Do Septic Biological Additives Work?

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

Why is There Sewage in My Tub?

Have you noticed your tub gets dirty almost on a daily basis? Or worse, you see sewage bubbling up the drain into your tub or shower? If the bathtub in question is on the lowest level of your home, you could have a sewer line or septic problem. The lowest drain in the home is often a bathtub or shower since it is located near the floor. When waste water is coming up the drain, it is a sign of bigger issues with your waste system.

How Sewer Lines Work

Most homes have a gravity sewer line system. This means all waste and water that goes down the drains in your home are not pumped but rely on gravity. All waste flows through the plumbing to the lowest level of the home and exits out the main sewer line. However, if there are blockages, waste water will go to the lowest exit available, often up a tub or shower drain on the lowest level.

If you flush a toilet in the home or run the washer and waste comes up your bathtub drain, it is likely you have a blockage in your sewer line. It could be a partial clog that only lets some water go by slowly, causing the rest of the water to backup into the lowest drain of the house. Major clogs do not fix themselves; most likely it will continue to get worse until the entire sewer line is blocked.

If you have sewage coming up into a low drain in your home like a bathtub or shower, call your local plumber or sewer service company. They can inspect your sewer line and/or septic system to find the problem and offer solutions to resolve the issue.

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

Importance of a Comprehensive Septic Inspection

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

Signs of a Clogged Sewer Vent

Most people are aware that drains can be clogged. Food, hair or other debris can plug a pipe and cause a drain backup. What not everyone realizes is that there are other pipes that can impact your plumbing and sewer lines. Sewer vents allow to air to escape the sewer lines and are integral to creating the pressurized system needed for proper drainage. The vent pipes run from your drain pipes and come out on your roof. When a sewer vent is clogged, it could cause drainage issue in your home. Here are some signs that you may have a clogged sewer vent.

Gurgling Drains

If you hear gurgling after your flush your toilet or drain the tub, you could have a sewer vent clog. The gurgling can be air escaping up through the drain, instead of up the sewer vent pipe. You may see bubbles coming up through the water in a draining sink, tub or toilet.

Sewer Odors

If air is coming up your drains instead of using the sewer vent, you could notice sewer odors coming from your drains. This means they are not working correctly.

Slow Drains and Ongoing Clogs

Sewer vents can be clogged for months and causing ongoing problems. If your toilet or other drains seem to backup more often than normal, or several drains are slow, it could be a sewer vent clog. Leaves, pests and other debris can get inside the vent and block the airway. You could also have a clog where the vent pipe intersects with the drain pipe, causing backups and slow drains.

If you have any of these signs of a clogged sewer vent, contact your local plumber or sewer service company. They can inspect your sewer vent and drain pipes to find and fix the problem.

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

How Does a Septic Tank Work?

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

First Signs of a Broken Sewer Line

Most sewer lines that transport your waste from your home to your septic tank or main city sewer line are located a few feet underground. When these pipes corrode at the joints, crack or sustain damage, you may not know right away that there is a problem. However, there will be signs that are bound to appear to alert you that you have an issue with your plumbing waste system. Here are some of the first signs that you may have a broken sewer line at your home.

Several Drains are Slow or Backed Up

If the sewer line break is causing a blockage for your waste, you may notice that several drains in your home are backing up or slower to drain. This does not always occur with sewer line breaks; it depends on whether there is a blockage or not. Drains closest to the main sewer line are the most likely to be slow or back up.

Wet Spots or Odor in Your Yard

If there are areas in your yard that are wetter than the rest of the lawn near where your sewer line runs, you may have a leak. There also could be a sewage odor that alerts you to a definite problem with your sewer pipe.

Soil Erosion

In many cases, a sewer line break starts with a small crack and becomes worse. A slow leak could have occurred for weeks, even months. Soil above the pipe can begin to erode, letting you know there is a problem below.

If you see signs of a broken sewer line, call your local sewer or septic company right away. They can inspect your sewer line and locate the point of the problem. Fixing the pipe can prevent further backups and damage to your property.

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

How to Avoid a Thick Biomat on Your Drain Field

Drain fields can work efficiently for years with a well-maintained septic system. Waste water or effluent from the septic tank is slowly delivered to the drain field, filtering down through the soil to the ground water below. As long as the septic tank is performing correctly and the soil is the right consistency, the only organic material growing on top of a drain field should be grass. When a thick biomat appears, it is a sign of trouble with your septic system.

What is a Biomat?

Bacteria are needed to help breakdown waste, both in the septic tank and in the drain field. A biomat is a formation of anaerobic bacteria, the type of bacteria that do not need oxygen to survive. This slimy layer can build up in the trenches of a drain field. The bacteria in the biomat can feed off debris in the water, helping break it down further as it filters into the soil. Aerobic bacteria also are in the drain field, which feed on the biomat and keep it from getting too thick.

If a biomat gets too thick, it can cause problems. Waste water can get trapped above ground and the filtering system suffers. This can occur if there is too much water in the drain field for the aerobic bacteria to survive. It can also happen when the waste water coming from the septic tank has too much solid waste. To avoid a thick biomat, proper maintenance is needed, including:

  • Avoiding putting too much water through the septic system
  • Keeping grease and fat out of the drains
  • Keep food out of your drains – do not use a garbage disposal
  • Get your septic tank pumped when needed

If you have a thick biomat on your drain field, you need to address it before it causes a septic backup. Contact your local septic service for an inspection to determine the best option to restore balance to your drain field.

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

5 Ways to Make Your Septic System Last

If you have a septic system, it is likely the most expensive “system” in your home. The cost of replacing a septic system is usually much more than a HVAC, gutters or even some roof replacements. Given the high price tag, you want to ensure your septic system lasts as long as possible. The good news is many homeowners will never need to replace their septic system in their lifetime if they protect it. Here are five ways to protect your septic system and make it last for decades.

Limit What You Put Down the Drain

First and foremost, protecting your septic system starts with disposal in your home. Limiting water use with water-efficient fixtures and practices is important. You should also keep damaging substances out of your drains such as: chemicals, antibacterial cleansers, non-organic materials, feminine hygiene products and grease/fats.

Protect Your Sewer Lines

Do not let vehicles or heavy machinery drive over where your sewer lines and underground pipes are located to protect them from damage.

Pump Tank as Needed

Do not let your septic tank get too full. You should have it pumped as needed, usually every three to five years.

Routine Inspections

You should have a professional inspect your septic system once a year to check tank levels and all the equipment. Replace parts and components as needed to prevent emergency breakdown issues.

Use a Professional for Repairs

Do not try to fix septic problems on your own. Considering the value of your system, spend the money to have a professional complete all repairs.

If you keep up with maintenance on your septic system and protect it from harm, you can postpone replacement for years. It is worth the investment of time and money to make your septic system last.

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

Who Should I Call for a Sewer Line Problem?

If you are on a city sewer system, you pay for your waste treatment service and expect them to handle any issues that occur. Waste from your home is whisked away through the municipal sewer system and brought to a treatment plant, a much easier process for a homeowner than a septic system. However, first it must get from your home to the main city sewer line. When you have sewer backup or a broken sewer pipe, you may wonder who to call, a sewer professional or your sewer utility provider.

Home Sewer Line Repairs

In most situations, the city sewer service only covers the main sewer line, not the connecting pipes that go into your home. This means any sewer pipes between the connection to the main line and your home are your responsibility. If your sewer line breaks and is leaking into your yard, you will need to have it repaired. The same is true if a clog in your private sewer line is backing up sewage into your home. These pipes, like the ones in your home, are owned by you and are not considered part of the city sewer service.

Call a Sewer Service Pro

If you are having a sewer line problem, call a sewer service professional. While a plumber can fix pipes in your home, you want a company that handles sewer or septic repairs. A quick inspection can determine where the problem is and what needs to be done to fix the problem. A professional can also determine if a problem is coming from the main city sewer line and help you alert the utility company to have it fixed.

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

How Does a Mound Septic System Work?

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