Pumping a septic tank is one of the most common ways of properly maintaining a septic system. While a septic tank is simply an underground filter for wastewater coming from a building with plumbing, if the tank is not cleaned when needed, it will either plug up or allow solid particles to pass into the drain field. This causes the septic system to fail. 

Other forms of maintenance include installation and cleaning of in-line filters, bacteri additives, waste strength testing, and line cleaning.

Regular septic system maintenance is not only required, it is essential to getting the longest possible life from your drain field. Brown Bear Septic Pumping is focused on system maintenance. We try to educate and involve homeowners in the maintenance practices we recommend. Each time we perform a maintenance service, we visually inspect the entire system and will make recommendations if we find issues that are of concern. 

Many septic systems require a pump to make them function. Unfortunately, pumps can stop working from time to time. It is required by code that all septic pumps be installed with an alarm system to inform the homeowner when the pump has failed. In most cases the system should be set up with some reserve room in the lift station to allow the homeowner time once the alarm has sounded to contact a septic company for repair. In most cases the septic tank needs to be pumped so the pump can be accessed and serviced.

Brown Bear Septic and Pumping is equipped to handle all types of pump repair. We use only high-quality pumps and replacement parts. Our workmanship is top of the line and our final product is always focused for the easiest possible maintenance in the future.

For all your septic repair needs, we’re ready to get your system back up and running smoothly.

Brown Bear Septic Pumping offers affordable septic system inspections for Whidbey Island. Performed by a Certified Operations and Maintenance Technician, our inspections offer you insights into how long the septic system may last, help uncover any red flags concerning the health of your system, the quality of past maintenance, ensure that it is safely working, and most of all confirm if it is compliant or not compliant with local regulations.

You can then make an informed decision about when you should expect maintenance, and the anticipated costs. If you’re new to the ‘septic world’. we are more than happy to share our knowledge with you about maintenance tips for your specific system.

If you’re building a new house or need to replace the septic system at your current residence or commercial establishment, Brown Bear Septic Pumping can help.

There are important factors a septic system designer needs to take into consideration when designing a septic system. First is the property owner's concerns, and needs. Next, there are state, county and city codes that septic systems need to meet. Finally, there are considerations sometimes overlooked by designers that can cause property owners long-term problems, and ultimately a shortened life span of their septic system. These considerations include use of cleaning products, high water usage, medication usage, cooking grease, anti-bacterial products, the chance of freezing temperatures, and run off water due to roof lines and landscapes.

Most septic systems are designed and installed using the minimum standards required by local government. Brown Bear Septic Pumping is progressive when it comes to designing septic systems. Our designs go above and beyond the minimum code by installing simple and inexpensive additional components to each septic system to greatly increase system longevity, and ease of maintenance.

If you are thinking of building a new building or need to replace your septic system at your current residence or business establishment, call Brown Bear Septic Pumping today. 

All conventional septic systems have a finite life. Even when properly used, drain field rock eventually becomes plugged with the by-products of treating sewage. Septic systems that are used properly will still eventually fail. 

A properly operating drainfield or mound treats sewage by providing an environment for soil organisms to clean the waste. Oxygen must be present in the system for this to occur.

As systems age, a clogging mat forms where the rock and soil meet. This biomat is comprised of dead bacteria, fine solids, and live soil bacteria. It performs a vital function by holding water in the rock long enough to prevent saturation of soil below the rock.

However, over time this clogging mat gets too thick and causes water to pond in the rock. Air is displaced by liquid and anaerobic conditions begin the decline of the soil treatment system.

Even if properly designed and constructed, conventional septic systems eventually need replacement or rehabilitation. Homeowners using them within design limits can expect drainfield or mound life of 7-25 years.

If you’re experiencing symptoms of a failed drainfield, call Brown Bear Septic Pumping for a free inspection. We’ll let you know what’s wrong, and how we can fix the problem for you.