Frequently Asked Questions

A septic system handles all the wastewater that comes from your home—think toilets, sinks, showers, and laundry. The system separates solids from liquids in the septic tank. The liquid (effluent) then flows out to the drain field where it’s naturally filtered by soil. If any part of that system fails, it can lead to backups, smells, and even groundwater contamination.

In most cases, every 3 to 5 years is a good rule of thumb. But it really depends on your tank size, household size, and usage. If you’re a big family or use a lot of water, you might need service more often. We offer inspections to help homeowners in Sonoma County figure out the right schedule for their specific setup.

Here are the red flags to watch for:

• Slow drains or gurgling toilets
• Foul odors in the yard or home
• Soggy or unusually green patches of grass
• Water backing up in sinks or tubs

If you notice any of these, it’s time to call a professional. Delaying could lead to costly repairs and even environmental damage.

Yes. In Sonoma County, any major septic repair, replacement, or installation requires a permit from the county’s Department of Health Services. L.J. Construction handles this process for our clients, so you stay compliant without dealing with the paperwork headache.

It depends on what you need. A basic tank pump might cost a few hundred dollars, while a full system replacement could run into the thousands. At L.J. Construction, we believe in honest pricing with no surprises, and we’ll walk you through every cost upfront. Our goal is always the best value at the lowest disruption to your property.

Technically you can, but it’s a bad idea. Heavy structures like decks, sheds, or driveways can damage your tank or drain field. Even planting trees too close can cause root intrusion. Stick to shallow-rooted grass or flowers, and always know exactly where your tank and lines are before making landscaping decisions.

With proper care, most septic systems can last 25–40 years. That means regular pumping, avoiding harmful chemicals, and fixing small issues before they become big ones. We’ve seen systems last decades longer when maintained right, especially here in Sonoma County where soil conditions can vary from lot to lot.

There are several common causes:

• Neglecting maintenance (like pumping)
• Using too much water too fast
• Flushing the wrong things—wipes, grease, chemicals
• Tree roots or crushed pipes
• Poor original design or installation

That’s why working with a seasoned, licensed crew matters. At L.J. Construction, we’ve got nearly five decades of experience spotting—and solving—these problems before they escalate.

Yes! Today’s systems can include features like:

• Effluent filters
• Aerobic treatment units
• Drip irrigation drain fields
• Low-impact trenching

We stay up-to-date on local code changes and green options that not only protect your land, but also reduce long-term costs.

Despite the marketing, most septic additives aren’t necessary—and some can actually cause harm. Your system relies on natural bacteria to do its job, and many chemical treatments can throw that balance off. When in doubt, ask a licensed pro.

We’re not a big-box franchise. We’re a local, family-run business that’s been serving this community since 1966. Our team is licensed, insured, and fully committed to quality workmanship and customer respect. Our goals? High-quality work, minimal disruption, and real answers—not upsells.

Easy—just give us a call or use our contact form online. Whether you need emergency help or just want peace of mind, we’ll guide you every step of the way. No pushy sales, just honest service from neighbors you can trust.