Septic System
FAQ

Most residential septic tanks should be pumped every three to five years. However, the correct interval for your home depends on several factors, including the size of your household, the capacity of your tank, your daily water usage, and whether you use a garbage disposal. Larger families will fill the tank faster than smaller ones, and smaller tanks reach capacity more quickly than larger ones. Homes with garbage disposals introduce additional food waste into the system, which can increase the pumping frequency needed.

If you are not sure when your tank was last pumped or how large it is, contact Foy Septic for an evaluation. We can assess the current sludge and scum levels in the tank and recommend an appropriate maintenance schedule going forward.

There are several warning signs that may indicate your septic system is experiencing problems. These include slow draining sinks, showers, and bathtubs, particularly when the slow drainage is occurring in multiple locations throughout the home at once. Gurgling or bubbling sounds in your plumbing can also indicate a developing problem, as can sewage odors inside the home or strong odors outside near the tank or drain field area.

Standing water or unusually wet, soggy ground near the drain field is a sign that the field may be saturated and failing. Unusually green, lush grass growing directly over the drain field can indicate that effluent is surfacing and fertilizing the soil. In more serious cases, sewage may back up directly into toilets, sinks, or showers inside the home.

If you are noticing any of these symptoms, contact Foy Septic as soon as possible. Early intervention is almost always less expensive than waiting until the problem becomes severe.

• Slow draining sinks, showers, and bathtubs in multiple locations
• Gurgling or bubbling sounds from drains and toilets
• Sewage odors inside or outside the home
• Standing water or wet ground near the drain field
• Unusually lush, green grass over the drain field
• Sewage backing up into toilets, sinks, or showers

With proper maintenance, a septic system can last 25 to 40 years or longer. The two most important things homeowners can do to extend the life of their system are to have the tank pumped on a regular schedule and to avoid overloading the system with excessive water use or non-biodegradable materials. Periodic inspections also help identify potential issues before they shorten the life of the system.

In many cases, yes. Properties near Lake Oconee and other waterways are subject to environmental regulations designed to protect water quality. The soil conditions near lakes can also vary considerably from inland properties, and high water tables in some areas can limit the types of systems that will function properly.

Aerobic treatment systems, mound systems, and Eljen systems are among the designs commonly used on lakefront properties where conventional systems are not suitable. Foy Septic has experience installing and servicing septic systems on lakefront properties and can help determine the most appropriate solution for your specific site.

Foy Septic installs conventional septic systems, chamber systems, aerobic treatment systems, drip irrigation systems, Eljen systems, and mound systems. We work with concrete, polyethylene, and fiberglass tanks. Every installation is designed based on a thorough evaluation of the property’s soil conditions, drainage patterns, lot size, and local regulatory requirements.

• Conventional septic systems
• Chamber systems
• Aerobic treatment systems
• Drip irrigation systems
• Eljen systems
• Mound systems
• Concrete, polyethylene, and fiberglass tanks

Yes. Foy Septic provides free estimates for all septic services. We will never begin work on your system without first providing you with a clear written quote that outlines exactly what will be done and at what cost. We believe that transparent pricing is fundamental to a good working relationship with our customers.

Yes. Foy Septic is available to respond to septic emergencies. If you are experiencing a sewage backup, a system that has stopped working, or wastewater surfacing in your yard, call us immediately at 706-319-2997. Our team will respond as quickly as possible.

These terms are often used interchangeably. Septic pumping refers to the removal of accumulated sludge and scum from the septic tank using a vacuum truck. Septic cleaning may sometimes refer to a more thorough process that includes backflushing or rinsing the tank after pumping to remove additional residue. In most routine residential maintenance situations, pumping achieves the necessary result. Our technicians can discuss your specific needs when you call to schedule service.

Yes. Periods of heavy or prolonged rainfall can temporarily reduce the drain field’s ability to absorb wastewater because the surrounding soil may already be saturated with rainwater. During these periods, homeowners may notice slower than usual drainage or occasionally detect odors. Reducing water usage in the home during very wet weather can help ease the strain on the system.

If you experience significant drainage problems during or after heavy rain that do not resolve once the weather clears, it may indicate an underlying issue with the drain field that should be evaluated. Contact Foy Septic for an inspection if you have ongoing concerns.

Septic systems are designed to handle biodegradable waste and water. Many common household products should never be flushed or drained into a septic system because they can disrupt the bacterial balance in the tank, clog pipes, or damage drain field soils. Items to avoid include wipes of any kind, even those labeled flushable, paper towels, feminine hygiene products, cotton swabs, dental floss, medications, cooking grease and oils, harsh chemical cleaners, bleach in large quantities, and paint or solvents.

If you have questions about whether a specific product is safe for your septic system, our technicians are happy to advise you.

Foy Septic serves a 30-mile radius from Greensboro, Georgia, including communities throughout Greene, Morgan, Putnam, Oconee, Clarke, Walton, Oglethorpe, Hancock, Warren, and Jasper counties. We serve Greensboro, Madison, Eatonton, Watkinsville, Athens, Bishop, Buckhead, Rutledge, Union Point, Social Circle, White Plains, Siloam, and surrounding areas.

Foy Septic accepts cash, check, and credit or debit card.