Services

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Pump septic tanks every 3 to 5 years. Most septic tanks have more than one access lid and compartment. All lids should be uncovered and opened at time of service. The entire septic tank needs to be completely emptied at the time of service. It does NOT aid the system to "leave a little in" as some may say. It is important that waste from the tank does not go out to the leach fields; they are only supposed to receive effluent.

As of 2001 (in Arizona), effluent filters were required for all new septic systems. Most homeowners/homebuyers are not informed about these. Some contractors think these can be thrown away, but that is NOT true. Effluent filters are usually the culprit for septic system back-ups, especially with new construction or after any remodeling. Effluent filters should be cleaned yearly. 

Sometimes, a system repair is necessary. Having the right person to accurately diagnose the septic system is critical in finding out what needs to be repaired. Having vegetation over leach fields can cause fields to clog with roots. Driving heavy machines or cars over fields can cause pipes to get damaged. Poor installation methods can cause pipes to settle and break, stopping effluent flow.

Additives are a touchy subject with pumping companies. Onsite Septic Service believes adding chemicals to aid in the system’s functionality does not aid the system in any way. Onsite Septic Service does, however, use copper sulfate and rock salt to help prevent root growth.

In Arizona, a transfer inspection has to be completed for the sale of your property. This inspection consists of the septic tank that has to be uncovered, pumped, and inspected. The distribution box has to be inspected, and the leach fields also have to pass a water test. These inspections are completed by NAWT-certified technicians and are also covered by some program fees.

Hydro jetting is used to clean slow moving drains and clogged sewer lines. High pressure water is uses to removing sludge and roots from leach fields and sewer lines. But, it doesn't "fix" the problem. Jetting is used to clean out the lines so a sewer camera can be used to diagnose the real issues. Jetting is usually used along with some kind of system repair.

Or it can be used for preventative maintenance.

There are times that our sewer lines clog, whether it’s from roots, a settled pipe, misuse of drains, or overuse of grease. These problems are usually easily repaired with a snaking. Once the lines are cleared, everything is always double-checked with a camera to make sure there are no other issues.

A warranty is peace of mind.

In our daily lives, we have warranties or insurance on everything around us. Well, everything we can see. Homeowners' insurance companies do not cover any repair or replacement costs for a septic system, nor do they pay or refund maintenance expenses.

New systems are needed when building a new home on a property that doesn't have access to city sewers or when the existing septic system stops functioning or fails completely and is not repairable. It may also be needed if you add on to the house or remodel the home, and the septic system must be resized.

Once a property is on septic, there are occasions where connecting to the city sewer is required at times of full septic system failure. A portion of the cost to switch is covered in some of the Onsite Septic Service programs.

 A snowbird is a person who travels to Arizona during the winter to escape the cold temperatures of their home state. Snowbirds typically arrive in October or November and stay until April or May. They can be active adults or retirees who enjoy the state's scenery. These travelers just want to come "home" and enjoy themselves. Onsite Septic Service will have a service technician check the system over before you arrive in town to make sure everything is ready to go.

 Installation of RV drains. If you spend any time in a recreational vehicle (RV), you probably have experienced the problem of unpleasant odors. Chemicals are added to treat and control odors while traveling or camping in your RV.  These chemicals and their by-products can kill the good bacteria in septic systems. RV drains are only installed for customers with a full time parked RV or those that DO NOT use chemicals.