Sewer Line Repair: Is it Your Responsibility or the Utility Company?

September 22nd, 2016 Posted in Sewer Lines
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There is a problem in your sewer line between your home and the main sewer line. The question is, are you responsible for repairing the issue or is your utility company liable for repairs? While every situation is different, there are some standard practices that can help you determine who will foot the bill for the repair. Here are some tips about sewer line repairs.

  • Where is the damage located? One of the first things that will decide who will need to pay for the repair is where the damage is located. In general, most utility and municipalities hold the property owner responsible for repairing any damage to the sewer line on their property and even under the easement area. Only if the damage is at the connection to the main line will it possibly be covered by the utility company.
  • What caused the damage? Did a tree root from your property penetrate the sewer line? Or did it get damaged because a heavy vehicle drove over the top of it. The cause of the damage can also be a determining factor in who pays to have it repaired.
  • Do you have homeowner’s insurance that will cover the damage? In most cases, sewer line issues are the responsibility of the property owner. However, there are homeowner insurance policies that do cover certain sewer line repairs. It is always prudent to call your insurance company to see if it is covered under your policy.

To find out whether you are responsible for the repair, you will need to have a professional sewer service inspect your sewer line. They can explain where the damage is and what caused the issue. Make sure you hire a company that is licensed to repair lateral or side sewer lines in your municipality.

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

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Sewer Lines and Summer Planting

September 21st, 2016 Posted in Septic System Maintenance
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Spring, summer and even fall are when most of the planting around your home happens. Landscaping can enhance the beauty of your property and add character to your home. However, most yards where planting occurs also have sewer lines that must be protected. Before you begin your summer planting, keep these tips in mind to protect your sewer lines.

  • Know where your sewer lines run. Whether you have city sewer or a septic system, there are sewer lines that run under the ground away from your home. You should know where these pipes are located so you can avoid planting near them. They should also not be drove over with a heavy vehicle.
  • Keep trees and large bushes away from your sewer lines. Tree roots can spread twenty feet or more from a base of a tree. Those roots can destroy sewer lines that have small cracks or joints. Tree roots seek any moisture they can find and your sewer lines are a tempting source of water.
  • Keep large plants away from drain fields. If you have a septic system with a drain field, be careful of planting bushed or trees on or near the drain field. Drain fields should only have grass planted above them as large plant roots can cause issues with the pipes and drain system.

If you are not sure where your sewer lines are, call your local sewer utility company or your septic service to find out the layout of your sewer pipes. This is good information to have in case there is ever a problem and so you can avoid disturbing those pipes that are hidden under your yard.

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

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Protect Your Septic System with Water Efficient Fixtures

September 21st, 2016 Posted in Septic System
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If you have a septic system, you may also have a well for your water. While you may not receive a water or sewer bill each month, using too much water can still cost you plenty in septic repairs and replacement. Water efficient fixtures help reduce water waste and also reduce excess wear and tear on your septic system. Using less water means your septic system can function easier and last longer, saving you money off repairs and expensive septic system replacement. Here are a few fixtures that can help reduce water waste in your home.

  • Water efficient toilets. Did you know that an average family flushes 30% of its water down the toilet? Considering this high number, using high-efficiency toilets in your bathrooms can make a big difference on your water use. Choose a toilet that uses less than 1.28 gallon per flush.
  • Showerheads. Another big use of water in the home is the shower. High-efficiency showerheads can reduce the water your family uses while taking their showers by 70%.
  • Faucets. High pressure is usually not needed for a faucet. Replacing faucets with efficient models that release less than 1.5 gallons per minute can save water. Another option is adding a flow restrictor to existing faucets to reduce waste.

On top of using water efficient fixtures, teach your family good water conservation habits. Don’t let water run while rinsing items in the sink or brushing your teeth. Small changes can add up to big savings on your water use and reduce wear and tear on your septic.

Keep your septic system running smoothly and extend the lifespan with lower water use and regular maintenance. Make sure to have your system inspected and serviced once a year by your local septic professional.

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

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Septic D-Box Function and Maintenance

September 21st, 2016 Posted in Septic System Maintenance
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Is your distribution box or d-box for your septic system well-maintained and working as it should? If you are asking yourself what a d-box is, you should learn a little more about your septic system. Although the septic tank and drain field are major components of your septic system, in between these two large parts is your distribution box. If not maintained, your d-box could cause problems with both your tank and your drain field, even leading to septic system failure.

What Is a D-Box’s Function?

The distribution box for your septic system is the final zone for affluent before it enters the drain field. This box is usually located near the drain field under the ground. Most d-boxes are a few feet across and about a foot under the ground. Traditionally these collection boxes are made from concrete, but they can be comprised of plastic or fiberglass. The box is sealed and has a lid that can be removed.

The d-box’s function is to collect affluent from the septic tank and distribute it evenly to the drain field. There are usually a few different outlets to the different drain field pipes so that affluent is spread throughout the drain field. When working properly, a d-box ensures that the affluent is even dispersed for maximum filtering through the soil. 

D-Box Problems

Common issues with distribution boxes are leaks, clogs and corrosion. These boxes are necessary for your septic system to work correctly, so if the box is leaking or needs replacement, it could cause flooding and a septic backup. Clogs in the pipes to and from the d-box can also cause a backup. You should know where your d-box is located and be aware of any pooling or odor coming from that area.

Your d-box should be regularly inspected as part of your schedule maintenance for your septic system. If you notice any issues near your d-box, call your local septic service immediately.

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

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Preparing Your Septic System for Summer

September 21st, 2016 Posted in Septic System Maintenance
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For many families, summer means more time spent at home, entertaining and overnight guests. Kids are out of school and the warm weather is perfect for hosting parties and family reunions at your home. If you own a house with a septic system, this can mean extra stress on your system throughout the summer. Before your guest rooms are full, now is the time to make sure your septic system is ready for the busy summer ahead. Here are a few tips to ensure your septic is ready for extra use.

  • Schedule an inspection. The best way to gauge the effectiveness of your septic system is to have a full inspection from your local septic service. A professional can inspect the tank and drain field to ensure everything is in good working order.
  • Considering tank pumping. Talk to your septic professional about pumping your tank. Even if you would normally not need a pumping for another six months, if you have an excessive amount of guests coming this summer, you may want to schedule the pumping now versus later.
  • Guest education. If you have family or guests that are not familiar with septic system limitations, you may want to print up a friendly reminder for your guests to put in your bathrooms. A list of what cannot be flushed down the toilet (wipes, cotton balls, cotton swabs, feminine hygiene products, etc.) could prevent a big septic mess later.

Nothing can ruin a party quicker than a septic backup – preventive maintenance can go a long way in making sure your summer soirees are not interrupted by a septic problem. Call your local septic service today to schedule your annual maintenance.

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

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