The following listing answers some of the common questions we hear. If you don’t find the answer to your question below, please contact us at 309-691-6113 or email us.
Q. Why do I need to pump my septic tank?
A. A septic tank is only a holding tank for the sludge created from waste in your home. While the water level will always be relatively high, the sludge that forms in the bottom must be pumped out to prevent a back-up from occurring.
Q: How often should a septic tank be pumped/cleaned?
A. A general recommendation is every three to four years depending on the size of the tank and amount of water used in the home.
Q. Where does it go?
A. Our company always takes the waste to an approved facility, usually the Greater Peoria Sanitary District (GPSD). Even though fees apply for us to dump at GPSD, we are committed to being environmentally aware. Adams Septic and Sewer Services does not land-apply or dump on fields since this is both irresponsible and harmful to the environment.
Q. Do I need to add products to my system to keep it working correctly?
A. Generally, no. Most of the products that you see advertised have no effect either way. You are basically flushing your money away! However, with some systems we add a live bacteria treatment after pumping if there is evidence that the household bacteria isn’t sufficient.
Q. What is the life-span of a septic system?
A. With routine maintenance, a properly installed and correctly sized septic system should last 30+ years.
Q. How can I prevent sewer back-ups from happening in my home?
A. While sometimes back-ups can’t be avoided, it is a good idea to have a video inspection done on your sewer lateral if you have been plagued with chronic back-ups. A video inspection of your pipe should show exactly what is causing back-ups—whether it’s roots, a “belly” or low spot in the pipe, imperfections in the joints, etc.