







508-947-2636
508-822-0766
Toll Free:
888-822-0766
Fax: 508-947-0026

Phone: 508-947-2636
105 Kingman, Lakeville, MA 02347
Our Other Divisions:
Office Hours
M-F 7:30am - 5:30pm
Sat 8:00am - 1:00pm
Q. What causes the thick crust in my tank?
A. The crust is the organic material that has accumulated into a solid mass. This condition can indicate a bacterial deficiency. Ask your Bay State Sewage technician if your tank needs pumping and/or a chemical treatment to avoid future problems.
Q. I had my tank pumped out two weeks ago. Is it possible that it's full already?
A. It is not only possible, but it is also necessary. The average family uses between 150-200 gallons of water per day. This means that a house with a 1000 gallon septic tank fills back up in approximately 5 to 6 days, and a house with a 1500 gallon septic tank will fill back up in approximately 8 to 10 days. After the tank is full, which means it has reached the pipes at the top of the tank, that is considered "normal operating level". If the tank is not full, it usually is a indication that there is a hole in the tank, in which case it should be repaired.
Q. The drainage in my house seems to be sluggish and sometimes temporarily backs up. I also have foul odor and "mushy" ground in my backyard. Are these signs of septic system failure?
Q. Is there anything I can put in my tank to avoid pumping?
A. There is a common misconception among the general public that you should not pump your tank till there is a problem. But, some of the material in the tank is not biodegradable. This material must be pumped before it carries over into the leaching field or pit, which is perforated and will clog. It is much cheaper to pump your tank annually, then it is to replace a septic system. New systems range from about $7,000 to $25,000 and upward.
Q. Are there any products I should not use?
A. There are some products that are not recommended for your system, and although sometimes there is no way around using them, it should be noted that these items should be used sparingly. 1) Anti-bacterial soaps and products with bleach will kill the "good" bacteria in the tank, which helps break down the solids. 2) Liquid soaps are better than powdered. 3) Water softeners, for all intents and purposes, are normally used to purify water that is hard or is high in iron. However the problem is water softeners dump excessive amounts of salt into your septic tank, which kills the bacteria.
Q. What is the difference between a tight tank and a regular septic system?
A. Tight tanks generally are put on properties that are too close to the water or do not have enough room on the lot. Tight tanks are solid tanks with no leaching facility. The Board of Health generally does not require the installation of these types of tanks unless all other options are exhausted. A average family of five can expect to pump a tight tank approximately every 20 days.
508-947-2636 • 508-822-0766
Toll Free: 888-822-0766
Fax: 508-947-0026
105 Kingman St., Lakeville
Fully Insured & Operated by Rick Chaves