Septic Systems
More than 90% of all calls we receive related to Septic Systems/Onsite Wastewater treatment systems (OWTS) are emergencies caused by system Failure! Many homeowners don’t understand the importance of a OWTS maintenance program. This program generally consists of no more than the pumping of the Septic Tank every 3 to 10 years depending on your usage. This periodic visit from a OWTS professional has two main purposes. First, to control the levels of scum and sludge in the Septic Tank. There is no product available that can eliminate the buildup of these layers. In fact, using these products on a healthy system can cause expensive irreversible damage. Second, it provides an opportunity for an OWTS professional to inspect the condition of the system and note potential problems.
We highly recommend that you take the time to download the Homeowners Septic Guide. It's provided by the EPA, and either version is available through these links. Short Version or Long Version
The plugged T on a failed, dead, system. Notice the rotten concrete from the underside of the lid and the lack of a healthy crust.What is system failure?
As defined by Utah State rule R317-4, Malfunctioning or Failing system means an onsite wastewater system which is not functioning in compliance with the requirements of this regulation and includes, but is not limited to, the following,
A. Absorption systems which seep or flow to the surface of the ground or waters of the state.
B. Systems which have overflow from any of their components.
C. Systems which, due to failure to operate in accordance with their designed operation, cause back-flow into any portion of a building plumbing system.
D. Systems discharging effluent which does not comply with applicable effluent discharge standards.
E. Leaking Septic Tanks
What causes system failure?
There are many possible contributors to system failure, however, the most common factors are....
Lack of Maintenance and Improper System Design.
Lack of maintenance.
As we stated at the top of the page, most people don’t call for service until the system is overflowing. They are then surprised when we tell them that pumping the tank won’t fix the problem, it just buys them time. The most simple and accurate way to explain this is to compare the maintenance of your septic tank to changing the oil on your car. Most people change the oil in their cars every 3000 to 5000 miles. This is done to prevent the buildup of old black, dirty, sludge in the engine and oil reservoir, and to replace it with new clean oil to insure the best possible performance. You wouldn't wait for your engine to start showing signs of failure, then change the oil and expect it to fix the problem. Changing the oil won’t fix the problem but it might get you a few more mile out of a failing engine. The absorption system/leach field is the engine of your septic system. If you don’t periodically pump out the Septic Tank, the amount of sludge and scum will build and solids will be flushed into the absorption system eventually causing system failure.
Garbage disposals are a big problem. Besides all the slow decomposing solids they add to the tank, rotting food in a septic tank creates hydrogen sulfide. Hydrogen sulfide eats concrete and breaks down the structural integrity of the septic tank. Also, hydrogen sulfide mixed with water is sulfuric acid. The anaerobic and aerobic bacteria needed in a healthy septic system cannot live in an acidic environment. Hydrogen sulfide is also the leading cause of foul odor related to septic tanks.
Improper System Design.
Septic Systems have been around for along time and in the old days required little or no maintenance and were some times no more than a bottomless tank. Maybe a cinder block tank that dumped into a small trench filled with gravel. This was fine before the days of jet tubs, dishwashers, laundry machines and teenagers showering for 30 minuets twice a day. And to compound the issue is the increasing development of antibacterial products and PPCP's, or Pharmaceuticals and Personal Care Products. Our increased use of water combined with our increased use of these products has forced the development and implementation of industry standards. These standards are developed around 3 main issues, Collection, Treatment, and Disposal. Based on many different factors, like estimated water usage and the soil percolation rate, each system must be designed to collect and retain wastewater long enough for treatment yet drain fast enough for proper disposal. A system that is undersized will not be able to keep up with the disposal demands forever, and a system that is designed correctly but installed improperly may eventually fail as well.
A healthy system the way it should look when it's time to pump.
Our Service
Every service is done by a qualified technician, trained to be as clean and efficient as possible. We have custom built trucks with large tanks and pumps to efficiently handle even the toughest jobs. If necessary, we safely and legally do Confined Space Entry to make repairs or remove materials that can't be removed from outside the tank. When the Septic Systems lines are adequately accessible, we send a Color Camera down the leach lines and up the inlet line to help insure your system is in proper working order, at no additional cost! Our truck has a high pressure, high volume jetter mounted on it, allowing us to jet any accessible lines at time of service, at a very competitive price.
We were the first, and presently the only local Waste Hauling company, to become State Certified at level I, II and III, for the, Design, Installation, Inspection, and Maintenance of OWTS's (Onsite Wastewater Treatment Systems, or, septic systems). We also hold a nationally recognized certification for OWTS Inspection from NAWT (National Association of Wastewater Transporters). We know how serious the problem of a failed Septic System can be and we're serious about being able to provide you with answers.
Septic Tank Pricing*
Pricing is evaulated on an individual basis. Please call for your personalized price.
Additional Services (please call for pricing)
- Tank Locating and Digging
- Drain field jetting
- Effluent filters
- Complete system inspection
- New system design/Replacement system design
- Confined Space Entry
- Riser and Lid Installation
This is not Emergency pricing. This pricing is for work that can be scheduled. If you have an Emergency, please call for pricing and availability.
If you're serious about preventing system failure, if you need answers for system repair, or if you need new system design, there's only one company to call. That's Aardvark Waste Services. Call or Email us today!
435-635-PUMP (7867)
or Email your questions to,
contact@aardvarkwaste.com