Septic Tank Tips

September 16th, 2010 Posted in Septic Tanks
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Most of the time, a septic sewer system functions without problems or worries, just the way it should. To keep your septic tank in top working condition, follow these simple tips:

  1.  Have an annual septic tank inspection.  Preventing or catching a small problem is much better than a major catastrophe down the road!  A local plumber who is certified in septic tank issues and repairs can often perform this service.
  2. Have your septic tank pumped regularly.  For example, a three bedroom home generally needs to have a 1000 foot septic tank pumped out every three to five years.  (This may vary a bit based on weather conditions and climate, as well as usage and size of the septic tank itself.)  Homes in cooler climates need to have septic tanks pumped more frequently as the bacteria have a harder time ‘breaking down’ solid waste products.
  3. Minimize the amount of water that drains to your septic tank.  Do not have your basement sump pump or other non-waste drains diverted to your septic tank.
  4. Do not have a garbage disposal.  Food waste will fill up the septic tank more quickly, and may also disrupt the natural bacteria growing in the tank.
  5. No cigarette butts, personal hygiene products, diapers or other non-human waste should be disposed in the toilet.  This can lead to tank and drain line clogging and result in backed up toilets and odor.

By following those five simple tips, homeowners can help guarantee a long lasting, trouble free septic tank.

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Leach Field

September 16th, 2010 Posted in Drain Field
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Thankfully, homeowners with a septic sewer system no longer have a cess pool, but instead have a modern, safe way to leach the liquid wastes into the ground.  This is known as the drain field or leach field, and it surrounds the septic system providing for drainage of liquids.

The leach field starts with the discharge pipe from the septic tank itself.   This discharge pipe leads to a network of perforated pipes (imagine many different straws with holes in them leaving the septic tank).  These perforated pipes are elevated in a way to optimize the work of the bacteria.  In this way, the solid waste materials are digested in the most efficient manner.

Occasionally problems arise with the leach field.  These are usually caused from the soil becoming clogged and not allowing fluids to seep out into the surrounding area.  Deep roots are often the cause of these problems.  When the leach field is not working properly, sewage will back up in the home, and sinks and toilets will not drain properly.

Caution should be taken about planting any large trees or shrubbery around the septic tank or field.  These root beds often break the perforated pipes, or clog them completely.  Chemicals sold to ‘clean out’ septic tank lines generally are not effective.  When backed up toilets are occurring in a septic sewer system, the best bet is to call a certified septic professional to determine the cause of the problem.

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How a Septic Tank Works

September 16th, 2010 Posted in Septic Tanks
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Septic systems are often fall into the category of ‘out of sight, out of mind’.  The septic tank is the first part of your sewage system, and is essential for a well functioning, efficient septic sewer system.  The septic tank is an amazingly simple piece of equipment that can cause complex problems if not treated properly.

When raw sewage leaves the house (after a toilet flush), the product is separated in the septic tank.  Solids are separated from the liquids, with the solids remaining in the septic tank.  The liquid that is removed and leaves the septic tank is called ‘effluent’.

A well functioning septic tank is water tight.  Leaks and cracks are dangerous to the septic tank itself, and can pose a serious problem for the home-owner.  If ten gallons of sewage enter from a toilet flush, ten gallons of effluent must flow out of the tank.

Bacteria live in the septic tank.  These bacteria are considered anaerobic, as they do not use oxygen.  The bacteria work to break down the solid waste products.  By-products from the work of the bacteria results in methane and other gases.  We all know that methane can produce odors, but the septic system itself should be odor free.  In fact, odors coming from your septic tank often indicate that a crack or leak has developed in the tank.

The tank is best described as a ‘settling’ tank.  The settling that is occurring is because of the bacteria.  As the bacteria work, the solids are broken down and become smaller in size and volume.  It is impossible for the waste products to be broken down to zero, though, and that is why a residue always remains in the septic tank itself  When the residuals from the break down become too great, it is time to have the septic tank pumped.  This is generally every two to five years, depending on your climate and usage.

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Buying a Home With a Septic Tank

September 16th, 2010 Posted in Septic System
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Buying a new home is both exciting and scary, especially in today’s market.  If you are buying a house with an existing septic tank, there are several issues you should consider investigating before ‘signing on the dotted line’.

First, have the contract offer subject to a septic tank inspection and pumping.  A pump-out should cost the seller less than $300, and will not make or break the deal.  The septic tank inspection (by a certified technician) will guarantee you peace of mind.

Find out how many people the septic tank was originally designed for.  The seller may know, and be willing to disclose this.  County courthouses often times have this information on file.  If a home was expanded, ensure that the septic tank remains within the capacity for the house size.  You or your real estate agent can easily find this information out, and determine if the home and septic system will meet your family’s needs.

Make a point of viewing the property after a heavy rain.  Water that ‘sits’ or ‘stands’ for hours near the drain field is indicative that the lines are not functioning properly, or that there may be other more serious problems with the septic system.

Finally, walk the property on a clear day, being especially observant for any unpleasant smells or odors.  A properly functioning septic system should have no odors associated with it.  Smells are a bad sign, and should be considered a warning to you that a serious problem may exist.

Septic systems are enclosed systems that can be problem free for many years.  With a little bit of investigation prior to the purchase of your new home, you can rest assured that your septic tank and system is ready for your move in day!

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Water Conservation

September 16th, 2010 Posted in Septic System
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Septic systems work best when they are not overloaded with too much water.  A few simple steps can help you ensure that water usage is appropriate for your home septic system.  Being conservative with water usage can help extend the life of your septic system, especially the drain lines and the surrounding drain field.

Some tips for easy water conservation:

Make sure that you have no leaking faucets, toilets, shower / bath heads, or other plumbing fixtures.  On a regular basis, check the float valve on your toilet to make sure that water isn’t constantly running.  A little bit of water over the course of a day or week adds up.  Make sure that no water is running when all fixtures are turned off.

Install a water meter to recognize usage patterns.  Water meters are especially helpful if your home size grows (such as when additional adults come to visit long term).

Consider how much water you are using when you do laundry.  Are the loads full?  If not, can you change the setting to accommodate a smaller load?  Low suds detergents tend to use less water in the rinse cycle.  Front loading machines use less water than top loading ones.  If you are reaching maximum capacity for your septic system, consider spacing the wash out over several days, instead of doing it all on one day.

Use water conserving shower heads, and limit the length of showers.  Try to limit the length of time you let the water run to make it hot or cool enough.

Treating water like a valuable resource will help keep your septic system trouble-free for many years.

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Visitors and Your Septic System

September 16th, 2010 Posted in Septic Tanks
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Septic systems are designed for a certain number of people.  When long term guests come to visit (or stay!) home owners may find that their septic system isn’t working as effectively or efficiently as possible.  When more individuals are using the septic system, increased pressure is placed on the tank and drain lines, potentially causing back-ups and slow draining.

Every septic tank has an amount (or capacity) allowed.  When this capacity is met, the septic tank is unable to take as much sewage, and will not drain properly.  This is frequently seen when long term visitors are staying in your home.

If you plan on having long term visitors, consider adding a water flow meter to your septic system.  Every gallon of water that flows through the drain needs to also be drained in the septic tank field.  A water meter can help you and your family conserve water appropriately and avoid unsightly and embarrassing back-ups and problems.  You will know exactly how much water is being used.  Home water meters should cost around $100 plus installation.

Another issue with house guests and your septic tank is toilet flushing.  Most toilets use between five and six gallons per flush.  When you double the occupants in your home, it is easy to see how quickly your septic tank lines and field can become overwhelmed!  Consider installing an ultra-effective toilet that effectively flushes wastes with as little as one gallon of water.  An ultra effective one gallon toilet generally costs around $200-$300 plus installation….far less than an expensive septic tank repair!

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Drain Smells

September 10th, 2010 Posted in Drain Lines
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Do you ever have a sulfur smell that comes from your kitchen or bathroom drains?  Here are some helpful hints to solve your foul smell that has not been alleviated by traditional cleaning.

Make sure your drain pop up is properly cleaned.  Pop up the drain stopper, clean off any residue that has attached itself to the assembly.  This residue can build up and cause blockage and bacteria that will lead to further drainage issues.

Next, check to see if there is any blockage in the drain itself and clean out the blockage.  You can stick a long screwdriver in the drain to pull out any hair or gunk that could possibly cause further problems.  Then flush the drain with very hot water to push any small particles through.

If this blockage is thick, you may have to disassemble the elbow pipe under the sink and clean it out as well.  The elbow holds a small amount of water that is supposed to block sewer gases from coming back up the pipes and home.

Sometimes it is these gases that you smell along with bacteria that is formed from the gunk clinging to your drain stoppers.  You can try this mixture to clean your smelly drain and get rid of musty and other unpleasant odors: 1 cup ammonia, 1 cup white vinegar, ¼ cup baking soda and 1 gallon of water.

If the odor persists you can try leaving a pan of cat litter in the dry sink.  Keep the door closed and replace the litter every couple of days until the smell is gone.

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