Types Of Septic Systems

January 28th, 2014 Posted in Drain Field
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Although most people think of a conventional system when they think of a septic system, there are actually several different types of systems. These are generally broken into two categories, conventional and alternative, with different types in each. With new technology and a greater concern for the environment, the types of septic systems available is constantly growing and changing.

Conventional Septic Systems

There are two types of conventional sewer systems: gravity and pressure. Both consist of a septic tank and drain field, but the way the waste water or effluent is distributed to the drainfield is different. Basic or standard systems use a gravity flow system. However, most newer conventional sewer systems use pressure, which uses a pump to more evenly disperse waste water throughout the drainfield.

Alternative Septic Systems

Alternative septic systems are generally used in areas where a conventional drainfield is not possible or prudent. These include:

  • Aerobic Treatment Unit (ATU). An ATU uses oxygen to further breakdown solids within the septic tank to release cleaner waste water into the drainfield. This is often used when the drainfield is not able to properly treat the waste water, or in environmentally sensitive areas.
  • Sand filter systems. A sand filtration system is usually made with a concrete box which contains sand and gravel to filter waste water before it is pumped to a drainfield. This is typically used in areas without sufficient soil for the treatment of waste water.
  • Mound system. In areas which do not have the soil capacity for proper treatment of waste water before it enters the ground water, a mound system may be used. This essentially raises the drainfield above the ground and is man-made.

If you are replacing an old septic or creating a new system, talk to your septic professional about what would work best for your property. There are also other proprietary systems which may be a good fit for your needs.

Posted on behalf of Keith Lee, Metro Septic and Plumbing

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Warning Signs A Septic System Is Failing

January 28th, 2014 Posted in Drain Field
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Having your septic system fail can be expensive, messy and time consuming. While many septic systems may last for decades, all septic systems eventually will need to be replaced. However, knowing the signs which indicate your septic system is having problems or may be failing can alert you in time to either get it fixed or at least have it replaced before it does more damage to your home and property.

First Signs Of Septic Failure

When there is a problem with your septic system, there are several signs that the system is failing. Whether it is a problem with your drainfield, pump or an overall system failure, there are tell-tale signs that it is time to call a septic professional.

  • Odor. One of the most obvious signs there is a problem with your septic system is a bad odor. This could be near your drainfield, septic tank or in your plumbing within the home.
  • Slow draining. If your drains in the home are slow, it may be a sign that the septic system is not working correctly.
  • Wet spots or standing liquid over drainfield. If there are noticeable wet areas or standing liquid on your drainfield, especially in dry weather, your drainfield may be failing and in need of drain field repairs or replacement.
  • Backups. If you have sewage or contaminated water (usually black with a very unpleasant odor) backing up in your plumbing or septic system, you need to have your septic system looked at immediately.
  • Gurgling. If you hear gurgling sounds in your plumbing system, it may be a symptom of septic failure.

If you have any of these signs, call your septic professional right away to get a diagnosis of the problem. Many issues can be resolved if identified before they get worse; however if the septic system or drainfield needs to be replaced, it is better to know sooner than later.

Posted on behalf of Keith Lee, Metro Septic and Plumbing

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Using Garbage Disposal With A Septic System

January 28th, 2014 Posted in Septic Tank Pumping
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There are several factors to consider when using a garbage disposal or grinder in a home with a septic system. Although these units can be handy, they can also put additional strain on your septic system and result in the need for more frequent septic tank pumping and maintenance. It is important that homeowners understand the effects putting more solid waste down their drains, even when ground through a disposal, will have on their septic system performance and maintenance.

Negating The Impact Of A Garbage Disposal

Garbage disposals may grind or breakdown food solids into smaller pieces, but they do not dissolve these particles. The impact of increasing the flow of solids into your septic system will change how well it’s able to perform. If you are using a garbage disposal, you can minimize this negative impact on your septic system by taking the necessary steps.

  • Increasing the frequency of septic tank pumping. With more solids in your septic system, your tank may need to be cleaned more often to maintain an efficient level.
  • Monitoring foods and solids that are put into garbage disposal. Keep items which will be difficult to breakdown in the septic tank out of the garbage disposal. Avoid grease, oil, coffee grounds and tougher items like egg shells or produce peels.
  • Using additives. There are enzymes which can be used with garbage disposals to enhance the ability for solids to breakdown in the septic tank. It is important to talk with your septic professional to ensure that these additives are safe for your individual septic system.

Ideally, to save on pumping and maintenance, putting minimal solid food down your drains, even if through a disposal, is best for your septic system. However, if you are considering adding or already have a garbage disposal, discuss the best options for maintenance with your septic professional.

Posted on behalf of Tony McAdams, A-1 National Sewer and Drain

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How Long Will A Septic Drainfield Last?

January 28th, 2014 Posted in Drain Field
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A septic drainfield is dependent upon many factors to stay viable. While many homes have had drainfields last for decades, many others have their drainfields fail with a few years or even less. The longevity of a septic drainfield will depend on how and where the field is built, and also upon how it is used and maintained. To get the most use out of a drainfield, the first step is to ensure that the drain field installation is done correctly.

Building A Successful Drainfield

A drainfield has certain requirements that, if not met, will jeopardize the septic system as a whole. The location and installation are critical; without the proper conditions, the field is unlikely to support a septic system that is used on a regular basis. Some of the factors that need to be considered when creating a drainfield include:

  • Soil conditions. An area that has seasonal flooding or surface runoffs will be a poor location for a drainfield.
  • High water clearance. The drainfield must be installed over the high water clearance to be viable.
  • Dimensions. The field must be large enough to handle the amount of usage and take into consideration the soil percolation rate.
  • Proper soil, gravel and covering. A drainfield needs the correct combination of gravel, soil and backfill covering to work efficiently.

In the best circumstances, a drainfield may last for up to twenty years. However, many municipalities will insist that when building a drainfield,  a second replacement field area is reserved for when the first one eventually fails. The best way to ensure you have an adequate drainfield for your needs is to have a professional septic company build your field, and educate you on the best way to maintain your field once it’s in place.

Posted on behalf of Mike Smith, A-Flo Free Septic

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Conventional Septic System Basics

January 28th, 2014 Posted in Septic Tank Inspections
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If you are new to owning a home with a septic system or are considering buying a home with a septic tank, it is important you understand the basics of how a septic system works. Homes which are not connected to a public sewer system usually use a septic system to treat and dispose of waste water, which generally consists of three parts: septic tank, drainfield and soil. Each of these components is essential in the process.

Septic Tank

The main purpose of a septic tank is to separate out solid waste from the waste water, partially decompose the solids and store them for eventual removal. The remaining liquid, also called the effluent, is siphoned off to the drainfield by either gravity or pressure.

Drainfield

The drainfield is designed to treat the waste water through soil before it enters the below ground water. In most cases, a drainfield will contain a perforated pipe which brings the waste water from the septic tank and leaks the water through gravel into soil. The pipe is covered with backfill and needs to be protected from overhead weight.

Soil

The soil contains organisms which will absorb certain toxins before the water dissipates into the surrounding ground water. The soil needs to be of a consistency that allows the water to pass through, generally soil that is fairly dry and permeable works best. It should also contain oxygen for several feet below the drainfield. Clay soils can be too dense for water to pass through, while loose soil allows water to pass too quickly to be treated effectively.

Each of these components must be maintained for the septic system to work properly. If you are new to owning a septic system, start by calling a septic professional to schedule a septic tank inspection and to discuss regular septic system maintenance.

Posted on behalf of Tony McAdams, A-1 National Sewer and Drain

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Septic Tank Pumping Frequency

January 16th, 2014 Posted in Septic Tank Pumping
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Most homeowners understand that regular septic tank pumping is necessary to keep their septic system in good working order.  What is less understood is how often to have the septic tank pumped.  How often a septic tank needs to be pumped depends on a variety of factors including the size of the septic tank, number of people in the household, and the habits of the people in the household.

The larger the septic tank, the less frequently it will need to be pumped.  Larger septic tanks are able to safely hold a larger quantity of sludge which translates into longer intervals between septic tank pumping.  The opposite is true with regard to the number of people in the household.  The more people, the more sludge and the more often the septic tank will need pumping.  In addition, if the household is in the habit of flushing solid materials such as cat litter, feminine products, diapers, coffee grounds into the septic tank, it will need more frequent pumping.

Even taking these factors into consideration, there can be considerable variation in the frequency of septic tank pumping for a specific septic system depending on the unique characteristics and installation of that system.  Most experts recommend having the septic tank pumped every three to five years.  As a general rule, this will probably be frequent enough to avoid problems with most septic systems.

The better practice is to have the septic system inspected every other year.  Not only will the inspection turn up any problems that may be developing, but the sludge layer will be measured as part of the inspection and your inspector will let you know if it is time to have the septic tank pumped.

Posted on behalf of Tony McAdams, A-1 National Sewer and Drain

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