Best septic tank pros near Bridgewater, SD

You can check your own septic tank, but take precautions. Locate the access lid, usually buried a few inches underground, and remove it carefully. Look for the sludge and scum levels, and if they’re high, that means pumping may be necessary. Check for odors, slow drains, or pooling water around the drain field, which could indicate issues. Never enter the tank, as toxic gases can be fatal. All of that being said, a professional inspection is safer and more thorough.

Adding a thin layer of dirt over a septic drain field is fine, especially if soil erosion has occurred. However, adding too much dirt can compact the soil, reducing the drain field’s ability to absorb and filter wastewater properly. Avoid using heavy clay soil, as it can prevent proper drainage. Instead, use a light layer of topsoil and plant grass to help with soil stability.

With so much available information about the ecological effects of cesspools (and their general unpleasantness), it begs the question: Are cesspools legal? In short, sort of. Large-capacity cesspools that serve more than 20 people are completely illegal countrywide. Existing, smaller cesspools are generally allowed as long as they’re not actively polluting. However, new cesspools are illegal to build in all 50 states and Puerto Rico, and many states offer programs to help homeowners with the costs of updating cesspools to modern septic systems.

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.