Importance of Bacteria in a Septic System

September 24th, 2019 Posted in Septic Tank Inspections
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Bacteria get a bad rap. Go down any cleaning product isle in a grocery store and you will see hundreds of products touting their ability to kill bacteria. While many types of bacteria can pose a health threat, they can be beneficial in the right circumstances. Those same tiny organisms that can make you ill are important to your septic system. Here’s why bacteria are vital to your septic system and how you can protect them.

Septic Systems Depend on Bacteria

When the waste from your home or business leaves the building and enters the holding tank, it needs to deteriorate. The septic tank is designed to allow solid wastes to breakdown into liquid. For this to occur, bacteria are required. Bacteria feed on organic solid waste, such as food, fecal matter and even paper products. As they attack the solids, they are dissolved into liquid. This liquid wastewater, called effluent, can then overflow to your mound or drain field to be further filtered before entering the ground water below.

Protecting Bacteria

Unfortunately, all those cleaners and other chemicals that kill bacteria can be detrimental to your septic system. If anti-bacterial cleansers, paint thinners and other harsh chemicals are put down the drain, they can kill the bacteria in your septic tank. Even antibiotic medications can kill septic bacteria. To protect the bacteria needed in your septic tank, avoid allowing these chemicals to go down your drains.

If your bacteria balance is not correct, your septic tank will fill quicker and require more frequent pumping. To maintain a healthy septic system, make sure to schedule routine inspections with a septic professional – they can check your bacteria balance and help you protect your septic system.

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

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Pre-Holiday Tips for Your Septic System

August 21st, 2019 Posted in Septic Tank Inspections
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Before you start planning your holiday parties and feasts, there is one area of your home that may need preparation. If you own a home with a septic system, it is important to consider how the holidays may affect your system. Extra cooking, cleaning and people all put stress on septic systems – you don’t want a septic failure to occur in the middle of your festivities. Here are some tips to limit stress on your septic and help prevent unexpected problems over the holidays.

Spread Out Water Use

Holiday preparations can mean extra loads of laundry, many dishwasher cycles, more toilet flushes and extra people taking showers. Excessive water use can impact your septic system. When possible, spread out water use. Try to stagger use of the dishwasher, showers and loads of laundry throughout the day; do as much as possible before your guests arrive.

Septic Tank Pumping and Maintenance

When was the last time your septic tank was pumped or inspected? If it has been a year or more, it can be worth the investment to schedule an inspection before your first big party or holiday event. A quick inspection and pumping if needed can prevent problems when you have friends and family to your home for the holidays.

Use Disposable Items

Many holiday traditions revolve around food. Every dish and fork you need to wash adds to the food, grease and water that goes down your drains. Consider using disposable plates, napkins and silverware to reduce the stress on your septic.

Give yourself of a holiday season free from septic emergencies. Plan and prepare to reduce stress on your septic system to minimize the chance of any backups or failures during the holidays.

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

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Signs You May Need a New Septic Tank

April 8th, 2019 Posted in Septic Tank Inspections
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When there is a problem with your septic tank, it is not always obvious. Buried underground, your septic tank is out of sight and out of mind most of the time. However, while these tanks can last for decades, they can also become damaged. If they crack or have other issues, you could have raw sewage leaking into the ground around your home and will need a tank replacement immediately. Here are a few signs that your septic tank may need replacing.

  • Erosion near your tank. If you notice the ground eroding or sinking near your septic tank, you should call a septic professional. You may have a leak in your tank or a sewer line may be broken.
  • Unusual plant growth. Raw sewage can make great fertilizer – if the grass is particularly green around your tank or seems to grow quicker than the rest of your lawn, you may have a leak.
  • Wet ground and bad odors. In some cases, the ground may be wet around the septic tank if there is a leak. Looking for soggy spots or pooling water. If there is this much leakage, you may also notice bad odors near your tank area, which is never a good sign when you have a septic system.

To know whether your septic tank needs repair or complete replacement, you will need a professional inspection. Never try to enter your septic tank on your own; it is dangerous due to the location and the deadly gases that can buildup inside the tank. Call a septic service professional and have your system inspected to find out where the problem is and what can be done to remedy the situation.

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

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How Often Should You Have Your Septic Inspected?

November 5th, 2018 Posted in Septic Tank Inspections
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When you buy a home with a septic system, an inspection is usually performed before the sale is finalized. Same is true when a new septic is added to a home; it is inspected before it is approved for use. However, outside these circumstances, how often should you have your septic inspected?

Your septic system has many different components, the majority of which are underground. It is difficult and unsafe to try inspecting the tank yourself – it is also almost impossible to know what is going on in your sewer lines without professional help. Like any major system, inspections can catch issues, such as components that need repair or replacement, before they cause extensive and expensive problems.

Septic inspections should be done once a year as part of your maintenance program. Your local septic service can perform a thorough septic inspection, which may include:

  • Checking septic tank levels
  • Measuring scum and sludge layers in the tank
  • Inspect tank for cracks or other damage
  • Check drain field and distribution box for proper function
  • Sewer line camera inspections
  • Check connections and function

Inspecting the septic tank is dangerous due to the gases inside the tank. It is important that this is performed by a professional for safety.

Once a thorough inspection is performed, your septic professional can give you an overview of your system. If this is done annually, you can catch small issues before they cause a sewer back up (like a clog forming in a sewer line) or septic failure if there are issues in your drain field or tank. Keeping up with regular annual inspections can help extend the life of your septic system and prevent expensive septic emergencies.

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

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New Home Septic Inspection Checklist

September 24th, 2018 Posted in Septic Tank Inspections
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If you are buying a new home with a septic system, an inspection is usually required as part of the process. You want to be aware of any possible septic problems before you buy since replacing a septic system can be a large expense. While there are certain areas that must be checked for any septic inspection, you want to ensure the company you choose to do the inspection is thorough. Here are some of the areas that should be on the septic tank inspection to ensure you have a comprehensive overview of the septic system function in your new potential home.

  • Pump the tank. For a thorough inspection, the tank should be emptied before the evaluation begins.
  • Inspect the inside of the tank. Once the tank is pumped, the walls and floor should be inspected to detect any cracks or damage.
  • Septic tank lid. The lid needs to be checked for any damage and to ensure its placement meets local regulations or if it needs a riser. The lid should provide a complete seal and service openings should meet regulations
  • Ground inspection. Doing a complete inspection of the ground around the tank, distribution box and drain field should be performed to identify any possible leaks. Wet ground, pooling or erosion can be signs of a leak.
  • Components. There are many components that need to work properly. Some components that should be checked include: baffles, filters, runback water flow from drain field, and water flow from the home.

Making sure the septic system in your potential new home is working properly and has no signs of possible failure is important to your purchasing decision. Make sure you choose a septic service company that includes all these factors in their inspection for the most comprehensive evaluation.

Posted on behalf of:
Bynum & Sons Plumbing, Inc.
2120 McDaniels Bridge Rd SW
Lilburn, GA 30047
(770) 736-8283

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Insist on a Thorough Septic Inspection Before You Buy Your New Home

February 22nd, 2017 Posted in Septic Tank Inspections
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Buying a new home can be an exciting and nerve-racking time. Whether it is your first home or you are changing locations for your job, growing family or school districts, you must consider many factors when purchasing a home. No one wants to buy a home and find out a few months later that there is a major issue that will need repair. If you are buying a home with a septic system, having that system thoroughly inspected is vital before you make an investment into the home.

Septic system failures can cost several thousand dollars or more to repair or replace the system. While most counties and state regulations require a septic inspection by the owner before a home sale, considering the importance of this system, you may want to schedule your own inspection. Find a septic service company that offers intricate inspections that include:

  • Complete inspection of all septic components – tank, distribution box, leach field and any other components
  • Digital camera inspections of sewer lines. A broken sewer line or clog can cost thousands of dollars to fix. A digital camera inspection can ensure that the pipes underground are in good condition.
  • Functionality of the system. Checking the level of bacterium in the septic tank and the health of the leach field, mound system or sand filter should be completed.

It is worth the extra investment to have your own septic inspection completed before you buy a new home. It can give you the peace of mind of knowing that your new home has a solid, quality septic system that should last for many years to come.

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

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Four Reasons to Have a Septic System Professionally Inspected

August 9th, 2016 Posted in Septic Tank Inspections
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There are times when you need to have a septic system inspected by a professional. Most people know very little about septic systems, even when they own a home or business that use one for their sewage system. In certain circumstances, you need someone who has the training, experience and tools to evaluate the efficiency and productivity of the entire system. Here are four reasons that you may need to call a septic professional for an inspection.

 You are buying a house or business with a septic system. Buying property with a septic system is a large investment. You will want to know that the system is in good working order before making the purchase.  Most places require a septic inspection before a property can be sold.

You are selling property with a septic system. If you are selling your home or business, you should plan on having a septic inspection. It most likely be needed before you can sell the property, but you don’t want any surprises at the last minute.

You are having drain field issues. Is there an odor coming from your drain field or water pooling? You may have a major issue with your septic tank or drain field. Call a professional for an inspection immediately.

You are having drain backups. If the drains in your home or business are backing up, you should have your septic inspected. Digital cameras can be used to find the problem, whether it is in your sewer pipes, in the septic tank or drain field.

Septic systems are too expensive to trust an inspection to anyone but a trained professional. Make sure you hire a qualified septic service that will thoroughly inspect your system and give you a detailed report on its performance.

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

 

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Buying a Home with a Septic System

June 24th, 2016 Posted in Septic Tank Inspections
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Are you in the market to buy a new home? If you have been considering living in a rural area, you may come across homes that rely on a septic system versus city sewer. For some new homeowners, a septic system may seem like a deal breaker. If you have never owned a home with a septic system, you may be concerned about the maintenance and upkeep needed. However, you shouldn’t let a septic system stand in the way of owning your dream home. Here are some facts that can help you decide if a home with a septic system could be right for you and your family.

  • It is estimated that 25% of the population relies on a septic system for their home. You would be one of millions of other homeowners use and maintain a septic system.
  • Septic tanks can last up to 50 years when maintained. The other equipment can also last for decades when regularly serviced.
  • There are benefits to owning a home with a septic system, especially when it comes to monthly utility costs. Although you must maintain your system, you will not need to pay for sewer service.
  • Septic service options. You can hire a local septic service company to maintain your system for you. With annual service and periodic inspections, your system can be easily maintained without you needing to do any of the work yourself.

Septic systems do require you to meet certain safety standards set by the EPA, state and local authorities. However, if you hire a local septic company to maintain your system, you won’t notice a large difference between using a septic system versus a city sewer, except you won’t receive a monthly utility bill. Don’t miss out on buying your dream home just because it has a septic system; you may be surprised how easy owning a septic system can be when you have the right septic service company to help you with maintenance.

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

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Buying Land with a Septic System?

June 22nd, 2016 Posted in Septic Tank Inspections
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You found the perfect place to invest in a new or vacation home, a piece of land that is already equipped with a septic system. Whether there is already a small cabin or trailer on the property or there used to be a structure, you are imagining your new home that will easily hook up with the existing septic system. Before you write that down payment check for the property, you will want to have a thorough septic inspection.

Most property purchases with an existing septic system will require an inspection of the system. However, the inspection is just to ensure that the system is functional and meets the local regulations. A clean bill of health on a septic system does not mean you will be able to use it for a future home you are planning to build. Before buying land with a septic system that you intend to use for a new home, here are a few things you need to know.

  • When was the system installed?
  • When was the last service and/or tank pumping?
  • What size of a tank does the system have?
  • Where is the drain field?

These are all important questions with more important answers. A septic system that is decades old may need many upgrades. Plus, the tank size and drain field may not be large enough for the size of home you want to build. If the system has not been maintained, it could mean large expenses down the road.

Before you decide to buy land with a septic system, make sure you invest in a thorough inspection of the system by a local septic service and get the answers to these questions. It could save you from future disappointment and many expenses if it is not right for your needs.

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

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Importance of a Complete Septic Inspection Before Buying a New Home

January 26th, 2016 Posted in Septic Tank Inspections
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There are many factors to consider when buying a new home, including whether the home is on a septic system. Unlike city sewer systems, it is up to a homeowner to maintain a septic system and this could be a major expense if the previous owner has not kept up on the home’s septic service. Most states or local municipalities will require a septic system inspection before a home can be sold. However, it is in your best interest to ensure a complete inspection is performed covering these basics.

  • Tank is pumped. For a thorough inspection to be performed, the tank should be pumped. Make sure that the tank was emptied so that the tank can be checked for structural damage. If the tank will need to be replaced soon, this could greatly affect your buying decision or the price of the home.
  • Lid inspection. The septic tank lid should be inspected for several issues, including depth, cracks, seal performance and risers. All items should meet the local standards.
  • Drain field performance. The drain field is an integral component of the entire septic system. If it is not performing correctly, the entire system could fail and need to be replaced, costing several thousand dollars or more.
  • Measurements. As part of the pre-sale inspection, the septic tank should have several measurements taken, including the level of solids, water flow from the home into the tank and waste water flow from the tank to the drain field.

All components such as baffles and other equipment should also be checked to ensure every part is in good working order. You want to start ownership of your new home with a clean slate, so make sure the septic system is thoroughly inspected for your peace of mind.

Posted on behalf of:
Bynum & Sons Plumbing, Inc.
2120 McDaniels Bridge Rd SW
Lilburn, GA 30047
(770) 736-8283

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