Q & A
Honey-Wagon was started here in Tulsa over 30 years ago. The reason we’ve been in business so long is because we are dependable and honest. We know how frustrating it is to do a service only to find out you didn’t need it to begin with. Sometimes, if you’re having septic issues, the best thing to do is to clean it out to see what the issue might be. Here are some common questions we receive and answers to them that might be helpful for you.
Q: How often should I pump my tank?
A: Every home is different. The size of your home, the number of people living in it, your water usage, and the type and size of your septic system all play a role in how often your tank should be pumped. In most cases, we recommend pumping your septic tank every 5-7 years, depending on the size of the home and the number of people occupying it. Using an activator such as Honey-Zyme® can help break down grease, paper, and organic waste, supporting a healthier system between pumpings. Without regular maintenance or treatment, solids can build up more quickly and may require more frequent pumping. To purchase Honey-Zyme®, give us a call or ask about it when you have your tank pumped.
Q: What if I don’t know where my septic tank is?
A: That’s not a problem. Honey Wagon has all the tools and equipment needed to accurately locate your existing septic tank. Our technicians can quickly find and expose the tank so it can be serviced, inspected, or pumped without unnecessary digging or guesswork.
Q: All the water in my home is backing up, does this mean my tank is full?
A: It could be. Water backing up is obvsiouly a sign that something is wrong. One thing to check is the cleanout. If you can open it up, you can determine if the sewer line going to the septic is backed up. If there’s a clog, you can work on that. If everything is flowing fine, then the next step would be to check the tank. It could be time to pump it.
Q: Where is my tank?
A: This is a tricky one, however we are trained to locate tanks. One way you can locate it is simply using your eye. A perfectly round circle (extra green or extra dry) in the grass could be an indicator that the tank is below.
Q: I have standing water in my yard, is it my tank?
A: Yes or no. It could be a full tank, but it may also be damaged or clogged drain lines. Every septic system has lateral lines that help disperse water into the soil. If these lines become broken, blocked, or overloaded, water can rise to the surface and create standing water in the yard. This issue should be addressed quickly, and repair costs depend on the extent of the damage. Honey Wagon will make the necessary arrangements with our sister company, Allied Plumbing Service, to come out and assess the issue, providing a turnkey process for repairs, replacements, and any additional services needed to get your system back up and running fast.
Q: Why does it cost so much to pump a tank?
A: Honey Wagon works hard to keep our pricing fair and highly competitive in the market. The cost to pump a tank is determined by several factors, including dump fees, fuel costs, and the distance from our office to your property. Dump fees have increased over the years, and fuel expenses also impact the cost of operating service trucks and equipment. Travel distance can also affect pricing depending on your location. Even with these rising expenses, maintaining a septic system is often still far more economical than paying monthly city sewer charges. City sewer service typically runs about $44 per month, or roughly $528 per year, which totals around $2,640 over 5 years. In comparison, pumping a septic tank is usually around $425 in that same time frame—making septic service a smart long-term value for homeowners.
Q: I have an RV, can you clean out the black water?
A: Yes, we can. However, in many cases it is more cost-effective for RV owners to use a portable waste tank that allows you to transport and empty black water at an approved dump station. Many RV parks, campgrounds, and travel centers also offer convenient dump sites. If moving the RV is not practical or you need on-site service, Honey Wagon will be able to assist with professional pumping and disposal options.
Q & A: Aerobic System Maintenance
Q: How often should an aerobic system be serviced and pumped?
A: An aerobic system should typically be professionally inspected and serviced every 6 months to 1 year. This includes checking the compressor, aeration chamber, pumps, and overall system performance. In addition, the trash (sludge) chamber should generally be pumped every 2 to 3 years, depending on household size and water usage.
Q: What maintenance is required for disinfection (liquid bleach or sanitation tablets)?
A: Aerobic systems require proper disinfection using either liquid bleach or sanitation bleach tablets. These are essential for treating wastewater before it is released into the spray field. It is important to always monitor and maintain correct levels. Without proper sanitation, the system cannot adequately treat effluent, which may lead to odors and reduced treatment quality.
Q: Why is the compressor important, and what should be checked?
A: The compressor is critical because it supplies air/oxygen into the aeration chamber, which allows beneficial bacteria to break down waste effectively. During service, the compressor should be checked for proper operation, airflow, and wear.
If a compressor failure occurs, the system loses its ability to properly process and clean wastewater. When this happens, untreated or partially treated wastewater can be pushed into the pump chamber. This can result in damage to the pump and cause dirty water to be distributed through the sprinkler system, leading to system failure and potential environmental concerns.
Q: Why is it important to remove debris and control foliage overgrowth around the system?
A: Keeping the system area clear of grass, leaves, and debris is important to ensure proper airflow and access for maintenance. Blocked or restricted airflow can reduce oxygen levels in the system.
When oxygen levels drop, the system can shift into an anaerobic condition, meaning it no longer has sufficient oxygen to support the beneficial bacteria needed for proper treatment. This leads to slower waste breakdown, unpleasant odors, and reduced system performance.
Q: What does “anaerobic” mean and why is it a problem?
A: Anaerobic conditions occur when there is little to no oxygen in the system. In this state, different bacteria take over that break down waste inefficiently and produce strong odors. This negatively affects treatment quality and can contribute to system stress or failure.
Q: What happens if there is a power interruption?
A: If a power outage occurs, the aerobic system will temporarily stop operating since the compressor and pumps rely on electricity. The impact depends on the length of the outage. Short interruptions typically cause minimal issues, but longer outages can reduce oxygen levels in the system and affect treatment performance. Depending on the duration of the power loss, a system inspection may be required to ensure the compressor, aeration process, and pumps are functioning properly once power is restored.
Q: What happens if there is a control panel problem?
A: If the control panel malfunctions, the entire system can be affected because it regulates key components such as the compressor, pumps, and timing cycles. A faulty control panel may cause the system to stop operating correctly, run at the wrong times, or fail to activate critical functions.
If left unresolved, this can lead to improper wastewater treatment, potential pump chamber overload, and system backups or spray field issues. In most cases, a control panel issue should be addressed immediately by a qualified technician to prevent further damage to the system.
Q: What is the key takeaway for maintaining an aerobic system?
A: Consistent maintenance is essential. This includes checking liquid bleach or sanitation tablet levels, ensuring the compressor is operating properly, keeping the system area clear of debris and overgrowth, monitoring for power interruptions, addressing control panel issues quickly, and pumping the trash chamber every 2 to 3 years. Proper care helps ensure long system life and prevents costly repairs or failures.
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