Have questions about septic tank and well services? We’ve got the answers! With over 50 years of experience, the experts at Sharpe’s are your go-to for septic information and advice. Below are the answers to a few of our most frequently asked questions.
We do not recommend using a garbage disposal if you have a septic system. If it is something you simply cannot live without, then please know that the septic tank will need to pumped yearly.
Yes. Keep all vegetation trimmed back. Keep all trash and debris cleaned up. Keep hazardous chemicals, such as paint, fertilizer, pesticides, and motor oil far away from your well.
Yes. Every well need to be permitted through SC DHEC. Follow this link https://scdhec.gov/sites/default/files/Library/D-3647.pdf or contact our office. We can assist you with this process.
YES, if one or more of the following applies: if it is a new home or business, if there is no power going to the house or building, if there is not an existing septic tank/system present that we will be abandoning and replacing with new.
NO. These products are simply not needed if you pump your septic tank regularly.
All parts of the septic system have to be at minimum 75ft minimum from the well.
Every 3-5 years. The more people using the system the more often you should pump it.
Yes. Old wells not being used can be dangerous to small children and animals. Contact us for more information on abandoning old, unused wells on your property.
Yes. A water well should be disinfected: · After construction of the well and before the water is consumed. Water from a newly constructed well should test free of bacteria before the water is used. · After an existing well is serviced. Any time a water well system is opened up, it creates the potential for bacteria to enter the well, so disinfection after servicing helps ensure the water is free of bacteria. · If there is a visible defect in the well system that could enable bacteria to enter the well. Examples of such defects are a cracked or loose well cap, or damage to the well casing (the vertical pipe that extends above the surface of the ground).
The National Ground Water Association (NGWA) recommends well owners test their water at least annually for bacteria, nitrates, and any contaminants of local concern. More frequent testing should be considered if: · There is a change in the taste, odor, or appearance of the well water, or if a problem occurs such as a broken well cap, inundation by floodwaters, or a new contamination source · The well has a history of bacterial contamination · The septic system has recently malfunctioned · Family members or house guests have recurrent incidents of gastrointestinal illness · An infant is living in the home, or · To monitor the efficiency and performance of home water treatment equipment. · Check with your local health or environmental health department for recommendations regarding the type and frequency of testing specific to your location.
Yes. Winter temperatures (even in SC!) can cause piping to freeze. This can lead to costly repairs. Make sure you insulate the well and provide a heat source to prevent this from happening. In the summertime, put out a little ant killer around the pressure switch area to keep the ants away. They get into the contacts of the pressure switch and can cause you to have no water.
Yes. Always use licensed or certified water well drillers and pump installers when a well is constructed, a pump is installed, or the system is serviced.
Cat litter, coffee grounds, personal care or baby wipes, diapers, feminine care products, condoms, anything of chemical nature (pesticides, paints, thinners, oils), medications, excessive household cleaners. This applies to homes and business using septic systems as well as public sewer.
SC DHEC follow this link or call our office. We are more than happy to help with this process. https://scdhec.gov/environment/your-home/septic-tanks/permits-licenses-and-reports
Very quick and very helpful
Christina M.
