Septic Tank System Repairs and Upgrades

You can rely on Lilly’s Septic Tank Service whenever you need a septic system repair or upgrade. We repair septic systems, upgrade and maintain all Septic Tank Systems, Install Septic Tank Systems.  If you are adding on to your home, most likely the Septic Tank System will need to be updated to current code.  You can count on Lilly’s Septic Tank Service to propose an upgrade and install the most economical system to comply with King County Code.  You can count on Lilly’s Septic Tank Service if you need to have your Septic Tanks moved or the drainfield replaced with a new system when you are doing a remodel.

Owner, Darren McCullough takes pride in finding the most economical solution for the homeowner as possible when it comes to replacing or repairing a septic system.  See the Septic System Installation page at our main website for more information on our Septic System Installation Services.

Lilly’s Septic System Service is your local experts in King County for Septic System upgrades, Remodels, Replacements and new Septic Tank Installations.

Find out how to prevent Septic System & Drainfield Failure at our main Website www.LillySeptic.com

If you are experiencing problems with your drainfield - Give us a call, we are here to help and will do our best to get you back in the flow as soon as possible in the most easy and painless way possible.

Lilly’s Septic Tank Systems - Upgrades, Repairs and Installs Septic Tank Systems in King County Washington including the following cities… Unincorporated King County, Enumclaw, Ravensdale, Maple Valley, Black Diamond, Hobart, Covington, Kent, Auburn, Renton, Federal Way, Sea Tac, Tukwilla, Seattle, Mercer Island, Kirkland, Bellevue, New Castle,Woodinville, Duvall, Carnation, Fall City, Preston, Snoqualmie, North bend, Sammamish, Issaquah.

Give us a call today!

425-432-3084   *  360-825-4809   *  253-639-3606

The Drainfield

How It Works

The drainfield is a network of perforated pipes (or “laterals”) laid in gravel-filled trenches or beds. After solids settle in the septic tank, the liquid wastewater (or effluent) is discharged, either by gravity or pressure, to an absorption field, also known as a drainfield or leachfield. NOTE: In most gravity systems the wastewater first flows into a distribution box (d-box) or tee, which then disburses the effluent equally among the trenches in the drainfield, which is where the final treatment takes place.

Effluent trickles out of the pipes, through the gravel layer, and into the soil where further treatment occurs. The soil filters the wastewater as it passes (or “percolates) through the pore spaces and the soil microbes treat it before it eventually enters the groundwater. These processes work best where the soil is somewhat dry, permeable, and contains plenty of oxygen for several feet below the drainfield.

The drainfield is generally located in a stretch of lawn in the back or side yard of a property. The size and type of drainfield depends on the estimated daily wastewater flow and local soil conditions.

The Soil

The soil below the drainfield provides the final treatment and disposal of the septic tank effluent. After the wastewater has passed into the soil, organisms in the soil treat the effluent before it percolates downward and outward, eventually entering ground or surface water. The type of soil also impacts the effectiveness of the drainfield; for instance, clay soils may be too tight to allow much wastewater to pass through and gravelly soil may be too coarse to provide much treatment.

Replacement (Reserve) Area

Every new home or building served by a septic system is required to have a designated replacement or reserve area. This is a designated area suitable for a new drainfield and must be treated in the same manner as your existing drainfield. (A reserve area should have been designated as part of the permit process for any sewage system installed since 1980.)

Once a septic system has failed, it is too late to solve the problem by pumping your tank. A new drainfield will have to be installed at a different location. This is why it is important to know where the replacement area is located and how to protect it (see “Drainfield Do’s and Don’ts” for replacement area care).

What Can Go Wrong with a Septic Tank and Drainfield?

Like an automobile, septic systems are designed to provide long-term, effective treatment of household waste when operated and maintained properly. However, most systems that fail prematurely are due to improper maintenance.

If you notice any of the following signs or if you suspect your septic system may be having problems, contact a qualified septic professional. Should your septic system fail, contact Lilly’s Septic Service at 425-432-3084 - 360-825-4809 - 253-639-3606.

• Odors, surfacing sewage, wet spots, or lush vegetation growth in the drainfield area
• Plumbing or septic tank backups (often a black liquid with a disagreeable odor)
• Slow draining fixtures
• Gurgling sounds in the plumbing system
• If you have a well and tests show the presence of coliform (bacteria) or nitrates, your drainfield may be failing
• Lush green grass over the drainfield, even during dry weather

Maintaining your Septic System

Maintenance Tips

Homeowners and residents have a great effect on septic system performance. Using more water than the system was designed to handle can cause a failure. Also disposal of chemical or excess organic matter, such as that from a garbage disposal, can destroy a septic system. The following maintenance tips can help your Septic System provide long-term, effective treatment of household waste.

Inspect and Pump Frequently

The most important step to maintaining your septic tank is to remove sludge and scum build-up before it washes into the drainfield.  How often your tank needs pumping depends on the size of the tank, the number of people in your household, the volume of water used, and amount of solids (from humans, garbage disposals, and any other wastes) entering the system. Generally, tanks should be pumped every 3 to 5 years.

Use Water Efficiently

Excessive water is a major cause of system failure. The soil under the septic system must absorb all of the water used in the home. Too much water from laundry, dishwasher, toilets, baths, and showers may not allow enough time for sludge and scum to separate. The less water used, the less water entering the septic system, resulting in less risk of system failure. For water conservation info, see:

Minimize Solid Waste Disposal

What goes down the drain can have a major impact on your septic system. Many materials do not decompose and consequently, build up in your septic tank. If you can dispose of it in some other way, do so, rather than putting it into your system.

Keep Chemicals Out of Your System

Keep household chemicals out of your septic system, such as caustic drain openers, paints, pesticides, photographic chemicals, brake fluid, gasoline, and motor oil. Improper disposal of toxic chemicals down the drain is harmful to the environment, as well as the bacteria needed to break down wastes in the septic system.

Septic System Additives

Adding a stimulator or an enhancer to a septic tank to help it function or “to restore bacterial balance” is not necessary. The naturally occurring bacteria needed for the septic system to work are already present in human feces.

To schedule service call 425-432-3084