Reliable, Affordable Septic System Cleaning, Maintenance & Pumping Services in NJ Since 1969.

Proper, Routine Septic Tank Cleaning Protects Your Septic System Investment

Your onsite waste treatment system represents a significant investment which you should protect. With proper operation and regular preventative maintenance & pumping from CJS, your system will function much more efficiently and have a longer lifespan. Although many homeowners in NJ would like to overlook their septic tank maintenance, it is far too important to neglect. CJS has provided home owners and business owners in Monmouth County, Middlesex County, Mercer County and Ocean County with reliable, cost-effective septic system maintenance and has a long list of satisfied customers.

Pumping Your Septic Tank Regularly: If the build up of solids in the tank becomes too high and solids move to the drainfield, this could clog and strain the system to the point where a new drainfield will be needed. Routine pumping costs over the extended lifetime of your system are far less than replacement costs. (Septic Pumping / Septic Draining is suggested Every 2-3 Years or when the total depth of sludge and scum exceeds one-thrid of the liquid depth of the tank.)

Routinely servicing your NJ septic system is the most important factor in maintaining and ensuring your septic system is properly protected. With proper septic maintenance, you can decrease the risk of a damaged drainage field due to solids flowing in to the drainage field. Simple routine maintenance can minimize the potential need for a new drainage field and protect your investment. By consulting the best septic service contractor in NJ, Central Jersey Septic, you will gain confidence knowing that your septic tank is operating at maximum efficiency.

Proper septic maintenance largely depends on the following 3 factors:

1. Total Number of people living in your household (permanent and vacation homes will differ in the amount of time between recommended routine maintenance)
2. Amount of wastewater generated (permanent and vacation homes will differ in the amount of time between recommended routine maintenance)
3. Volume of solids present in the wastewater (i.e. use of a garbage disposal will increase the frequency of recommended routine maintenance)

Inspect Your Septic System At Each Service: Inspections can reveal problems before they become serious, and by checking the levels of sludge and scum in your septic tank, you can get a more accurate idea of how often it should be pumped. An experienced septic tank and septic system inspector will be able to uncover problems immediately. 

Protect Your System: CJS protects your septic system from potential major damage by facilitating minor nj septic system repairs promptly. Properly installed septic systems make maintenance and repairs simple. If your begin to experience septic system problems, please contact CJS immediately for an inspection or septic system replacement.

The staff of Central Jersey Septic, Inc. is committed to satisfying every single customer in all matters regarding septic systems. If your system has any of the warning signs of system failure, call CJS to have it inspected.

Our Service technicians are qualified and trained to safely pump septic systems, recognize existing and potential problems, and make recommendations to customers.

Septic Tank Maintenance Check List

• Perform an inspection for leaks
• As recommended, have your septic system cleaning in NJ, NY, & PA performed by an experienced, licensed septic contractor like CJS who also provides free maintenance reminders, document retention, consultations and Neighborhood Discount Programs.
• Conserve water when possible including spreading full loads of laundry over the course of the week and be proactive in repairing faucets and toilets that leak.
• Know the location and specifications of your septic system and signs that will identify a serious problem occurring with your system.
• Keep an updated maintenance record for Real Estate transactions and improvements to your property
• CJS can also, if requested, Install an Effluent Filter, Riser and Locking Lid (at an additional charge)

MAINTENANCE PROGRAM (Zabel Filters & Alarms)

Customer Benefits:

These filters are guaranteed to help lengthen the life of the drainage area. This process would be considered as part of pre-treatment or preventative maintenance.

How Filters work: The filter is installed in the outlet baffle or outside of the tank to trap unwanted carryover of solids. These filters are designed specifically for septic systems.

Central jersey Septic will set up a maintenance program based on system usage and will also install a warning at your request for added protection. For additional information please call us at 1-732-566-3434.

If your question is, “Why would I want a Filter?”

Maybe a better question would be, “What causes septic system to stop working?”

These are some of the main reasons for system failure:

• Lack of septic system maintenance
• Missing outlet baffle
• Improper septic tank and septic system construction

Most of the above issues can be caught in time other than original construction problems, that may need more than just maintenance and may likely require repair or replacement. In most cases maintenance, due to lack knowledge will cause premature failure which allows solids to carry over into the drainage area blocking up the laterals. The other common cause is usually due to the outlet baffle being gone allowing for a good portion of the solids to go directly to the laterals causing the same issue. Understanding know that solid carry over is the likely the cause of premature system failure and knowing that a filter installed w/a maintenance plan along with scheduled pumpouts can help increase the life of a system that the question should be;

“ When can I have one installed and how much will it cost me?”

Overall the company & property owner benefits due to the regular maintenance program that would be set up and will help insure that the system will last longer.

What Makes a Septic System Fail

There are two primary types of septic system failures: hydraulic failure and phosphorous treatment failure.

Hydraulic failure occurs when the soil cannot handle the volume of wastewater and, as a result, sewage backflows in to the house or surfaces on the ground.
This is caused by:

• Failure to pump out the tank: Wastewater will back up in to the house or break out on to the ground when sludge and scum from an overfull tank flows in the leach field and clogs the soil.
• Poorly sited or built systems: When the septic system is sited in or too close to the high water table, or is constructed with improper fill, saturated soil can cause wastewater to back up or break out. This is particularly likely to occur in the spring when the water table is high.
• Tree and bush roots: tree and bush roots over a leach field can break or block pipes and interfere with the distribution system. Phosphorous treatment failure occurs when coarse, sandy soils allow phosphorous to pass untreated through to the ground water. In this case, all pipes and pumps are working properly and there is no apparent evidence of a malfunction. The problem lies in the inability of surrounding soils to absorb and treat the phosphorous.
  
  7 Signs of a Failing Septic System
  
  
  1. Sewage Odor in the house or yard
  2. Standing Water over the tank or leach field (ground wet or mushy)
  3. Slow draining sinks and toilets
  4. Gurgling sounds in the plumbing
  5. Plumbing Back ups 
  6. Grass growing faster and greener in one particular area of the yard, especially during the extreme parts of summer or winter – excess algae or plant growth
  7. Tests showing the presence of bacteria in well water
  
  None of these warning signs can be considered a sure indication that a system has failed, but the appearance of one or more of them should prompt homeowners to have their systems inspected. Septic system failures also can occur without any of these warning signals. For this reason, a yearly inspection of your septic system is recommended and even required by some communities.

What Do You Do if Your Septic System Fails

Call Central Jersey Septic for an evaluation of your system to uncover the reason for malfunction. CJS will be able to quickly detect the problem and offer suggested solutions in fixing it. It is recommended that you let a trained technician perform repairs and diagnostics, but if you do wish to examine it prior to that point, please exercise caution when working near the opened septic system. Toxic and explosive gases are present and hazardous. Never enter a septic tank!

The failing system could be a result of neglecting to have your system pumped. To solve this, simply have your septic system pumped but remain weary as this is usually only a temporary solution for a much larger problem at hand if your system has been long overdue for service. Harmful solids accumilation can be prevented by pumping your system regularly.

Conserve Water in Your Home. This is particularly effective if your septic system has not failed completely, yet. It can help lessen the problem for a short time until you are able to have the situation corrected by a trusted septic system professional.

Fence off the Area. If effluent is seeping to the surface, prevent people and pets from coming I to contact with it. Contact Central Jersey Septic at the first sign of a problem to avoid long term damage of your system or to begin the process in designing a new system immediately to make sure that your home’s onsite waste system is not out of order for a lengthy amount of time.

Inspect Your System Annually

Inspecting your septic system annually is a good way to monitor your system's health. Inspections can reveal problems before they become serious, and by checking the levels of sludge and scum in your tank, you can get a more accurate idea of how often it should be pumped.

Protect Your System
Finally, it is important to protect your septic system from potential damage. Planting anything other than grass near your septic system, such as shrubs and trees, can cause damage. In addition, do not allow anyone to drive or operate heavy machinery over any part of the system. Also, do not build anything over the drainage field.

Many homeowners believe that once a septic system is installed, it will work forever without maintenance or repairs. This is not the case by any stretch of the imagination. Most septic systems, even with routine maintenance, will have an average lifetime of 15 to 25 years.

To help protect against premature failure, the homeowner can follow a few simple procedures that can help reduce sludge build-up, reduce water use, eliminate toxic waste, keep the system’s bacteria working properly and protect the leach field.

Dont's 

• Don’t use a garbage disposal – it adds 50% more solids to your system.
• Don’t pour automotive oil, cooking oil or grease down the drain
• Don’t drive vehicles over the septic system or leach field
• Don’t plant bushes or trees over the leach field
• Don’t install a in-ground or above ground pool near the drainage field
• Don’t dump recreational vehicle (RV) waste in to your tank. The system is designed for your residence flow and may not be able to handle the extra solids load. RV waste may also contain chemicals that are toxic or may hamper the biological activity in your system.
• Don’t use too much water, especially during rainy, wet seasons when the ground is saturated
• Don’t pour paint or paint thinner down your drain
• Don’t ever connect rain gutters or storm drains to the septic system or allow surface water to drain in to it.
• Don’t use drain cleaners and other toxic chemical products 
• Don’t use chemical or biological septic cleaners which can plug up your leach fields and ruin your system.
• Don’t discharge water softener backwash in to the septic tank. The backwash brine contains high levels of chlorides that can destroy microorganisms
• Don’t flush feminine hygiene products, cat litter, disposable diapers or other non-biodegradable products in to your system 
• Don’t flush medicines, particularly antibiotics 
• Don’t use products labeled antibacterial 
• Don’t Flush hair combings coffee grounds dental floss disposable diapers kitty litter feminine hygiene products cigarette butts contraceptives gauze bandages fat, grease, or oil paper towels
• Don’t Flush paints varnishes thinners waste oils photographic solutions pesticides
• Don’t ever enter a septic tank or breathe in the gases (people have died from gas asphyxiation)

Homeowners wanting to take good care of their septic systems should make note of the above items that should never be flushed down the drain or toilet. These items can overtax or destroy the biological digestion taking place within the system or clog pumps and pipes.

Do’s

• Do inspect your tank for signs of sludge buildup and make sure the baffles are in working order.
• Do Pump you tank as needed (every 2-3 years for year round residences and 4-5 years for seasonal residences), and keep a written record (ask about our complimentary homeowners guide) for yourself or future owner.
• Do Compost food garbage or put it in the trash
• Do keep a grease can handy
• Do Mark your septic system so you can protect it from vehicles and encroaching trees and shrubs
• Do divert excess water like roof drains and surface water away from your system
• Do Conserve water; install water-saving devices, such as front-loading washers low-flow faucets and shower heads and wash clothes and dishes only when you have a full load and avoid several loads in one day.
• Do Use non-toxic cleaning products such as baking soda to scrub toilets or boiling water to drains. 
• Do plant shrubs, trees and grasses downhill from your system to act as a sponge (they will tie up excess nutrients and water as well as prevent soil erosion). Keep small trees and shrubs at least 10 feet away from your leach field and large trees at least 20 feet away. 
• Do spread out your laundry loads to even out your water use and avoid flushing your system
• Do keep an “as built” drawing in a safe place for your records
• Do prevent heavy vehicles or livestock from the area over and around your system. If necessary consider placing a fence or some other barricade around area to prevent damage. (field compaction)
• Do contact CJS if your septic system shows signs of failure or if others in your immediate area are suffering from malfunctioning septic systems 
• Do use liquid detergents instead of powdered detergents

Although your septic tank absorption field generally does not require maintenance, you should adhere to the following rules to protect and prolong its functional life:

1. Do not drive over the absorption field with cars, trucks, or heavy equipment.
2. Do not plant trees or shrubbery in the absorption field area, the roots can get into the lines and plug them. 
3. Do not cover the absorption field with hard surfaces, such as concrete or asphalt. Grass is the best cover, because it will help prevent erosion and help remove excess water. 
4. Do divert surface runoff water from roofs, patios, driveways, and other areas away from the absorption field.

Cleaning a Drain or Getting Drain Cleaning in NJ, NY & PA…

• Use a plunger or mechanical snake to remove the blockage
• Or, pour on handful or baking soda and ½ cup of white vinegar down the drainpipe and cover tightly for one minute. Repeat process as needed.
• Or, pour ½ cup salt and ½ cup baking soda down the drain followed by six cups of boiling water. Let sit for several hours or overnight then flush with water.
• If all else fails, contact a licensed plumber or Central Jersey Septic for assistance.

Other Septic Tank Cleaning / Maintenance Tips

Routine Septic System maintenance and inspections will extend the life of your septic system in New Jersey. Keep in mind that the cost of a replacement system far exceeds the cost of regular maintenance (much like a vehicle) and can affect the resale of your property.

There is a reference chart on this site. Generally, every two to three years is considered good service. This will vary with the size and usage of the septic tank. Just make sure the large opening (approximately 24”-30” in diameter) is used every time for thorough service.

Install a riser on the main cover for easy access.

Fix all leaking toilets and sinks

Keep a record of all maintenance, inspections, and modifications to your system

» Download the EPA's Homeowners Guide to Septic Systems

» Click to Learn More

Central Jersey Septic frequently provides clients with Septic Tank Pumping in Colts Neck, NJ, Septic Tank Pumping in Holmdel, NJ, Septic Tank Pumping in Marlboro, NJ, Septic Tank Pumping in Manalapan, NJ, Septic Tank Pumping in Freehold, NJ, Septic Tank Pumping in Millstone, NJ, Septic Tank Pumping in Farmingdale, NJ, Septic Tank Pumping in Howell, NJ, Septic Tank Pumping in Wall Twp, NJ, Septic Tank Pumping in Jackson, NJ, Septic Tank Pumping in Rumson, NJ, Septic Tank Pumping in Tinton Falls, NJ, Septic Tank Pumping in Rumson, NJ, Septic Tank Pumping in Red Bank, NJ, Septic Tank Pumping in Middletown, NJ, Septic Tank Pumping in Atlantic Highlands, NJ, Septic Tank Pumping in Long Branch, NJ, Septic Tank Pumping in East Brunswick, NJ, Septic Tank Pumping in Monroe and Septic Tank Pumping in Old Bridge, NJ, just to name a few.