Best septic tank pros near Steeleville, IL

If you aren’t sure if you have a septic tank or a cesspit, you can check your property records or inspect your drainage system. A septic tank has an outlet pipe that allows liquid to drain into a soakaway or drain field, while a cesspit is a sealed tank that requires frequent emptying. If you notice a manhole cover and no nearby drainage field, it’s likely a cesspit. Signs like slow drainage or a frequent need for pumping can also provide clues. A professional inspection is the easiest way to confirm if your home runs on a septic tank or cesspit.

The size of your water well pressure tank is limited only by your budget and the amount of space you have to use. Larger tanks can hold more water, meaning your well pump will need to cycle less often. This can extend the life of both the pressure tank and your well pump. Larger tanks cost more and take up more room, though.

Most well pump pressure switches have a factory setting of 30 to 50 PSI. There’s some flexibility with this if you’d like a lower or higher water pressure, but remember that it should sit 2 to 3 PSI above your well tank’s general pressure setting.

The inside of your pressure switch cover will usually indicate minimum and maximum settings—going below and above the numbers might damage your well pump.

The best times of year to empty or pump a septic tank are spring and fall. Many professionals recommend spring because the ground has thawed, making the tank easier to access and the waste less likely to be frozen. Pumping before summer also helps avoid conflicts with vacations or outdoor gatherings. Fall is another great option, as contractors may be less busy, and servicing the tank can reduce the risk of overflow from winter and spring precipitation. While summer is also a suitable time, winter is generally not recommended due to frozen ground.