Residential FAQs
Have a question? You’ve come to the right place. Scan through our list of frequently asked questions and behold the beauty of our answers.
Septic Problem Solving
Why does my septic system back up or clog?
Many possibilities here, so best to give us a buzz and we can discuss it with you. There are some standard questions we’ll probably ask, to help get to the bottom of things:
- Have you had your septic pumped recently? Going too long between service visits can lead to a number of issues, one of which is system back up.
- Do you have a filter installed in your septic system? Filters keep out the hair, grit, grime and other disgusting things from getting out and clogging your leach field lines.
- Where exactly is the back up or clog? The location – Upstairs? , Downstairs? Outside? – may also suggest the cause of the problem.
How often should I have septic pumping service?
It’s going to vary based on a number of factors, including the amount of water going through your system, the number of people who live in your home, and the age and condition of your system overall. In general, though, you should have this done every one to two years.
Want a more specific recommendation? Check out our handy Septic Service Frequency Calculator.
How do I know the last time I had septic pumping service?
Multiply your weight by your age and divide by five. We’re kidding; that doesn’t always work.
Instead, check with your local town office or give your past provider a ring.
What can I do to preserve and protect my septic system?
Your best bet is to follow our easy, three-step septic care plan:
- Make sure your septic or cesspool is pumped regularly.
- Use a bacterial additive products. Soaps, detergents and other everyday products in your home will kill the bacteria in your system. Replacing this with a bacterial additive will keep things healthy.
- Use a septic system filter. This keeps bad things out of your leach field.
Learn more about our 3 step preventative septic care program here.
What is the difference between a cesspool, a septic system and a tight tank?
A septic system is made up of a tank and an attached leaching area. The system typically includes a septic tank, a distribution box and a number of leach field pipes.
Other configurations include a septic tank and a pump chamber whose job it is to pump septic up to the mound in a mound system which would then leach water.
A cesspool is less sophisticated, and is essentially just a carved out hole in the ground lined with cinder blocks or stones through which the grey water leaches out through the walls. In some cases, there is an attached outlet pipe added to the cesspool which then connects to an overflow pit.
Tight tanks are similar to septic tanks, except that they have no outlet and must be pumped out at regular intervals.
We bet you’re sorry you asked, right?
What does a septic filter do?
The filter keeps all the hair, grit, grime, accidentally flushed iPhones and other solid items from getting out of the tank and clogging your leach field lines. It’s installed at the outlet of your septic tank.
How can I find out where my septic is located?
Check with your local Town Office; they should have a diagram of your septic system (also known as the “As-Built”) plan on file. If there is no record at the town , Kline’s provides locating services.
If you’re already a Kline’s customer, we have this information on file, so just give us a call!
It is wet over my septic, what does that mean?
If it’s raining at the moment, it’s probably wet everywhere, so that’s perfectly normal.
Otherwise, if you are experiencing ponding or damp soil of any sort near your septic tank or leach field, please give us a call. This could be caused by a leak, a break, an overfull septic tank or something else.
Do I have to be home for septic pumping service?
It’s not a requirement, but it’s a good idea. This way we can review the service and discuss the condition of your system with you.
Why do I have more than one cover on my septic tank?
Actually, you probably have three: One over the inlet side of the septic tank (where the water from your home enters the tank), one in the center of the tank, and one on the outlet side of the tank (where the liquid from the tank exits to your leach field).
Does someone need to be present at the time of my Drain Cleaning service?
Yes. We need access into the inside of your home, so we require that an adult be present.
How long down the line can your cable go?
We don’t like to brag, but we have 50 foot baskets with our drain cleaner, which means that our cabling can go out at 50 foot intervals. In short (or, more appropriately, in long), we can cable down as far as we need to go.
Why would I have odors inside my house?
There are many possible causes of inside odors so give us a call and we’ll help you figure it out by asking a number of questions. For example, has it been more than a year since your last septic pumping service? Where are the odors coming from? Do you have an unused drain or bathroom? Do you sing in the shower (this one has nothing to do with inside odors, but it’s fun to ask)?
The answers to these questions will allow us to help you fix the problem quickly.
Why is my toilet flushing slowly?
It could be a sign that you need septic pumping service. It could also mean that you have a clog somewhere in your system. Give us a call!
What are your hours?
Basically, all of them. Septic problems don’t occur on a tidy schedule so we are here to help 24/7/365 (366 in leap years). Call us anytime, year round.
What areas do you service?
We have an extensive fleet and coverage in towns throughoutPennsylvania and Maryland. For a complete list of towns that Kline’s serves, visit our Locations page.
