FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS ABOUT SEPTIC SYSTEMS AND EXCAVATING

If you are new to Septic Systems or you just need a refresher on the ins and outs of the whole process, take advantage of this free bulletin from the Environmental Protection Agency. Read A Homeowner’s Guide to Septic Systems from the US EPA.

Frequently Asked Questions

Simply put, a septic system is an underground system designed to store and treat waste without a connection to a municipal sewer system.

This depends on how many people live in your house – every two years for residents with up to three people, once a year for 4-5 residents, and every six months for households with more than six residents. 

Septic systems will last up to 30 years if cared for correctly.

If you notice any of these symptoms, call David Schaefer Septic immediately, before it gets worse!

  • You find sewage in your toilet, sink, or shower
  • Drains don’t drain – especially post-rainfall
  • Unpleasant smells coming from around the leach field
  • You notice sewage and/or soggy soil near the leach field, even if it hasn’t rained
  • Biological or organic chemical contamination is detected in the nearby water supply
  • If your system has an alarm light (some do, some don’t) then it may flash
  • You notice sewage coming up from under the lid of the tank or the vault

Septic tanks fill up over time. When they fill up too much, they back up. If unmaintained, the system will eventually lose its ability to carry away and treat waste entirely. 

Yes, we provide complete site work excavating services including demolition and removal of current buildings.

See Below Map.  Although our core service area is Morris, Passaic, Susssex & Warren Counties, David Schaefer Septic has an impressive arrary of equipment that can handle jobs throughout New Jersey.  We work with many Engineers, Inspection Services, and other contractors from all over Northern NJ.

I called several of the "big name" septic companies when my septic system alarm went off. None of them reacted with any urgency and they all told me they couldn't get to me for several days. They also stated that I would need to pump the system or pay a service charge before any diagnosis could be done. I finally called David and was pleasantly surprised. Not only did he come over that evening after his normal work day, but he patiently explained what was going on and answered all of my questions. After a small adjustment he resolved the issue without performing any unnecessary services. If honesty, integrity and reliability are important to you, I recommend you use David Schaefer Septic Services for all of your septic system needs!
Mario P.Sparta NJ
Just had my septic pumped by David Schaefer. He got me scheduled with in a few days. Reasonably priced, kind and courteous. No high sales pressure just straight forward service.
Andrew B.Chester, NJ
I would highly recommend David Schaefer Septic Service!! I recently reached out for much needed help. David immediately came down to evaluate the situation and started working right away. Not only did he start working right away, retuned later after his full day of work, to finish the job and made sure my house was in full working order. This exhausted Nurse is extremely great full for his immediate professional response!! Thank You!!
Janice B.Pequannock NJ