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Home > Septic Pumping Blog > Septic System FAQs

help you on your road to septic system ownership

If you grew up with a septic system, then you know a little bit about how to handle one. However, if you grew up on the city sewer system and are considering moving to a home with a septic system, you might feel a little in over your head, which is not where anyone wants to be in a septic system! At Averett Septic Tank Co Inc., we get a lot of frequently asked questions about septic systems, and we would like to share a few of them with you to help you on your road to septic system ownership.

  • How frequently do I need to pump my septic system? On average, a home will need its septic tank pumped every 3-5 years. Keep in mind that this is an average report. Larger households will generally need more frequently pumped tanks while smaller households can get away with fewer. You should always aim to be safe rather than sorry when it comes to timing because when you are sorry with septic systems, you are very sorry.
  • What can/can’t I flush? Waste, wastewater, and toilet paper. That’s all you should flush. Things like feminine hygiene products, “flushable” wipes, paper towels, etc., should not be flushed or go down any drain in your home.
  • How does a septic system work? A septic system works like a mini wastewater treatment plant in your own backyard. The waste and wastewater accumulate in the tank where the heavier solids are broken down, and the gray water moves along the system to be further filtered until it can return to the groundwater.

Do you have other questions about septic systems? Let us know what they are!