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Caring for Your Septic System This Thanksgiving

Caring for Your Septic System This Thanksgiving

Thanksgiving is a time for family, food, and celebration—but it’s also one of the busiest times for your septic system. Extra guests, heavy water usage, and nonstop kitchen activity can put real stress on your tank and drainfield. At Rocky Top Septic Service, we want you to enjoy the holiday without worrying about septic surprises.

Tips for a Stress-Free Holiday

1. Manage Water Usage

  • Spread out showers, laundry, and dishwashing.

  • Fix any leaks before guests arrive.

  • Use water-efficient fixtures if possible.

2. Dispose of Waste Properly

✅ Do: compost or trash food scraps, use sink strainers, flush only waste & toilet paper.
❌ Don’t: pour grease, oils, or fats down the drain, flush wipes or feminine products, or use chemical drain cleaners.

Also remember that a garbage disposal should never be used with a septic system.

3. Schedule a Pre-Holiday Check

A professional inspection before the holiday can catch problems early and ensure your system is ready to handle the extra load.

4. Know the Emergency Signs

🚨 Slow drains, bad odors, or soggy patches in the yard mean trouble. If you see these, cut back water use and call Rocky Top Septic Service right away.

Celebrate With Confidence

This Thanksgiving, don’t let the wonderful smell of turkey and all the fixings be overshadowed with septic smell. With a little preparation—and the experts at Rocky Top Septic Service—you can keep your system running smoothly while you focus on family and feasting.

📞 Call us today to schedule your pre-holiday septic check.
Rocky Top Septic Service – We handle the dirty work, so you don’t have to!

We service Grainger County, Knox County, Jefferson County and part of Sevier County in East Tennessee

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Signs of a Failing Drain field—and What to Do

Signs of a Failing Drain Field—and What to Do

Your drain field is one of the most important parts of your septic system. When it stops working, wastewater can back up into your home or yard, creating serious health risks and expensive repairs. At Rocky Top Septic Service, we want homeowners to know the warning signs before it’s too late.

Common Warning Signs

  • 💨 Persistent odors – A rotten egg or sewage smell near your tank or yard.

  • 💧 Pooling water – Soggy patches or standing water above your drain field, even without rain.

  • 🚽 Slow drains – Sinks, tubs, and toilets that drain sluggishly.

  • 🌱 Overly lush grass – Bright green, fast-growing grass right above your drain field.

  • 🔙 Sewage backups – Wastewater coming back into your home (this is an emergency)

What to Do Right Away

  • 🚿 Cut back water use – Shorter showers, limit laundry, skip the dishwasher.

  • 🛑 Avoid driving on the drain field – Heavy vehicles or equipment can crush it.

  • 🧰 Rule out plumbing clogs – Sometimes slow drains are caused inside the house.

  • 📞 Call Rocky Top Septic Service – Our technicians will inspect your system and take immediate action.

Prevent Drain Field Failure

  • Pump your septic tank on schedule

  • Conserve water to reduce system strain

  • Keep deep-rooted trees and bushes away from the drain field

  • Only flush septic-safe materials.  Remember, no wipes, no grease, no chemicals, no feminine products, etc

  • Schedule regular inspections with Rocky Top Septic

The Rocky Top Septic Promise

Our team specializes in diagnosing, repairing, and, if necessary, installing a new drain field. From professional pumping to component replacement, we’ll get your system back in working order and help you keep it that way.

📞 Call Rocky Top Septic Service today—we’ll handle the dirty work, so you don’t have to!

We service Grainger County, Jefferson County, Knox County and parts of Sevier County in East Tennessee

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Septic System Planning: What New Homeowners Need to Know

Septic System Planning: What New Homeowners Need to Know

Building your dream home is exciting—but if your property isn’t connected to city sewer, you’ll need to plan for a septic system. At Rocky Top Septic Service, we help families across Tennessee by installing septic systems that fit their property and their future needs.  Before you hire a septic contractor, make sure you read their reviews, ask the environmental office if any of their systems have ever failed a final inspection, and get an estimate in writing.

Key Factors to Consider

Every septic system is unique. Important factors include:

  • Size and slope of your property

  • Location of your house and future additions

  • Number of bedrooms and total square footage

  • Setback requirements from wells, water, or pools

The Process

1️⃣ Site Evaluation – A licensed professional soil scientist evaluates your soil and lot to determine what type of system is needed and where one can be installed.
2️⃣ System Design – A Tennessee Department of Environmental and Soil Conservation (TDEC) septic inspector creates a plan based on site data and home size.  In Knox County, Jefferson County, Sevier County and Blount County you will need to call the county environmental office.  All other areas are serviced by the state TDEC office.
3️⃣ Installation & Approval – A licensed installer puts the system in place and coordinates with the inspector to ensure everything meets code.

Don’t Forget Maintenance

A septic system isn’t “set it and forget it.” Regular pumping, inspections, and maintenance keep your investment working for decades. Our team can also set you up with a maintenance plan tailored to your system and household.  Remember, the best installers are the ones who also are able to maintain a septic system.

Build With Confidence

Planning ahead now prevents costly headaches later. Whether you’re building your forever home, a vacation home or plan to sell in a few years, trust Rocky Top Septic Service to handle every step.

📞 Call us today and let’s make sure your new home starts off on solid ground—literally.

Important phone numbers:
  • Knox County Environmental:  865-215-5200
  • Jefferson County Environmental:  865-397-1617
  • Sevier County Environmental:  865-429-1766
  • Blount County Environmental:  865-681-9301
  • State TDEC:  865-594-6035, you can also apply online at TDEC PERMITS

We install septic systems in most all East Tennessee counties.  Contact us for more information.

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Help! My Septic Tank Is Full — What Should I Do?

Help! My Septic Tank Is Full — What Should I Do?

At Rocky Top Septic Service, one of the most common calls we get is from homeowners saying, “My septic tank is full.” But what does “full” actually mean? Let’s clear it up.

Normal vs. Overfull

  • ✅ Normal: A septic tank should always stay filled to its operating level—just below the inlet pipe. This means your drain field is doing its job.

  • 🚫 Overfull: If the liquid level rises above the inlet pipe, or to the very top of the tank, your system is overloaded. This often signals a problem with your drain field.

Plumbing Problem or Septic Problem?

Sometimes, what looks like a septic issue is actually a plumbing issue. Here’s how to tell:

  • Check the cleanout: If you have an accessible clean out, check it to see if wastewater is backing up there.  If it is, it may be a septic problem. If it’s dry, call a plumber.

  • Check for odors: Bad smells inside your home without a backup often point to venting or plumbing problems, not the septic system.

  • Check the tank: If the tank is above its normal level, that’s a septic issue needing professional attention.

Signs of a Bigger Problem

  • Tank fills back up just days after pumping

  • Standing water or soggy patches in your yard

  • Frequent backups inside the house

If this happens, pumping may only be a short-term fix. The real issue may be with your drain field.

How Rocky Top Septic Service Helps

Our trained team can:

  • Inspect your tank and drain field

  • Determine whether it’s a plumbing or septic issue

  • Provide expert pumping, repair, or replacement solutions

Don’t Wait—Call Today

If you suspect your septic tank is overfull, don’t ignore it. A quick call to Rocky Top Septic Service can save you from bigger, more expensive problems down the road.

📞 Rocky Top Septic Service – We handle the dirty work, so you don’t have to!

We service Grainer County, Knox County, Union County, Jefferson County, and parts of Sevier County in East Tennessee

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Don’t Put Off Septic Repairs—Here’s Why

Don’t Put Off Septic Repairs—Here’s Why

At Rocky Top Septic Service, we know how tempting it can be to “wait and see” when it comes to septic issues. But even small problems can escalate quickly—leading to health risks, property damage, and even more costly repairs.

What Happens When You Delay Repairs

  • 🚽 Slow drains & backups – Ignoring sluggish drains can turn into sewage backing up inside your home.

  • 💨 Persistent odors – Bad smells signal trouble in your tank or drainfield. Delaying repairs only makes the odor—and the damage—worse.

  • 💧 Drainfield stress – A neglected tank can push solids into the drainfield, causing clogs, flooding, and potential system failure.

Long-Term Damage Risks

  • Corroded pipes and weakened tank walls

  • Contamination of soil and groundwater

  • Full system failure requiring expensive replacement

Financial Consequences of Waiting

  • A small clog today could become a full drainfield replacement tomorrow

  • Having to remove sewage from inside your home and hiring someone to sanitize your home or replace flooring

  • Home value drops if your septic system fails an inspection

  • Insurance often won’t cover damage caused by neglect

The Rocky Top Septic Solution

Regular inspections and timely repairs are the best way to protect your home and your wallet. Our trained technicians can:

  • Identify issues early

  • Pump and clean your tank

  • Repair damaged parts before they become major failures

Take Action Now

Delaying septic repairs won’t save money—it will cost you more in the long run. Protect your home, your family, and your investment by calling Rocky Top Septic Service today.

📞 Rocky Top Septic Service – We handle the dirty work, so you don’t have to!

We service Grainger County, Knox County, Union County, Jefferson County and parts of Sevier County in East Tennessee.

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Don’t Let Septic Problems Ruin Your Holidays

Don’t Let Septic Problems Ruin Your Holidays

The holidays should be about family, friends, and good food—not septic system surprises. At Rocky Top Septic Service, we know how quickly extra guests and water use can overwhelm a struggling system. Taking care of septic issues before the holidays keeps your holiday fun from being interrupted in the worst way.

Watch for Warning Signs

  • 🚽 Slow drains in sinks, tubs, or toilets

  • 💨 Foul odors near the tank or drainfield

  • 💧 Pooling water or soggy spots in the yard

  • 🔊 Gurgling sounds in plumbing

If you notice any of these, your system may already be under stress.

Act Fast if Problems Arise

  • Limit water use (shorter showers, spread out laundry)

  • Skip harsh chemical drain cleaners—they can damage your system

  • Call a professional immediately if backups or overflows occur

Why Timely Repairs Matter

Addressing septic issues quickly prevents costly damage, extends the life of your system, and protects your family from unpleasant (and unhealthy) backups.

How Rocky Top Septic Service Can Help

Our trained technicians:

  • Diagnose problems quickly

  • Handle urgent repairs before they escalate

  • Provide maintenance tips to prevent future issues

Enjoy a Stress-Free Holiday

Don’t let septic troubles disrupt your celebrations. Call Rocky Top Septic Service today to schedule repairs or maintenance. We’ll make sure your system is holiday-ready—so you can focus on what matters most: time with loved ones.

📞 Rocky Top Septic Service – We handle the dirty work, so you don’t have to!

We serve Grainger County, Knox County, Union County, Jefferson County and parts of Sevier County in East Tennessee.

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Winter Care Tips for Your Septic System

Winter Care Tips for Your Septic System

At Rocky Top Septic Service, we know Tennessee winters can put extra stress on your septic system. Freezing temperatures, heavy rain, and cold snaps can all impact performance. Taking a few proactive steps now can help you avoid costly headaches later.

Prepare Your Septic System for Cold Weather

  • Insulate pipes: Make sure any exposed pipes are insulated to prevent freezing and cracking.

  • Pump before winter: If your tank is close to full, schedule a pumping before the ground freezes. This prevents overflow when it’s hardest to fix.

  • Check lids and risers: A snug, secure fit keeps cold air out and helps prevent freezing inside the system.

Routine Winter Maintenance

  • Stay on a pumping schedule: Regular pumping keeps solids from building up and stressing the system.

  • Inspect lids and risers: Look for cracks or loose fits. Even small gaps can let in freezing air or moisture.

  • Handle small repairs early: Fixing issues before winter weather sets in helps avoid emergency calls later.

Protecting Your Drainfield

  • Avoid excess water use: Too much water strains the system when soils are already saturated.

  • Keep it clear: Remove leaves, branches, and debris to allow proper drainage.

  • Watch for warning signs: Slow drains, odors, or standing water can indicate problems.

Call in the Professionals

Winter isn’t the time to take chances. At Rocky Top Septic Service, our experienced technicians can:

  • Inspect your system thoroughly

  • Perform necessary pumping and repairs

  • Ensure lids, risers, and drainfields are winter-ready

Final Word

A little prevention goes a long way. By winterizing your septic system, you’ll avoid mid-winter breakdowns, protect your investment, and keep your home running smoothly.

📞 Call Rocky Top Septic Service today to schedule your winter inspection and maintenance. We’ll handle the dirty work—so you don’t have to!

We service Grainer County, Knox County, Union County, Jefferson County and parts of Sevier County

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Septic Inspections

There are several reasons why you would need your septic system inspected.  It needs to be inspected if you are having a visible problem, every time you have your septic system pumping, and if you are buying/selling a home.  If you are having a visible problem with your septic system, such as a back-up inside your home or water standing in your yard, the inspection will find where your problem is located so it can be repaired.  When you have your septic system routine maintenance done every 3-5 years, your septic provider should also inspect your system, which can help locate problems before they become visible.  If you are buying or selling a home, the inspection is a valuable service that we can provide.

Septic inspectors need to be licensed in the state of Tennessee, so not just anyone can perform the inspection.  Many times, a buyer will require a septic system inspection before closing on the property.  Since septic systems are expensive to have installed, buyers do not want to worry about the system failing in the near future.  Keeping records of regular septic maintenance can also be a huge plus for the buyer.

A septic system consists of a septic tank, a distribution box, and a leach field, also called a drain field.  The purpose of a septic system is to digest organic matter and separate floatable material such as toilet paper.  When it is functioning properly it will discharge liquid from the septic tank into the perforated pipes buried in the drain field.  These pipes are designed to slowly release the wastewater into the ground.

A septic system inspection will make sure that the system is operating as it should so that no one will get sick because of a leak or other problems.  If the drain field is holding water on the surface, humans and animals can become sick if they come in contact with the wastewater.

Because a septic system is located underground, a septic inspection is something that homeowners or potential buyers can easily overlook.  Especially if the buyer has never had one before.  An inspection should be done throughout the time you own the home during your regular pumping service.  Otherwise, an extensive repair or replacement of the system could be waiting for you because the problem was not found early.

If you have an inspection for a real estate transaction, you will receive a written inspection report to give to potential buyers.  It will include the address of the property, the approximate age of the septic system if known, and the current status of the system.  It is important to hire a professional who will pump the tank so the bottom and sides of the tank will be visible.  This will allow the technician to check for any cracks or leaks in the tank.  He will also check the inlet and outlet pipes to make sure they are in good condition, make sure the drain field (or leach field) is accepting water as it should, and will make sure there are no clogs or back-ups in the home.  Your written inspection report will contain all of this information as well as a passing or failing grade.  If the septic system is not working as it should, he will recommend the repairs that will fix the problem.  If the septic system is over 30 years old, he may recommend a new system if it was not regularly maintained and cannot be repaired.

If you need to have a septic system inspection, please give us a call at (865)465-3011 to set an appointment.  If you are not in one of our service areas, you can always Google Septic Inspections Near Me, Septic Inspectors Near Me, or Septic Tank Inspection Near Me.

We service Knox County TN, Grainger County TN, Union County TN, Jefferson County TN and Sevier County TN.

 

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When You Call A Septic System Professional

When you call a septic service provider, the professional technician will first need to know where your septic system is located.  Some homeowners know this information, but many do not.  If you do not know where your tank is located, our septic professionals will locate your tank and drain field.   If you have a septic lid riser, which is a 12″ pipe that leads from the lid on your tank to the surface of the ground, he can use that portal as a way to pump your septic tank.  If you do not have this, your septic tank will need to be dug up so the technician can open your lid and access your tank.  Once your lid is removed, he can examine the scum and sludge layers in your tank.

Your septic tank includes a T-shaped outlet which will prevent the scum and sludge from traveling to the drain field.  If the bottom of the scum layer is within six inches of the bottom of the outlet, or the top sludge layer is within twelve inches of the outlet, your septic tank will need to be pumped.  We will also inspect your system for leaks in the tank and drain field.

If you called us because you are having a back-up of sewage inside your home, our technician will locate your problem, let you know what needs to be done to correct the problem, and get your system running again.  Sometimes the problem is a clog, especially if you have been putting cooking grease down your drain, or flushing the wrong kind of toilet paper or any kind of wipes.  These things can clog your pipes as well as sit on top of your scum layer and prevent water from going into the drain field.  Sometimes the drain field is either clogged or has a pipe issue which keeps it from accepting any water.   If water cannot flow into the drain field, it will flow back up into the home.

Your septic service provider will inform you of any repairs that are recommended to keep your system from failing.  He will let you know if these need to be completed now, or approximately how long they can wait to be completed.  It is important for you to keep records on work performed on your septic system, including pump outs, and record which company completed the work with the date of service.  If you have a repair that needs to be addressed, you should make a note of that as well as the time frame recommended by the technician.  Some repairs can be costly, however addressing them before they become a major issue can save you the extra costs of having to replace your septic system once it has passed the point of being repairable.

If you would like for us to inspect, pump or repair your septic system, please give us a call to set an appointment, (865)465-3011.

We Service Knox County TN, Grainger County TN, Union County TN, Jefferson County TN, and Sevier County TN.

 

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When To Have Your Septic System Pumped & Inspected

Keeping your septic system regularly maintained will prevent you from having costly repairs.  Regular maintenance consists of water efficiency, not putting the wrong things into your septic tank, having your septic system pumped and inspected, and maintaining your drain field.

The average single family home typically uses 70 gallons of water per individual, per day.  Having a leaky faucet or a running toilet can waste as much as 200 gallons of water per day.  Not only will this cause you to have a much higher water bill, but it can also overload your septic system, which includes your tank and drain field.

The more water your family conserves, the less water will enter your septic system and reduce the risk of failure.  You can save water by using water efficient products.  HIgh Efficiency Toilets use less water per flush and can reduce the amount of water that enters your system.  Faucet aerators and high efficiency showerheads help reduce water usage. Make sure you select the proper load size on your washing machine.  If you cannot change your load size, make sure to only run full loads of laundry.  Also, try spreading out your washing machine usage throughout the week.  Doing all your loads in one day can cause an overload to your septic system which will not allow it enough time to treat the waste and could flood your drainfield.  Similarly, make sure to spread out family showers and baths.

Properly disposing of waste can also affect how well your septic system works.  Anything that gets flushed down your toilet or put into your drains will end up in your septic system.  Your septic system is not a trash can.  The only thing that should go into your toilet or down your drains is human waste, toilet paper and water.  You should never put cooking grease or oil, wipes of any kind (even the ones that claim to be flushable), feminine hygiene products, condoms, dental floss, diapers, cigarette butts, coffee grounds, cat litter, paper towels, pharmaceuticals, or any kind of chemicals into your system.

Your septic system contains a collection of living organisms that digest and treat waste.  Pouring toxins down your drain can kill these organisms and harm your septic system.  Avoid any chemical drain openers.  Instead, use boiling water or a drain snake.  Never use a garbage disposal if you have a septic tank.  This will reduce the amount of solids that enter your septic tank and ultimately clog your drain field.

Your drain field is a component of your septic system that removes contaminants from the liquid that emerges from your septic tank.  It is an important part of your septic system.  If the liquid cannot flow into your drain field, it will flow the opposite way into your home.  To keep your drain field working properly, never park or drive on your drain field. This can crush the drain system where it cannot accept water.   Plant trees the appropriate distance from your drain field to keep roots from growing into your septic system.  A septic professional can advise you of the proper distance, depending on your septic tank, landscape and location of your drain field.  Keep roof drains, sump pumps, swimming pool drains and all water discharge systems away from your drain field area.  Excess water slows down or stops the wastewater treatment process.

The average household septic system should be pumped and inspected every 3-5 years, depending on how many people live in the home.  Alternative systems with electrical float switches, pumps, or mechanical components should be inspected more often, generally once per year.  Most professional septic companies will offer a service contract for alternative systems since they have mechanized parts.

The four major factors that influence the frequency of septic pumping are:

  • Household size
  • Total wastewater generated
  • Volumes of solids in wastewater
  • Septic tank size

Your septic professional can help you decide how often your system should be pumped.

Need your tank pumped?  We service Knox County TN, Grainger County TN, Union County TN, Jefferson County TN, and Sevier County TN.  Call us today to set an appointment, (865)465-3011

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