainfield — even in locations where that wouldn’t otherwise be possible. For example, if you live on a hill and effluent would naturally flow downhill, a pressure distribution system forces out effluent evenly so it doesn’t all pool in one place. Pressure Distribution Septic Systems are also used if your septic system needs to be placed further away from your house than normal.
Still not sure which septic system is right for you? Don’t worry – that’s what we’re here for! Our qualified technicians can provide recommendations based on your property layout, usage needs, and budget to help you determine which septic system is best for you. Just contact us today to get started!
Next step: Estimates for septic tank installations are free at Goodman Septic Services. The best bet is to contact the pros at Goodman Septic Services who can answer all your questions.
Septic system failure can be messy and dangerous to your home and health, which is why it’s important to know when your system needs to be replaced. Though many problems can be fixed or avoided with regular maintenance, sometimes your septic system needs a total upgrade. Here are some signs that it’s time for a septic system replacement:
- The system is 30 years or older
- Your tank is too small for your home
- Sinks, bathtubs, or toilets are backing up
- There is standing water in your yard
- You notice foul odors by the drainfield
Next step: The best approach is to contact Goodman Septic Services to get your septic system professionally inspected.
Septic System Inspection
During an inspection of your septic system, our highly skilled and responsive technicians will use specialized equipment to assess the system’s condition and identify any potential problems. Additionally, we ensure all materials are up to code. The experts at Goodman Sanitation offer two types of inspections:
Non-Certified Inspection: This type of inspection only assesses the septic tank. Our technicians will ensure your system is draining properly and that there are no holes or leaks. After the inspection, we will provide you with a report of the tank’s overall condition.
Certified Full System Inspection: This type of inspection assesses the entire septic system, including the drainfield. In addition to evaluating the condition of your system, our technicians can identify what type of system you have, where it is located, its capacity, and whether it is up to code. After the inspection, we will provide a detailed report of the system’s condition.
Next step: Contact Goodman Septic Services to schedule a septic system inspection.
It’s easy to forget about your septic system until a problem arises. However, waiting until there’s an emergency could leave you with costly and dangerous problems such as exposed sewage and flooding. Knowing when to inspect your system can save you a lot of time, money, and trouble. Here is how often you should have your septic system inspected:
- Once every three years for gravity-fed systems
- Up to annually for ATT and sand filter systems
- Whenever buying or selling a home
- If you suspect any issues with your system
Next step: Contact the helpful team at Goodman Septic Services who can answer all your septic system questions.
Certified full system inspections examine every aspect of your septic system, from the tank to the drainfield. Meanwhile, non-certified inspections only assess the tank, looking for issues such as leaking or poor drainage.
While certified inspections are much more thorough, they can be more time-consuming and costly to complete. Non-certified inspections are also helpful for catching issues such as leaking or poor drainage. So, when should you choose a certified inspection over a non-certified inspection?
- At least once every three years for gravity-fed systems
- Annually for ATT or sand filter septic systems
- Prior to buying or selling a home
Next step: Contact the helpful team at Goodman Septic Services who can answer all your septic system questions.
In some states and counties, it is mandatory to have your septic inspected prior to selling your home. However, even if it isn’t required in your area, there are still a number of reasons why you should invest in a thorough inspection.
Having a detailed report of your system on hand can help your home sell faster with a higher value, because you will be able to assure buyers that everything is in great condition. Additionally, some mortgage companies require septic inspections, and buyers may request one even if it isn’t required. Getting the inspection out of the way early on will help your sale close faster.
Next step: Contact the helpful team at Goodman Septic Services who can answer all your septic system questions.
Knowing where your septic tank is located can speed up the inspection process. If you aren’t sure where yours is, try looking for:
- Home design plans or a septic tank map
- Property records, such as old permits
- Main or sewer line pipe connections
- Signs of a drain field, such as extra green grass
Still can’t find your septic tank? Don’t worry! The experts at Goodman Septic Services can help you identify it quickly and efficiently during an inspection service. Just contact our team to get started!
Next step: Contact the helpful team at Goodman Septic Services who can answer all your septic system questions.
The type of septic system you have will impact how frequently you need to invest in inspections. But what if you don’t know what type is beneath your home? Try asking the previous owner of the land, or look for property records such as home design plans or a septic map.
If you aren’t able to find any information about your septic system, get in touch with an expert! Our team is trained to locate and evaluate septic systems quickly and efficiently. We will be able to discuss your system type and provide recommendations on how frequently it should be serviced or inspected.
Next step: Contact the helpful team at Goodman Septic Services who can answer all your septic system questions.
Though we always want a septic inspection to reveal a perfectly working system, our experts may uncover problems during our examination. Thankfully, catching problems early on generally means that the damage or repairs will be minimal compared to a breakdown later on.
If we notice issues with your septic system during an inspection, our experts will provide you with a detailed report and discuss potential solutions. It’s our goal to equip you with the knowledge you need to make the best decision for your home and budget, which is why our recommendations come with zero obligations.
Next step: Contact the helpful team at Goodman Septic Services who can answer all your septic system questions.
Septic System Maintenance
In addition to professional services, there are a few steps you can take to keep your septic system healthy.
- Routine septic pumping: Septic systems should be pumped at least once every 3-5 years. Doing so will prevent an over-capacity system, which could otherwise lead to major backups or overflows. It’s also cheaper in the long run compared to waiting until an issue arises.
- Using water efficiently: Reducing your daily volume of wastewater will keep your septic flowing smoothly while reducing utility bills. High-efficiency toilets, showerheads, and appliances are all great ways to eliminate water wastage.
- Protecting your drain field: Placing heavy objects on your drain field, driving over your septic tank, or planting trees nearby are all recipes for damage. Keeping your drain field safe and undisturbed will prevent issues from developing.
Next step: The best approach is to get your septic system professionally inspected. Call the pros at Goodman Septic Services today to schedule an inspection.
One of the most common causes of septic failure is improper waste disposal. Flushing or draining improper materials could lead to a serious backup, which is why it’s important to keep these items out of your system:
- Cooking grease or oil
- Baby wipes or wet wipes (even if they say ‘flushable’ on the label; that’s untrue marketing hype)
- Feminine hygiene products
- Dental floss
- Coffee grounds
- Cat litter
- Paper towels
- Household chemicals
- Other non-flushable materials
Next step: Call the helpful pros at Goodman Septic Services to find out if your tank is due to be pumped and/or cleaned.
A properly maintained septic system is far cheaper and cleaner than an ignored or abused septic system.
Want to know more reasons?
A failing septic system can be very damaging to your property and hazardous to you, your neighbors, and the environment. It can reduce your property value, too. If sewage backs up and overflows across the surface of your drain field, you may be forced to abandon the area and install an entirely new septic system.
Not only are septic failures dangerous and difficult to clean, but they can become very expensive. Regular septic tank maintenance and inspections are less expensive and can prevent these problems to keep your septic system working seamlessly for years to come.
Next step: If you are unsure about the status or health of your septic system, the best bet is to get it inspected by a septic system professional from Goodman Septic Services.
According to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), property owners should get professional septic tank maintenance at least once every three years. That said, the ideal maintenance routine for your septic tank depends on a few factors such as household size, daily volume, and system type.
If you aren’t sure how frequently your septic should be looked at, one of our experts would be happy to help you – or you can use these guidelines to determine how often your septic system needs maintenance:
- Gravity-fed systems: Gravity-fed systems are fairly simple and only need basic maintenance once every couple of years.
- Complex systems: Septics that are a little more complicated, like sand filter systems or Alternative Treatment Technologies, may need maintenance as frequently as every 6 months. An expert can inspect your system and advise you on the best maintenance routine.
Next step: If you are unsure about the status or health of your septic system, the best bet is to get it inspected by a septic system professional from Goodman Septic Services.
At Goodman Septic Services, it’s our goal to ensure your septic system is in excellent condition. That’s why we offer comprehensive maintenance services that address every aspect of your system. In each septic maintenance appointment, our experts will:
- Perform a thorough visual inspection of your system
- Check the tank for signs of leaks or damage
- Examine filters, pumps, and other parts for issues
- Clean or pump your tank if necessary
Next step: Get all your septic system questions answered by calling the helpful pros at Goodman Septic Services.
Depending on factors such as system size and property layout, professional maintenance services typically only take a few hours to complete.
Next step: Get all your septic system questions answered by calling the helpful pros at Goodman Septic Services.
Another variation of this question is, “How much is having $%*# flooding your yard worth to you?”
Benjamin Franklin said it best, “An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.” Whether it’s your car, your teeth, your computer, or your home’s septic system, maintenance is always cheaper than waiting until things break or go wrong and become an emergency.
Most people don’t even think about their septic systems until disaster strikes (we’ve all read the horror stories about backyard weddings ruined by an overflowing septic tank or smelly puddles above an inoperable drain field).
Did you know that septic systems need regularly scheduled maintenance and pumping? The average for most residential homes is once every 3-5 years. The best approach – and cheapest – is to schedule your septic system maintenance service with Goodman Septic Services and let their pros give you peace of mind and save you money in the long run.
Next step: Call the helpful pros at Goodman Septic Services to schedule your septic system maintenance today.
Septic System Cleaning
Both septic pumping and septic cleaning are important to the health of your system. While these procedures are similar, there are some key distinctions that homeowners should be aware of. To understand how pumping and cleaning are different, it’s useful to know about the main types of waste inside of your tank:
- Scum: The topmost layer inside of your septic tank is composed of floating waste that is actively being broken down by bacteria.
- Liquid: Beneath the floating scum is the liquid layer, which makes up the majority of the volume in your tank.
- Sludge: At the very bottom of your tank is sludge, which is solid waste that has been broken down and compacted beneath the liquid layer.
Septic pumping is the process of removing the scum and liquid layers. Doing so will lower the volume in your tank and restore the health of the bacteria in your system.
Meanwhile, septic cleaning is the process of completely emptying your tank – including the sludge at the very bottom. This will entirely reset your tank and keep it functioning like new.
Next step: Get all your septic system questions answered by calling the helpful pros at Goodman Septic Services.
Most homeowners should get their septic tank professionally cleaned at least once every 3-5 years. However, the way that you use your septic system will impact how frequently you should schedule a cleaning service. You may need to clean your septic tank more often if:
- You have a large household: The average American uses 82 gallons of water each day. Larger households will produce more waste and therefore need more frequent cleaning services.
- You flush improper items down the drain: From so-called ‘flushable wipes’ (which aren’t actually flushable despite their labeling) to grease, there are a lot of substances that your septic tank will not be able to break down. The more these items go down the drain, the more likely you are to encounter issues with your septic that require cleaning or even repairs.
- Your septic tank is small or old: Smaller septic tanks will fill up with solid waste faster and need to be emptied out more frequently than larger units. Additionally, older systems should be cleaned more often to prevent issues that could lead to a breakdown.
Next step: Get all your septic system questions answered by calling the helpful pros at Goodman Septic Services.
Sure, you can clean your septic tank yourself if you don’t mind getting really dirty. This isn’t like cleaning out the cat’s litter box, though.
It is technically possible to clean your septic tank yourself, but it is a very messy and difficult job if you don’t know what you’re doing or you don’t have the right equipment. Do you have any friends who can loan you their 1,000 gallon pump truck?
Realistically speaking, without the right equipment and experience, you run the risk of coming into contact with raw sewage. Additionally, incorrect waste removal could lead to environmental contamination or damage to your tank.
To save time and effort while ensuring your system remains in great shape, we strongly recommend investing in professional septic cleaning services. If you’re ready to get started, give our team a call today!
Next step: Get all your septic system questions answered by calling the helpful pros at Goodman Septic Services and let them do the dirty work.
If your septic tank is not cleaned, it may begin to overflow or clog up. Should this happen, you may experience problems such as plumbing backups, flooding, and exposed sewage.
It’s not pretty and it’s not cheap.
While it’s okay to put off some maintenance tasks around your home, septic care should always be a top priority (and regular preventative maintenance is cheaper than waiting until it needs to be done). Failing to care for your system could put you at risk of serious health consequences, expensive repairs, and in some cases, hefty fines.
Next step: Get peace of mind by scheduling a septic system inspection from the helpful pros at Goodman Septic Services.
Septic System Repairs
Though each situation is different depending on the damage or issue with your septic system, there are a few common repairs that the experts at Goodman Septic Services regularly encounter. Here are some of the most common septic system repairs:
- Unclogging or replacing pipes: If water drains slowly or not at all, the pipes between your home and your septic tank may be clogged or broken.
- Add aerobic bacteria: This isn’t a septic repair exactly, but if your septic tank doesn’t have enough aerobic bacteria to break down waste, we can add more. (Flushing store-bought yeast down the toilet doesn’t work.)
- Clear inlet or outlet baffle clogs: We can clear your inlet baffle and clean or replace the effluent filter in your outlet baffle to keep things flowing.
Next step: Get all your septic system questions answered by calling the helpful pros at Goodman Septic Services.
As with any part of your home, your septic system will eventually decline over time. While age is one of the biggest reasons why septic tanks deteriorate, there are a number of other ways that your system could malfunction or become damaged. The most common reasons why septic systems fail include:
- Poor maintenance routines/lack of regular maintenance
- Improper installation
- Soil compaction or tree root invasions
- Weight, such as cars, on the drain field
- Corrosion or other environmental factors
- Solid items flowing down the drain
- Natural disasters such as flooding
Next step: Get all your septic system questions answered by calling the helpful pros at Goodman Septic Services.
Septic tanks can last up to 25 years when well maintained. That said, factors such as your system type and maintenance routine can have a significant impact on the overall lifespan of your system.
Failing to get your septic system maintained on a regular basis can dramatically reduce its expected service life.
Next step: Get peace of mind by scheduling a septic system inspection from the helpful pros at Goodman Septic Services.
In some cases, septic damage or deterioration is inevitable. However, there are a few steps you can take to protect your system and prevent issues from developing. Some of the best ways to take care of your septic system include:
- Regularly pumping, cleaning, and maintaining your system (typically every 3-5 years)
- Using high-efficiency water fixtures in your home
- Not letting solid items go down the drain
- Not driving over or planting on your drain field
Next step: Determine the health and status of your septic system by scheduling an inspection by the skilled professionals at Goodman Septic Services.
If your septic system is severely damaged, it may be more cost effective to replace it than pay for individual repairs. Your best bet is to get a professional evaluation from Goodman Septic Services to determine what the best course of action is. They will be able to perform a thorough inspection of damaged areas and provide recommendations for repairs or, if necessary, replacements.
At Goodman Septic Services, we understand how stressful septic system failures can be. That’s why we take a partnered approach to repairs, where we equip you with the information you need to make the best decision for your household and budget. When you need honest advice and reliable workmanship, you can count on Goodman Septic Services.
Next step: Determine the health and status of your septic system by scheduling an inspection by the skilled professionals at Goodman Septic Services.
Drainfields
A drainfield, also known as a leach field or disposal field, is an underground system of perforated pipes located next to your septic tank. These pipes are designed to filter out contaminants from the wastewater before being absorbed into the surrounding soil.
Next step: Get all your septic system drain field questions answered by calling the helpful pros at Goodman Septic Services.
Your drainfield works with the rest of your septic system to filter and treat wastewater. To understand how drainfields work, it’s useful to know how your septic system functions as a whole:
- Wastewater from your house flows to the septic tank.
- Solid waste sinks to the bottom to be pumped out later (this is why regularly scheduled maintenance and pumping is so important; that solid waste builds up until it’s pumped out).
- Bacteria in the tank breaks down liquid waste.
- The liquid flows through the drainfield, where it is naturally filtered by soil and absorbed into the ground.
Next step: Get all your septic system drain field questions answered by calling the helpful pros at Goodman Septic Services.
Though there are many different types of septic systems that homeowners can choose from, all require a drainfield of some sort. If you are concerned about how a leach field will fit on your property, don’t hesitate to ask one of the experts at Goodman Septic Services.
Our team has decades of experience with installing and maintaining septic systems throughout the greater Portland metro area, so we are very familiar with local conditions that could impact your drainfield. From topography and climate to city regulations, we’ll be able to create a custom solution that is perfectly tailored to your property. Call us today to get started.
Next step: Does your septic system have a drain field? If so, what shape is it in? Schedule a septic system and drain field inspection with the helpful pros at Goodman Septic Services.
Most leach fields are located on flat and open areas of your yard, typically measuring 1-3 feet wide and up to 100 feet long. Some drainfields have multiple trenches that are spaced approximately 6 feet apart. However, the overall size and layout of your drainfield will depend on factors such as your family size, the slope and soil type of your property, and the layout of your yard.
Next step: Get all your septic system drain field questions answered by calling the helpful pros at Goodman Septic Services.
Here in the Pacific Northwest, heavy rain can pose a number of problems for homeowners – including drainfield problems. If puddles of water rest on top of the leach field for too long, the soil may become saturated with water which will prevent it from absorbing wastewater. Over time, this could lead to a septic overflow. Investing in proper drainage for your yard is a great way to keep your leach field in good condition.
Next step: Get all your septic system drain field questions answered by calling the helpful pros at Goodman Septic Services.
Without a working drainfield, your septic system won’t be able to properly filter and treat wastewater. While some factors are out of your control, there are a number of ways that you can maintain your leach field and protect it from damage:
- Never park on top of your drainfield
- Avoid planting trees or plants near your drainfield
- Maintain your drainage systems to prevent flooding
- Ensure gutters are pointed away from the leach field
Next step: Schedule a septic system and drain field inspection with the helpful pros at Goodman Septic Services.
Commercial Septic Systems
For commercial septic systems, Goodman Septic Services has you covered:
- Grease trap pumping
- Holding tank pumping
For more information, see our Commercial Services page.
Next step: Get your commercial septic system questions answered by calling the helpful pros at Goodman Septic Services.