Septic System Myths

January 5th, 2012 Posted in Septic Tank Pumping, Uncategorized
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Septic systems seem to generate a lot of misinformation and myths.  It’s easy to understand why this is so.  Most of the system is buried out of sight and does its magic without any input from the homeowner.  Once we flush the toilet or drained the sink it’s “out of sight and out of mind” until something goes wrong.  In addition, most homeowners don’t understand how a septic system works so it’s easy to take any information at face value.

One such myth is that septic systems are maintenance free.  Your septic system, like any other mechanical system, needs regular maintenance to stay in top operating condition.  Fortunately, a good septic system only needs to be inspected annually or every other year and usually needs to be pumped out every three or four years.

Septic tank pumping is another source of misinformation.  Many homeowners mistakenly believe that septic tank pumping is only necessary if the system starts to backup or have other problems.  The reality is that you should have your septic tank pumped before a problem occurs, usually every three to four years.  Waiting until the system fails will damage the system, leading to expensive repairs and a shorters useful life.

Healthy septic systems also don’t need any additives to work properly.  A septic system is designed to use naturally present bacteria in the septic tank and septic field to treat the wastewater.  Using additives will harm the helpful natural bacteria and reduce the effectiveness of the septic system.

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Are Septic System Additives Necessary?

January 5th, 2012 Posted in Septic System Maintenance
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Hundreds, if not thousands of additives are on the market that claim to improve the performance of your septic system.  Some of the claims made by the manufactures and sellers of these additives include making septic tank pumping unnecessary, eliminating foul odors, improving soil percolation, and other such claims.  The reality is that a septic system is designed to work without any additional additives.

Waste water from your home collects in the septic tank where naturally occurring bacteria break down the majority of the solid material.  The wastewater (called the effluent) then flows into the drain field (also called a leech field) where it percolates into the soil.  More bacteria in the soil completes the treatment process.  Solid material that cannot be broken down settles to the bottom of the septic tank and needs to be occasionally pumped out of the tank.

At best, using a septic system additive is just a waste of money.  Pouring these additives down your toilet or sink is like pouring money down the drain.  Most of them don’t do much if anything to the septic system which already has plenty of naturally occurring bacteria to do the work of breaking down solid material.

However, some additives can be harmful to the septic system if it destroys the natural bacteria.  More solids will collect in the septic tank which will require more frequent septic tank pumping.  In addition, bacteria in the drain field can be destroyed which can lead to a clogged drain field.

Save money and avoid potential septic system headaches by skipping the septic system additives unless directed to do so by an experienced, reputable septic system professional.

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Cost of a Septic System

January 5th, 2012 Posted in Sewer-Septic Service and Installation
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Whether you are replacing an existing septic system or building a new home where municipal sewer service is unavailable, the unavoidable truth is that installing a new septic system is going to be expensive.  However, this is one of those things where it doesn’t pay to try to cut corners.  Unless you don’t mind paying for expensive repairs or even replacing the entire system in just a few years, you want to have your system designed and installed by an experienced local sewer septic professional.

The cost of a septic system varies based on a lot of different factors including the size and type of the system, your location, the physical characteristics of your lot, and the septic contractor handling the installation.  A conventional gravity fed septic system with a concrete septic tank is usually the least expensive type of septic system.

A polyethylene septic tank will last longer, but will also drive up the cost of the system due to the additional labor required to install them.  Systems using aerobic tanks, electric pumps, or that rely on sewage ejector pumps to move the sewage uphill will be more expensive to install and maintain.

The best way to determine the cost of a good septic system is to get several quotes from reputable local septic contractors.  Keep in mind that the lowest bid may not be the best one.  An unusually low bid could indicate that the contractor has failed to take some factor into account, has specified an undersized system, or is cutting corners on the quality of the materials.

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Concrete or Plastic Septic Tank?

January 5th, 2012 Posted in Septic Tanks
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If you are installing a new septic system or replacing your septic tank, you have the choice of either a concrete septic tank or a plastic septic tank.  Each has advantages and disadvantages.  Your sewer septic contractor can help you decide which is the best tank for your septic system.

Concrete septic tanks have been in use for decades and are still the standard in the industry.  They are heavy which means a much lower likelihood of floating up out of the ground when empty, it also makes the tank more cumbersome to install.  The site must be accessible to a crane to lift the tank into place.

Concrete septic tanks are also very durable, but they are more expensive than plastic tanks.  In addition, they can crack in certain conditions are more susceptible to leaks than plastic tanks.  One advantage that could be very important is that concrete tanks are approved for use in every state.

One of the primary advantages of plastic tanks is their lower weight makes it much easier to move them into position for installation.  This can be crucial if access to the work site is limited.  However, their lighter weight makes them more likely to “float” or pop up out of the ground when they are empty if groundwater levels are high.

Preventing plastic tanks from floating and preventing damage during installation requires careful installation techniques that can increase the cost of the system.  Once they are properly installed, a plastic tank is very durable and resistant to cracking.

Another plus is that plastic tanks cost less than a comparably sized concrete tank.  However, plastic septic tanks are not approved for use in all states so check your local laws before spending your money on a plastic septic tank.

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Choosing a Good Septic System Contractor

January 5th, 2012 Posted in Sewer-Septic Service and Installation
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If you are installing a new septic system for new home or to replace an existing system, you should put some effort into finding a top local septic system contractor to handle the job.  A septic system is one of those things that it really pays to make sure the job is done right the first time.

A septic system seems like a simple system with few moving parts and in a way this is true.  The vast majority of septic systems rely on gravity and natural biological activity to treat and dispose of household wastewater.  Most systems have no electrical components and very few moving parts.

They require relatively little maintenance to continue providing great service for years.  An inspection by an experienced septic professional every year or two and septic tank pumping every three to five years is all most septic systems need to stay in top working condition.

However, poorly designed or improperly installed system will cause constant problems, need frequent repairs, and will fail within a few years and installation of a new system will be required.  It cannot be stressed enough that it is worth every penny to make sure your septic system is properly designed and installed by an experienced septic contractor.

Ask friends and neighbors for the names of septic contractors they have used in the past.  Invite several contractors to submit a proposal for the work.  This is your opportunity to evaluate the contractors and see which ones you feel comfortable working with.  Ask for a few references from satisfied customers and follow up by calling them.  Find out what work the contractor did and whether the customer was satisfied with the job.

By doing a little homework, you will be able to narrow the list down to a couple contractors who will do a great job installing your new septic system.

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