Frequently Asked Questions In The East Valley

Every 2–3 years is the general recommendation, depending on your household size and water usage.If an effluent filter is present, we recommend having that cleaned every 6-12 months. Larger families or homes with higher water output may need more frequent service. 

Nope! Even if the packaging says “flushable,” they’re not safe for septic systems. Only flush the 3 P’s: Pee, Poop, and (Toilet) Paper. Everything else should go in the trash to avoid costly clogs.

Watch for slow drains, gurgling pipes, unpleasant odors, or sewage backing up into your home or yard. These are clear signs that it’s time to get your tank pumped.

We locate and uncover the tank lids, fully remove all solids and liquids, rinse the tank, and check the condition of the components. If your lids are buried, we’ll dig them up. HomeField recommends installing risers to make future access easier.

Waiting until there’s an issue usually means bigger (and more expensive) repairs. Routine pumping keeps your system running smoothly and prevents buildup that can damage the tank or clog the drainfield.

Not necessarily. As long as we have access to the tank and the property, you don’t need to be home. We’ll coordinate with you ahead of time to make sure everything’s good to go.

No! Pumping helps maintain the system, but it won’t fix broken components or drainfield issues. Your HomeField tech will let you know if they find anything concerning and offer options to help you get it fixed quickly.

Call HomeField and we’ll start by checking for any available records or permits. If nothing’s on file, we can probe the yard or run a camera through an outdoor cleanout. In tougher cases, we can even flush a locator beacon to track it down. If your tank isn’t easily accessible, we recommend adding risers to save time (and digging) on future service calls.

Conserve water, skip the harsh chemicals, don’t flush anything but the 3 P’s, and never park over your tank or drainfield. And don’t forget—follow our blog for ongoing tips, tricks, and education to keep your system in top shape!

No. We pump through the 18–24 inch manhole covers to ensure all solids and liquids are removed properly. Cleanouts aren’t designed for full tank access. We highly recommend adding risers so we don’t have to dig each time.

The first step is to schedule a site and soil evaluation. This lays the groundwork for system design, permitting, and installation based on your property’s specific conditions.

A site and soil evaluation determines how well your soil can absorb and treat wastewater. It includes digging test pits and sometimes conducting percolation tests. This evaluation helps decide what type of system you need and where it can be installed on your property.

Arizona allows conventional gravity systems, and alternative systems like ATUs (Aerobic Treatment Units). The right type depends on your soil, space, and county regulations.

The full process can take up to 3 months from start to finish. Soil testing typically takes 1–2 weeks, and permitting through the respective county can take 30–45 days. Once permits are approved, our installation team is usually ready to schedule within about 2 weeks. The actual install timeline depends on the type of system being installed, followed by a final inspection (7–10 days) and backfill scheduling.

Tank size is based on the number of bedrooms in your home and your expected water usage. During the design phase, we calculate the correct size to meet both county requirements and your household’s daily flow. Installing the right size tank is key to long-term performance and fewer backups.

No. Arizona law requires that septic system installations be completed by licensed contractors. DIY installs aren’t permitted and can lead to serious health, safety, and legal issues. HomeField has a full installation team ready to handle everything for you—from permitting to final inspection—so your system is done right the first time.

Several things influence cost—soil conditions, property access, tank size needed for your household, the type of system, and any unique design requirements. A site evaluation helps clarify what’s needed.

Our crew will need clear access for excavation equipment, typically in the area where the tank and disposal field will be placed. If access is tight, we’ll work with you to find solutions ahead of time. Removing fencing or landscaping may be needed in some cases, and we’ll walk you through that before the project begins.

Alternative systems are used when a conventional septic system won’t work—usually due to shallow, rocky, or dense soil, high groundwater, or space constraints. These systems use pumps, filters, and sometimes electrical components to treat wastewater more efficiently. Because of their complexity, they require expert design and installation, and typically cost more than a standard system. Our team will evaluate your site and determine the best system for your property.

You’ll need to pump your tank every 2–3 years and clean your effluent filter every 6-12 months. Avoid flushing anything other than pee, poo and (toilet) paper. Water conservation and responsible use go a long way in keeping your system healthy for years to come.

Yes. If you're selling a property with a septic system, the Arizona Department of Environmental Quality (ADEQ) requires a septic inspection. Once completed, it's valid for six months—so don’t wait until the last minute to get it scheduled!

We uncover and inspect the septic tank, assess its structural integrity, check inlet and outlet baffles, evaluate liquid levels, and pump the tank to examine the interior. We also perform a water flow test and check for visible signs of failure in the disposal field.

Inspections usually take 1 to 2 hours. Our skilled team will thoroughly evaluate your septic system to ensure it meets all ADEQ regulatory standards and provide a detailed report for your records.

Only ADEQ-certified inspectors and licensed contractors can legally perform and report an inspection for a property transfer. Everyone at HomeField is fully licensed and certified to handle the process from start to finish

The cost of an ADEQ septic inspection can vary depending on the size of the system and the home’s location. It’s typically the seller’s responsibility during a property transfer. At HomeField, we make pricing simple—our team will quote you a flat-rate price up front. That price includes everything: labor, pumping, the official ADEQ Report of Inspection, and step-by-step photo documentation.

An ADEQ inspection is required for property transfers and must be filed with the state. Maintenance inspections are optional and are used to check system health during regular ownership.

If the system fails to meet ADEQ standards, repairs or replacements are required before the sale can proceed. HomeField makes the process easier with a full in-house installation team ready to handle everything—from permits to final approval—so you can keep your sale on track.

You will receive your Report of Inspection and Notice of Transfer paperwork the same day the field inspection is completed. Prior to scheduling, we will collect your contact information so we can email the 7 page report directly to you.

Nope—we take care of that for you. HomeField contacts Arizona 811 before the job to mark public utility lines. However, we do not locate private or secondary lines like irrigation or lighting systems.