Skips Septic Systems, Inc.

DON'T:

Don't do all of your laundry in one day; SPACE IT OUT.

Don't put a lot of water into the system at one time. Use the water sparingly and teach children to do the same.

Don't allow excess amounts of fat and grease to enter system: it can congeal and cause obstructions.

Don't use chemical compounds or “septic tank cleaner additives”. They do not improve the bacterial decomposition and may actually hinder it.

Don't use large amounts of laundry soaps, detergents, bleaches, drain cleaners, etc., Liquid soap is best for both laundry and dishwasher.

Don't discharge any water treatment into septic system. See link on our Home page or contact the Connecticut D.E.P. at (860) 424-3018).

Do not flush the following:

The following items can overtax or destroy the biological digestion taking place within the system or clog pumps and pipes.

Baby wipes
Paper Towels
Hair combings
Coffee grounds
Dental floss
Food wrappers
Disposable diapers
Cat litter
Egg shells
Feminine products
Cigarette butts
Latex products
Gauze bandages
Fat, grease, or oil (from cooking)
Paper towels
Excessive amounts of bleach
Excessive garbage disposal waste
Hazardous materials
Other heavy materials

NEVER flush chemicals that could contaminate surface and groundwater, such as:

Paints
Varnishes
Thinners
Waste oils
Photographic Solutions
Pesticides

DO:

Do keep trees and brush at least 15' away from your septic system to keep root systems from restricting flow.

Do educate your family as to proper use of the system

Do check for faucet leaks; it is estimated that one leaky faucet can waste as much as 700 gallons of water a year.

Do set up and adhere to a sound system of inspection and cleaning.

Do install risers if needed. If the tank is more than a foot below ground level, simplify inspection and cleaning by installing a riser/manhole just below ground level. Call the office for more information and pricing.

Do use boiling water or drain snake to open clogs.

Do minimize use of garbage disposals.

Do keep accurate records pertaining to location and cleaning of the system in your permanent house file so that this information can be passed on to the next owner.

Septic Maintenance

Q. I want to have my tank pumped out but I don't know where it is. A. Check with the local health department for an as-built drawing of your system. Skips can also obtain this drawing if requested. If no records can be obtained, Skips can locate your tank with a steel probe. In some cases an electronic locater is the most effective way to find the tank. Each pumper technician carries a locater on his truck.

Q. The town is requiring me to locate my system before I extend my deck or add on to my house. How can I find my system and its components? A. Skips uses the electronic locater and a locater snake to find the tank, distribution boxes and trenches. We mark components with stakes or marking paint and can fax a system sketch directly to the town hall if needed. Skips keeps records on file for future use.

Q. My tank too deep to dig by hand. Do I have to pay for a backhoe to tear up my yard?
A. No. Skips uses a mini excavator to dig components that are over 2.5' deep. Its light weight, rubber tracks and size make it the perfect tool for the job. When the work is completed, our technicians rake and seed the disturbed area. There is an extra charge for this work. The technician will also quote riser installation at the time.

Q. What are “risers” and why do I need them?
A. Risers are “extension pipes” placed over the access cover(s) of septic tanks. As of January 1, 2000 all existing septic tanks deeper than 12" must have at least one riser installed. The CT Public Health Code requires the installation of Risers for quick and easy access to the tank.

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