Homeowner Resources

Preventive Maintenance

Your aerobic septic system is a sensitive ecosystem comprised of live bacteria. Follow these proven practices to keep your system running smoothly and avoid costly repairs.

Septic Problems

View our collection of detailed aerobic septic problems

Locate Tank Openings

View a drawing of your tank, measure its size and locate all of its openings

Septic Pumping

Pricing information and recommendations on septic pumping schedules

Best Practices

Septic System Tips: Do's & Don'ts

All systems have to be pumped out eventually. Go longer between pumping by not adding things that can't decompose easily. Our comprehensive inspections will alert you of small problems before they become big repairs. We'll educate you on what to do, what to avoid, common problems, and best practices.

Things to Do

Pump system every 2-5 years. All tanks must be cleaned when solid levels get too high. We provide a pumping service for our customers.
Excessive laundry should be spread out over the week; this can prevent a potential overload on your system.
If your aerobic system uses tablets, be sure to check it every month, and only refill with septic tablets.
Call your maintenance provider when you have an alarm. Problems can multiply when a small issue is left for too long.
Keep fire ants away from system electrical components.
Keep grass trimmed around system and disposal field.

Things to Avoid

Over pumping. This will waste money. Our skilled technicians will let you know when pumping is necessary.
Leaky toilets and sinks. Repair them immediately; even a small constant drip can quickly overload your septic system.
Excessive garbage disposal use, as this puts organic material into your system that doesn't biodegrade.
Excessive amounts of bleach products or cleaners. These products kill beneficial bacteria and can cause odors along with other problems.
Excessive use of fabric softener can bind the organic materials in your aerobic system, preventing them from biodegrading.
Turning the power off to save electricity or silence an alarm. Only do so when directed by the maintenance provider.
Repairing the system unless you have been trained. This can be extremely hazardous: electricity and water don't mix.

NEVER:

Flush paints or household chemicals such as automobile fluids.

Flush non-biodegradable products such as cigarette butts, paper towels, condoms, bandages, etc.

Use excessive amounts of strong disinfectants, bleach, or Drano. These products kill beneficial bacteria and can cause odors along with other problems.

Use the blue toilet bowl cleaner with each flush.

Use swimming pool tablets. This hurts the environment and is against the law. Fines from $500 to $2,000.

Store waste water tablets next to gasoline. Mixing both vapors will cause spontaneous combustion (start a fire without a match).

Scheduled Service

Aerobic Septic Pumping (Vacuuming)

All aerobic septic systems need to be pumped out by a licensed vacuum truck company every 3-5 years depending on usage. Advanced Aerobic Systems checks the solid levels in your septic system during our inspection visits, and we'll let you know when it's time to vacuum out your tank.

We provide high-quality pumping services to all our customers with great pricing. Whoever you choose to go with for your vacuuming needs, make sure the company cleans the system completely when it is pumped (all tanks & chambers). Partial cleaning will cause more frequent pumpouts.

Pricing

We charge a flat rate for vacuuming most 500 GPD septic tank models. However, additional fees will be applied on top of the flat rate if:

The effluent level in your septic system is higher than during normal operation (system backing up/other issue)
Your septic tank has a capacity over 500 GPD
You are located further than 45 miles away from our base of operation

Our rates may change or be adjusted at any time. Please call the office for current pricing.

Time To Pump: Septic Pumpout

There are multiple compartments in your treatment unit. We check the levels in each one during our inspections; this helps prevent future issues that may arise.

Purple electrical conduit laid out during underground installation on residential jobsite with dirt piles

Side-effects of high solids:

Premature water pump failure
Solids spraying onto lawn
Clogged filters, backed-up system

We don't want things to get this bad, so we keep an eye on things to let you know when we see a potential issue.

Tank Compartments: Just one opening?

There are multiple compartments in your septic system, possibly more than just one tank. Even if you see 3 green openings above the ground, there could still be more hidden beneath the surface.

Buried, or otherwise inaccessible tank openings present a wall of sorts for us. We're unable to accurately determine if your septic system needs pumping or not. Additionally, most vacuuming companies charge an additional fee each time they have to dig down to a tank opening, and that's assuming they're able to find them all.

We dug up these tank openings for access

What happens if only part of your septic system is pumped?

Rapid buildup of solids (another pumpout soon awaits you)
Paying extra $ for a partial pumpout job

We know your system, and we can easily tell how many openings your tank has by the model and design of your septic system.

Questions About Your System?