Trust C&R Pumpers for all of your septic, portable toilet & waste water hauling needs.

FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

We are proud to share our 20 plus years of a septic system and septic tank maintenance knowledge with our customers and clients all across Northeast Wisconsin and beyond. See if your question is answered below. If not, please don’t hesitate to contact us and one of our septic system professionals will get back to you as soon as possible. We are your one-stop solution for septic tank pumping and septic tank maintenance!

How does a septic system work?

If your home or business isn’t hooked up to a public sewer line, then your wastewater and waste products are stored and processed by your septic system. In simplest terms, a septic system houses naturally-occurring bacteria that digests solid waste material. Liquid waste filters into the leach field, where it is absorbed by and dispersed into the soil. Over 21 million homes in the United States use a septic system, and with proper septic tank maintenance, your septic system can be a long-lasting, eco-conscious solution to wastewater management.

How much does a septic system cost?

Every septic system is different, and as such, the cost varies drastically. In our service area, the average cost of a new septic system installation runs around ten to fifteen thousand dollars. The best way to get an answer to the question “how much does a septic system cost?” is to get an estimate from a qualified local contractor.

In terms of ongoing cost and billing, a septic system with proper septic tank maintenance has the potential to cost much less than a public sewer. The main expense of a septic system is septic tank pumping, whereas public sewer is paid quarterly.

How often should a septic tank be pumped?

Generally, you should contact a professional for septic tank maintenance and septic tank pumping every three to five years. Regular professional service helps to proactively avoid potential issues with your septic system, ensure your plumbing continues to function properly and keep your septic system-related costs low.

What are the warning signs that my septic system isn’t functioning properly?

Ideally, your septic system will have septic tank maintenance performed by a professional long before you experience any issues, but sometimes, problems simply happen. There are a number of easy to spot warning signs that something is wrong with your septic system. If you are experiencing any of the following warning signs at your home or business, your septic system is not functioning properly and requires septic tank maintenance:

  • A foul, unpleasant rotten egg odor that emanates from your septic system.
  • Sinks, showers, and tubs gurgling, draining slowly, or not at all.
  • Sewage backup into sinks, showers, tubs, and toilets.
  • Wastewater pooling on the ground above your drain field.
  • Dense green grass and spongy land above your drain field, even in dry weather.

What do I do if I can’t find my septic tank cap?

For new homeowners, knowing where to find your septic system can be tricky, especially if your septic tank isn’t on a riser. Your septic tank cap can be buried anywhere from inches to feet underground. Our team of septic system professionals know exactly how to find your septic tank cap and C&R Pumpers is only a phone call away!

How much does it cost to rent a porta-potty?

Renting a portable toilet or porta potties can vary widely in cost. Your estimate will vary based on the number of porta potties you need for your personal or professional event, the length of the rental period, and how often your porta potties will be serviced by our team of professionals. If you are looking to rent porta-potties, or need your previously owned units serviced, contact us to speak to our team!