It is better to compost the kitchen wastes. Heavy use of a garbage disposal unit will add large volumes of organic matter to the septic tank which will accumulate in the septic tank. More frequent pumping of the tank will be necessary to prevent carryover damage to the drainfield.

It is better to compost kitchen waste. Heavy use of a garbage disposal unit will add large volumes of organic matter to the septic tank which will accumulate in the septic tank. More frequent pumping of the tank will be necessary to prevent carryover damage to the drainfield. top

If the disposal makes no noise when you turn it on, press the reset button located on the bottom of the unit. If it makes a buzzing noise but doesn't operate, turn the unit off. Look inside and see if there is a spoon or other object inside. Usually, a small object such as a pull tab from an aluminum can, apricot pit or coin is jamming the blades and needs to be dislodged. Before putting your hand or anything else into the disposal, unplug it.

If the disposal is not working, turn on the water and press the red reset button located on the bottom of the disposal unit under the sink and try again. If it is still not working, call maintenance.

The garbage can is stored in or at the front of the garage. The bins are emptied on Tuesday and Friday and are emptied by the roadside at the end of your drive. Please place the container at the roadside the night before collection and remember to return it the same day to its correct place. Further advice is contained in the “Villa Information folder” top

Septic systems are sized based on projected daily sewage flows. The projected daily flow for single family dwellings is based on the number of bedrooms in a home, not the number of bathrooms. The number of bedrooms is usually the limiting factor for how many people occupy a home which influences actual sewage flow volumes. This information will be requested at the site evaluation and permit stages.

The permit lists the required inspection stages. Once the system has been inspected and approved, it should be covered immediately. If in doubt, always ask the inspector first. Remember, this inspection and approval for cover only includes the septic system components (not sewer line from the septic tank to the structure). This includes from the septic tank and all construction beyond to the drainfield.

You must obtain the installation "permit" before you or your contractor can begin the installation. This permit is only valid for one year.

Garbage disposal is by private garbage collection companies. Bernards Township does not have a municipal pick-up. Some companies working in the Township are: Midco Companies-800-273-7539; K.W.S.-908-903-9031; Raritan Valley-908-534-4004; Pinto Disposal-908-561-8231.

No. The County does not perform this service. There are many contractors in the area that will dig the test holes for you.

Percolation tests are no longer done in Oregon. Today, site approvals are based on soil and site conditions as determined by a site evaluation. The evaluation process includes looking at several test holes. The approved "drainfield" area usually covers a large area, large enough for the initial drainfield and a future replacement drainfield.

Septic system approvals stay with the property, not the owner, so they remain valid indefinitely (at least under current regulations). However, site modifications such as new wells placed too close, road cuts and building pads, etc., could invalidate the approval. Maybe, but relocating the entire septic system to a new location on the property will require a new "site evaluation" and approval in the new area.

Sanitarians are available in the office or by phone (541-774-6900) from 8:00 a.m. to 9:00 a.m. on Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday.

No. The home site approval does not include the site evaluation process needed for septic system approval. To obtain a septic system approval, you must make application for a "site evaluation" and prepare test holes in the desired area.

The time varies with the season. Shortest times are during the slower winter months. During the busy summer building season, the waiting time increases considerably, often taking several weeks longer.

The septic system does not include the building sewer which comes from the house to the septic tank. This is plumbing, covered under your "Plumbing Permit," and must be inspected and approved by the plumbing inspector separately from the septic system.

This depends on several factors. To be safe, we recommend having the septic tank pumped every three to five years. The normal operation of the septic tank results in accumulations of solids in the tank that need to be removed on a regular basis to prevent them from being flushed from the tank and clogging the drainfield or other septic system components.

With normal use, operation of the septic tank does not require any special additives. Some of these products may actually interfere with the proper settling and removal of solids in the tank which can lead to permanent damage to the drainfield. The use of septic tank additives is not recommended.

Yes. Replacing the tank, the entire effluent sewer line, the drainfield pipe and gravel, or any other work done to the system, other than pumping the septic tank, requires a "repair permit."

The Rogue Disposal transfer station (779-4161) and Matt Garris Waste Oil Recovery, Inc. (830-1100) are both good sources to dispose of waste oil to be recycled. Matt Garris also takes anti-freeze. Rogue Disposal suggests you call their phone number for their annual hazardous waste disposal event dates if you prefer to use Rogue Disposal for anti-freeze disposal.