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Septic System FAQs for Northeast Georgia Homeowners

Simply Septic Services provides septic tank pumping, septic tank service, inspections, repairs, drain-field services, riser installation, line cleaning, and related septic services for residential and light-commercial properties in Gwinnett, Barrow, Oconee, Walton County Georgia.

Call 678-755-6387 to schedule service or request an estimate.

What areas does Simply Septic Services serve?

Our primary service area includes Gwinnett County, Barrow County, Walton County, Oconee County, Clarke County, and surrounding northeast Georgia communities. Call 678-755-6387 to confirm service availability at your address.

What septic services do you provide?

We provide septic tank pumping, septic tank service, septic inspections, septic repairs, drain-field evaluations and repairs, inlet and outlet line services, baffle replacement, riser and lid installation, pump services, line cleaning, drain field replacement and new septic system installs. The services recommended will depend on the condition and design of your system.

Do you provide residential and commercial septic service?

Yes. We service residential septic systems and qualifying light-commercial systems. Commercial systems may require more frequent maintenance because of higher wastewater usage.

How do I schedule septic service?

Call Simply Septic Services at 678-755-6387. Please provide the property address, the problem you are experiencing, the approximate location of the tank, and any available service records or photographs.

How often should a septic tank be pumped?

Most household septic tanks should generally be pumped every three to five years. The correct schedule depends on household size, tank size, water usage, garbage-disposal use, and the amount of solids entering the system.

Source: U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
https://www.epa.gov/septic/how-care-your-septic-system

What are the signs that my septic tank may need pumping?

Common warning signs include slow sinks, tubs, or toilets; gurgling plumbing; sewage odors; wastewater backing up into the home; standing water near the tank or drain field; unusually green grass over the drain field; or a septic alarm sounding.

These symptoms may also indicate a blocked line, damaged component, pump problem, or failing drain field. Pumping alone may not correct every septic problem.

What happens during septic tank pumping?

The technician locates and accesses the tank, removes the liquid, sludge, and floating solids, and checks visible components such as the tank, baffles, lids, and accessible piping. If another problem is discovered, additional work should be explained and estimated separately.

Will pumping my tank fix a clogged or failing drain field?

No. Pumping removes waste from the tank and may provide temporary relief, but it does not repair damaged pipes, saturated soil, root intrusion, crushed components, or a failing drain field. The system may need further evaluation.

Why is my septic tank full again after it was pumped?

A septic tank normally refills with wastewater during regular household use in 3-7 days. A tank that quickly reaches its normal operating level is not automatically failing. However, an overfilled tank, wastewater backing into the home, surfacing outside, or returning from the drain field may indicate a restriction or system problem.

Do you have to dig up my septic tank?

That depends on whether the tank has an accessible riser and lid. If the tank is buried without an accessible opening 18 x 18 inches minimum, excavation is required. Installing a riser can make future pumping and inspections easier.

How can I prepare for a septic pumping appointment?

Keep vehicles, trailers, pets, and other obstructions away from the tank area. If possible, locate the tank and provide previous service records. Do not drive heavy equipment over the tank or drain field.

How does a septic system work?

Wastewater leaves the home and enters the septic tank. Heavy solids settle to the bottom as sludge, while grease and lighter material form a layer at the top. Liquid wastewater flows from the tank into the drain field, where it is treated and dispersed through the soil.

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Source: U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
https://www.epa.gov/septic/types-septic-systems

What is a septic drain field?

The drain field is how you get rid of your water. It is the soil-treatment portion of the septic system. It receives wastewater from the septic tank and distributes it through underground trenches, pipes, or chambers. The soil provides additional treatment before the wastewater disperses into the ground.

What are the signs of a drain-field problem?

Possible signs include sewage odors, standing water, soft or saturated soil, unusually green grass, slow plumbing, recurring backups, or wastewater returning toward the tank. A proper evaluation is needed to determine the cause.

Does heavy rain affect a septic system?

Yes. Heavy or prolonged rain can saturate the soil around the drain field. Saturated soil cannot absorb wastewater as effectively, which may cause slow drains, gurgling, backups, odors, or water surfacing outside.

During wet conditions, reduce unnecessary water use, spread laundry loads throughout the week, repair leaking fixtures, and keep roof drains and other stormwater directed away from the septic area.

Source: U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
https://www.epa.gov/septic/how-care-your-septic-system

Can I drive or park over my septic tank or drain field?

No. Vehicles and heavy equipment can compact the soil and damage tanks, lids, pipes, or drain-field components. Do not build, pour concrete, install a pool, or place permanent structures over the septic system without approval from the appropriate local authority.

Source: U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
https://www.epa.gov/septic/how-care-your-septic-system

What can I plant over my drain field?

Grass and shallow-rooted ground cover are generally the safest choices. Trees and large shrubs should be kept away because roots can enter or damage septic components. Do not plant a vegetable garden over the drain field.

Can gutters or stormwater affect my drain field?

Yes. Downspouts, sump pumps, grading, and other drainage systems should direct rainwater away from the septic tank and drain field. Additional water can saturate the soil and interfere with wastewater treatment.

Source: U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
https://www.epa.gov/septic/how-care-your-septic-system

What should never be flushed into a septic system?

Only human waste and toilet paper should be flushed. Do not flush wipes, paper towels, diapers, feminine hygiene products, condoms, dental floss, cat litter, grease, medications, or household chemicals. Products labeled “flushable” may still create septic and plumbing problems.

Source: U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
https://www.epa.gov/septic/how-care-your-septic-system

Can I pour grease or cooking oil down the drain?

No. Grease and oil can harden in plumbing, increase the solids inside the tank, and contribute to blockages. Allow grease to cool and dispose of it with household trash according to local disposal requirements.

Is a garbage disposal safe for a septic system?

A garbage disposal adds food solids, grease, and organic material to the septic tank. Frequent use may cause the tank to require pumping more often. Limit disposal use and place food waste in the trash or compost when appropriate.

Source: U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
https://www.epa.gov/septic/how-care-your-septic-system

Do septic additives replace pumping?

No. Additives do not remove the sludge and solids that accumulate in a septic tank. Routine inspection and pumping are still necessary. Some products may interfere with the natural treatment process or move solids into the drain field.

Sources:

Georgia Department of Public Health
https://dph.georgia.gov/environmental-health

U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
https://www.epa.gov/septic

Can excessive water use harm a septic system?

Yes. Every gallon of water used inside the home enters the septic system. Leaking toilets, repeated laundry loads, long showers, and other heavy water use can overload the tank or drain field. Repair leaks and spread high-water-use activities throughout the week.

Source: U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
https://www.epa.gov/septic/how-care-your-septic-system

Are chemical drain cleaners safe for septic systems?

Frequent or excessive use of harsh drain cleaners may affect the organisms involved in wastewater treatment and may damage plumbing. A line should be properly evaluated if it repeatedly clogs.

What should I do if sewage is backing up into my home?

Limit water use immediately. Do not run the washing machine, dishwasher, showers, or other fixtures. Keep people and pets away from contaminated areas and call a septic professional. Avoid contact with sewage and never enter a septic tank.

What is included in a septic inspection?

The scope depends on the type of inspection requested and how much of the system is accessible. An inspection may include locating the system, checking the tank level and condition, examining accessible lids and baffles, reviewing wastewater flow, and looking for visible evidence of backups, leaks, or drain-field problems.

Does a septic inspection guarantee a system will never fail?

No. An inspection reports conditions that are visible or detectable at the time of service. Underground components, soil conditions, future water use, weather, age, and other factors can affect system performance after an inspection.

Should I have the septic system inspected before buying a home?

Yes. A septic inspection can provide useful information about the system’s location, visible condition, maintenance needs, and possible concerns. A general home inspection may not include a complete septic evaluation.

What is a septic riser?

A riser extends the tank access opening closer to ground level. It can reduce digging during future pumping and inspections. The riser must have a secure, properly fitted lid.

What do septic baffles do?

The inlet baffle directs wastewater entering the tank. The outlet baffle helps prevent sludge and floating material from entering the drain field. Missing or damaged baffles can affect system operation and may need replacement.

What does a septic alarm mean?

A septic alarm commonly indicates a high water level or pump-related issue in a system equipped with a pump tank. Pumping the tank is not usually a solution. Recommend contacting septic service.  Silence the audible alarm if the panel permits, reduce water use, and request service. Do not repeatedly reset the system without identifying the cause.

Can every drain field be repaired?

No. The appropriate solution depends on the system design, damage, soil conditions, property layout, and local requirements. Some problems may be repairable, while others may require replacement or approval from the county environmental health department.

How much does septic tank pumping cost?

Pricing depends on tank size, tank location, access, digging requirements, waste volume, site conditions, disposal requirements, and whether additional services are needed. Call 678-755-6387 for an estimate based on your property and requested service.

Can the price change after work begins?

A technician may discover conditions that could not be confirmed before the tank was opened or the system was evaluated. Any recommended additional work should be explained and authorized before it is performed.

How do I request service?

Call Simply Septic Services at 678-755-6387 or submit a request through:

https://www.simplysepticservice.com

Please include your name, service address, telephone number, the problem you are experiencing, and any available information about the location or history of the septic system.

AUTHORITATIVE SEPTIC INFORMATION

U.S. Environmental Protection Agency — How to Care for Your Septic System
https://www.epa.gov/septic/how-care-your-septic-system

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U.S. Environmental Protection Agency — Types of Septic Systems
https://www.epa.gov/septic/types-septic-systems

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U.S. Environmental Protection Agency — Septic Systems
https://www.epa.gov/septic

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Georgia Department of Public Health — Environmental Health
https://dph.georgia.gov/environmental-health

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Georgia Department of Public Health — On-Site Sewage Management Systems
https://dph.georgia.gov/environmental-health/onsite-sewage

Call for Septic Pumping and Repair Today!
Septic Tank Pump and Repair

     When you find yourself in need of any type of septic service you can always place your trust in the dedicated team of skilled and experienced professionals at Simply Septic. At our septic service company, we offer a wide range of services for any septic or sewer need, and we also offer emergency septic tank solutions 24 hours a day and 7 days a week.

    Simply Septic installs new septic tank systems, pumps and cleans septic tanks, installs new septic, grinder, and ejection pumps as well as installs septic tanks, repairs and installs drain and leach fields, provides septic inspections for real estate closings, locates tanks, and troubleshoots leaks and clogs. All Simply Septic technicians are certified and licensed by the Georgia Department of Environmental Health office. 

Our Septic Services 

Septic Tank Pumping

Sooner or later, every septic system becomes filled with too many solids, which eventually leads to the need for septic tank pumping services. At Simply Septic, we provide septic tank pumping Georgia, and the surrounding communities for any occasion, so give our friendly staff a call today to schedule an appointment when you need Septic Tank Pumping.

Septic Tank Cleaning

Septic Tanks need to be cleaned every 3-5 years. Our technicians will arrive promptly to clean your septic system. They will remove and replace any dirt necessary to perform the job correctly. We try and treat your lawn as though it is our own.

Septic Tank Clogs

Any time your Septic Tank System backs up give Simply Septic Service a Call. We will send out one of or Qualified Technicians to take care of the problem. We offer Same or Next Day Appointments.

Septic Inspections

Our septic inspection procedure will determine if working components of your septic tank system are functioning correctly. The technician will also notify you of any concerns they have with your system.Our septic inspectors will put every component of your septic system to the test. So, whether you’re buying or selling a home, your septic system will be inspected by an experienced Septic Inspector.

Septic Tank Repair

With decades of experience and cutting-edge tools and repair methods, the skilled and talented crew at our company has what it takes to fix your septic problems. No job is too large or too small for our septic system repair in Barrow County.

Septic Tank Service

One busted or damaged pipe is all it takes to completely ruin your day. When your septic tank and system stops working properly, we are your reliable local source of septic repair services for any need. We efficiently get to the root of the problem and use the latest repair methods to solve you septic problems.

Septic Tank Installation

Here at Simply Septic Service we take pride in our ability to fix any Septic Tank Problems you may have. Sometimes you may need Septic Tank Replacement or Drain Field Replacement for various reasons. We make our new septic tank installs as affordable and painless as possible. Call us today for our competitive pricing and excellent customer care. We will walk you through your septic tank installation project from start to finish.

Drain Field Repair

When your septic system fails for any reason, the drain or leach field that surrounds the tank can become contaminated with wastewater. If this occurs, you need to call the professional leach and drain field repair contractors at Simply Septic right away. We perform affordable Drain Field Replacement in Barrow County and the surrounding cities and communities.

Septic Company

Septic tank pumping, Repair, Service, Inspection, Installation and Replacement

Areas We Serve

Areas that we Serve:

How Your Septic Tank System Works.

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FAQ Septic Tank Pumping

Household wastewater (sewage) flows to the Septic Tank. Once in there, the solid waste collects for later pump-outs. The wastewater then countinues to a Drain field of perforated pipes for natural absortion into the soil.

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Septic Tank Pumping, Inspection, Service, Repair and Replacement

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