HOW OFTEN SHOULD I GET MY SEPTIC TANK PUMPED?

It depends on how many people are living in the building. On an average 1,000 gallon septic tank it goes as follows:
1 person - 5 years
2 people - 3 - 4 years
3 people - 3 years
4 people - 2 - 3 years
5 people - 2 years
6 & up - Every year
​Remember:
Getting your septic tank cleaned as suggested prevents the septic systems from failing!

How do I know if my septic system has failed?

Most likely it will be evident that your septic has failed if the toilet isn't flushing or if it's coming up the tub/shower drain.
Other signs would be liquid rising to the top of the ground where the leach field is, or the system plugs back up again even after the tank has been pumped out (about a week after).

What towns does HARRIS SEPTIC SERVICES serve?

We cover all of Franklin County and beyond!
Anson                                         Jay                                               Norridgewock                                Weld 
Avon                                           Kingfield                                     Peru                                                 Wilton
Belgrade                                    Leeds                                          Phillips                                             Winthrop
Carabassett Valley                   Livermore                                   Rome
Carthage                                   Livermore Falls                          Rumford
Chesterville                              Madrid                                         Salem Twp.
Dixfield                                     Madison                                      Starks
Farmington                              Mercer                                         Strong
Farmington Falls                     Mt. Vernon                                  Sugarloaf
Fayette                                     New Portland                              Temple
Freeman Twp.                         New Sharon                                 Turner
Industry                                    New Vineyard                              Vienna

Don't see your town? Call or email us and we'll let you know if we service your town!

i don't know where my septic system is, how do i find it?

Locate the pipe that goes out of the house from the cellar. From the direction it is pointing towards, the tank is generally 8-10 ft from the house. If you cannot locate your septic, we can locate it for you! 

​​wHY IS THERE MORE THAN ONE COVER? which one needs to be open in order for the tank to be pumped?

There will be three covers. To pump out your septic for just routine maintenance, the middle cover is the only cover that needs to be dug up. However, if you are experiencing troubles with the system, other covers will need to be exposed as well. We recommend that you give us a call. After obtaining the necessary information, we will be able to give you the appropriate instructions.

are "flushable" wipes actually safe for my septic system?

Although some wipes may be marketed as "septic safe," they are not. Wipes are not biodegradable. They can plug up your sewer system as well as the pump truck and the sanitary treatment plant where the sewage is disposed.

Will additives really help the septic system?

No. Sewage naturally contains what it needs to break itself down.

What is a baffle?

A baffle allows water to go into the leach field while keeping the solid waste out of the leach field.

What Is A Leach field?

The water drains out of the septic tank to the distribution box to be distributed throughout the pipes in the leach field to seep into the ground.

​What is a pump?

If the leach field is above the septic tank, the pump, pumps the water to the leach field.

can i pay with a credit or debit card?

Unfortunately, at this time we do not accept credit or debit cards. 

We do accept cash and checks.

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