Get matched with top septic tank pros in Wolf Point, MT

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.

Mound systems can fail if foreign objects are flushed into the septic tank, the septic tank is backed up with solid waste (sludge), if wastewater floods or seeps from the mound, or if any part of the system is clogged. To prevent this, only flush toilet paper and your normal “business” down toilets, and get a septic inspection at least yearly.

Most professionals recommend that a deep well pump shouldn’t run more than 10 hours consecutively before cycling off. Overworking the well pump beyond the recommended amount can prematurely wear out your pump and burn out the motor, which means replacing it more often than you otherwise should need to. Your well pump should also come with the manufacturer’s use and maintenance recommendations that are specific to the model.

A well does not run out of water because the groundwater continues to refill with rainwater that seeps through the ground. If the well is too shallow or there is a drought, a well can run dry or be short in supply. It’s important to have a well deep enough to source enough water for your home’s use. Deeper wells tap into more groundwater reserves. If your well is not producing enough water, you may need to redig your well.