Are flushable wipes really flushable? 

Well, yes, they will flush; However, they do not break down and will cause large masses of waste in your  tank. (both septic and holding tanks) These masses are very hard to break up, clog efficient water flow,  and make routine pumping very difficult and costly. This is also the reason you should not flush anything  other than septic safe toilet paper.  

How often should I clean the filter in my septic tank? 

Cleaning can vary from system to system. It is recommended every 6-12 months. 

How frequently should I have my septic tank pumped? 

Generally, they need to be pumped every 3-5 years and inspected at least every three years. If you have a  garbage disposal you should have it pumped more frequently. This is due to food waste that doesn’t  break down as easily.  

How often do I have to have my holding tank pumped? 

This depends on use; every family is different. Most commonly tanks are pumped about every 6 weeks. 

How do I know if I have a filter in my tank? 

If you have a holding tank, you do not have a filter. Most septic tanks in the last 25 years have filters. If  you believe your tank is older than that, you may not have a filter. The only sure way to know is by opening  the cover and looking. The last time your system was serviced this should have been recorded. We are also available to help you determine if you have a filter.  

What does it mean when the alarm goes off? 

Tank is full! You should call and schedule a pump out as soon as your alarm goes off. There is no  guarantee you will be pumped out on the same day you call for service. Alarms are typically set so there  is a small window after the alarm is activated but it varies based on use and people in the home.  

How much water does a family of 4 typically use? 

The national average suggests a person uses approximately 100 gallons of water per day. Which would  equal about 12,000 gallons of water a month for a family of 4. In my years of pumping tanks, I feel that is  high. The average water usage in our area seems to be about 3000-5000 gallons per month.  

Why did I get this yellow letter from the county? 

This is the Door County Maintenance Pumping Report. Every three years it is a state requirement to have  your system inspected/pumped, which is managed by each county. You can simply upload your form Here. We will take care of the rest and contact you with a time frame that you can expect  inspection/pumping. If you have questions, please use the contact us tab and we can assist you with  uploading your form.