Buttermores.com FAQ's  Do you have after hours and emergency service?  We offer after hours & emergency service on an "as available" basis. Please call our work # 860-464-8852 or 860-625-1036(cell), phone will forward to cell phone if we are out of the office. If no answer please leave a message. Additional charges may apply to after hours and emergency service. My septic tank is full and how often do I need to have it pumped?  First, a properly operating septic tank should allways be nearly full (aprox 8-10" below top).  It is reccommended that a residential septic tank be pumped every 2-5 years with normal useage.  If the tank is less than 1000 gallons, above average usage, garbage grinder or experiencing problems it should be pumped more frequently. How much does it cost to have my septic tank pumped out?  Generally to pump out a 1000 galllon septic tank we charge $ 275.00 and charge $.21/gallon after that.  At the time of pumping we will fill out a "10 Point Septic Tank Assesment" on the recipt noting condition of tank, level of tank, amount of solids, flowback from leaching field and location of tank and reccommend future pumping intervals. We can also locate and dig up tank if needed at additional charge. If location and depth is unknown we may need to bring in a small machine to dig. If tank is deeper than 12" state code requires installation of risers and caps to within 12" of surface. We can dig up tank and install risers and caps if needed. Last time I had my tank pumped it cost quite a bit less, why? Like everything else our cost have gone up but septage disposal costs have gone thru the roof!! The Ledyard treatment plant raised disposal fees 50% in one jump July 09 & Norwich treatment raised fees 50% November 2009. What are "baffles" and why are they so important? Baffles are structures within the septic tank which keep the inlet pipe clear & prevents solids from leaving the tank & eventually clogging up the leaching field. Different types of tanks have different types of baffles. Often on older tanks the baffles (either concrete, metal or plastic) errode away & fall off. This needs to be repaired!!! This is a realitively small repair and may save your leaching system. Usually to repair a baffle is between $500 and $700. Do you accept credit cards?  Yes we accept Master Card & Visa. What are some signs of septic system failure?  Some signs of septic system failure include gurgling in pipes, frequent clogs or plunging required, slow drains, overfull septic tank, wet spot or extra green patch of lawn and possible odor. How does a septic system work?  A septic system or onsite wastewater recycling system has 2 basic components, a septic tank and a leaching system connected by pipes.  The septic tank is where the breakdown of waste begins. In the tank bacteria starts to break down organic matter, some solids sink and others float. The grey water in the middle then flows through the outlet baffle to the leaching system. The grey water in the leaching system then is allowed to perculate into the ground as it is naturaly cleaned.  There are many types of leaching systems such as pipe and stone, galleys, infiltrators, dry wells and others. How much does a replacement septic system cost?  The cost of replacement septic systems vary greatly depending on a varity of factors.  To replace a basic 3 bedroom leaching systen with an in gound system is aprox. $ 9000.00. If the tank also needs replaced it is usually around $ 1500-$2000 more.  There are many factors which affect the cost such as poor soils, high water tables, ledge, fill systems, pump systems and other site restrictions. Do you give free estimates?  Yes, We would be more than happy to come out to your place and look at your situation and give you a verbal ballpark price based on your situation and our experience.  In order to give you a quote we need additional information such as : location of current system, location of wells/waterlines, property lines and  # of bedrooms.  We will then need to arrange for test holes with your local health dept. to obtain soil info such as soil profile and perc rate.   We usually charge $ 350.00 for a small machine & an operator plus the Health dept. fee (usually around $100.00). The Health Dept will then record the results. With that information we can size and plan for the repair and after discussion with the health dept. we can then give you a verbal price.  If the verbal price is acceptable we will draw up a plan, submit it to the health dept. and upon their approval give you a written quote for the work.  Remember, we will allways work hard to get you the most cost effective system as is reasonable and acceptable by the health dept. I have a dry well that is failing, why can't you just put in a new one?  As Ct. licensed septic installers we follow the standards set by the CT. Dept. of Health. Dry wells were commonly used prior to the mid 70's and worked well.  Today for repairs we must try to get as close to a "code complying" system as is reasonable and acceptable to the local health dept.  Although dry wells are still acceptable, the conditions in which they may be used is very limited.  Usually existing failing dry wells need to be pumped, filled in and another type of leaching system installed. I still have questions, can I call you?  Yes, Please call and we can discuss your questions and situation. Call Steve @ 860-464-8852.