FAQ's
How much does a new septic
system cost?
Can
I choose what type of septic system goes on my property?
Why
can't all systems be standard gravity type?
How
long does a septic system last?
What
causes a septic system to fail?
What
do I do if I think my system has failed?
Can
I install my own septic system?
Can
I inspect my own septic system?
Can
I design my own septic system in Clark County?
Are
there any alternatives to a mound system?
Why
don’t you design with pipe drainrock anymore?
Do
I need my tank pumped every four years?
Are
garbage disposals ok?
Should
I use additives in my septic tank?
How
much does a new septic system cost?
The cost to install a
new system widely varies, depending on the type and size of system
required. It can be as little as $5,000 or over $20,000.
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Can
I choose what type of septic system goes on my property?
Sometimes… the soil on your property
dictates the “treatment standard” which will be required.
Depending on what “treatment standard” is required,
there may be multiple technologies which meet the requirements (this
mostly applies to “alternative”, higher end systems).
See our page on septic system types for
more information.
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Why
can’t all systems be standard gravity type?
Different soil and site conditions dictate what type
of system is required. Alternative type systems are sometimes required
in order to help increase the life of the system and to help protect
public health. See our page on septic system
types for more information.
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How
long does a septic system last?
With normal maintenance and no abuse of the system,
a typical system life expectancy is about 30 years. Some systems
are notorious for failing sooner, others have lasted longer.
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What
causes a septic system to fail?
There are many ways a system can “fail”.
It can be as simple as a clogged pipe or burnt-out pump, or as major
as a plugged filter or clogged drainfield which needs to be replaced.
As you can imagine, the water in your system is full of organic
matter. Over time, this organic matter can plug the pores in the
soil (or pre-treatment filter) causing it to no longer absorb water.
A residence which generates a larger than normal volume of waste
or a waste which is stronger than typical for a residence will likely
have a pre-mature system failure. There are many other factors which
can play a role in system failure. To read more about how to extend
the life of your system, check out this helpful page from King County,
WA:
http://www.metrokc.gov/HEALTH/wastewater/owners/dosanddonts.htm
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What
do I do if I think my system has failed?
The first thing you should do is call a professional
septic technician who can diagnose the problem. EGSD recommends
calling PR Septic Service (360-901-8292). PR Septic Service is known
around the NW to be one of the leading Operations and Maintenance
providers due to their professionalism and wealth of knowledge in
this field.
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Can I
install my own septic system?
Typically the answer is “no”. Clark County
Health Department allows homeowners to install one system per year
on their own property if they pay a fee and pass a test. Installing
your own system is not recommended however.
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Can
I inspect my own septic system?
In the past, Clark County has allowed you to perform
the first required inspection. Due to the increased complexity of
systems today, this is being phased out.
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Can
I design my own septic system in Clark County?
No, not unless you’re licensed septic designer
or professional engineer in Washington State.
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Are
there any alternatives to a mound system?
Depending on your soils, there might be technology
which will prevent you from having an ugly mound on your property.
EGSD is one of the few companies knowledgeable with this newer technology.
If you think your site may be a candidate, please contact us today!
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Why
don’t you design with pipe drainrock anymore?
Due to the cost and availability of clean drainrock,
the labor required to shovel drainrock into the trenches and the
size reduction available when using graveless technology, most drainfields
today are made with “graveless panels” or what some
call “dog houses”. They are injection molded half-dome
panels that create a void area above the trench bottom to allow
the water to enter the soil.
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Do
I need my tank pumped every four years?
Not necessarily. You should have your system inspected
by an independent septic inspector first. If it needs to be pumped,
then you should call the pump truck. See our page on Other
Septic Professionals to learn more.
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Are
garbage disposals ok?
Even if your system is designed for a garbage disposal,
they are NOT A GOOD IDEA. They add lots of extra organic matter
to the system which can plug system components and the soil in the
drainfield. A system failure can result from usage of a garbage
disposal.
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Should
I use additives in my septic tank?
It’s normally not necessary. Some additives
are nothing more than filler. Some can actually harm your system.
To learn more, check out this publication from the State of Washington
Department of Health: http://www.doh.wa.gov/ehp/ts/WW/Additives.pdf
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