FAQ

Do You Have Questions About Our Services?

See Examples of Frequently Asked Questions Our Company Receives

When you need excavation, portable toilets, or septic services, Mountain Top Portable Toilets and Septic Service is there for you every step of the way. When our customers rely on us, they can ensure they are receiving the highest quality of dependable and reliable services at an affordable rate and we’re readily available to provide our excellent services to you! If you need portable toilets for your construction site or special event, we have porta potty rental services that won’t cost you an arm and a leg. We also offer job site waste removal services that will keep your commercial property, industrial site, or other property maintained. Our team can also handle your septic tank needs with our professional septic pumping and septic repairs.



Our experienced and professional team can help anyone across the Capital Region, including the Albany, NY; Averill Park, NY; Chatham, NY; and Troy, NY areas, with our wide variety of septic, excavation, and portable toilet services! Have any questions about our work? Check out our frequently asked questions! If you have any additional questions or concerns, give us a call now to speak with a helpful representative.

Have Specific Questions? Click on The Topic Below to Find Out Answers to Our Most Asked Questions

Septic Tanks: Questions and Answers

  • 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.

Portable Toilets: Questions and Answers

  • Why should I rent a portable toilet?

    Portable toilets are ideal for a number of applications where you need convenience and portability. Because they are easy to move around, they are popular for temporary or remote use where a small and accessible restroom comes in handy.

  • When are portable toilets necessary?

    Renting a porta potty is a great way to provide facilities for a temporary crowd. Legal guidelines require making portable toilets or portable restrooms available if you are employing or inviting a specific number of people. Event coordinators and construction crews in particular make use of our portable toilets.

  • What kinds of facilities can your portable toilets serve?

    We rent our portable toilets to a variety of individuals and businesses throughout the Albany, NY area. Individuals who are hosting outdoor weddings or family reunions find our facilities useful to make things convenient on a temporary basis. We also serve seasonal or temporary businesses, festival organizers, road project managers, rest areas, tourist attractions, and remote locations. You can even find some of our porta potty rentals on remote golf course holes!

  • What kind of portable toilet rentals do you offer to assist with job site waste removal?

    We offer both single porta potty rentals as well as portable restroom trailers to offer a convenient place for your staff to use the restroom.

  • How many porta potty rentals should I have for my job site?

    You should have at least 1 porta potty per 10 workers for a 40-hour workweek. 

  • Can a porta potty on my job site really help increase productivity?

    Yes, this gives your workers access to a restroom when they need it instead of driving to another location. Thus, improving the amount of time that is spent at the job site and increasing productivity.

  • What kinds of facilities can your portable toilets serve?

    We will place your porta potty rentals at your job site per your instruction. 


    Mountain Top Septic is a family-owned and operated business. We strive to provide unmatched service and reliability to our customers. 

If you have additional questions about our services, please feel free to call Mountain Top Septic at (518) 712-5118

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