P.I.E. is committed to keeping our environment safe. Good septic maintenance will prevent problems down the road, and is vitally important to the island environment! One of our long-standing programs includes education about individual household septic systems and an annual "Batch Pump-Out" where homeowners can share the barge fees for septic servicing.
Batch Septic Pumping
P.I.E. and SOS Septic team up each year to coordinate septic tank pump-outs for anaerobic (standard) septic systems. Island neighbors who participate in the batch pump-outs get a savings on barge fees and convenient scheduling.
SOS will batch 4-5 houses together on a single day to split the barge fee. You will need to pay by cash or check at time of service. Call for pump-out rates.
P.I.E. sends a reminder to the membership via email in the Spring, usually around March-April. Contact SOS Septic at (941) 473-1767 to get on the list. We are also told that if you need a pump-out on an emergency basis, Martin Septic Service has a smaller pump-out truck that incurs less expense for the ferry. They can be reached at (941) 429-6842.
P.I.E. and SOS Septic team up each year to coordinate septic tank pump-outs for anaerobic (standard) septic systems. Island neighbors who participate in the batch pump-outs get a savings on barge fees and convenient scheduling.
SOS will batch 4-5 houses together on a single day to split the barge fee. You will need to pay by cash or check at time of service. Call for pump-out rates.
P.I.E. sends a reminder to the membership via email in the Spring, usually around March-April. Contact SOS Septic at (941) 473-1767 to get on the list. We are also told that if you need a pump-out on an emergency basis, Martin Septic Service has a smaller pump-out truck that incurs less expense for the ferry. They can be reached at (941) 429-6842.
FOR A HEALTHY SEPTIC SYSTEM, say NO to:
- Pesticides / Hobby Paints
- Pampers / Tampons / Baby Wipes (any solid that is not "septic-safe")
- Pan grease / Cooking Oil
- Pills
- Plumbing Chemicals / RidX
- USE MINIMAL BLEACH in laundry, sinks, toilet
ALSO:
- PUMP OUT EVERY 3-5 YEARS, 2-3 YEARS if you have a garbage disposal, 1 YEAR if a rental.
- Check for plumbing leaks
- Space out clothes washing
- Keep trees AWAY from drain field
Everything You Never Wanted to Know about Septic Systems
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Most folks moving from suburban areas have no experience with septic systems. We're here to help.
A properly working system in good repair will service a household without contaminating the environment. Septic systems require 2 feet of unsaturated soil to kill all of the micro-organisms in wastewater. In sandy soil like ours, extra diligence is needed to keep our systems working in top form. Here are some recommendations from the Department of Health and SOS Septic: |
PREVENTING PROBLEMS WITH YOUR SEPTIC SYSTEM
1- Do not put any solids into system other than “septic-safe” tissue. Beware of baby wipes and other products that are not for septic use.
2- Do not overuse ordinary household cleaning chemicals. Avoid using or minimal use of bleach in laundry or sinks.
3- Never empty hobby or home industry chemicals into the system. Keep toxic materials, such as pesticides, out of the septic system.
4- Do not allow cooking oils, grease or other bulky waste to enter the system. Save grease in jars for disposal in the garbage.
5- Do not allow vehicles to drive over the drain field.
6- Do not use chemical solvents to clean plumbing lines or a septic tank system. Do not use Rid-X or other chemicals in your sinks or toilets. The county has a list of additives that can be safely used. Beware of additives that advertise that their product can provide all of the care that your septic needs. This is not true.
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KEEPING YOUR SYSTEM IN GOOD WORKING ORDER
1- Pump tank every 3-5 years. 2-3 if you use a garbage disposal. Every year if a rental. Have a licensed contractor inspect your tank at least every 3 years. If you are having your tank pumped, make sure they pump from the outlet end and inspect the outlet “T” to look for damage. |
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2- Check your tank for pump-out need if you rent your home or have extra usage. Have your tank pumped when combined depth of bottom solids and top scum equals 1/3 of tank liquid volume in between. To check levels, take a broom stick wrapped in a white rag, push to bottom of tank.
3- Make sure your rainfall and surface water flows away from the drain field. Grasses, plants and sunlight aid evaporation from the surface, but do not plant trees or shrubs in or near the drain field, as their roots can block up the system.
4- Large volumes of clear water entering the system can create turbulence, which increases the amount of solids flushed into the drain field. You can prevent this by keeping your plumbing fixtures leak-free, and spacing washing machine use throughout the week, rather than doing many loads at a time. Water conservation fixtures also reduce the volume of water entering the system.
2- Check your tank for pump-out need if you rent your home or have extra usage. Have your tank pumped when combined depth of bottom solids and top scum equals 1/3 of tank liquid volume in between. To check levels, take a broom stick wrapped in a white rag, push to bottom of tank.
3- Make sure your rainfall and surface water flows away from the drain field. Grasses, plants and sunlight aid evaporation from the surface, but do not plant trees or shrubs in or near the drain field, as their roots can block up the system.
4- Large volumes of clear water entering the system can create turbulence, which increases the amount of solids flushed into the drain field. You can prevent this by keeping your plumbing fixtures leak-free, and spacing washing machine use throughout the week, rather than doing many loads at a time. Water conservation fixtures also reduce the volume of water entering the system.