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The FloHawks logo embodies strength and reliability in Washington State's King and Pierce County. A fierce hawk, rendered in bold red, white, and blue, symbolizes the company's swift and precise plumbing services. The bird's piercing gaze and outstretched wings convey a sense of vigilance and readiness to tackle any plumbing challenge. The patriotic color scheme not only represents the company's American roots but also evokes trust and professionalism. The logo's clean lines and modern design reflect FloHawks' commitment to cutting-edge plumbing solutions. This powerful visual identity serves as a beacon for homeowners and businesses seeking dependable plumbing expertise in the Pacific Northwest, promising prompt and efficient service with the precision of a hawk's flight.

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Septic Care and Maintenance

Septic Care and Maintenance

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The Benefits of Routine Septic Maintenance

When properly designed, constructed, and maintained, your septic system can provide long-term, effective treatment of household wastewater.

They effectively reduce or eliminate most human health or environmental threats. It is likely one of the most underappreciated household systems – an average home can produce 250 to 300 gallons of wastewater per day! But even a well-constructed system and its components require some septic care and maintenance to prevent failure and maximize its useful life. Septic systems require periodic maintenance including pumping of the septic tank once every 3 to 5 years.

Other good reasons for safe treatment of sewage include preventing the spread of infection and disease and protecting water resources. If a septic system is working properly, it will effectively remove most of these pollutants. If your septic system isn’t maintained, it can easily become a neighborhood health hazard, contaminate ground and drinking water, and quickly become an expensive problem to repair or replace. If you sell your home, your septic system must be in good working order.

Being mindful about what you and your family put into your septic system can also extend its useful life.
It doesn’t take much to upset the delicate balance of bacteria within the tank. For more information on how to best maintain your septic system check out FloHawks tips on the proper care and feeding of your septic tank. Improper maintenance is a common cause of early system failure.

Your Go-To Septic Care Pros

Proper operation and maintenance of your septic system are the single most important things that a homeowner can do to maximize the septic system’s lifespan and how well the septic system works. If you need help properly caring for and maintaining your individual septic system, contact the professionals at FloHawks anytime to set an appointment that best fits your schedule. We don’t charge extra for weekends, holidays, or after-hours and are available 24/7.

FAQs

Where is my septic tank located?
Your tank could be located anywhere around your home. It may be shown on an “as built” – a drawing of the septic system as it relates to your property. If you don’t have one of these drawings or are not sure, we can locate it for you by probing the ground with a bar or using an electronic locating device.
 

What if my lid is deep or buried underground?

Our service technician can dig up the lid for you. If your lid is deep or takes some time to access, there can be extra charges for digging. If your lid is more than a few inches in the ground, we recommend installing a septic riser.
 
What is a septic riser?
A septic riser is a heavy duty piece of either concrete or plastic pipe that brings the septic lid up to ground level for easy access. It will save you money on digging charges in the future and provide quick and easy access to your system for normal ongoing maintenance.
 
What is a baffle? Is it important?
All septic tanks are equipped with an inlet baffle and an outlet baffle. The inlet baffle directs all wastewater downward as it runs into the middle area of the tank and makes sure that the wastewater does not disturb the scum layers. The outlet baffle is an important component and acts like a “splash guard” around the outlet pipe making sure to allow only the clear effluent from the middle layer to run out of the outlet pipe to the leaching system.
 
What is the best toilet paper to use for my septic system?
There isn’t really just one… basically the kind that stays together is the best. If it completely disintegrates – then it ends up clogging the drain field. How do you know what kind of toilet paper you have? A simple test can help you determine. Take a square; put it in a bottle full of water. Go enjoy a cup of coffee and relax for 20 minutes while the toilet paper sits in the bottle. After it has sat for a while, shake it up and see what it looks like. If the water is milky white and toilet paper has disintegrated, it’s probably not the right type of toilet paper. If it has more or less stayed together and you can see through the water, then it’s probably better for your system. FloHawks does not endorse any particular brand or have any brand recommendations.
 
What kind of detergents should I use? Powder or liquid?
The short answer is that there are advantages (and disadvantages) to both. Powder detergent does not always completely dissolve and has a chance of building up in both appliances and in the drainfield. Liquid detergent is oil based – which in itself is harmful to the drainfield. So, neither one is very good. But we have to use detergents to clean everything from dishes to clothes; so we recommend that you just use the minimal amount of detergent. You could probably use about half of what you are currently using and you will still have more than you need. This is true for both liquid and power types of detergents. Any appliance with low water use (such as a high efficiency (HE) front-loading washing machine) will be helpful as they use less water and are friendlier to your system.
 
What is a septic tank alarm?
Some systems are equipped with a septic tank alarm or high level alarm. The purpose of the alarm is to warn you of a potential problem before wastewater backs up into the house. The alarm goes off when the liquid level in the pump chamber is either too high or too low, or an electrical problem exists in your system. The alarm is usually located in the basement, garage, or sometimes a closet.
 

If you have any questions on septic care or maintenance requests, call FloHawks today!

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    Isaiah Taylor

    Service Advisor

    Tacoma native Isaiah Taylor has been part of the FloHawks team for four years. As a Service Advisor, he focuses on building strong relationships with customers and making sure they feel confident in the solutions being provided.

    Isaiah believes the company’s culture sets FloHawks apart. He appreciates working alongside people who genuinely care about customers and take pride in doing the job right.

    At 26, Isaiah is focused on building his career and continuing to grow in the industry. When he’s not working, you’ll likely find him in the gym lifting weights and staying active.

    Kevin Elbert

    Service Advisor

    Born in Olympia and now living in Lacey, Kevin Elbert has spent 11 years serving customers with FloHawks. As a Service Advisor, he is focused on helping homeowners and businesses find solutions when plumbing or septic issues arise.

    Kevin’s favorite part of the job is working with customers who need help and finding a path forward that solves the problem. He values being part of a team that takes pride in delivering dependable service when it matters most.

    In his free time, Kevin enjoys staying active outdoors. Hiking, camping, fishing, photography, soccer, and travel are some of his favorite ways to spend time when he’s not at work. At home, he stays busy with his four teenagers.

    Stephen Redford

    Service Advisor

    Stephen Redford was born in Tacoma and now lives in Gig Harbor. With 14 years at FloHawks, he’s built a reputation as both a trusted Service Advisor and a key contributor to the company’s growth and outreach.

    Stephen plays a role in business development, trade shows, and marketing while also supporting service operations across multiple areas. He appreciates FloHawks’ unique culture and commitment to customer service, believing the team consistently goes above and beyond what most companies offer.

    Outside of work, Stephen enjoys walking, playing golf, and riding motorcycles. He’s married to his wife, Lori, and is the proud father of three children.

    Janie “J” Kirkland

    Service Advisor Assistant

    Janie “J” Kirkland was born in Miami, Florida, and now calls Roy, Washington, home. Despite being newer to FloHawks, joining the team mid-2025, she has already become a valued member of the Service Advisor support team.

    J enjoys the strong sense of teamwork at FloHawks and the relationships she has built with the people she works alongside each day. That collaborative spirit helps the team deliver the dependable service customers count on.

    Outside the office, J loves spending time outdoors, especially at the beach, as well as making memories with her family. She’s the proud mother of two sons and a grandmother to four grandchildren.

    Carl Evanson

    Service Advisor

    A Puyallup native who now lives in Spanaway, Carl Evanson has been helping customers at FloHawks for more than 13 years. As a Service Advisor, he brings deep experience and a practical approach to solving plumbing and septic challenges.

    Carl takes pride in helping customers find real solutions to their problems. At FloHawks, the philosophy is simple: if water runs through it, the team can handle it, and Carl has spent more than a decade proving that to customers across the region.

    When he’s not working, Carl enjoys camping and spending time with his growing family, which includes two grown sons and seven grandchildren.

    Luke Schneider

    Service Advisor Assistant

    Originally from the Midwest and now living in the Puyallup area, Luke Schneider has spent the past three years supporting the FloHawks service team as a Service Advisor Assistant. His role focuses on logistics and administrative coordination, making sure the details are handled so the team can deliver excellent service in the field.

    Luke especially enjoys the moment when everything comes together to solve a customer’s problem. Helping turn a complicated situation into a clear plan and a successful outcome is one of the most rewarding parts of the job.

    When he’s not working, Luke loves hosting and entertaining with his wife. Much of their free time is spent with family, often gathered around the table for board games and good conversation.

    Crystal Lyons

    Service Advisor Assistant

    Born and raised in Tacoma and now living in Puyallup, Crystal Lyons has been part of the FloHawks team for four years. As a Service Advisor Assistant, she helps keep operations running smoothly while making sure customers feel supported every step of the way.

    Crystal’s favorite part of the job is simple: helping people. Whether she’s assisting the service team behind the scenes or making sure customers get the answers they need, she takes pride in being part of a company that puts people first.

    Outside of work, Crystal enjoys camping and spending time with her family. She’s married, and the proud mom of one daughter, and she also helps care for her niece, keeping family at the center of everything she does.