FAQs

A septic system is designed to treat and dispose of wastewater from your home or business. Wastewater from sinks, toilets, showers, and appliances flows through pipes into the septic tank.

Inside the tank, solid waste settles at the bottom while lighter materials float to the top. The remaining liquid wastewater flows out of the tank into the drain field, where it is naturally filtered through the soil.

This process helps safely treat wastewater before it returns to the environment. When a septic system is properly installed and maintained, it can operate effectively for decades.

Most septic tanks should be pumped every three to five years. However, the exact schedule depends on several factors including:

• Household size
• Water usage
• Size of the septic tank
• Age of the septic system
• Type of waste entering the system

Homes with larger families or higher water usage may need more frequent pumping. Regular septic tank pumping helps prevent solids from overflowing into the drain field, which can lead to costly repairs.

Matthews Septic Services provides professional septic tank pumping to help maintain your system and prevent problems.

Septic systems often show warning signs when something is wrong. If you notice any of the following issues, it may be time to contact a septic professional:

• Slow draining sinks, tubs, or toilets
• Gurgling sounds in plumbing pipes
• Sewage backups inside the home
• Unpleasant sewage odors around your property
• Wet or soggy areas near the drain field
• Grass growing unusually green above the septic system

Ignoring these warning signs can lead to more serious septic system failures. Early repairs can often prevent larger and more expensive problems.

A properly installed and maintained septic system can last 25 to 40 years or longer. However, the lifespan of the system depends on several factors such as installation quality, soil conditions, maintenance frequency, and system usage.

Routine septic tank pumping, inspections, and proper usage can significantly extend the life of your septic system.

Matthews Septic Services installs septic systems designed for long-term reliability and provides maintenance services to help keep them functioning properly.

Certain materials can damage your septic system or cause blockages in pipes and drain fields. To protect your system, avoid flushing or draining the following items:

• Grease and cooking oils
• Paper towels or wipes
• Feminine hygiene products
• Diapers
• Cigarette butts
• Harsh chemicals
• Paint or solvents
• Non-biodegradable materials

These items can clog pipes, disrupt the natural bacteria in the septic tank, and lead to costly repairs.

Several factors can contribute to septic system failure. Some of the most common causes include:

• Lack of regular septic tank pumping
• Excessive water usage
• Tree root intrusion into pipes
• Clogged drain lines
• Damaged or collapsed sewer lines
• Improper septic system installation

Regular inspections and maintenance can help detect these issues early and prevent major system failures.

Hydro jetting is a professional drain cleaning method that uses high-pressure water to remove blockages and buildup inside sewer and drain pipes.

This process effectively clears materials such as grease, sludge, soap residue, and debris that may restrict water flow. Hydro jetting thoroughly cleans the interior of the pipe, helping prevent recurring clogs.

Matthews Septic Services provides hydro jetting services to restore proper drainage in residential and commercial plumbing systems.

Yes. Matthews Septic Services provides septic services for both residential and commercial properties. Businesses often require larger septic systems capable of handling higher wastewater volumes.

Our team provides services including:

• Commercial septic tank installation
• Septic tank pumping
• Septic system repairs
• Sewer line installation and repair
• Hydro jetting for drain lines

We work with property owners, contractors, and construction teams to install and maintain reliable septic systems for commercial properties.

Yes. Septic problems can happen at any time and may require immediate attention. Matthews Septic Services offers 24/7 availability to help customers address urgent septic system issues.

If you are experiencing a sewage backup, severe drainage problem, or septic system failure, our team can respond quickly to help resolve the issue.

Many septic system problems can be prevented with proper care and maintenance. Property owners can help protect their septic systems by:

• Scheduling regular septic tank pumping
• Limiting water usage during peak times
• Avoiding flushing harmful materials
• Maintaining the drain field area
• Scheduling periodic septic inspections

Following these simple steps can help ensure your septic system continues operating efficiently for years.