Your Go-To Company for Septic Service

Serving Albany, Troy, Chatham, and Averill Park, NY

The septic system is one of those things that most property owners don't even think about until it's too late. After all, modern plumbing is such a given in our lives that it feels like it's been around forever! We just flush the waste away and it's gone. But an important part of keeping your property well-maintained, safe, and valuable is making sure your septic system is functioning properly. Without regular inspections and maintenance, septic problems can build up without you even knowing it and cause major problems for your property values, your health, and the surrounding environment.


That's where we come in. We've been in the septic service business for a long time, and we know exactly what to look for to make sure your septic system is running at peak efficiency. If it's been a while since your last septic checkup, call us now to schedule a thorough inspection. We'll tell you exactly what needs to be fixed and quote you a fair price.

Call Now for Septic Service (518) 712-5118

The Importance of Septic Tank Maintenance

So, why don’t more folks attempt to maintain the tanks and pipes which run beneath their property? Aside from the fact that septic systems are widely regarded to be “icky,” they are also hidden from plain sight, which makes them easy to forget about – as long as everything is working smoothly. Because of this, many home owners allow their systems to fall into a state of disrepair. Unfortunately, once your septic system starts to malfunction, it can negatively affect public health, property values and the environment.

Damaged Septic Systems are Costly!

On a financial level, a damaged or irreparable septic system can take a terrible toll on your bank account. Going back to the automobile analogy, car owners are advised to schedule oil changes to preserve the life of their engine. We take minor steps every so often to avoid automotive catastrophe down the road. This same principle should always be applied to your septic system. By contacting the right company to perform general upkeep, you may be able to circumvent far costlier repairs down the line.

A Properly Maintained Septic System Helps Your Property Values

In the long run, a properly maintained septic system will also add to a home’s overall value. As you may have guessed, property values will decline in neighborhoods where septic problems are more prone to occur. When you get down to it, something as simple as routine tank pumping can ultimately yield great returns!

Keep Your Septic System Maintained. Call Now (518) 712-5118

Septic System Maintenance is Important for the Environment

On a larger scale, a damaged septic system may not dispose of waste water in an efficient manner; this can threaten the health of local residents along with the environment as a whole. Though you can’t see them, a staggering number of harmful bacteria and viruses can be found in sewage. If this improper disposal goes unchecked, insects, pets and people might track these disease-causing organisms into our homes.

Advantages of Proper Septic Upkeep

By contacting Mountain Top Septic for service, not only will you preserve the health of your family and neighborhood; you may ensure the well-being of your bank account as well! If you’re interested in learning about which particular service might best suit your needs, all you have to do is contact a Mountain Top Septic representative today. You’re going to love their honest approach to business and highly competitive rates.

Call Now for Exceptional Septic Service (518) 712-5118

Septic Services FAQs



  • How often should I have my septic tank pumped and cleaned out?

    Depending on the number of people using the septic system:

    • 1-2 people, every 3 years
    • 2-4 people, every 2 years
    • 5 or more, every year

    The tank needs to be cleaned to remove the solids before they build to a point where they will start flowing into the drain field and cause damage which will lead to a costly repair.

  • Do I need to add bacteria or other additives to my septic system?

    No, the bacteria that is needed in your system comes from the waste stream. In some cases, the additives can actually harm your system by breaking down solids and allowing them to flow to the drain field which can cause costly repairs.

  • What kind of effect can my washing machine have on my system?

    A HUGE ONE! Doing excessive wash can overload your system and cause failure. Always spread your wash out across the week to allow for maximum absorption. Also, always use liquid detergents rather than powders.

  • What type of toilet paper is best for septic tanks?

    Contrary to popular belief, it is not necessary to sacrifice personal comfort to protect your septic tank. There are many types of toilet paper on the market that are perfectly safe for septic systems.


    According to the National Sanitation Foundation (NSF), a nonprofit organization that tests products relating to health and the environment, the thickness and color of toilet tissue do not necessarily affect its biodegradability.


    The NSF subjects the toilet papers it certifies to rigorous testing, and the brands that pass carry the NSF mark stating that they are safe for use with septic systems. However, there probably are many brands without the NSF mark that are also safe. In general, most toilet papers that are septic-friendly will bear some sort of marking.


    NO BABY WIPES!!!!!

  • Do you charge for digging?

    If our service tech is able to open a tank with little or no time, there is no digging charge. If there is a charge applied for digging, we will recommend you hire us to build up the tank’s access for future savings and convenience. Not all companies offer digging.

  • Would you have a record of the last time my septic tank was pumped?

    Absolutely. We can also tell you where it is, how it looked, which tech was there and how you paid. We might even have your dog’s name.

  • I know nothing about septic systems; how do you locate my septic tank?

    There are several ways. From seeing the common practices of installers you develop a sense of where they put tanks. We also have a “flush-able transmitter.”

  • How long does it take to pump out my septic tank?

    If it is located and exposed, within 10 to 15 minutes, the whole process may run one hour.

  • What exactly does the baffle do?

    The liquid in the tank settles into three distinct layers. The bottom layer is sludge, which accumulates between services. The middle level is the clearest effluent, which is directed to the drainage system. The top layer is scum, which is where the bacteria work to break down solids into sludge. The baffle prevents the scum layer from leaving the tank through the outgoing line, which is also located near the top of the tank.

  • How do I know if my septic system is failing?

    • Sewage odor in the house or yard
    • Standing water over the tank or leach field (ground wet or mushy)
    • Slow-draining sinks and toilets
    • Gurgling sounds in the plumbing
    • Plumbing back-ups
    • Grass growing faster and greener in one particular area of the yard, especially during the extreme parts of summer or winter – excess algae or plant growth
    • Tests showing the presence of bacteria in well water

    None of these warning signs can be considered a sure indication that a system has failed, but the appearance of one or more of them should prompt homeowners to have their systems inspected. Septic system failures also can occur without any of these warning signals. For this reason, a yearly inspection of your septic system is recommended and even required by some communities.

Septic Blogs

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When to Have Your Septic Tank Pumped

June 28, 2020
How Often It Is Necessary To Have Your Septic Tank Pumped?
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Tips for Keeping Your Septic System Working Properly in the Winter

December 11, 2019
Keep Your Septic System Working All Year Round!
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Common Septic System Problems and How to Avoid Them

November 14, 2019
Don’t put things in your septic system that it isn’t designed to handle!