Things to Consider with a Septic to Sewer Conversion

May 6th, 2014 Posted in Septic System
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As interest in building infrastructure has increased over the past few years, more and more areas in the United States are seeing upgrades to existing sanitary sewer systems, as well as the expansion of sewer service into areas not previously serviced by public sewer systems.  Often homeowners with septic systems now have the choice to abandon their existing septic system and tie their property’s sanitary sewer into the new public sewer system.

Cost is one of the biggest things to consider when making a decision if a septic to sewer conversion is right for your property.  In most cases, the property owner will be required to run the new sewer line from the building and tie it into the new public sewer at their expense.  In addition to this, some jurisdictions may require that additional tap fees be paid to make the connection, even if existing property taxes have contributed to the cost of the new public sewer.  Over the long run, it may be beneficial to do the conversion and save on septic tank pumping every 3-5 years, as well as septic system inspections and maintenance.

Another consideration is the state of the property’s existing septic system.  If the system is relatively new, then it may not make sense to make the conversion.  On the other hand, if the existing septic system is going to need to be replaced, it may make sense to make the septic to sewer conversion.

Either way, it is not a easy decision, as both public sanitary sewer systems and septic systems have their good points, as well as their bad points, but at the end of the day they both do a great job in doing what they do!

Posted on behalf of Septic Service Pro

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Taking Care of Your Septic System

May 6th, 2014 Posted in Septic Tank Pumping
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While everyone knows that septic tanks need periodic septic tank pumping, most people do not realize that septic systems are sensitive to what goes into the system and how those items impact on the way the system functions as well as its lifespan.  Excessive water, non-biodegradable material and chemicals are especially hard on septic systems.

Excessive water is hard on septic systems because the system does not have a chance to recover.  The system works by allowing solids to be separated from the liquids, with the liquids flowing into the drainfield.  The solids are collected at the bottom of the tank where there are eaten by various bacteria.  When toilets are running or multiple loads of laundry are washed back to back, the solids and liquids are not given enough time to separate and find their way into the drainfield, which is designed to process liquids only.

What goes into the septic system is also critical and anyone with a septic system needs to be careful in what is put in the toilet or into a drain.  This includes items such as dental floss, cigarettes, tampons, cat litter, diapers, Kleenex, Q-Tips, condoms and paper towels.  It is recommended that food, including food ground up in a garbage disposal not be introduced into the septic system.   Chemicals such as bleach, household cleaners, gas, turpentine, mineral spirits, paint or grease should never be poured down the drains or flushed.  These items, while a liquid, kill the bacteria in the septic system. .  Basically, unless it came out of a person’s body, it should not find its way into the septic system!

Posted on behalf of Septic Service Pro

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Do I Have Septic System Problems?

May 6th, 2014 Posted in Septic Tank Inspections
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It is extremely difficult for the untrained property owner to determine if they have a septic system failure or some other plumbing problem, due to the different types of septic system designs and components, as well as the overall plumbing design for the property.  Septic systems can vary greatly in their design and generally contain a number of components, including the septic tank, as well as the distribution box, drainfield and perhaps a pumping station as well.  In addition, every property will have a sewer line running from the structure to the septic tank.

Considering the number of variables, it is no wonder that troubleshooting a septic system problem is so difficult.   An example of this would be determining the cause of one of the most common symptoms of septic system failure, which is slow flushing toilets or slow drains.  This could easily attributed to a blockage of a sewer line either inside of the property or a problem with a drainfield failure.

Experienced septic system contractors utilize a variety of techniques to trouble shoot problems with a septic system.  The first step is to completely understand the type of system installed, including studying as built blue prints.  Then using visual inspections, camera inspections and other technology they will systematically rule out possible causes of the issue until the real cause is found.  In some cases, it may be a septic system failure of one or more components of the system, while in other cases it may be a blockage in one or more pipes.  If it is a septic system failure, there will be a solution to fix it!

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Septic Services

May 6th, 2014 Posted in Septic Tank Pumping
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Homeowners and businesses alike with septic systems will require a number different septic services in order to keep their septic systems healthy and performing as designed.  Due to the generally high cost of septic repairs, it is in the best interest of the property owner to have periodic inspections, as well as periodic septic tank pumping.  In addition to being good sense to have these services performed, they are in most cases required by the health department of the county or city that the property is located in.

Periodic inspections often include a thorough examination of the septic system by a certified septic tank inspector.  In many cases the inspector will use a special camera, which allows a visual inspection of the entire system, including the tank.  During the inspection process, the inspector will be looking at the overall health of the system, as well as signs of backups and obstructions.  In addition, the inspection will measure the capacity level of septic scum and sludge, as well as to determine if the septic tank is cracked or leaking.  Upon completion of the inspection, a detailed inspection report will be provided to the property owner, as well as the applicable health department.

Depending upon the size and use of the system, it will be necessary to pump the septic tank every 3-5 years.  In many cases, septic tanks are not visible and the pumping company will need to first locate the tank in the yard, before the septic tank pumping can occur.  Once the tank is pumped, steps will need to be taken to restore the condition of the yard around the tank to complete the process.  As with any component of a commercial and residential property, septic systems require periodic inspections and maintenance to perform properly!

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