Septic questions, answered by the people who pump the tanks.
These are the questions we hear at the tank lid in Conroe and across Montgomery County. The answers come from what the ground and the rules are like here.
If your question is not on this page, call us. A septic tech answers 24/7 at (936) 209-5078.
Pumping and maintenance
How often should a septic tank be pumped?
It depends on the tank size, how many people live in the house, and what goes down the drains. Our pumping calculator gives you a starting point, and after each pump-out we tell you when to call again.
Is pumping the same as cleaning?
Not quite. Pumping removes the liquid and loose solids, while cleaning also breaks up the hard layers that build on the bottom and top of the tank.
What should never go into a septic system?
Wipes, grease, paper towels, and harsh chemicals are the usual trouble. Wipes are the worst, because they do not break down and they jam pumps and baffles.
Do additives help my tank?
A healthy tank already has the bacteria it needs. Regular pumping does far more for the system than anything poured down a drain.
Why do you want the lid dug up and not just a pipe?
A tank is pumped properly through its main lid, where we can see the baffles and reach the solids. If your lid is buried, a riser brings it to the surface and makes every future visit easier.
Aerobic systems
Why are there so many aerobic systems around here?
Montgomery County clay drains slowly, so a standard drain field often cannot keep up. Aerobic systems treat the water first and spray it across the yard instead.
Do I have to keep an aerobic maintenance contract?
Yes. Texas requires every aerobic system to be under a maintenance contract and inspected at least once every four months.
What does the four-month inspection cover?
We check the aerator, the pumps, the control panel, the alarm, and the spray heads. We also look at the chlorinator and whether the water leaving the system looks right.
My aerobic alarm is going off. What do I do?
Cut back on water use right away, since the alarm often means the pump tank is filling up. Then call us, because the cause can be a pump, a float, a timer, or a tripped breaker.
Why do my sprinkler heads spray at night?
Most aerobic panels run the spray cycle on a timer set for the early morning hours. If they spray at odd times or not at all, the timer or the pump needs a look.
Problems and emergencies
Sewage is backing up into my house. What now?
Stop running water, including the washer and dishwasher, and keep people away from the backup. Then call (936) 209-5078, day or night.
Why is the grass so green over my drain field?
Extra green grass often means the field is getting more water than it can handle. It is worth a look before the ground turns soggy.
My drains gurgle but still work. Is that urgent?
Gurgling means air is fighting its way past a blockage or a full tank. It is not an emergency yet, but it usually becomes one.
Do you come out on nights, weekends, and holidays?
Yes. We are open 24/7, including nights, weekends, and holidays.
Buying, selling, and permits
Should I get a septic inspection before buying a house?
Yes. A home inspection rarely opens the tank, and a septic repair can cost more than anything else on the report.
Who issues septic permits here?
Montgomery County Environmental Health Services permits septic systems in the county. Near Lake Conroe, the San Jacinto River Authority does.
What changes if my house is close to Lake Conroe?
If the system is within 2,075 feet of the lake, SJRA permits it and its rules are stricter. Repairs and new installs there take more planning.
Can you help with permits for a new system?
Yes. We are a state-licensed installer, we work to TCEQ standards, and we help with the permit paperwork.
Still have a question?
Call and ask a septic tech directly. Estimates are free and the phone is answered 24/7 at (936) 209-5078.
Call (936) 209-5078