Septic System Inspections and Repairs

March 19th, 2013 Posted in Septic Tank Inspections
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Failing septic systems and cesspools are a major cause of contaminated drinking water, tainted shellfish beds and polluted beaches. You should protect yourself, your family and your neighbors from these public health threats by having an inspection of any private sewage disposal systems before the sale, expansion or change in use of properties where they are present.

Most systems will pass inspection, and systems that fail must be repaired or upgraded. If you own a home with a septic system and have plans to put it up for sale, add a bedroom or convert it for different use, you will also need to have your septic system inspected.

When you need to hire a septic system inspector, there are two important things you need to bear in mind. First, inspectors can charge whatever their customers are willing to pay so it often pays to shop around. The fee also may vary depending on the complexity of the inspection. Second, only certain professionals are qualified to perform certain septic system inspections. For a list of qualified system inspectors in your area, consider contacting your local health department.

Before hiring a septic tank inspector, do some comparison shopping. Get written estimates from several septic system inspectors. One key question to ask is whether the price of the inspection includes pumping the system.   Before signing any contract, be absolutely certain that it spells out precisely what work is going to be done, how much it is going to cost, what the payment terms are, and whether the septic tank inspector stands behind their work. Once the inspection is complete, make sure the person who signs the form is the same person who conducted the inspection.

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Professional Septic Tank Cleaning

March 19th, 2013 Posted in Septic Tank Inspections
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All homeowners whose home is on a septic system rather than a municipal sewer should make certain that have the septic tank inspected, cleaned and pumped on a periodic basis, as necessary. The typical septic tank will need to be pumped every three to five years, but every septic system is unique so septic tank pumping frequency can vary.  The size of the septic tank, number of people living in the home, kitchen waste disposal habits, and other factors affect how quickly solid material will accumulate in a septic tank and need to be removed.

Seeking the advice and service of a qualified septic specialist should be at the top of everyone’s priority list. A septic tank inspection will give you a good idea of the condition of your septic system and also tell you if your tank needs to be cleaned, or how long it is until you need it cleaned.

Whatever you do, don’t put septic tank cleaning on your own “to-do list.” Only trained and experienced professionals should come and do the job for you, whether it’s cleaning, pumping, inspecting or otherwise. A septic system creates dangerous fumes and only a trained septic system contractor should clean your septic tank.  A sewer-spetic professional will know what to check, what to look for, and how to do a safe and thorough cleaning without damaging your system.

Getting your septic tank cleaned and inspected regularly will help it continue to work at peak efficiency. It also gives a professional septic specialist a chance to spot and warn you of any problems or concerns that might arise, things that you need to be aware of before they become much more serious, or even critical. It’s important to know how full the tank is and when it needs to be pumped, so as not to overfill the system or ruin it, requiring a costly replacement.

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Ways to Keep Your Septic System Working Reliably

March 13th, 2013 Posted in Septic Tank Pumping
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The average life expectancy of a septic system is anywhere from 20 to 40 years. Following these tips can help keep your system running smoothly for as long as possible:

Get your septic tank pumped every couple of years. If you use a garbage disposal of any kind, get it pumped every year instead. Food particles can build up and make your system run inefficiently. When you get your tank pumped, ask that the pump run through the larger cover on top of your tank as opposed to the smaller inspection pipe that’s exposed on your lawn, so as to keep from risking that the pipe ends up clogged somehow. And remember that there’s no need to put any special additives into your system.

When washing your laundry, try to spread out the amount of loads done over the course of each week. Only wash full loads of laundry, and remember that one load per day is much better than five or six loads on a single day. By the same token, try to install and use fixtures and faucets that use low amounts of water. Showerheads, dishwashers, toilers, washing machines and more – reducing the amount of water you use can make a big difference of the life of your septic system.

Try to cut down on the amount of cleaners that you use, and do everything you can to keep harsh chemicals like bleach from getting into your system. Make sure you never use automatic toilet boil cleaners, because the release of chemicals over time can kill the organisms and other materials that treat your waste water and other materials in your septic tank.

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Maintaining your Septic System

March 13th, 2013 Posted in Septic Tank Pumping
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Those living in a house with a septic system can have an effect on the system’s performance. Everyone should be aware that using too much water can cause the system to fail, depending on how much it was built to take. Here are a few maintenance tips for keeping your septic system healthy and ready for long, extended use by you and your family.

  • Get your tank inspected regularly: The most way to maintain your tank is the removal of any sludge or other build-up. Your tank needs to be pumped, and the regularity of septic tank pumping depends on the tank’s size, how many people live in your house, and the estimated amount of water your home uses. Tanks should be inspected and pumped every 3 to 5 years on average.
  • Keep most chemicals out of your tank: Most household chemicals like paint, gasoline, motor oil, paint, pesticide, as well as most caustic chemical drain cleaners should be kept out of your septic tank. Disposing of these chemicals by pouring them down the drain can have a negative effect on the bacteria that breaks down wastes in your septic system.
  • Cut down on other solid waste: Be aware of what goes into your system and the unwanted side effects it might have. If you can dispose of unwanted waste in some other fashion, consider that instead of putting it into your septic tank.
  • Use water efficiently: The ground soil under your septic system has to absorb the water used by your home. The less water that you use means that there’s a lesser chance of your system failing. Conversation is key.
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How a Septic System Works

March 13th, 2013 Posted in Septic Tank Pumping
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When a house isn’t served by a public sewer system, or it’s too far removed to be serviced by one, it usually relies on a septic system in order to handle and dispose of its waste, both of water and other matter. It’s a significant investment that requires regular care, but a well maintained septic system can offer years of service at low cost, while still being reliable to its owners.

On the other hand, a system that fails or breaks down can become a health concern, can cause both surface and subsurface pollution (which may affect the water you drink, among other things), and can also cause property damage or even disease. Replacing a failing septic tank or system can cost thousands of dollars, and can even interfere with selling your home if it isn’t taken care of.

Although the inner workings of a septic system might be complicated and involved, it’s important to know the basic way that it works. Any standard septic system has three main parts: the tank, the drain field, and the soil of the surrounding area. These three parts all work in tandem for the disposal of waste material. 

The tank’s purpose is to help separate solid matter from wastewater, in order to store and help to partially decompose as much of the solid material as it can, while permitting the liquid matter to continue on to the drain field. After solid waste matter remains inside the tank, the liquid wastewater continues on to the drain field. The soil below the drain field provides the method of disposal. The waste water passes into the soil, and is broken down over time.  Since solid material accumulates in the septic tank, septic tank pumping is necessary every 3 to 5 years to remove the accumulation.

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Tips for your Septic System

March 13th, 2013 Posted in Septic Tank Pumping
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A properly sized and well maintained septic system will usually give good service for 20 to 30 years or more.  Here are a few tips to help your septic system provide years of trouble free service.

  • Make sure that you limit the amount of water that goes into your septic tank. Keep all amount of excess water from getting both in and around your tank. If you notice any standing water around your septic tank, call for the service of a licensed septic system contractor as soon as possible.
  • When you can, use fixtures that are designed to use less water. If any of your toilets or fixtures are known to leak or work inefficiently, have them replaced immediately. This will allow your system to rest in between uses. Heavy use of your system should be followed by extended resting periods.
  • If you own and regularly use a garbage disposal, try to use it only when necessary. Solid matter takes more time to break down, and might even lead to an unnecessary blockage. Any grease should be disposed of in the garbage rather than the drain – grease can also cause clogs, some of them severe. Another thing to make note of is the brand of any softeners or liquid cleaners you use, which can cause scummy buildup in your septic tank.
  • Only use toilet paper that decomposes easily to make sure that your septic system stays clear of any paper-related blockages. When purchasing a brand of toilet or tissue paper, check for brands that advertise as being safe for septic systems.
  • Be careful about what you put down your drains, and make sure that your septic tank is pumped and cleaned on a regular basis. If you have any questions about the maintenance, care and how to extend the life of your septic system, make sure to contact your local septic system professional.
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Extending the Life of Your Septic System

March 13th, 2013 Posted in Septic Tank Pumping
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If you, like so many others, rely on a septic system instead of a municipal sewer line to dispose of your household waste water,  you should do your best to see that the septic system is maintained in order to work properly. Through the practicing of good habits, you can keep your septic system in good and working condition, and avoid any unwanted repairs for your septic systems.

It’s important to know that the right size tank is installed for your home – knowing the right size depends on the number of people living in your household. Septic systems can only handle so much waste and other debris, so the important thing is to minimize the amount of matter that is sent through the system, and to maximize that which is beneficial to it. You can achieve this by using low flow showerheads and toilets. Another benefit to your system is a dishwasher and washing machine that uses water more efficiently. Other ways to care for your system can be as simple as turning the water off while washing dishes or brushing your teeth.

By taking special care of the products you use, you can extend the life of your septic system, which uses a beneficial bacteria for breaking down waste. Some chemicals can harmful and kill the important bacteria.

Have your septic system inspected every other year and have the septic tank pumped and cleaned when necessary. A licensed professional can advise you on which cleaning products you should use. They can also seek their advice on how to extend the life of your septic system and other tips on how to care for it.

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Sump Pump 101

March 13th, 2013 Posted in Sump Pumps and Ejector Pumps
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Depending on where you live and the terrain of your property, you may be at risk for flooding. When heavy rains fall and the water rises, it’s not at all uncommon for basements to flood. Even a few inches of standing water can create very real damage that’s prohibitively expensive for some homeowners to deal with.

Fortunately, there are some precautions you can take to prevent flooding, even if you live in an area with a high water table or you’re at low elevation. By purchasing and installing a sump pump, you’re protecting the sub-level of your home from very real damages resulting from flooding.

When a sump pit gets full, there’s no outlet for excess water. At this point, it will either overflow into your basement or begin to seep through cracks and fissures in your foundation. A sump pump, however, will force that water out of your home through a pipe that leads into a designated storm drain.

Sump pumps operate with a float system that’s similar to that of a toilet, except for the fact that it works in reverse. Where a toilet float stops the flow of water once a certain level is reached inside of the tank, a float in a sump pump activates when the water level rises and continues operating until the water is removed.

There are a variety of models on the market, which is where a licensed and reliable local plumbing professional comes in. By evaluating your home and it’s flooding risk, your plumber can help you find and install the perfect model to suit your needs. They also require a bit of routine maintenance, and an incorrect initial setup can render your sump pump largely useless. Contact a plumber in your area today to talk about what your home needs in terms of a sump pump, before the spring rains begin and bring with them the risk of flooding.

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