Signs that a Sewer Line is Clogged

August 16th, 2014 Posted in Sewer Lines
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Most people flush the toilet, take showers, brush their teeth, and rinse dishes without giving a moment’s thought to their sewer lines. The water is turned on, it goes down the drain, and the water is turned off. Simple as that. Right? Well, it is simple until a sewer drain clog happens. A sewer line clog is a very serious problem that can be considered a plumbing emergency. Water and waste have no place to go other than down the drain or coming back up into the household plumbing. A sewer line clog will only allow the wastewater to go one of those two ways – and that is where the emergency begins.

There are certain signs that indicate that there may be a sewer line clog. One very obvious sign is when multiple plumbing fixtures become clogged at the same time. If the toilet in one bathroom is clogged, the sink in the kitchen is clogged, and the washing machine suddenly won’t drain, it is time to call in the professionals.

Toilets have the most direct path to the sewer because of the type of waste that they handle. The largest drains lines in a home will be connected to the toilets, so if there is a problem with the sewer drain it will most likely show up in the toilets first. It is very rare to have a main line sewer clog where the toilets are still working properly. Toilets that do not flush or that result in water backing up are indicators that a sewer line is clogged.

If a house has a sewer line clog, members of the household should not use any of the plumbing in the home until the clog has been cleared. Serious health risks must be taken into consideration whenever sewage is involved. A professional plumber should clear a sewer line clog as quickly as possible.

Posted on behalf of Seagraves Plumbing Septic and Sewer

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Sewer Line Camera Inspections

August 16th, 2014 Posted in Sewer Lines
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Technology has improved almost every aspect of home building and home repairs. Years ago, if a home had a sewer problem inspectors had to use guess work in order to find the spot of trouble. They had to dig at different points on a sewer line until the exact point of trouble was found. Today, finding those trouble spots has become much easier with sewer cameras and locating equipment.

A sewer line camera inspection is a process where a plumbing company will run a video line down the branch lines (the pipes that lead from the bathtubs, toilets, and faucets to the house’s sewer line) in order to see close up details of the lines and to specifically locate the source of the problem. Each camera is equipped with a transmitter. When the video technician or plumber finds a blockage point, the camera will be stopped. The plumber or technician will go outside to ground level and wave a locating device until the device picks up the transmission signal. This allows him/her to spray a paint spot on the exact point of blockage so that the sewer trench will be dug in the correct spot.

Sewer line camera inspections can run anywhere from $99 to $300 depending on where a house is located and how much line must be run to find the point of blockage. While this price may seem high for some, being able to pinpoint the exact spot of trouble within a sewer line is actually much more cost effective than having the line dug into multiple times. By investing money into finding and repairing sewer problems at the source, homeowners can efficiently repair any issues. Sewer line camera inspections are great ways to save time and money in the long run.

Posted on behaf of Kiddco Plumbing, Inc.

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Why Do Septic Tanks Need to be Pumped?

August 16th, 2014 Posted in Septic Tank Pumping
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Regularly scheduled inspections and pump-outs are essential in the long-term care and function of a septic system. While improper use (i.e. allowing things to go down the drain that should not enter the system) is a common cause of septic tank failures, negating the responsibility of having a septic tank pumped regularly is also a huge cause of system failure. A septic tank is meant to handle only so much waste at a time and for a specific amount of time. Proper system maintenance is the responsibility of the homeowner, and by keeping maintenance as a priority homeowners can save money on costly repairs and promote the longevity of their septic systems.

Having the septic tank pumped every three to five years is one of the best ways to ensure that a septic system will last for its projected lifetime. The frequency of septic tank pumping will depend on the usage, number of people living in a home, and whether or not a garbage disposal is attached to the kitchen plumbing. Homes without a garbage disposal can typically go three to five years between pump-outs, while homes with a garbage disposal should have their tanks pumped every year.

Septic tanks need to be pumped so that the solid wastes inside of the tanks do not exceed a certain level. The bacteria that live inside a septic tank can only break down so much waste. After a few years, the waste will begin to override the capacity of the bacteria’s function to properly breakdown and dispose of it. Septic tank pumping will empty the tank of waste so that the bacteria can start over with the amount that they are required to handle.

Only licensed professionals should pump out a septic tank to ensure that it is done properly.

Posted on behalf of Bynum & Sons Plumbing, Inc.

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Septic Systems and Garbage Disposals

August 16th, 2014 Posted in Septic Tank Pumping
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Garbage disposals became a popular way of easily getting rid of leftover food particles and waste since their invention in 1927. Garbage disposals are devices installed under a kitchen sink between the sink’s drain and trap that shreds food into tiny pieces so that they will pass through a house’s plumbing. While most homeowners that have a septic system do not have a garbage disposal system, there are still about twenty five percent of homes that do. There are some conflicting reports on the safety of these two systems working together, but the majority consensus is that they are not ideally suited for one another.

A garbage disposal is not recommended to use in conjunction with a septic system because everything that leaves a house through the drains enter into the septic tank. While a septic tank is designed to continually break down the waste inside the tank, garbage disposals send a higher quantity of waste into the tank than a house without one. The more solids that are put into a septic tank, the more frequently septic tank pumping will be required to keep it functioning properly.

Typically, a septic tank only needs to be pumped every three to five years. However, a septic tank that must also handle the added waste of a garbage disposal system must be pumped every year for it to function properly. Septic tanks are designed to handle human waste and toilet paper. Everything else that enters will require more money and maintenance to keep the septic system working as it should.

Posted on behalf of Metro Septic and Plumbing

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Preventing Septic System Issues

August 16th, 2014 Posted in Septic Tank Pumping
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Septic systems are often taken for granted by homeowners. They flush, run water, wash laundry all without thinking about their septic systems. However, homeowners are responsible for maintaining their septic systems. With regular septic tank pumping and being aware of what goes down the drains in their home, homeowners can help protect their septic system for years and years to come.

Failing septic tanks are extremely costly to repair, so by preventing issues with their septic system homeowners can save money and a huge hassle. One of the most important things for homeowners to remember is that they should not flush chemicals down the drain. Chemicals that enter the drain can cause problems with the function of the septic system. Naturally occurring bacteria live in the system to help decompose solid materials. When chemicals are sent down the drain, they can upset the natural balance of bacteria by killing good bacteria that are there to make sure the septic tank continues to function properly.

Using too much water can also cause issues with a septic system. While septic tanks are designed to hold a certain amount of water, that water capacity is meant to be spread out over time. Therefore, it is better for a family of five to spread out their laundry washings over multiple days rather than saving all of their loads of laundry for one day. Heavy water usage can clog up the drain pipes leading into and out of the septic tank. Also, garbage disposal systems need to be designed to work with a septic system because ground food materials can also clog the drain pipes and drain field.

Properly using and maintaining a septic system can help to ensure that it will function properly for years. By taking simple measures homeowners can prevent expensive septic system issues.

Posted on behalf of Metro Septic and Plumbing

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Are Septic Additives Effective?

August 16th, 2014 Posted in Septic Tank Pumping
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There are a countless number of additives available for septic systems. They claim anything from helping to increase the number of healthy bacteria in the septic tank, breaking down waste faster, and keeping tanks “trouble free” right on the package. However, many people are asking the question of whether or not these septic additives are effective?

Research over the last decade has provided quite a bit of information in argument against adding anything to a septic system. In fact, in the state of Washington, legislature banned the use, sale, and distribution of septic tank additives.

Many of the products available on the shelves in popular home improvement stores contain bacteria and enzymes. These products claim that the wastewater in homes is less effective at producing bacteria because of cleaning solvents used in dishwashing, bathing, and laundry. However, research has shown the opposite to be true. Septic systems greatly exceed the numbers of naturally occurring bacteria as opposed to additives claiming to “produce more bacteria.” In fact, research has found that ingredients in commonly used additives can create even more problems because those ingredients were never meant to enter the septic system in the first place.

Instead of adding expensive additives that do not help a septic system (and may actually cause damage in the long run), by monitoring water usage and scheduling regular septic tank pumping, consumers can keep their tanks “trouble free” on their own.

Posted on behalf of Metro Septic and Plumbing

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Signs That a Septic System Needs Repair

August 16th, 2014 Posted in Septic System Maintenance
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A light flickers letting someone know that a blub is about to burn out. An electric toothbrush refuses to hold a charge long enough for a thorough tooth cleaning. A car sputters right before it runs out of gas. Most things in life give warning signs before an issue comes up; some of which are simple, and some of which are not. A septic system is one thing in life that people do not want to ignore any warning signs that an issue is about to arise. By knowing the warning signs, people can help to prevent major and costly repairs.

All septic systems are designed to remove wastewater from a home. It is designed to work on its own and to function for many years. However, there are some telltale signs that trouble is on the horizon with a septic system. Toilets that are slow to flush or do not flush all the way are signs that a drain (or drains) to the septic tank are clogged or blocked. Many times these drain lines can be cleared with a simple plumbing technique, but severe clogs or blockages may require professional help.

Foul odors coming out of the pipes within a home or from the yard where the septic tank is buried is a good indicator that the tank is cracked. Standing water in the drain field also indicates that there is a leak someone within the tank or draining pipes.

While all of these indicators are signs of trouble, by addressing them immediately people are often able to avoid extremely high costs in repairs. However, severe damage to a septic system cannot be ignored, as there are serious health concerns associated with improper disposal of waste. If any signs are apparent in a septic system that point to unwanted issues, have them resolved immediately to avoid a higher cost of repair.

Posted on behalf of Metro Septic and Plumbing

 

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Water Conservation and a Septic System

August 16th, 2014 Posted in Septic Tank Inspections
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Septic systems are designed to handle a certain amount of water. Proper sizing of a septic tank for a home is a huge component in ensuring that the system will last for twenty-five or thirty years. But more than just proper sizing, water conservation will also help to extend the life of a septic system. Septic systems function at their highest capacity when they are not overloaded with too much water. By taking just two simple steps, people can ensure that their water usage is appropriate for their home’s septic system.

First, it is important that there are no leaking pipes, faucets, toilets, shower or bath heads, or outside plumbing fixtures. It is a good idea to check the plumbing inside a home on a regular basis to make sure that the toilets are not constantly running, there is no drip constantly leaking water, etc. A small lead can add up very quickly. Making sure that water is not leaking or constantly running is a first step in water conservation.

Second, it is important for people to consider laundry when they are trying to determine their water usage. By adjusting the settings on a washer per load (small, medium, large), people can conserve water. Also, by doing one load per day instead of waiting to do all the laundry for a five person family on one single day, the amount of water that will be flushed into the septic tank will be a more consistent level instead of flooding it all at once.

These two steps of water conservation can make a huge difference in the performance of a septic system. By treating water as a valued resource that is meant to be managed, people can help to ensure that their septic systems last for many years.

Posted on behalf of Septic Service Pro

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Perc Tests

August 16th, 2014 Posted in Drain Field
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Before a septic system can be installed on a property, the soil must be tested to determine the conditions and suitability of land for a sewage disposal system. Perc tests refer to two functions performed for the testing: deep hole tests and percolation testing. Both of these types of testing require digging holes, one deep and one shallow. A board of health sanitarian or civil engineer will “read” the soil types and how well the soil accepts liquid to determine if they are suited for a septic system or not.

The term “Perc Test” comes from the word percolation. Once the shallow hole has been dug, water is poured into the hole to see at what rate the soil will accept liquid or how long it takes the level of water to go down within the hole. This rate is measured by “minutes per inch.” The perc rate will determine how many square feet of leaching area the septic system will need. The perc rate will be taken and then combined with the number of bedrooms to be built within a house. The number of bedrooms can be a sole determining factor on the size of a required septic tank. The number of people within a home determines the size of a septic system because they must all be accounted for in regards to how much waste the system can manage.

A perc test is required before a septic system can be installed onto a piece of property. This is a test to determine the absorption rate of soil for a septic drain field or “leach field.” The results of a percolation test are required to properly design a septic system. While every jurisdiction will have its own laws regarding the exact calculations for the length of line, depth of pit, etc., the testing procedures are the same.

Posted on behalf of Septic Service Pro

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Drain Fields

August 16th, 2014 Posted in Drain Field
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There are four main components of a septic tank system, and all of these components must work together for the septic tank to function properly. A septic tank is a large, buried tank that collects wastewater from an individual home. The tank may hold upwards of 1,000 gallons of water depending on the size of the home. Wastewater flows into the tank at one end and leaves the tank at the other end. The water inside the septic tank separates into layers: the top layer is the scum layer, the bottom layer is the “sludge” layer, and in between these two layers is fairly clear waste water. All three of these layers inside the septic tank are important and must function properly in order for the septic tank to continually displace water into the drain field.

A drain field is an area beyond the septic tank where the fairly clear wastewater is passed and treated. The drain field is made of perforated pipes buried in trenches filled with gravel. As the water passes through the perforated pipes, water escapes through the holes in the pipes and is filtered through the gravel and dirt that is within the trenches. As the water is passed through these natural filters, contaminants and impurities are removed from the wastewater. This ensures that the wastewater that has left the house and entered the septic system is safe to enter the supply of ground water.

Although many people typically do not put a lot of thought into their septic systems and drain fields until there is a problem, a properly functioning septic system is a work of art. It performs strictly on the basis of gravity, and it naturally functions to clean the water so that it is safe to reenter the ground. With proper installation and care of a septic system, a drain field will function efficiently 25-30 years.

Posted on behalf of Septic Service Pro

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