Prevent a Septic Backup with Regular Pumping

January 11th, 2017 Posted in Septic Tank Pumping
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If you own a home or business with a septic system, you know that eventually you will need to have it pumped, but when? There is not a set amount of time between pumping intervals since it is different for every system. However, if you wait too long, you will find out quickly what happens when your tank is full. A septic backup is a nasty way to be reminded that it is time to schedule your tank to be pumped. Here are a few tips to prevent a backup from an overfull septic tank:

  • Has it been two years since your last pumping? If it has been over two years since your last septic tank pumping, it may be coming due again. Most homes have their tanks pumped every 2-5 years, depending of the amount of use.
  • Is the sludge within 12-inches of the outlet pipe? The only way to know whether your tank is full is to check the level of the sludge. Once the sludge level in the tank is within a foot of the outlet pipe to your drain field, then it is time to have it pumped.
  • Keep up on routine maintenance. If you have your septic system serviced every year, your local septic service will keep an eye on your tank level for you. They will let you know when it is getting close to time for a pumping.

Don’t wait for a septic backup in your home to tell you it is time to have your tank pumped. Call to schedule a routine service on your septic to ensure your entire system is in good shape, including the waste level inside your tank.

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

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4 Things in Your Bathroom that Could Harm Your Septic System

January 11th, 2017 Posted in Septic System Maintenance
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A septic system failure is an expense no one wants to incur. Depending on your system, it could cost several thousand dollars to repair or replace your septic. There could be items in your bathroom that could be harmful to your system that you may not realize. Here are four common items that can become expensive culprits to backing up your septic system. 

  1. Decorative items on toilet tank. You often see a basket of mini soaps or votive candles placed on the top of the toilet tank. This is a poor choice of placement for any items that are small enough to flush down the toilet. They can easy slip unnoticed into the bowl, then cause clogs within your pipes or septic system.
  2. Flushable wipes. The wet wipes that claim to be flushable are usually not biodegradable and should not be flushed, regardless of the labeling. These can be destructive to your septic system, causing clogs and unnecessary extra solids in your septic tank.
  3. Cotton swabs and balls. Most bathrooms have cotton balls and swabs for personal hygiene. Make sure these items do not get flushed down the toilet – cotton does not easily breakdown and can be detrimental to your septic.
  4. Medications. Medications, both prescription and over-the-counter, should never be flushed down the toilet. Many can kill the bacteria you need to maintain in your septic tank for proper treatment. Pills can also get stuck in the small holes in the pipes in your drain field, causing a backup.

Protect your septic system and bank account by keeping these items out of your toilets. If you don’t, you will need the professional help of your local septic service company to fix the problem.

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

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Can You Use a Water Softener with a Septic System?

January 11th, 2017 Posted in Septic System
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In most cases, those using a septic system for their home are also using a private well for their water supply. Depending on the water in the area, a water softener may be needed for improved quality. There is conflicting information on how these two systems work together. While you can use a water softener with a septic system, there are a few factors you should consider.

Salt and Septic Tanks

Water softeners use salt in their systems that can enter the septic system in the backwash water. This happens during the regeneration process that can happen on a timed or use schedule. Older water softeners may use more salt which can affect the balance in a septic tank. However, newer systems use less salt and the amount released in backwash is minor, making most system safe for the septic.

Water Generation

Another concern with water softeners when using a septic system is the amount of water displaced during regeneration. This can be up to 150 gallons a day, depending on the water softener settings. This can be a large amount of water entering the septic tank at one time, equal to the amount of water used during an entire day by three adults. This can force waste water from the tank into the drain field that is not fully treated, causing issues in your septic system balance.

Septic systems and water softeners can work harmoniously together, but there are some adjustments that should be made. Using a newer model water softener with more efficient functions is one option. To find out the best way to use the two systems together to protect your septic, talk to your local septic service company. They can offer solutions to ensure that you can have the quality water you prefer without harming your septic.

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

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Sewer Line Problem? Clogs Versus Broken Pipes

January 11th, 2017 Posted in Sewer Lines
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A sewer line problem is never a fun surprise. Since sewer pipes are located underground, it can be an issue that sneaks up on you, slowly becoming a big problem. But what exactly is going on underground? If you are noticing that your drains are slow to dispel water or your toilet backs up, there is an issue, but what? The two most common issues are sewer line clogs and broken pipes, so which is causing your sewer backup problem?

Clogged Sewer Pipes

If you have a major clog in a sewer line, it is usually a gradual issue that slowly becomes worse. You may notice that your bathtub or kitchen sink seem to take longer to drain, becoming slower and slower. There may be a nasty odor coming from your drains as wastewater sits in the pipes in your home. Fats, oil, paper, inorganic objects and even tree roots can cause clogs that continue to close the inside of your sewer lines, eventually causing a backup into your home.

Broken Sewer Pipes

A broken sewer line can also cause a backup, but it is usually more sudden than a clog. Also, if a pipe has broken, it is most likely leaking out wastewater into the ground. You may see an area in your yard that is wet or sunken above the broken pipe. There also could be an odor in your yard, alerting you to a sewer leak below the surface.

If you have noticed any of these issues, you need to call your local sewer service company to inspect your sewer lines. They can quickly find out whether it is a clog or a broken pipe and offer a repair solution.

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

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Does Your Homeowner’s Insurance Policy Cover Your Sewer Lines?

January 11th, 2017 Posted in Sewer Lines
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You know you have homeowner’s insurance to cover accidental damage to your home. But do you know what it covers if you have a sewer line problem? Many homeowners assume that if they have a major issue with their sewer lines, their insurance will be available to help with the costs of repairs. However, that is not always case. Here are a few tips to ensure you are not caught off guard when you have a sewer line problem.

  • Regular wear and tear. In most cases, sewer lines that break or get clogged due to normal wear and tear are not covered under homeowner’s insurance. This is a good reason to have routine maintenance done on your sewer lines to inspect for issues before they become clogged or broken.
  • City sewer. If you are connected to a city sewer system, the general rule is you are responsible for pipes on your side of the property line. If your insurance does cover sewer line problems, it will only cover those that happen on your property.
  • Check your policy. Read your homeowner’s insurance policy. Check for coverage for sewer or plumbing issues. Does it cover repairs or replacement? Does it cover damage caused to your home from a sewer line break or backup? If you are not sure, call your insurance agent. You may be able to add a rider to cover these potential issues for a low premium.

Knowing what is covered under your insurance ahead of time can help prepare you in case of a sewer line issue. It is better to know what to expect than to be caught unaware during a sewer emergency.

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

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Buying Property? Have a Septic Plan before You Buy

January 11th, 2017 Posted in Septic System
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If you have dreamed of buying property and building your own home, you may also be looking at land that will require a septic system. Often larger lots of land are located in areas that are not connected to a municipal sewer system. When looking at property that will require a septic system, there are a few things to keep in mind. Here are some factors to consider when shopping for undeveloped property.

  • Soil quality. The soil on the property will determine the type of septic system you can use, as will the local regulations. Has the property been ‘perked’ for a septic system? Keep in mind that gravity systems with a drain field are much less expensive, but some soil or regions may require a mound or other alternative septic system.
  • Home and septic placement. You may be picturing where to best place your home for the view, but you also need to consider where the septic system will need to be placed. The right grade, slope and soil are all important to where your septic should be located. Figuring this out beforehand can save you time and money later.
  • Get a professional inspection. Before you buy the land, call a septic service company to inspect the property. Find out exactly what it will entail to add a septic system for the size of home you plan to build. Knowing what it will cost to have a septic system installed for that particular property could make a difference in your purchasing decision.

If a septic system will be required on your new property, it is essential to make this an important part of your buying considerations. It could save you thousands of dollars down the road.

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

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