We provide after hours and emergency service on a limited availability basis. Please note that additional fees may be applicable for these services outside of regular business hours.

A properly functioning septic tank should always be nearly full, with the level about 8-10 inches below the top. For residential septic tanks with normal usage, we recommend pumping every 2-5 years. However, more frequent pumping may be necessary for tanks smaller than 1000 gallons, homes with above-average usage, those with garbage disposals, or systems experiencing issues.

For an accurate cost estimate, we encourage you to contact us directly. During the pumping service, we'll provide a comprehensive septic tank assessment' on your receipt. This assessment includes details about the tank's condition, level, solid content, leaching field flow back, tank location, and recommended future pumping intervals. We can also locate and excavate the tank if needed, for an additional charge. If the tank's location and depth are unknown, we may need to use equipment for digging. State regulations require the installation of risers and caps if the tank is deeper than 12 inches from the surface, which we can also handle if necessary.

Baffles are crucial components within the septic tank that serve two primary functions: they keep the inlet pipe clear and prevent solids from exiting the tank and potentially clogging the leaching field. Different tank designs utilize various types of baffles. In older tanks, these baffles (which can be made of concrete, metal, or plastic) may erode and detach over time. It's essential to repair damaged or missing baffles promptly. Fortunately, this is typically a minor repair that can potentially save your entire leaching system from failure.

Yes, we accept payments via MasterCard, VISA, Discover, and American Express for your convenience.

Indicators of a failing septic system may include gurgling sounds in pipes, frequent clogs or the need for repeated plunging, slow drains, an overfull septic tank, wet spots or unusually lush patches in your lawn, and noticeable odors. If you observe any of these signs, it's advisable to have your system inspected promptly.

A septic system, also known as an onsite wastewater recycling system, consists of two main components: a septic tank and a leaching system, connected by pipes. The septic tank initiates the waste breakdown process, where bacteria begin decomposing organic matter. Some solids settle at the bottom while others float. The grey water in the middle then flows through the outlet baffle into the leaching system. In the leaching system, this grey water percolates into the ground, undergoing natural purification. Various types of leaching systems exist, including pipe and stone, galleys, infiltrators, and dry wells, among others.

We're happy to provide a complimentary site visit to assess your situation and offer a verbal estimate based on our experience. To provide an accurate quote, we'll need additional information such as the current system's location, well and waterline positions, property boundaries, and the number of bedrooms. We'll then arrange for test holes with your local health department to obtain soil data, including soil profile and percolation rate. This typically costs $400 for equipment and operator, plus a health department fee of around $150. After analyzing the results and discussing with the health department, we can provide a verbal estimate. If you find this acceptable, we'll create a plan, submit it for health department approval, and then present you with a written quote for the work. Rest assured, we always strive to design the most cost-effective system that meets both your needs and health department requirements.

As licensed septic installers in Connecticut, we adhere to the standards set by the CT department of health. While dry wells were common and effective before the mid-1970s, current repair regulations require us to aim for a 'code-complying' system that satisfies local health department standards. Although dry wells are still permissible, their use is now highly restricted. In most cases, existing failing dry wells need to be pumped out, filled in, and replaced with an alternative type of leaching system that meets current code requirements.