FAQs

Your septic system is your personal wastewater treatment plant, designed to receive and process household waste from laundry, sinks, toilets, and more. Inside the tank, bacteria feed on the waste, converting much of it into liquid. Non-digestible inert matter settles at the bottom as sludge, while grease rises to the top, forming a scum layer. The liquid then passes through baffles (pipes) to the drainfield, where it's absorbed into the soil and naturally cleansed. If you're unsure about maintenance or repairs, experienced plumbing companies can help make sure your septic system operates smoothly.

Regular cleaning and inspections of your septic system are essential to keeping it operating at its optimal performance and extending its lifespan. This routine maintenance helps prevent issues like slow-draining sinks and toilets and septic backups inside your home. In our experience, having your septic tank cleaned by professional plumbing companies every two to three years can help keep the sludge levels low, preventing it from entering the drainfield, clogging pipes and soil, and stopping proper liquid absorption. It also helps you protect your home, avoid embarrassing sewage backups, prevent expensive repairs, and maintain your landscaping’s appearance. If you're ready to get started with expert septic cleaning, reach out to Austin's Pumping Service today!

The cleaning schedule for your septic tank depends on how your household uses the system. Factors such as the number of people in the home, garbage disposal usage, the system's age, and how often you entertain guests all influence how quickly solid waste builds up. According to the United States Environmental Protection Agency, the average household should have their septic system inspected at least once every three years. Professional plumbing companies can use the inspection to determine if your septic tank needs cleaning and provide a tailored recommendation for how often it should be serviced based on your household’s usage. Keep in mind that heavy garbage disposal use can increase sludge buildup and may require more frequent cleanings.

One of the most important steps you can take is to have the sludge pumped from your septic tank every two to three years; in our experience, this schedule helps maintain optimal performance and prevent costly issues. Avoid pouring harsh chemicals such as paint solvents, thinners, and nail polish remover down the drain, as well as bleach, sink and toilet cleanings, and drain openers, which can harm the beneficial organisms that break down the waste. Never flush items like diapers, feminine products, cigarette butts, condoms, or cotton swabs, as they can cause blockages. As one of the top plumbing companies in the area, we recommend following these practices to keep your system running efficiently and prevent costly repairs.

The crust is an organic material that has congealed into a solid mass. This condition can indicate a bacterial deficiency. Treating your tank with Austin's Bio-Treatment accelerates the population of aerobic bacteria and enzymes, which help break down and convert this scum into liquid. Expert plumbing companies recommend treatments like this to restore balance in your septic system and maintenance efficient operation.

A grease trap is a chambered box connected to the outlet side of sinks and equipment drains. Inside, chambers or screens slow the flow of wastewater, allowing fats, oils, and grease (FOG) to cool and rise to the surface, while solids settle to the bottom. The remaining water then flows out into the sewer system. There are two main types of grease removal devices. The first is a large, outdoor, underground grease interceptor, typically made out of concrete and located beneath manholes outside of a restaurant. The second is a smaller, indoor grease trap, often found in the sink area, either above ground or built into the floor. Plumbing companies can help with the installation and maintenance of both types to keep kitchens running efficiently.

Without proper cleaning and maintenance, fats, oils, and grease (FOG), along with food solids, can flow past the trap, harden inside sewer pipes, and cause major plumbing problems that lead to costly repairs and business downtime. Also, many municipalities impose fines for improper maintenance. Plumbing companies can provide regular grease trap cleaning services to help you avoid these issues.

Cleaning a grease trap involves removing all fats, oils, and grease (FOG), along with water and food solids. The screens are scraped and rinsed, and the interior of the trap is thoroughly cleaned. The outlet box must be cleared of any waste, then the trap is refilled with water and tested for proper flow. The removed waste must be disposed of according to regulations, and the exterior of the trap should be deodorized and cleaned. Plumbing companies follow these steps to keep grease traps operating efficiently.

Yes. Fats, oils, and grease (FOG) can cause serious problems in sewer system pipes. FOG sticks to the inside of pipe walls, restricting wastewater flow and creating blockages that can lead to sewer overflows. These issues often require pipes to be cleaned more frequently and may even cause some pipes to need replacement sooner than expected. Clogs and overflows can create smelly, unsanitary messes that damage your business, property, and profits, while also harming the environment. Plumbing companies can help prevent these problems through regular maintenance and proper cleaning.

Common sources of fats, oils, and grease include cooking oils, salad dressings, sandwich spreads, meat, lard, shortening, dairy products, sauces, and butter or margarine. Plumbing companies often educate customers on identifying these products, so they can be kept out of drains and grease traps.