Septic System FAQs

Get answers to common questions about septic maintenance, winter issues, and caring for your system.

Pump every 3-5 years

Recommended for most households, depending on usage.

Watch for warning signs

Odors, standing water, and slow drains may signal a problem.

Protect your system

Keep vehicles and heavy equipment off your tank and leach field.

Only Flush the Essentials

Human waste and toilet paper only. Do not flush wipes, feminine products, paper towels or anything labeled “flushable”.

Common Septic Questions

We recommend having your septic tank pumped and cleaned every 3–5 years, depending on the size of your household, water usage, and tank capacity. Larger households may require more frequent service, while smaller households and seasonal properties may be able to go longer between cleanings.
We generally recommend not exceeding five years between pumpings without evaluating your system.

Wastewater from your toilets, sinks, showers, washing machine, and other household drains flows through a pipe into your septic tank.
Inside the tank, solids settle to the bottom and lighter materials float to the top. This wastewater flows through the outlet to a distribution box, which directs it to your leach field. Proper maintenance helps keep your system operating as intended.

No. We strongly recommend keeping vehicles, heavy equipment, and other heavy loads off your septic tank and leach field unless the system has been specifically designed to support them.
Excessive weight can damage the tank, pipes, and other components while compacting the soil in your leach field. Avoid parking, driving, or building over your septic system to help prevent costly repairs.

Yes! R.A. Webber & Sons provides grease trap cleaning for commercial properties, including restaurants and other food service businesses. We can also clean many smaller residential grease traps.
Regular cleaning helps remove accumulated fats, oils, and grease and can help prevent clogs and drainage problems.
Contact our team to discuss your grease trap and schedule service.

Only human waste and toilet paper should be flushed down your toilet.
Never flush baby wipes, cleaning wipes, paper towels, feminine hygiene products, or other materials that do not break down easily. Even products labeled “flushable wipes” can cause clogs and create problems for septic systems.
When in doubt, throw it in the trash instead of flushing it.

We generally do not recommend adding bacteria boosters, septic additives, or other treatments to your septic tank. A properly functioning septic system naturally develops the bacteria it needs to break down waste. Bleach and cleaning products can negatively impact the bacteria in your system.
Routine pumping, responsible water use, and keeping harmful materials out of your drains are the best ways to support your system.

Maine winters can create challenges for septic systems. Prolonged cold temperatures, limited snow cover, and deep frost can contribute to frozen pipes, tanks, or leach field components.
To help protect your system:
-Avoid driving or parking over your septic system.
-Avoid unnecessary disturbance of protective snow cover over the system.
-Address slow drains, backups, or other unusual symptoms promptly.
-Contact a septic professional if you suspect a frozen line or component.
-If your system freezes, the appropriate solution depends on the location and cause of the problem. R.A. Webber & Sons can help assess the situation and determine whether pumping or high-pressure jetting may be appropriate.

Our industrial high-pressure water jetting service, commonly called a jetter, uses pressurized water to help clear clogged drain and sewer lines.
Clogs can result from grease buildup, debris, root intrusion, or ice. Jetting may help restore flow, depending on the cause and condition of the line.
If tree roots are repeatedly entering a line, additional corrective work may be needed to address the source of the problem.

Caring for your Septic System

What goes down your drains can have a significant impact on the performance of your septic system.
Avoid putting the following into your system:
–Grease, fats, and cooking oils: These can accumulate and contribute to clogs.
–Wipes and paper towels: These do not break down like toilet paper.
-Paint, paint thinner, and automotive fluids: These can introduce harmful chemicals into your system.
–Excessive food waste: Garbage disposals can increase the amount of solids entering your tank.
-Unnecessary septic additives and harsh drain cleaners: These may disrupt system function or damage plumbing components.
When it comes to your septic system, prevention is always better than repair.

Proper maintenance can help extend the life of your septic system and reduce the risk of costly repairs.
Here are a few ways to care for your system:
-Have your septic tank inspected and pumped on a recommended schedule.
-Keep records of pumping, inspections, and repairs.
-Dispose of food scraps in the trash or compost rather than using a garbage disposal.
-Keep cooking grease, fats, and oils out of your drains.
-Know where your septic tank and leach field are located.
-Keep vehicles, heavy equipment, and damaging tree roots away from your system.
-Conserve water and repair leaking plumbing fixtures.
-Avoid putting harsh chemicals or unnecessary additives down your drains.
-If you notice unusual odors, slow drains, or standing water near your system, contact a septic professional for an assessment.

Recognizing the warning signs of a failing septic system can help you address problems before they become more serious.
Watch for these common signs:
-Sewage odors near your septic tank or leach field.
-Standing water or unusually wet ground over the system.
-Slow-running drains or gurgling toilets and plumbing fixtures.
-Sewage backing up into your home.
-Unusually lush green grass over the leach field, especially when the surrounding ground is wet or spongy.
-These symptoms can have several causes, so they do not always mean your system has failed. However, they should not be ignored.
If you notice any of these warning signs, contact R.A. Webber & Sons to discuss an inspection or service.

The Process: From a Failing System to a New Installation

If your septic system is failing, we can help guide you through the process of designing and installing a replacement system.

1

System Is Failing

If your septic system is showing signs of failure, it may be time to consider a replacement. Common warning signs include:

  • Sewage odors inside or outside the home
  • Standing water over the tank or leach field
  • Slow drains or gurgling plumbing
  • Unusually lush grass over the leach field
  • Sewage backing up into the home
2

Soil Engineer

If a new septic system is needed, the next step is to work with a licensed soil evaluator or engineer. We can provide a list of local professionals we recommend.

  • Connect with a recommended professional
  • Complete the necessary site and soil evaluation
  • Determine a suitable septic system
  • Meet applicable Maine requirements
3

New Septic Design

Your soil evaluator or engineer will prepare a new septic design based on your property, soil conditions, and applicable regulations.

Once the design and required approvals are in place, R.A. Webber can prepare an estimate for installation.

  • Receive your new septic design
  • Obtain required approvals
  • Review the installation estimate
4

R.A. Webber Installs

Once the design is approved and the project is ready to move forward, our experienced team will install your new septic system.

We coordinate the installation from preparation through completion, with a focus on quality workmanship and minimizing disruption to your property.

  • Professional septic installation
  • Installation based on the approved design
  • Quality workmanship and attention to detail
  • Site cleanup as specified for the project