Septic Tank Cleaning & Water Hauling FAQ
How do I book a service?
You can book a service by contacting Dunc’s directly by phone or through the website contact form. We will be happy to answer your questions and help arrange a time that works for you.
What information should I have ready when I call to book?
When you call to book, it is helpful to have your property location, the type of service you need, and any details that may help us understand the job. If you are booking septic tank cleaning, details about your system or past service history may also be useful.
Do you offer regular or routine service appointments?
Yes, routine service can be arranged depending on your property’s needs. If you would like to stay on top of septic maintenance or schedule water hauling on a regular basis, contact Dunc’s to discuss what works best for your property.
What areas do you service?
Dunc’s Septic Tank Service is based in Ponoka, Alberta and provides service to homes, farms, acreages, wash bays, and service shops in Ponoka County, Lacombe County, Red Deer County, Wetaskiwin County, Rimbey, and Bashaw.
How do I know if my property is within your service area?
If you are unsure whether your property falls within the service area, the best thing to do is get in touch. Dunc’s serves a wide area throughout the region and will be happy to let you know if service is available at your location
What is a septic system?
A septic system is a two-part system used to treat and dispose of wastewater from your home. The two main parts are the septic tank, which receives wastewater from the house, and the drain field, where the treated wastewater is dispersed into the ground.
Once wastewater enters the septic tank, the tank begins to separate solids, oils, and grease from the liquid. The solids settle to the bottom, while oils and grease rise to the top.
The remaining liquid, called effluent, flows out of the tank and into the drain field through a series of perforated pipes, where it is absorbed into the soil.
How does a septic system work?
A septic system works in a few basic steps.
First, wastewater drains from the home into a buried, watertight septic tank, usually made of concrete, polyethylene, or fiberglass.
Inside the tank, solids settle to the bottom and form sludge. Oils and grease float to the top and form scum. The liquid wastewater remains in the middle.
That wastewater is then either transferred into a second chamber or discharged directly into the drain field.
The drain field is a shallow, covered area in unsaturated soil. It allows the wastewater to be filtered, treated, and dispersed naturally as it moves through the soil.
Where can I find my septic system?
There are several ways to locate your septic system.
You can check a septic tank map, as many counties keep records of septic system installations for local properties.
You can also follow the sewer pipe from your basement or crawl space and look for where it exits the home.
Sometimes the yard will show clues, such as unusual high or low spots. You can also ask nearby neighbours where their systems are located, as they are often installed in a similar position.
In some cases, you may be able to locate the septic tank lid as well.
How often do I need to have my septic tank cleaned out?
According to industry standards, the average family of four with a 1,000-gallon tank should have their septic tank pumped out twice a year, depending on usage.
That said, many of our clients find that cleaning every one to two years works well for their household.
The right schedule depends on the size of your tank, the number of people in the home, and how heavily the system is used.
What can I do to maintain my septic system?
There are several things homeowners can do to help keep their septic system working properly.
Keep trees from growing too close to the septic system, as roots can cause damage over time.
Make sure water is directed away from the system, and do not build over top of the tank or drain field.
It is also important not to use your toilet as a garbage disposal. Flushing the wrong items can lead to clogs, damage, and costly repairs.
Regular maintenance is one of the best ways to extend the life of your septic system. Dunc’s Septic Tank Services offers regular maintenance scheduling to help keep your system clean and working as it should.
Please note: Homeowners should never open a septic tank themselves, as dangerous gases can build up inside. Septic tanks should always be handled by trained professionals.
What items should I not flush down the toilet?
To help protect your septic system, the following items should never be flushed down the toilet:
Feminine products, cooking grease or food, baby wipes, wet wipes, cleaning pads, dental floss, Q-tips, cotton balls, diapers, pills, paper towel, tissues, and cigarette butts.
Even items labeled as flushable can still cause problems in your septic system. When in doubt, it is always best to throw it in the garbage instead.
What type of water hauling do you offer?
Dunc’s Septic Tank Services delivers water for residential and rural needs. This may include filling cisterns, holding tanks, and other approved water storage systems. We also fill hot tubs & swimming pools and water trees.
Do you fill cisterns and household water tanks?
Yes, water hauling service can be arranged for cisterns and household water tanks.
When booking, it helps to know the size of your tank and how much water you need so the service can be scheduled properly.
How do I book water delivery?
To book water hauling service, simply get in touch with Dunc’s Septic Tank Services by phone or through the website contact form.
It is helpful to provide your location, the type of tank you have, and how much water you need so the service can be arranged as efficiently as possible.
What areas do you provide water hauling to?
Dunc’s Septic Tank Services provides water hauling in Ponoka, Lacombe, Wetaskiwin, Rimbey, Bashaw, and Blackfalds. Depending on location and scheduling, service may also be available in nearby surrounding areas.
How is pricing determined for septic tank cleaning or water hauling?
Pricing can vary depending on the type of service, the property location, and the scope of the job. For more accurate pricing information, it is best to contact Dunc’s directly.
Do you provide quotes before service?
Yes, if you would like pricing before booking, Dunc’s can provide more information based on the service needed and your location.