1st Choice Service, Inc.

Access risers are an important asset to a septic system. Almost all new septic tanks include an extension that brings access to your septic tank to ground level and up to code. Of course the real advantage of this is that you no longer have to pay for having your lawn dug up to gain access to pump out the septic tank or to check the system if a problem arises. Trying to locate an underground septic tank can be difficult, labor intensive, and costly. Access risers can solve this problem once and for all. This above ground access point can be an excellent investment for your home and can save lots of time, money, and aggravation. Imagine your septic tank backing up into your home and the tank is unable to be located in order to pump it out. This means no water, no showers, no laundry, etc. and it could last for days until your tank is able to be properly located and uncovered!

We literally hear this multiple times per day from new customers because many companies lack the knowledge for proper maintenance. 99% of all septic tanks installed in North Carolina have (2) separate compartments - even the hand-built cinder block septic tanks that were installed back in the 1930's. If you live in South Carolina, your septic tank probably only has one compartment and this is normal.

Yes! It's recommended to have the septic tank pumped out sooner rather than later. Since most people don't know how often to maintain their septic systems, many times we find that systems have been neglected for a very long time. Even though a home has been vacant for months or even years, this does not mean the solids in the septic tank have disappeared. Although some of the liquid may evaporate if the home is left vacant for a long period of time, the solids are still in the tank and need to be removed. It's better to be safe than sorry!

If you reside in North Carolina, your tank should have (2) lids with (2) separate compartments/chambers. There is a baffle wall inside the tank making it a two-compartment tank. After opening the tank lids, everything including the liquid, sludge, and solids should be pumped out of both compartments. You should be able to see the bottom of your septic tank in both compartments after the tank is pumped out. We understand that most people do not care to watch this process, but if you are not using a reputable company to perform the work, you may not be getting what you "think" you are paying for! If a company tells you they are going to pump out the "whole" tank, make sure they clarify if this means both compartments or just one compartment. Only pumping one compartment is not only misleading you as a consumer, but it can cost you thousands of dollars down the road. Your outlet tee condition needs to be checked along with the baffle wall, structural integrity of the tank, and clogs/leaks in your inlet pipe. If clogs are present in the inlet pipe, they should be cleared out immediately to avoid a backup into your home. If leaks are present, they need to be corrected immediately to avoid overloading your system with additional water. Your septic tank should be covered back up once your service is complete (if digging was necessary). There are several things that need to be checked during a pump out. Just pumping the septic tank without checking over your system could result in a minor issue turning into a major, costly one. Even a small leak coming from your house could put your system into failure! You may be able to prevent costly repairs or replacement if problems are detected early. If you reside in South Carolina, your septic tank should be a one compartment/chamber tank because there is no baffle wall present in most of the tanks in your state. There is a lid on each end of the septic tank. Sometimes only one lid needs to be opened depending on the situation. South Carolina tanks should be able to be pumped out efficiently from only one lid.

There are several reasons why you need to keep your septic tank pumped out on a routine basis, but the most common one is to prevent your system from failing. Just like changing the oil in your vehicle, you would never expect your car to last for years without the preventative maintenance so why would you expect your septic system to last without the proper preventative maintenance? Many people think that just because they haven't "seen" any problems with their system, they assume there aren't any problems. The truth is you won't likely see any problems until it is too late. When water begins to surface in your yard or when the system starts to back up into the house, this could be a sign/symptom of system failure. Don't wait until the system starts to fail to begin your preventative maintenance!

It is recommended to have your septic tank pumped out approximately every 2-3 years. This is not only recommended by our company, but also by your local environmental health department. Many people assume that the time to pump out their septic tank is when it backs up into the home or when liquid starts to surface in the yard. NEVER wait for your system to back up to start maintaining it. Waiting too long in-between pump outs could result in major damage to the system and could cost you thousands in repairs or replacement.

Hi Matt! Thank you for contacting us! The answer is Yes, we can restore your existing drain field or install a new one for you. We offer a Terralift rejuvenation service, it is an innovative and minimally invasive system that is specifically used for those who have septic problems created by soil compaction around drain lines or septic fields; heavier clay soils; and is ideal for those with lawn or landscaping they do not want to lose. It costs much less than having an entirely new septic system or new drain fields installed. Not only that, but it means no excavation, no costly components and parts and no expensive hours of labor. Give us a call today so we can setup an appointment to determine the best solution for your needs. We have nearly 30 years of experience, a five star rating with the BBB and hundred of five star reviews.