Do Septic Biological Additives Work?

February 10th, 2020 Posted in Septic System
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The key to a healthy septic system is a tank that breaks down waste solids efficiently. Bacteria and enzymes that feed on solid waste should flourish in your septic tank to limit the solids retained in the tank. There are many septic additives that are sold in retail stores that claim to help improve this process, especially those that are biological and contain bacteria and enzymes. But do these additives work and are they worth the investment?

What Biological Additives Can and Cannot Do

Septic biological additives are meant to boost the number of bacteria and enzymes in your septic tank. Often, it is recommended they be added right after your septic tank is pumped and then periodically throughout the year. The idea is to increase the bacteria that feed on solid waste to reduce how often you need your septic tank pumped.

Do these additives work? Biological additives will not harm your septic system and can boost the bacteria in your tank. This can help maintain a healthy septic tank that is effective at breaking down waste. However, the number of bacteria and enzymes in the over-the-counter products you put in your toilet and flush down is very small in comparison to what is probably already in your septic tank.

Septic biological additives are just a boost. The best way to protect your septic tank is by avoiding putting chemicals down the drain that can kill the bacteria and following the recommended maintenance by your septic service. While there is no harm in using biological additives, you may want to discuss the best options for maintaining an efficient septic tank with your local septic professional.

Posted on behalf of:
Kiddco Plumbing Inc
Sterling, VA 20166
(703) 435-4441

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Importance of a Comprehensive Septic Inspection

February 10th, 2020 Posted in Septic System
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When it comes time to buy or sell a home, there are many factors to consider. If the home in question has a septic system, ensuring the system is working correctly is important to both buyers and sellers. A problem with the septic system can stall the sale process. Scheduling a comprehensive septic system inspection should be on the top of the list for both buyers and sellers during a home sale transaction.

The septic system is one of the most expensive and necessary components of a home. No one wants to buy a home and find out after the sale is complete that there are major problems. A new septic system can cost tens of thousands of dollars to install. Septic inspections are vital and required in most areas before a home sale can be completed.

Finding a Dependable Septic Inspector

Even if a seller has had a septic inspection performed, it can be worth the investment for buyers to have their own inspection performed. Buyers need to know if there are any issues with a septic system that could cost them substantial repairs in the near future. Hiring a qualified septic inspector is a wise investment. Some qualifications to look for include:

  • Licensed and insured
  • Excellent reputation in the local area for honesty and integrity
  • Thorough inspection of all major septic system components
  • Knowledgeable inspectors that have years of experience

Septic system problems should be resolved before any home sale. If you are buying or selling a home, schedule a septic inspection to ensure there are no issues that could stop the sale process. Find a local septic company that has an excellent reputation to perform the needed inspection to ensure the system is up to local codes.

Posted on behalf of:
Septic Service Pro, LLC
Peachtree Street NW
Atlanta, GA 30334
(678) 292-8728

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How Does a Septic Tank Work?

October 28th, 2019 Posted in Septic System
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If you are new to owning a septic system, you may only know the basics. You know you have a septic tank and a drain field, and you have been told you need to have your septic tank pumped. But what you may not know is why you need to have it pumped and how the tank works. Here is some basic information on how a septic tank works and why it needs routine pumping.

The science behind a septic tank is based on biology. The biodegradable waste that enters the tank from your sewer pipes will attract and breed bacteria. These bacteria feed on solid wastes, slowly breaking them down into liquid form. As water and more solid waste is added, the solids sink to the bottom, water is in the middle and anything that will float moves to the top of the tank.

When the tank becomes full, the overflow of water exits the tanks from a pipe at the top area of the tank and transports it to the drain field. This should be a watery fluid called effluent that is filtered by the drain field before it enters the ground water supply. The solids stay at the bottom of the tank, breaking down with help of bacteria in the water.

Not all solids do breakdown and the solids portion in the tank grows over time. If it gets too high, it will backflow into the home and solids could go into the drain field. Pumping is needed to remove the solids that do not breakdown and have filled the tank, leaving little room for water.

Septic tank pumping needs to be done once the tank is becoming too full of solids and not leaving enough room for waste water. This is usually every 1-2 years, but varies from home to home. The best way to stay on top of your septic tank pumping is to have annual inspections to check the level of you tank, pumping as needed.

Posted on behalf of:
Septic Service Pro, LLC
Peachtree Street NW
Atlanta, GA 30334
(678) 292-8728

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How Does a Mound Septic System Work?

September 24th, 2019 Posted in Septic System
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A traditional septic system uses a drain or leach field that filters the effluent that comes from the septic tank before it enters the ground water. However, not all areas can facilitate a drain field, either due to the type of soil or environmental concerns. An alternative to a drain field is a mound system, a filtering element that is created above ground. If you are considering adding a septic system or need to replace a drain field, here is what you need to know about mound septic systems.

Mound System Basics

Mound septic systems work similar to a traditional system but are a bit more complicated. As wastewater or effluent exits the tank, it is sent to a dosing chamber instead of a gravity distribution box. The dosing or pumping chamber regulates how much effluent is allowed to the enter the mound filter to ensure it is not overloaded. The mound is built with a network of pipes that transport wastewater from the dosing chamber. Wastewater filters down through the mound sand, removing contaminants before it reaches the ground surface underneath.

Mound systems offer a way to install a septic system in almost any area, even when a leach or drain field is not possible. They are more expensive to install, but if maintained correctly, they can last for decades. Although they do require a large mound to be in your yard, it can and should be planted with grass or small plants.

If you need to use a mound septic system, it is vital to stay on top of maintenance and use preventive septic care habits. Routine inspections and pumping the tank can help prevent issues that can damage your mound system and protect your investment.

Posted on behalf of:
Septic Service Pro, LLC
Peachtree Street NW
Atlanta, GA 30334
(678) 292-8728

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Is It Time to Convert Your Septic to Sewer?

May 29th, 2019 Posted in Septic System
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Many homes that once only had the option of installing a septic system now have access to municipal sewer service. As city limits and neighborhoods expand, so do the sewer lines for providing sewage disposal and treatment for residential homes. If your home has a septic system, but sewer service is now available where you live, you may have considered converting. Here is what you need to know and some factors that could help you decide if it is time to convert from septic to sewer.

Cost, Convenience and Value

The top reason that homeowners want to make the switch to sewer service is convenience. No worrying about septic tanks, drain fields and maintenance – sewer service is much easier for homeowners than septic systems. However, that convenience comes at a cost. Not only does it cost a substantial amount of money to convert to sewer, you will also have a monthly sewer bill that you do not have with a septic system. However, even though it is a significant investment, converting to sewer can add value to your home.

Is the Time Right?

If your septic system is less than 20 years old and is working great, you may want to hold off on conversion, unless you are selling your home. You may want to discuss home value differences with a realtor between sewer and septic homes in your neighborhood if you are planning to sell in the next few years. It may be worth the investment if it will the cost will be covered with a higher sale price of your home.

If your septic system is 20 or more years old, or you have been having problems, it may be a great time to convert. Take the money you are spending on repairs and put it toward converting to a low-maintenance sewer service – talk to your local sewer/septic professional to learn more about the cost.

Posted on behalf of:
Seagraves Plumbing Sewer & Septic
4980 Plant Atkinson Rd SE
Smyrna, GA 30080
(494) 792-2221

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5 Warning Signs of a Failing Septic System

May 2nd, 2019 Posted in Septic System
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Septic systems can last for decades when properly maintained. Even when something goes wrong, it can usually be repaired. However, there can be a point of no return if you do not recognize the signs of trouble, requiring you to build a new drain field. Here are five signs your septic system is having issues to give you time to have it repaired before it fails.

  1. The grass is greener. If the vegetation over your drain field is very different than the surrounding area, you may have trouble starting. This can mean the waste water is not filtering down quick enough or too much solid waste is escaping the septic tank.
  2. Slow drains in your home. One slow drain in your home is a plumbing problem. When all your drains are slow, it is likely a sewer line or septic issue.
  3. Sewage odors. When a septic system is working properly, you should never smell sewage. If you have bad odors coming from your drains or you smell sewage outside, there is a problem.
  4. Wet spots or pooling water near your septic system or drain field. Wet areas, dirt erosion or pooling water anywhere near septic system pipes, tank or drain field can mean trouble.
  5. Bio-mat formation. One of the biggest alerts of a problem is a bio-mat forming over your drain field. This is a scum layer of biological material that is caused by too many solids entering your drain field.

If you notice any of these warning signs, do not hesitate to call your local septic service company to schedule a septic tank inspection. Often, the problem can be fixed, and you can avoid the expense of installing a new system.

Posted on behalf of:
Seagraves Plumbing Sewer & Septic
4980 Plant Atkinson Rd SE
Smyrna, GA 30080
(494) 792-2221

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Septic Tank Pumping FAQs

May 2nd, 2019 Posted in Septic System
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One of the main maintenance requirements of septic systems is ensuring the tank is emptied when needed. The problem is, many homeowners are uninformed about the tank pumping process, not knowing when or why it needs to be completed. Here are some frequently asked questions about septic tank pumping to give you a better understanding.

How Often Does a Septic Tank Needing Pumping?

Most tanks are designed to accommodate about 2-3 years of waste before they need to be pumped. However, this can vary depending on how many people are in the home and the size of the tank.

What Will Happen if the Tank Isn’t Pumped?

Sludge builds up in the tank, a thick layer of solid waste. When the level becomes too high, new waste water cannot settle long enough before exiting the tank into the drain field. Too much unfiltered waste can enter the drain field and could cause a septic backup or failure of your drain field.

How Do I Know When My Tank Needs to be Pumped?

It is difficult to check when a tank is becoming full on your own. This is why annual service by a septic company is important. They can check the level of your tank each year and inspect your system, letting you know when you should schedule your next pumping.

Is Pumping Expensive?

Each region and service are different for pricing; the cost includes emptying the tank and disposal, and larger tanks will cost more to pump. However, for an average-size tank, the cost usually runs around $300-$500.

If it has been more than two years since your last pumping, schedule routine septic service and pumping to ensure you do not wait too long to perform this important maintenance.

Posted on behalf of:
Metro Septic LLC
1210 N Tennessee St
Cartersville, GA 30120
(678) 873-7934

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Learn the Basics About Your Septic System

February 12th, 2019 Posted in Septic System
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There are many people who own houses with septic systems yet do not know the basics about how this system works. While there is little you need to do to maintain a septic system, you should know the basics on how it functions. This can help you prevent problems and identify issues when they first occur. Here is a basic overview of how septic systems with drain fields work.

From Drains to the Tank

Everything that goes down your household drains goes through your indoor plumbing and out to your main sewer line. This brings all the solid and water waste from your home to the septic tank. This journey is the first area problems can occur, such as clogs or issues with the sewer pipe.

Septic Tank Decomposition

The septic tank is where the solids from your waste are broken down. Enzymes and bacteria decompose solids, creating a layer of sludge and effluent, a liquid waste substance. As the tank fills, the effluent overflows out of the tank and a pump or gravity bring it to the distribution box for the drain field.

Filtering Waste Through a Drain Field

The last step in the septic system process is the drain field. The distribution box feeds several perforated pipes that let the effluent seep into the soil. The waste water is filtered as it goes through the soil and clean water joins the ground water below.

Knowing the path and parts of your septic system can help you identify problems. Keep up with routine maintenance which your local septic service company can do for you, including pumping your tank every few years and having annual inspections and service.

Posted on behalf of:
Metro Septic LLC
1210 N Tennessee St
Cartersville, GA 30120
(678) 873-7934

 

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Protect Your Septic System with Water Conservation

January 18th, 2019 Posted in Septic System
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There are many reasons to conserve water use, from saving money on your utility bills to protecting the environment. Another reason to reduce water waste is less wear and tear on your septic system. The more water that flows down your drains, the more work that your septic system must perform.

To reduce the stress on your septic system and to conserve water for many other excellent reasons, there are some simple changes you can make in your home. Here are a few tips on how to minimize the water waste in your home to protect your septic system:

  • Switch to low-flow water fixtures. Wherever possible, upgrade to low-flow water fixtures to save gallons of water waste a day. Switch to water-conservation fixtures for your shower head, faucets, toilet and other fixtures/appliances.
  • Shut off the water. Do not let water flow down the drain for no reason. Shut off the water when brushing your teeth, fill the sink to rinse dishes instead of keeping the water on, and dump gray water outside instead of putting it down the drain.
  • Shorten showers. One of the biggest uses of water is daily showers. Good hygiene for your family is important, but you can put a limit on shower time to reduce the waste. Try shutting off the water while you lather up and then rinse; this can save gallons of water a day.

Reducing water use is one way to make your septic system last longer. Protecting it from excessive wear and tear and keeping up with regular maintenance from your local septic service company can help add years to the life of your system.

Posted on behalf of:
Septic Service Pro, LLC
Peachtree Street NW
Atlanta, GA 30334
(678) 292-8728

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Do You Know Where to Find Your Septic Tank Lid?

January 18th, 2019 Posted in Septic System
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It is not uncommon for a homeowner to not know where to find their septic tank lid, especially on a recently purchased home. In many cases, the lid is covered in dirt and grass, not easy to locate without knowing where it is positioned. You should know where your septic tank lid is to facilitate easy access for your septic service crews when they need to pump your tank or perform routine maintenance. Here are some tips to find your septic tank lid before your next schedule service.

  • Find the septic diagram. Did you receive any paperwork, diagrams or blueprints from the previous owners when you bought your home? When a septic system is installed, there is usually a diagram given to the homeowners that outlines the septic system, including the tank and lid location. Look through your paperwork and see if they gave you a septic diagram.
  • Look for conspicuous areas in the yard. If you do not have a diagram, or still are not quite sure where the lid is located, look for the lid where you think could be positioned. There may be a 2-3-foot wide rise or indentation in the yard that could be hiding your tank lid.
  • Follow the pipes. Where does your main sewer line leave the house and in what direction? This can help you find the area and look for an indicator of a buried tank lid.

If you cannot find your septic tank lid, do not worry. Your local septic service professionals will help you locate the septic tank and its lid, but it can save time and ensure they have the right access to find it before they arrive.

Posted on behalf of:
Seagraves Plumbing Sewer & Septic
4980 Plant Atkinson Rd SE
Smyrna, GA 30080
(494) 792-2221

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