Caring For Your Septic Tank

September 27th, 2014 Posted in Septic Tank Pumping
Comments Off on Caring For Your Septic Tank

One of the most important components of your septic system is the holding tank. Used to hold your sewage water before it’s filtered out to your drainfield, your septic tank is more than just a pit to hold waste in the ground. It treats all the waste that comes from your home, allowing naturally-occuring bacteria to break down the biodegradable components, while separating solid waste from liquid. To keep the tank working efficiently, some regular maintenance and care is required. Here are a few tips to care for your tank: 

  • Annual inspections. Schedule an inspection once a year with a professional septic service company for your tank. Your technician can check the bacteria content, the moving components and ensure the tank is working effectively.
     
  • Limit solid waste. What goes down your drains or is flushed down the toilet ends up in your septic tank. Keep your tank free of non-biodegradable items to reduce the wear and tear on your tank and system, as well as reducing the amount of waste that will need to be pumped.
     
  • Limit the amount of waste water. Not all waste water needs to go into your septic tank. Divert gray water from your sump pump and other non-toxic water sources to drain elsewhere, instead of through your septic tank.
     
  • Pump regularly. How often you need to pump your septic tank depends on its size, as well as how much waste is filtered through the tank by your household. Your septic service company will check your tank level during your annual inspection to advise you about when you need to have your tank pumped. 

By caring for your septic tank, you can extend the life of your tank and septic system, plus reduce the amount of repairs and emergency septic problems you encounter along the way. It’s worth the investment in regular maintenance to save you time and money off septic issues in the future.

Posted on behalf of Find Local Sewer Septic

 

, ,
Read More

Did Summer Fun Add Extra Stress To Your Septic System?

September 27th, 2014 Posted in Septic System
Comments Off on Did Summer Fun Add Extra Stress To Your Septic System?

While the warmest season is full of fun and games, there are many summer activities which may have left your septic system strained by the time Labor Day comes around. Kids are home from school, using the shower, toilets and other water appliances throughout the day for months on end. In addition, summer often is an excellent time for family and friend gatherings, adding to the stress put on the septic system. When autumn arrives. it’s time to give your system a thorough inspection, making sure it is ready for the winter months ahead. 

Fall Septic Maintenance

The heavy use of your plumbing fixtures over the summer may have taken its toll on your septic system, making fall the perfect time to schedule an annual inspection and septic maintenance. Before the winter months arrive, with more holidays and heavy plumbing use, it is prudent to ensure your septic is in tip-top shape. Some maintenance that may be needed include: 

  • Inspection. Your septic professional can perform a full inspection of your septic to ensure all the components are working properly. This can include checking the level of waste in the tank, the tank’s bacteria content and the drainfield for any issues.
     
  • Septic tank pumping. Heavy use may have added more than the normal amount of waste water to your septic tank. Although most tanks only need to be pumped about every three years, a busy summer can make it necessary to pump sooner than expected.
     
  • Filter cleaning. Most septic filters should be cleaned every year. 

Give your septic the care it needs after it has worked hard all summer. Annual maintenance can reduce emergency repairs, as well as extending the life of your septic system. A small investment in maintaining your septic now can save you thousands of dollars in the future.

Posted on behalf of Find Local Sewer Septic

, ,
Read More

Did Your Drainfield Grass Stay Green All Summer?

September 27th, 2014 Posted in Drain Field
Comments Off on Did Your Drainfield Grass Stay Green All Summer?

By late August, many lawns are withering away under the hot summer sun, turning yellow and brown in the heat. If you noticed that the grass above your drain or leach field stayed green all summer, however, it may not actually be a good sign. Flourishing grass looks great, but it’s also one of the signs that there may be a problem in your septic system’s drainfield, which may need immediate repair before it fails completely. 

Signs Of Drainfield Problems

Greener grass in the area of your lawn covering your drainfield isn’t the only sign of a potential problem. There are several indicators which should be taken as a warning it’s time to call a local septic professional. Should a drainfield fail, it will more than likely need to be completely replaced, at high costs to homeowners. If problems are detected and addressed early, though, repair is generally an option. Some signs, in addition to abnormally healthy grass, to be aware of include: 

  • Odor. One of the easiest to detect and most noticeable signs of impending failure is the distinct odor a drainfield gives off when it’s not working correctly. If you catch a whiff of unpleasant odor on the breeze, you may want to take a closer look at your drainfield.
     
  • Wet areas. The reason for the green grass during the hottest months of the year may be attributed to excess moisture on the ground surface. Although great for the grass, it is not a good sign for your septic system, as that water should be draining down through the field. 

If any of these signs are present, call your septic professional for a full inspection. There may be options to fix the system instead of replacing, which can save you thousands of dollars.

Posted on behalf of Find Local Sewer Septic

, ,
Read More

Determining Where Your Pipes Are Clogged

September 27th, 2014 Posted in Sewer Lines
Comments Off on Determining Where Your Pipes Are Clogged

When you notice you have a slow draining sink or shower, your first thought will likely be a clogged drain pipe, which is true in most cases. However, there are times when you try plunging a drain or even snaking out a clog, yet the drain continues to be slow. It may be that your clogged drain isn’t just under your sink, or even in your home. You may have a clogged sewer line. 

Troubleshooting A Clogged Sewer Pipes

If you aren’t sure whether you have an interior pipe or an exterior sewer pipe which may be clogged, there are a few ways to troubleshoot and perhaps better determine where the clog is located. Although any clogged pipe will cause one slow drain, sewer pipe clogs will cause drains throughout the house to  eventually back up. The first signs include: 

  • Lowest drains. The first drains to be affected by a sewer pipe clog will be those at the lowest level of the house. In other words, if the only sink in your home that is not draining is upstairs, then it is most likely an interior clogged pipe.
     
  • Odor. A sewer clog can cause a distinct sewage odor in your home, especially through the drains closest to the outdoors.
     
  • Multiple slow drains. If you noticed your toilet, sink and shower are all draining slow at the same time, it is time to call your local sewer service professional. 

Knowing which drain is clogged is the first step to fixing the problem. If it is a sewer pipe, many clogs can be cleared with the use of techniques like hydrojetting, offered by your sewer professional.

Posted on behalf of Find Local Sewer Septic

, ,
Read More

Do You Have Basement Flooding Issues?

September 27th, 2014 Posted in Sump Pumps and Ejector Pumps
Comments Off on Do You Have Basement Flooding Issues?

Basements are notorious for flooding, from slight leaking to several inches of water covering the floor. Although there are options like sealing basement walls or even completing expensive foundation repairs which can sometimes alleviate basement flooding, the most cost effective option is adding a sump pump and pit. If you’ve been having problems with water seeping into your basement, it may be time to invest in a sump pit and pump. 

How A Sump Pump Works

In homes with basements, installation of a sump pump and pit is fairly common. If, for some reason, this installation was not completed at the time of construction, your property may be susceptible to water leaks. Sump pits are typically build at the floor level of a basement, creating an area in which excess moisture can collect and be discarded once the water level reaches a predesignated point. The water level rises, the sump pump is activated, and water is pumped away from the foundation and other vulnerable areas of a home. 

A sump pump and pit is a necessity in homes with basements located in regions where heavy rains or flooding are common. This is a worthwhile investment for homeowners, especially considering the damage basement flooding can do to furnishings and personal property and the potential for foundation deterioration. 

Don’t spend another winter with a wet basement. If your home lacks a sump pump and pit for your basement, it’s time to call your local septic or sewer contractor. They can recommend the type of sump pump which will work best for your home, and professionally install it before the wet winter weather hits.

Posted on behalf of Find Local Sewer Septic

, ,
Read More

Do You Know What’s Being Flushed Into Your Septic Tank?

September 27th, 2014 Posted in Septic Tank Pumping
Comments Off on Do You Know What’s Being Flushed Into Your Septic Tank?

Talk to any septic repair service technician, and they will likely have humorous stories of items they’ve found in septic systems. Of course, these stories are only funny if you’re not the homeowner paying the service bill. Although you may be aware of the more common items which should not go down your drains or be flushed, sometimes it’s the uncommon items that can be the biggest problem. 

Items That Are Found In Septic Tanks

Anything which is not biodegradable should not be going into your septic system. Even some food items, like fibrous vegetables, grease and egg shells, should stay out of your garbage disposals and your septic tank. However, there are some items which still find their way into the septic tank, usually through the larger drain in your toilet, such as: 

  • Toys. Kids love to play with toys in water, even if that water is in the toilet. It can be even more fun to watch rubber ducky disappear down the funnel, into your plumbing and eventually to the septic tank. Make sure the kids in your home are educated about what can and what cannot go into the toilet.
     
  • Personal items. Birth control devices and feminine hygiene products are often found in full septic tanks, in larger quantities than you would think. These personal items can quickly clog and cause other problems in the system.
     
  • Washcloths. You would not think that towels or washcloths would make it into the toilet, yet they do on a fairly common basis. Needless to say, these items will quickly cause problems in your septic system. 

The best way to avoid these issues is to educate your family, friends and guests about what can be flushed down the toilet. Creating a friendly reminder sign for your bathroom, especially when you have multiple guests, may help remedy the problem. 

Posted on behalf of Find Local Sewer Septic

, ,
Read More

Fall Sewer Line Maintenance

September 27th, 2014 Posted in Sewer Lines
Comments Off on Fall Sewer Line Maintenance

Now that summer is in the rear view mirror, it’s time to think about the winter months ahead. For homeowners, there is a laundry list of items which need to be addressed before the weather changes. One thing that may not come to mind, though, is sewer lines for your home. Still, ensuring your sewer lines are ready for winter can eliminate sewer problems during the cooler months and prevent sewer repairs. 

Sewer Line Maintenance Tips For Fall

There are several problems which can occur during the winter due to freezing temperatures. Even in regions with warmer weather, a cold snap can harm sewer pipes or septic systems. The best solution is to ensure the system is ready to handle the coming winter weather. This can include: 

  • Pipe inspection. Have your sewer pipes inspected to ensure there are no blockages or cracks in the pipes. Most sewer companies now offer digital camera inspections, where you and your sewer-septic professional can view the interiors of your pipes to identify any problems.
     
  • Have blockages removed. If tree roots or sludge have started to block your sewer lines, have these blockages cleared with a thorough pipe cleaning. Many sewer services use hydrojetting equipment to safely clean sewer pipes.
     
  • Repairs. If there are any cracks or breaks in the sewer pipes, get them fixed now before the winter months. Ask your sewer-septic contractor about options like trenchless sewer line replacement or pipe relining. 

Hard freezes can cause many plumbing and sewer problems. Preventive maintenance on your sewer lines can help reduce the chance of winter sewer problems, saving you money on emergency repairs.

Posted on behalf of Find Local Sewer Septic

, ,
Read More

New Home? Consider Costs Of Septic Versus Sewer

September 27th, 2014 Posted in Sewer Lines
Comments Off on New Home? Consider Costs Of Septic Versus Sewer

If you’re shopping for a new home, you have many considerations which factor into the home you will eventually buy. One important factor that may not be at the top of your list is the sewer system the home uses, either a city sewer connection or a septic system. If you have your heart set on a rural home, you may not have a choice other than to opt for a home with a septic system. If you’ve created a short list of homes in which you are interested, some with city sewer and others with septic systems, take time to consider the long-term costs. 

Septic System Maintenance

A septic system requires ongoing maintenance by the homeowner to continue functioning properly. This means regular inspections, possible chemical infusions and pumping of the septic tank. However, there is the benefit of not needing to pay a monthly fee to use your septic system, unlike city sewer. If you’re concerned with maintaining the septic system, most septic service companies offer affordable maintenance packages to care for the system on a annual or quarterly basis. 

Sewer System Benefits

There is no doubt that city sewer is easier for the homeowner in most cases. Still, you will often pay more for a home on a sewer line versus the same home featuring a septic system, plus the monthly utility charge. Situation on a municipal sewer line does absolve you from some responsibility regarding your own sewage treatment, though the repair and replacement of sewer lines on the owner’s property are still the responsibility of the homeowner. 

Most home buyers may prefer to purchase a home with a city sewer. yet a home with a septic system may be a better value. Don’t discount a home just because it has a septic system. Find out the age of the septic system, then have an inspection done before making any decisions. You may find that, in some cases, the home with a septic system is a better value.

Posted on behalf of Find Local Sewer Septic

, ,
Read More

What Is A Sewer Backflow Prevention Device?

September 27th, 2014 Posted in Backflow Prevention
Comments Off on What Is A Sewer Backflow Prevention Device?

Having access to the city sewer system is convenient for homeowners, considering the lower maintenance requirements in comparison to owning a septic system. Still, there is a possibility that the main sewer lines that you depend on every day can become clogged. When this happens, the waste you flushed or put down the drain can come flowing back into your home unless you have a working backflow prevention device. 

How A Backflow Prevention Device Works

Most homes on city sewer should be built with a backflow prevention device (BPD) and cleanout to protect the home from backup sewer lines problems. If a major clog forms in the main sewer line, the waste from your home can have nowhere to go, forcing it back up into your home. A BPD will detect the backup and allow the waste to overflow through the cleanout. instead of into your home. 

Most backup prevention devices need to be installed by a sewer contractor. There are a few different types, including spring-loaded, gravity and self-locking pop-ups, as well as mushroom types. Which device is best suited to your property will depend on how close the home is to the main sewer line. Your local sewer service contractor can help you determine which type is best for your home. 

A sewer backup is more than just an inconvenience. It can cause extensive water damage to your home and contamination issues. If you’re not sure whether you have a BPD, or are having issues with backup sewage into your home, call your local sewer contractor to schedule an appointment. They can inspect your existing system and make sure you have the protection you need for main line sewer backup problems.

Posted on behalf of Find Local Sewer Septic

, ,
Read More

What Type Of Sewer Pipes Do You Have Under Your Yard?

September 27th, 2014 Posted in Sewer Lines
Comments Off on What Type Of Sewer Pipes Do You Have Under Your Yard?

If you’re on city sewer, you may have no idea what type of sewer pipes you have, or even a general estimate of their age. Are they clay, plastic or cast iron, or have they been replaced with newer material? Although it’s not strictly necessary to know the material of which your pipes are made, this information can give you an idea of how long they’ll last. Each type of pipe has its merits,but each also comes with its own set of drawbacks and possible repair issues. 

Types Of Sewer Pipes And Problems

The most common sewer pipes in homes built at least ten years ago are made from clay, cast-iron or plastic. Of course, regardless of what type of pipe was used when the home was built, there may be new piping which has been installed in recent years, including trenchless piping made from high- density polyethylene (HDPE). Some of the common issues with the main three types of sewer pipes include: 

  • Clay. Clay piping was very popular for many years before plastic piping became prevalent in the late 1960’s. Although durable, clay is also porous, attracting tree roots to their surface. These pipes can be cracked from invasive roots, splitting them open at the joints.
     
  • Cast-iron. Cast-iron has been used for sewer pipes since the 1800’s, due to its strength and longevity. It can last for a hundred years or more, which means many older homes still have cast-iron. The main issue is that very few sewer repair companies have the tools or skills to repair this type of piping, which means it usually needs to be replaced.
     
  • Plastic. PVC and ABS are very common pipes used in underground sewer lines and interior plumbing. It is resistant to root invasion, but is not as strong under pressure or weight. 

Regardless of the type of pipe you have under your yard, your local sewer service company will have options when it comes to repair or replacement.

Posted on behalf of Find Local Sewer Septic

 

, ,
Read More
Older Entries

Find Local Company | Find Local Sewer Septic Services