FAQ

FAQ

"An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure!"

Larry's Top 10 Do's and Don'ts 

1. DO have the septic tank pumped every 2 to 5 years depending on your usage.
2. DON'T allow heavy vehicles or machinery to drive over the area of the septic tank or lateral field.
3. DO use detergents that are labeled "septic friendly" or "septic safe"
4. DON'T flush cigarettes butts down the toilet - they will not break down in the sludge.
5. DO use a bacteria product (flushed down the toilet). Especially if you use bleach and antibacterial products. We can recommend and sell products suited for your system.
6. DON'T plant trees near the lateral field - their roots eventually will grow in to the lateral system.
7. DO space the timing of your showers and loads of laundry so you do not overload the tanks and laterals.
8. DON'T put greasy foods down the garbage disposal. Pump septic tank every year if you use a garbage disposal.
9. DO check bathroom vent pipes in the spring and fall for bird's nests and wasps nest.
10. DON'T pour motor oil down the floor drains.

  • Q. What towns does L.R. Favreau Septic service?

    A. We service Ayer, Berlin, Bolton, Boylston, Clinton, Fitchburg, Groton, Harvard, Holden, Hubbardston, Lancaster, Leominster, Littleton, Lunenburg, Northborough, Paxton, Princeton, Rutland, Shirley, Sterling, Stow, Townsend, West Boylston and Westminster.

  • Q. How often should I have my tank pumped?

    A. Depending on personal usage and size of the tank the average household should be pumped  

    every two to five years or when solids in the tank reach 25%.  If you use a garbage disposal the tank should be pumped every year.

  • Q. Should I add a bacteria supplement to my septic tank?

    A. YES! With the increasing popularity of anti-bacterial soap, bleach and powerful cleaning agents the number of bacteria in the septic tank are decreased dramatically therefore they are not able to breakdown the organic matter.


    L.R. Favreau Septic Service is a leading regional distributor of CCLS Septic Tank and Cesspool Treatment.  We recommend adding it to your tank via the toilet closest to the tank once per month.  Spending a few dollars per month will save you thousands of dollars in replacement costs. For more information contact Holly at 978-365-4300.

  • Q. Can you tell me exactly how much you pump out of my tank?

    A. YES!  Our trucks are equipped with a digital gauge on the pump that measures the exact number of gallons we pump out of your tank.

  • Q. I had my tank pumped out last week. Is it possible that it's full already?

    A. Not only is it possible, it's neccessary.  Septic tanks are designed to operate full for proper water/solids seperation.

  • Q. Help! My sinks and toilets are backing up into my house. What do I do?

    A. Call our 24 Hour Emergency Line 508-612-4587.  Do not flush toilets, run faucets or do laundry until you contact L.R. Favreau Septic to analyze and fix the problem area. 

  • Q. What are the more unusual things you have found in a septic tank?

    A.  We find lots of small childrens toys that have been flushed down the toilet.  We have also removed a shovel and even a full size pick up truck!

  • Q. I do not know where my Septic System cover is. Can you help me find it?

    A. YES!  If we have serviced your residence before we have a record of where it is located.  We can also contact the local Board of Health, the Title V report will state the location or we can flush a magnetic transmitter down your toilet and locate it with our handheld receiver.  (Larry's helpful soldiers)

  • Q. I don't think my Septic System is working right. How would I know?

    A. If the amount of wastewater entering the system is more that the system can handle, the wastewater backs up into the house or yard and creates a health hazard.  You can suspect a system failure not only when a foul odor is emitted but also when partially treated wastewater flows up to the ground surface.  By the time you can smell or see a problem, however, the damage might already be done.  Call Favreau Septic Service immediately to discuss your options and to have it inspected.

  • Q.What makes my system fail?

    A. A system that is not maintained (pumped) routinely.  A system installed in unsuitable soils can fail.  Other failure risks include tanks that are inaccessible for maintenance, drain fields that are paved or parked on, and tree roots or defective components that interfere with the treatment process.  Improper design or installation can contribute to failure if the drainfield is undersized, high seasonal groundwater table, undersized septic tank or if it is not watertight. 

  • Q. I think there is a blockage in my lines - how are you going to locate it and clear it?

    A.  We use various methods including snaking the system, underground camera inspection system, and/or flushable locators.  To clear the system we can snake the pipes or use high power water pressure.

  • Q. What is a Title V Inspection?

    A. Title V of the State Environmental Code, 310 CMR 15.000, is a regulation that protects you and your community.  Title V requires the proper sitting, construction, and maintenace of all on-site wastewater disposal systems.  On-site systems that are not properly located and maintained can contribute pathogens and nutrients to surface and ground waters, endangering drinking water supplies, wildlife.  


    When you select Favreau Septic Service to perform a Title V Inspection we dig up the covers of the septic tank, D-Box, and leach pits to inspect for proper function of the system. Inspections vary slightly depending on system components.  Call for a price quote today!

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