Root Sewer Pipe Invasion -What Is Going on Under Your Lawn?

March 13th, 2016 Posted in Drain Cleaning
Comments Off on Root Sewer Pipe Invasion -What Is Going on Under Your Lawn?

When you look out at your yard, it may look peaceful, even pleasant. The green grass, your beautiful trees – everything looks perfectly healthy and in place. However, there may be a war going on beneath your lawn between your sewer pipes and tree roots. Those relentless roots want what’s inside your sewer pipes and they won’t stop until they find a crevice or crack to squirm their way inside, making a mess out of your sewer lines.

Large trees and sewer lines just don’t mix, especially if you have older sewer pipes. Jointed pipes are bound to corrode and crack over time, allowing just enough space for tree roots to take hold. Tree roots can split apart giant boulders, so a few inches of piping are nothing for them to crack open if given time.

So what is the solution? You can have tree roots cleaned out of your sewer pipes by a professional using hydrojetting, but that is only a temporary fix. To rid yourself of the problem, you need to consider more permanent options such as:

  • Replace old pipes.  Replacing older fitted pipes with seamless piping such as polyethelyne pipes can prevent tree root invasion. If they are beginning to crack and corrode, this may need to be done eventually.
  • Relining pipes. A less expensive option to replacing pipes is relining the interiors with a seamless barrier. Many sewer companies offer this service.
  • Tree removal. Removing the trees is an option, but not one that most homeowners want to consider. Fixing the pipe problem is often a more viable solution.

Not sure if you have a root invasion problem? Call your local sewer company for a professional camera inspection of your sewer pipes. It is the best way to see what is going on under your lawn and determine whether your sewer pipes are holding up against root invasion.

Call your local sewer professional to discuss ways to prevent future damage to your sewer lines from your beautiful trees.

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

, ,
Read More

Handling a Sewer Backup Emergency

March 13th, 2016 Posted in Drain Cleaning
Comments Off on Handling a Sewer Backup Emergency

If you read a post on social media that one of your friends or family is dealing with a sewer backup, you immediately cringe and can empathize with their frustration. Even if you have been lucky enough not to go through it in your own home, you can imagine the discomfort of the situation. A sewer backup can cause extensive damage to your home, as well as cause a health hazard. Knowing how to handle these situations can help you get through them quicker and without injury to your family. Here are some tips to handle a sewer backup effectively.

  • Call a professional right away.  A sewer backup is a true emergency – don’t wait to call a professional, even if it is in the middle of the night. Many plumbers and sewer services are on call 24/7.
  • Prevent electrical shock. Be aware of the potential of electric shock if water is on the floors. If possible, turn off the electrical breaker to the affected rooms and don’t use electrical equipment when in standing water.
  • Prevent exposure to raw sewage water. Sewer water is full of potentially harmful bacteria, making it dangerous to your family. Until it can be cleaned thoroughly, keep everyone including pets away from the area, staying elsewhere if possible.
  • Expect clean up expenses. A severe sewer backup may require professional removal. It is critical that all the moisture is removed to prevent mold growth and that all surfaces are decontaminated for your family’s safety.

Though no one wants to experience a sewer backup, they do happen. However, many can be prevented with regular sewer or septic system inspections. Talk to your local plumber or sewer professional about what you can do to prevent sewer backups in your home.

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

, ,
Read More

Understanding the Different Types of Septic Systems

March 13th, 2016 Posted in Septic System
Comments Off on Understanding the Different Types of Septic Systems

Most people don’t spend much time thinking about septic systems, but if you own one or are considering installing one on your property, there is a lot to know. First of all, there are many types to choose from, mostly put into one of two categories, conventional or alternative. Understanding the differences can help you make more informed decisions when adding or replacing a system in the future.

Conventional Septic Systems

When most people think of a septic system, conventional systems with a septic tank and drain field is what comes to mind. These can be designed using either gravity or pressure, changing how the water is distributed to the drain field. Conventional systems have for many years used a gravity flow system to move waste water from the septic tank to the drain field. Newer conventional sewer systems are often designed using a pressure system, pumping waste water to evenly disperse throughout the drain field.

Alternative Septic Systems

When conventional septic systems are not possible or allowed in certain regions, many people turn to alternative options. There are also environmental reasons to consider alternative septic systems over conventional. Some types of alternative options include:

  • Mound system.  For areas with poor soil quality, a mound system creates drain fields above the ground for treatment.
  • Aerobic Treatment Unit (ATU). An ATU uses oxygen process solids to a further extent within the septic tank, releasing cleaner waste water that requires less treatment.
  • Sand filter systems. A sand filtration system uses a man-made box containing sand and gravel to treat waste water before it is release into the drain field.

All these septic systems have merit; it just depends on what is right for your home or business. To determine which is the best for your needs, talk to your local septic professional.

All  would work best for your property. There are also other proprietary systems that may be a good fit for your needs.

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

, ,
Read More

Building a Successful Drain Field

March 13th, 2016 Posted in Drain Field
Comments Off on Building a Successful Drain Field

Creating a solid, durable drain field depends on many factors. Many homes and businesses have had drain fields that last for decades, yet other drain fields fail in just a few years. How long your septic drain field will last is dependent on how and where it is built as well as how it is maintained. To make your drain field last, you need to start by building one correctly from the very beginning.

Drain Field Building Requirements

A drain field needs certain conditions to be viable and withstand decades of use.  First and foremost, location is critical; the wrong conditions will ensure that it will fail. A professional septic service that is experienced in installing quality drain fields that offer longevity will test for certain requirements before beginning installation, including:

  • Top soil and gravel. For any drain field to work successfully, the right types of soil and gravel must be used to cover the field.
  • High water clearance. Drain fields must be placed in an area that has high water clearance and is safe from flooding.
  • Size. The drain field must be large enough to handle the runoff from the tank, taking into consideration the soil percolation rate.

If installed correctly, a quality drain field can last for decades without any back up issues or septic failures. Of course, maintenance and proper use of the septic system is critical in maintaining a healthy, viable drain field. Before you begin, make sure to secure an experienced septic service professional with a solid reputation for quality workmanship. Getting your drain field installed right from the beginning is the key to building a successful drain field that will last for many years to come.

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

, ,
Read More

Septic to Sewer Conversion: Are You Ready?

March 13th, 2016 Posted in Sewer-Septic Service and Installation
Comments Off on Septic to Sewer Conversion: Are You Ready?

Most septic systems were installed due to lack of availability of municipal sewer systems, but as areas, grow, so does the sewer systems. If you have a septic system but now have the option of tying into your local sewer utility, you may be considering converting. However, you may be concerned with the cost and process of undergoing conversion. Here are some of the basics to help you decide if you are ready to make the upgrade for your home.

Septic to Sewer Conversion Basics

Making the move to convert your septic system to sewer can have many benefits and add value to your home. You will no longer have the headache of constant maintenance, repairs and upkeep of your septic system, plus make your home more valuable if you decide to sell it in the future. The biggest hurdle you face is the initial cost to convert. It is a significant investment to make the switch, so many wait until their septic is getting older or beginning to have issue to make the change.

If you are ready to make the switch, you need a professional septic/sewer service that is experienced in converting these systems. This is not a project you can do on your own. Begin getting ready by scheduling an inspection of your system and get an estimate on the time frame and cost to complete the conversion.

You want a service company that will adhere to all local municipality regulations regarding sewer conversions. Make sure they will have the right permits needed and get your system approved to be hooked into the municipal system. Although it is a big investment, once it is completed you will save time and money off septic maintenance and the eventual cost of replacement.

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

, ,
Read More

Benefits of Camera Septic Inspections

March 13th, 2016 Posted in Sewer Lines
Comments Off on Benefits of Camera Septic Inspections

Although you would never want to climb into your sewer pipes, looking inside those pipes is the best way to see what is happening inside your septic system. Advanced digital technology now allows professional septic services to complete a more thorough inspection of your septic system with the use of small digital video cameras. Getting an inside view of your tank, pipes and drain field can help detect any issues, making it faster and easier to keep your septic system working smoothly.

While camera inspections can be used to diagnose a problem in your septic or sewer system, they can also be a useful tool for preventive maintenance. When used as part of your annual service, preventative measures can be used when potential issues are caught on camera. Some of the benefits of using a camera inspection include

  • Detect clogs. A video camera inspection can detect any tree roots that have begun to grow into your sewer pipes or any other type of clog that is forming
  • Deterioration. Sewer lines and pipes can become cracked or corroded, causing leaks.  Camera inspections can catch deterioration before it causes problems.
  • Evaluate the system. Using the camera inside the sewer lines, a true evaluation of the entire septic system can be performed, inside and out. This allows issue to be fixed preventatively, instead of waiting for a septic emergency.

Next time you are ready to schedule your annual maintenance and inspection for your septic system, make sure to ask about digital camera options. This can be a valuable tool to prevent expensive septic repairs down the road and keep your septic system in top condition.

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

, ,
Read More

Find Local Company | Find Local Sewer Septic Services