How Long Will My Septic System Last?

December 5th, 2014 Posted in Septic System Maintenance
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Installing a new septic system can set a homeowner back several thousand dollars, or more. It’s a major and necessary investment into a home where city sewer connection is not an option. Anyone who is buying a new home with a septic, or who already has a home with a septic system, may be wondering how long they can expect their system to last before it needs to be replaced. The good news is that many homeowners have been using the same septic system for decades by keeping up with regular maintenance.

Making Your Septic System Last

As a general rule, a well-maintained septic system can last up to thirty years. Many homes have systems that are even older, with repairs and replacement of certain components as needed. The trick to making your septic system last is knowing how to maintain your system. Considering the cost of replacement, it’s well worth the money and time spent on meticulous maintenance. To promote a long lasting septic system, try keeping up with the following tasks:

–        Pumping. Make sure your septic tank is pumped as needed. A full tank can cause several problems, including a septic backup.

–        Protect your drain field. You drain field is essential to your septic system. Keep all vehicles, equipment and even foot traffic off your drain field.

–        Watch your waste. Reducing your water use and regulating what’s put down the drain can extend the life of your septic system. Keep in mind, everything that gets flushed or put down your drains must be processed by your system.

–        Inspections. Have your system inspected at least every year. Your local septic service company can check all the components and replace parts as necessary. Many companies offer a service or maintenance plan, which can keep your system on scheduled maintenance for a fair cost.

Posted on behalf of:
Septic Service Pro, LLC
Peachtree Street NW
Atlanta, GA 30334
(678) 292-8728

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New Septic System Owner Basics

December 5th, 2014 Posted in Septic Tank Pumping
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If you have recently purchased a home with a septic system, you may be at a loss when it comes to how to care for your system. A septic system requires a higher level of maintenance by homeowners than being on a city sewer system. However, with some help from a trusted septic service company, you can keep your system running smoothly, without any major mishaps. Here are a few septic basics that every homeowner needs to know.

–        Drain field. Your septic system will have some sort of drain or leach field. A mound system will be easy to spot as it is above ground. A traditional drain field is only a few inches under the ground and needs to be protected. Keep vehicles and heavy equipment away from this area.

–        What goes down, must come out. All solid waste must be pumped out of your septic tank eventually. Learn not to put solid items like food, paper and other debris down your drains and toilets. Also, reducing your water use can help extend the life of your septic system.

–        Regular maintenance. Your septic system will need regular maintenance. The easiest solution for those who are new to owning a septic system is to hire a septic service company to keep up with these vital tasks. Many septic companies offer specialized programs designed to inspect and perform regular maintenance on your septic system throughout the year.

–        Know the signs of a septic program. Talk to your septic professional about common signs of a septic problem. These can include wet areas or pooling in your drain field, foul odors and slow drains. Catching these issues quickly can prevent a septic failure, which can cost thousands of dollars for repair or complete replacement.

Posted on behalf of:
A-Flo Free Septic
Lawrenceville, GA
(770) 927-7926

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Pump Your Septic Tank Before The Holidays

December 5th, 2014 Posted in Septic Tank Pumping
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The holidays bring with them plenty of fun times and great food with family and friends. This can also mean extra people staying in your home with a heavy strain on your septic system. More people means more showers, dishes, laundry and toilet use that all goes through your septic system. Before grandpa, grandma and the rest of the relatives arrive, now is the time to schedule a septic tank pumping.

Is Your Septic Tank Full?

There is no set rule which dictates how often you need to have your septic tank pumped. While some homes will only need a septic tank pumping every 3-4 years, others will need one every year. It all depends on the size of your tank, the amount of people living in your home and how much waste goes down the drain. How much time has elapsed since your last pumping is only one indicator of whether it is time to pump your tank.

The best way to avoid a septic backup during the holidays due to a full septic tank is to have your tank inspected and pumped if needed. Keep in mind that even if it is not completely full now, a household of guests for several days could fill it up very quickly. It is easier to have a preventive pumping done than to deal with a backup when you are trying to enjoy the holidays with your family.

Call your local septic service company to schedule a maintenance inspection now. They can ensure your entire system is ready for the extra strain, including pumping your septic tank if necessary.

Posted on behalf of:
Metro Septic LLC
1210 N Tennessee St
Cartersville, GA 30120
(678) 873-7934

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What Is A Septic D-Box?

December 5th, 2014 Posted in Septic System
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One of the many components found in traditional septic systems is a distribution box, or d-box. This is a small collection box located between the septic tank and the drain field, usually only a few feet wide and long with a few different outlet which disperse affluent to different areas in the drain field that comes from the septic tank.

D-Box Basics

Many d-boxes are made from concrete, but they can also be made from fiberglass or plastic. The box will have several outlets, as well as an inlet from the septic tank. The d-box must be sealed, with a removable lid. Specifications for installation may vary in different states, counties and cities, but most boxes are put in the ground, no more than 12 inches from the surface.

The importance of the d-box is in the distribution of affluent. This spreads the affluent to several different drain pipes, which allow the affluent to be properly filtered through the soil. Never remove a d-box without replacing it with a new box. Your local septic service company can install a new box or repair it.

A leaking or flooding d-box is the most common problem with this component. Most flooding issues are a problem with the drain field, not the box. Leaks can happen as the box corrodes though, creating a need for replacement. If you notice pooling or flooding around your d-box, you should call your septic professional immediately. Problems with the d-box can lead to destruction of your drain field and end in expensive septic system failures. Your septic service technician can offer solutions for replacement or repair.

Posted on behalf of:
A-Flo Free Septic
Lawrenceville, GA
(770) 927-7926

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Power Outages Can Cause Sump Pump Problems

December 5th, 2014 Posted in Sump Pumps and Ejector Pumps
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Winter storms are notorious for cutting out power to your home. While families worry about staying warm, providing light and protecting their perishable food, there is another area in the home which may be affected by the lack of power. Sump pumps also work off electricity, so a power outage can also stop drainage in moisture prone areas when it’s most needed –during wet weather. If you have a sump pump for your home, it may be time to invest in a battery backup sump pump for those nasty power outages.

How Battery-Powered Sump Pumps Work

As a backup to a regular submersible sump pump, a second pump can be added that runs on a rechargeable battery. The benefit is that when the power goes out, this second pump is ready to take over pumping water away from the home’s foundation and basement. The battery is automatically charged whenever the power is on, so when the power goes out, the second sump pump’s battery is fully charged and can work for several hours.

Most backup sump pumps are set with a higher water level than the main pump. Once the water reaches this higher set point, the secondary sump pump will turn on to begin removing the excessive water. This can be a handy system to have for any homes with a basement in areas prone to heavy precipitation.

If you have every experienced a wet basement after a power outage, you may be a perfect candidate for a battery backup sump pump. Talk to your local sewer-septic professional about installing a secondary sump pump with battery power to keep your basement dry during the next power outage.

Posted on behalf of:
Kiddco Plumbing Inc
Sterling, VA
(703) 435-4441

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Do Your Have The Right Size Septic System For Your Family?

December 5th, 2014 Posted in Septic Tank Pumping
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When a new septic system is installed, it must be rated to handle the size of home it’s servicing. However, many home builders may choose to install the smallest system necessary. If you have a large family, you may be pushing your septic to its limit. This means you will need to have your tank pumped more often, and most likely will need more maintenance performed. When all factors are considered, it may be a wise investment to upgrade your system to a larger size.

Do You Need A Bigger Septic Tank?

The biggest difference in septic system sizes is the tank. When determining what size tank to install for a home, most builders base this on the number of bedrooms and total square footage of the home. However, many homes have additions built over time, or may have more people living in the home than was originally planned. This could mean that the tank is much too small for the current family living in the home.

Some indicators that it may be time to upgrade your septic tank size include:

–        Your family has grown by two or more people

–        Your septic tank needs to be pumped every year

–        You have remodeled or added rooms to your home

Upgrading your septic system is not as expensive as installing a new septic system. Many of the same components can be still used with a larger tank. Upgrading can save you money in the long room on maintenance and repairs, plus add value to your home. Discuss the option of upgrading your septic tank with your local septic service company.

Posted on behalf of:
Hunter’s Septic Service
Nesbit, MS
(662) 429-1686

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Avoid Holiday Sewer Emergencies

December 5th, 2014 Posted in Sewer Lines
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Some of the busiest days of the year for sewer, septic and plumbing professionals are during the winter holiday season. From Thanksgiving through the New Year celebration, families all across the country are cooking huge meals, and giving their kitchen and bathroom plumbing a workout. Unfortunately, all this heavy use can end in a sewer drain backup if you’re not careful, making for a particularly unpleasant holiday memory. Here are a few tips to reduce the chance of a holiday sewer emergency:

–        Take care of your garbage disposal. While cooking large holiday meals, the garbage disposal is used heavily. Make sure to run water when using the disposal to rinse any residual fat or particles down the drain. Processing ice with very small pieces of lemon peel through the disposal can help sharpen the blades and deodorize.

–        Keep fatty foods out of your drains. Do not rinse greasy pans, plates or utensils down the drain. Scrape all excess fat and debris into the garbage, and wipe with a paper towel. Any fat or grease can cause clogs in your plumbing or sewer pipes.

–        Use a sink container. To prevent guests from putting food and fats down your kitchen sink, put container inside your sink for catching food particles. You can easily dump this container outside and keep all the food debris out of your drains and sewer system.

The better care you take of your plumbing and sewer drains throughout the holidays, the less chance you will have a holiday sewer emergency.  It’s worth a few preventive measures to keep your sewer and plumbing working properly while you enjoy time with your friends and family.

Posted on behalf of:
Bynum & Sons Plumbing, Inc.
2120 McDaniels Bridge Rd SW
Lilburn, GA 30047
(770) 736-8283

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Prevent Home Sewer Backups

December 5th, 2014 Posted in Sewer Lines
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With the busy weeks and months ahead, the last thing you need in your home is a sewer backup. Unfortunately, sewer backups can happen at the most inconvenient time, even during a holiday gathering. The best way to ensure your life isn’t rudely interrupted with an expensive sewer backup is to follow a few simple prevention tricks. Keep these tips in mind to keep sewer backups from ruining your holiday season:

–        Keep your drains clean. Clogs can happen both in your indoor plumbing pipes and your sewer lines. The best way to avoid large clogs which can lead to a sewer backup is to keep your drains clear of certain materials. Never allow coffee grounds, grease, oils, fibrous vegetables, egg shells, rice or pasta be put down your drains.

–        Be careful what you flush. One of the most common causes of sewer backups are items flushed down the toilet. Don’t flush any paper products, except toilet paper. Keep feminine hygiene products, cotton swabs, wipes and other paper items out of the toilet.

–        Make sure to have a functioning backwater prevention valve. A backwater prevention valve keeps sewage from  making its way back into your home. Your local sewer professional can install a backwater prevention valve into your home.

–        Have a video inspection done on your sewer pipes. A preventive inspection can alert you to problems before they become a sewer emergency, including a sewer backup. Schedule your video inspection today with your local sewer service company.

These few easy tips can save your holidays from being upset by a sewer backup or emergency. Keep your pipes clear and have a happy holiday season!

Posted on behalf of:
Seagraves Plumbing Sewer & Septic
4980 Plant Atkinson Rd SE
Smyrna, GA 30080
(494) 792-2221

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Sewer Line Clogs Versus Broken Pipes

December 5th, 2014 Posted in Sewer Lines
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The two most common sewer emergencies are sewer line clogs or broken sewer pipes. Both are extremely frustrating for any homeowner; however, the signs and symptoms are usually different. Knowing what to look for can help you determine what may be wrong, even though both will most likely require a call to a sewer professional to get the problem fixed.

Clogged Or Backed Up Sewer Lines

A sewer line clog can be caused by several factors. Just like any plumbing pipes, sewer pipes can become clogged by grease, oil, hair, food and paper products that are put down the drain. Another common culprit is tree roots; the moisture in sewer pipes attract roots to penetrate the pipes and block the flow of waste.

A clogged sewer line usually results in several drains beginning to backup with sewage. These usually start at the lower level drains. At the first sign of your drains beginning to backup, call a sewer professional to inspect your sewer lines for a clog.

Broken Sewer Pipes

Sewer pipes, especially older clay or cast iron, can break or crack from weight, ground shifts, tree root invasion or corrosion. Once the pipe is compromised, sewer can begin to leak out of the pipes and into your yard. While it can sometimes be accompanied by a sewer backup, usually the first signs are areas of wet earth over the broken pipes or a foul sewer odor in the home’s yard.

The best way to find the clog or break is to have a video camera inspection done by your sewer service company. They can offer you options for how best to repair or replace the pipes, to get your sewer pipes back in perfect working order.

Posted on behalf of:
Metro Septic LLC
1210 N Tennessee St
Cartersville, GA 30120
(678) 873-7934

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Can Any Sewer Line Be Replaced Using Trenchless Technology?

December 5th, 2014 Posted in Sewer Lines
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If you’ve ever seen a sewer line being replaced or repaired in the traditional method, you know it can require a substantial amount of digging and can do damage to surrounding landscaping. For many decades, sewer pipes were dug up, either by hand or with a backhoe, to remove old pies and install new ones. New technology now allows sewer lines to be replaced with a trenchless method, which requires very little digging. Still, there are some circumstances in which trenchless repair isn’t feasible.

When Trenchless Sewer Replacement Is Not An Option

Trenchless sewer line replacement uses a bursting head to shatter the existing pipe, while pulling a new pipe into place. This only requires digging a small hole to insert the equipment into the existing sewer line, causing very little disruption to the homeowner’s property. While this is becoming the preferred method for sewer line replacements, there are certain sewer pipes which will require the traditional digging method, such as:

–        Sewer lines with a poor grade

–        Pipes located too close to gas or utility lines

–        Pipes that have an extreme tree root infestation

–        Certain soil conditions or municipality regulations

In most cases, trenchless sewer line replacement offers a convenient way to have a new sewer line installed without the mess of digging. If you are considering replacing any of your existing sewer lines, before deciding which method to use, have your sewer line inspected by a qualified sewer professional.  Your sewer professional can determine whether your property is a good candidate for trenchless sewer repair, or advise you about other available sewer line replacement options.

Posted on behalf of:
Septic Service Pro, LLC
Peachtree Street NW
Atlanta, GA 30334
(678) 292-8728

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