Frequently asked questions
TABLE OF CONTENTS
On-lot septic systems
1 How far are you able to travel?
We have clients all over Pennsylvania and Delaware - if you are in one of these states we've got you covered! If you're in a surrounding area we may still be able to travel to you. Give us a call and we'll see what we can do.
2 What forms of payment do you accept?
Currently we only accept payment through ACH and by check. We may be able to accommodate an alternative form of payment if needed - please contact us to discuss it.
3 When does my septic/small flow system need to be cleaned or inspected?
Your septic system should be inspected at least annually, and many of our clients prefer to have their systems inspected quarterly. These inspections will ensure that your system is in good working order and will determine if a cleaning or pumping is necessary. Depending on the size of your septic tank, your system should only require cleaning every few years. If you have a smaller tank, a large household or a garbage disposal, your system will likely require more frequent cleaning. Some Pennsylvania municipalities require on-lot systems to be pumped every three years, which we are most often asked to arrange.
4 When does my septic/small flow system need to be cleaned or inspected? How important is it to regularly maintain my system?
Neglect and improper maintenance can cause your system to fail. Failure will not only result in costly plumbing repairs, but can also lead to environmental contamination. If you have your own well, this means harmful bacteria and chemicals could be introduced into groundwater and contaminate your drinking water; these contaminants have the potential to cause disease and serious illness. Once these contaminants enter the groundwater, all neighboring wells and nearby water sources are in danger of contamination. It's important to have your system cleaned and inspected regularly so that any issues are caught early on.
5 What are some signs that my septic system is not working properly or failing?
If you're having plumbing issues, such as frequent drain clogs, sewage backing up in your toilet/shower drains, or your sink/shower is draining slowly, these issues can be linked to a larger problem with your septic system. Strong odor, pooling water, and lush vegetation around your septic tank or drain field are also signs that your system needs immediate service and/or repairs.
6 How can I prolong the life of my septic system?
Water conservation and proper disposal of waste is the best way to ensure your system's longevity. By taking shorter showers, reducing use of your dishwasher/clothes washer, and not allowing your faucet to run constantly while washing hands or doing dishes, you can significantly reduce the stress put on your system. Do not allow the following waste to enter your drains, as these items have the greatest potential to cause problems: grease, oils, paint, and non-degradable solids (tissues, paper towels, etc.).
7 How can I know if my well or tap water is safe to drink?
If you're concerned about the safety of your drinking water, you can purchase an in-home testing kit or hire a trained technician to inspect your well and have one or several water samples tested in a DEP-certified environmental testing laboratory. In-home testing kits are typically inexpensive, however the number of substances they can detect is limited, and the results may be inaccurate due to improper collection techniques. Our licensed technicians can test your well and tap water for particularly dangerous substances, such as heavy metals and bacteria, in addition to dozens of other potentially harmful chemicals in order to provide you with a comprehensive analysis. If the results are concerning, we will notify you immediately and advise you on corrective actions that should be taken to lower levels of the substance(s) of concern. Many pollutants in water aren't obvious to our senses, present no symptoms, and can only be detected through laboratory testing. For this reason, the only way you can be sure that your drinking water is safe is to have it tested periodically. Learn more about potential contaminants on the PA DEP's website .
8 Can I collect my own water sample and bring it to you for analysis?
We do not accept water samples that have been taken by untrained or unlicensed individuals. To ensure that the results of analysis are accurate and truly represent the nature of your water, we adhere to strict rules that dictate how and from where we can collect a sample. While we cannot accept a sample you collected, we can offer to recollect the sample using methods approved by the PA DEP and will then send the sample to an accredited environmental testing laboratory for analysis.
9 What is meant by "shocking" a well?
When bacteria have been detected in your well or when a new well is installed, disinfection is necessary. Shock chlorination is a one-time treatment that involves inundating your well with bleach or other chlorinating products to kill off any existing bacteria. This type of treatment may solve your contaminant problem permanently, or more regular disinfection may be necessary if subsequent testing of your well water indicates the presence of bacteria even after shock chlorination. Additional information on this process can be found in the PA DEP's instructional guide on well water disinfection.
Have more questions? Send us an email at info@CawleyEnvironmental.com Have more questions? Send us an email at info@CawleyEnvironmental.com