Whether you install, inspect or pump, you’ve likely run into the some of the same homeowner questions time and again. Your success as a septic professional depends on your ability to respond effectively to these customer concerns, so rather than run the risk of stumbling over your words, take a few minutes to prepare for these familiar – yet important – questions. 

Jim Anderson, emeritus professor at the University of Minnesota Water Resources Center and education coordinator for the National Association of Wastewater Technicians offers the following responses when fielding typical homeowner questions. 

Common questions and suggested answers 

1. Can I have a garbage disposal with my system? 

Garbage disposals are not recommended for septic systems, Anderson notes, because they tend to add extra water as well as solids that are slow to settle and hard to break down. If the homeowner still wants a garbage disposal despite your warning, make it clear that more maintenance will be required to remove excess solids. 

2. Why do I need a mound system? 

Mound or other above-ground systems are necessary in certain limiting soil conditions including saturated soil, shallow bedrock and dense soil. A mound system creates acceptable conditions above ground, and in some areas, it’s the only viable option for homeowners. 

3. What is causing the wet spot in my yard? 

Wet spots can be caused from a number of problems and therefore require an inspection and investigation of the system, Anderson explains. Problems can range from too much water use to too many solids plugging the soil treatment area to bad soils or a distribution problem. When speaking with a homeowner, explain that the fix might require replacement of the soil treatment area. 

4. What is the purpose of a septic tank? 

A septic tank provides initial treatment of the wastewater before effluent is dispersed in the drainfield. It also allows larger solids to settle, holds the scum inside the tank and prevents plugging of the drainfield. 

5. How often should I have my septic tank pumped? 

“This depends on the water-using devices present in the house and the number of occupants,” Anderson says. While the average is every three years, you might want to recommend an initial check of the system at six months to a year to see how the solids are doing and to determine how often the tank should be pumped. 

Homeowners can complete the Septic Tank Pumping Frequency Guidelines worksheet found on the University of Minnesota Water Resources Center website, and use its Onsite Sewage Treatment Program to help determine how often their tank should be pumped. 

Share your smarts 

The next time a homeowner turns to you for answers, you’ll be ready to reply appropriately and effectively. Sharing your knowledge and expertise in an easily understandable manner will help satisfy their septic-related curiosities and ease any associated worries. And that equates to better service and better business.