FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

Please view our frequently asked questions! Call or contact Eggan Septic & Environmental Services today for further inquiries.

How often should I pump my septic tank?

We recommend pumping your tank every three (3) years to keep up with preventative maintenance of the system.

How do I know my tank needs to be pumped?

If you hear a gurgling in the drains when you flush your toilet, do laundry, or empty a sink full of water, this indicates that your tank is getting full. Also, if your drains are slow to empty, or your toilet is slow to go down, these are signs your tank is getting full.

How many covers on my septic tank?

The number of covers on your septic tank depends on the size. Older small metal tanks can have 1 cover that spans the entire tank. Larger tanks can have 2-3 covers depending on the size and type of tank.

Can I have my septic tank pumped in the winter?

Yes, we will pump septic tanks all year round. We recommend pumping them in warmer weather because it makes it easier to uncover the tank if the ground is not frozen.

I put a bacterial enzyme product down my drains every month. Do I still need to pump my tank every 3 years?

While bacterial enzymes do help prevent the buildup of sludge in your tank. Use of the product does not eliminate the need to pump your tank on a regular basis for preventative maintenance purposes.

How do I know where to dig to find my tank?

If you have a basement and you can see where the line goes out of the wall, most tanks are about 10’-15’ straight out from that point. The tank is usually 6-12” deeper than the line is as it leaves the wall.

If there is a spot in the yard where the snow melts first, or the grass is more lush in the summer, the tank may be there.
You can take a probe and carefully insert it into the ground, you may be able to tell when you hit the tank. GO GENTLY, you do not want to damage your tank.

Do you install septic systems?

We do install septic systems. Call for more information as there are several factors that determine the cost of septic replacement.

Can you replace my septic drainage?

We can replace your septic drainage, however, New York State requires that any drainage replacement or installation of new drainage must be designed by a licensed engineer.

I am about to purchase a house that has a septic tank, what should I know before I buy?

We always recommend that, at a minimum, you should have the septic tank uncovered and pumped before purchasing a new home.

What should I do if my fuel oil tank leaks?

First, put a pan or something under the leak to prevent any additional spillage on the floor or ground.

The priority is always to stop and/or contain the leak as soon as possible.
If it is a small leak, sometimes a flat-style refrigerator magnet placed over the hole will stop the leak temporarily.
Call the NYS DEC Spills Hotline at 1-800-457-7362 to report a spill.

Since no two spills are alike, the DEC will advise your next course of action, or you can call us with any questions.

I want to put an offer in on a home that has an underground fuel storage tank, what are my liabilities?

If you purchase any property that has underground fuel tanks, you will be liable for any environmental impact caused by the tank(s), such as contamination from a leak, regardless of how long ago the spill occurred. We recommend that all underground tanks be removed as a condition of sale.

Can I have an underground fuel storage tank cleaned and closed in place instead of removing it from the ground?

That is an option if you choose, however there is no way to confirm that the property is free from contamination without removing the tank and testing the soil under it. The difference in cost to remove a tank vs. closing in place is less than if you had to go back and remove the tank at a later date.