Question 1

What is a septic system?

Accepted Answer

A septic system is a two part system that is used to treat and dispose of the sewage that comes for your home. The two parts consist of (1) a teptic tank, from which the sewage flows into from the house, and (2) a drain field (or septic field / leaching bed) where the treated sewage is drained into. 
After the sewage flows from the house into the septic tank, the tank will digest the organic matter and seperate the oils and greases from the solids in the waste water. 
The leftover liquid (or effluent) is discharged from the tank, via a series of perforated pipes buried in the ground, to a drain field where it is allowed to soak into the ground.

Question 2

How does a septic system work?

Accepted Answer

1. Waste water drains from the house into a septic tank, a buried, water-tight container, usually made of concrete, polyethylene or fibreglass.
 
2. The septic tank holds the wastewater long enough to allow the solids to settle to the bottom of the tank (sludge), while the oils and grease float to the top (scum) and the remainder (wastewater/effluent) remains in the middle.
 
3. The wastewater is then either transferred into a second chamber or drained directly into the drain field.
 
4. The drain field is a shallow, covered excavation made in unsaturated soil. The soil accepts, treats and disperses the wastewater as it percolates through the soil, ultimately discharging it into the groundwater.

Question 3

Where can I find my septic system?

Accepted Answer

There are several ways to find where your septic system is located.
 
- Use a septic tank map. (Most counties retain records of the installation of septic tanks at all addresses.)
 
- Follow the pipes in the basement or crawl space of your home. (Look for a four-inch sewer pipe.)
 
- Inspect your yard for unexplained high or low spots.
 
- Speak to your neighbours to see where their septic system is located in relation to their house.
 
- Look for your septic tank lid.

Question 4

How often do I need to have my septic tank cleaned out?

Accepted Answer

According to industry standards, the average family of four with a 1000 gallon tank should have their septic tank pumped out twice a year, depending on use. We find, however, most of our clients have theirs cleaned out once every year or two.

Question 5

What can I do to maintain my septic system?

Accepted Answer

A homeowner can do the following things to help their septic systems remains clean and problem free:
 
- Keep trees from growing near the septic system.
- Route water away from the septic system.
- Do not use your toilet as a garbage disposal.
- Do not build over top of the septic system.
 
Regular maintenance is important for increasing the lifetime of the septic system. Therefore, we offer regular maintenance scheduling as part of our business services. 
Homeowners should NEVER open a septic tank by themselves, as harmful gases can build up in the tank posing a real danger to the homeowner. 
 
Dunc's Septic Tank Services is trained to perform these tasks safely and effectively.

Question 6

What items should I not flush down the toilet?

Accepted Answer

The following items should not be flushed down the toilet as they may cause problems to your septic system:
 
- Feminine products
- Cooking grease/food
- Baby wipes/wet wipes/cleaning pads
- Dental floss
- Q-Tips/Cotton balls
- Diapers
- Pills
- Paper towel/tissues
- Cigarette butts

Question 7

Where are you located? What areas do you service?

Accepted Answer

We are located in Ponoka, Alberta and serve the following areas within Alberta:
 
- Ponoka
- Lacombe
- Wetaskiwin
- Rimbey
- Bashaw
- Blackfalds