Can You Save Money by DIY Septic Repairs?

February 7th, 2018 Posted in Septic System
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Are you it a do-it-yourself homeowner? You mow your own lawn, you fix minor plumbing issues and repair many items around the house, saving a significant amount of money on home maintenance. However, when it comes to your septic system, you may want to leave repairs to the professionals. While you may be able to do some maintenance yourself, when you have a septic problem, it is worth the investment to hire a professional. Here are a few reasons why it is not cost-effective or safe to attempt DIY septic repairs.

Specialized Equipment

Septic tanks and drain fields need specialized equipment. You need may need to dig to remove pipes, or tools to access the tank. Often this equipment is not something a homeowner may own; it could need to be rented. The cost of renting equipment, plus the value of your time, can be more expensive than hiring a professional.

Safety Concerns

No one should open a septic tank without the proper gear and training. The gases in a septic tank are toxic and can be deadly. There is also concerns about injury when working near the septic tank; slips and falls can cause serious injuries.

Causing Harm to Your Septic

The biggest monetary risk with DIY septic repairs is doing more harm than good. A wrong move and you could do irreputable damage to your septic system. A failed septic can cost thousands of dollars to replace, which is why it is best to trust repairs to a professional.

Protect your investment in your home and leave septic repairs to trained professionals. In the long run, you can save money and protect your health by choosing to avoid DIY septic repairs.

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

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What to Expect When Your Septic Tank is Installed

February 7th, 2018 Posted in Septic Tanks
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When you are having a new septic tank installed, you need to be prepared for the process. It is not as simple as digging a whole and dropping in the tank. There is planning and permits that are needed, whether it is a new or replacement tank for your septic system. Most homeowners will only have one tank installed in their septic system over a few decades, so knowing what to expect can help the process go smoother.

Planning and Permits

Before the installation can be scheduled, you need to complete the planning process. First, you need to decide the size of tank needed. If you are replacing an existing tank, this is an opportunity to upgrade to a larger tank. Talk to your septic tank professionals to determine the best type and size of tank for your home.

Placement of your tank will also need to be planned. If it is a replacement, it will most likely be placed in the same location. However, for new tank installations, your installer can help choose a location that will meet the local regulations.

Once you decide on the tank, you can make sure you apply for your permits. Often your septic installer can help with getting the right permits from the city or county office in your region.

Day of Installation

When you have the permits and planning completed, your contractor will schedule the day of your installation. Expect a significant amount of soil removal for new installations, including trenches for pipes and a deep hole for the tank. Replacement should not need as much digging, but the old tank will need to be disconnected and removed before the new tank can be lowered and buried.

When the correct planning and preparation is completed, your septic tank installation can be done expediently when you hire experienced installers. Make sure to plan your tank installation carefully with your contractor to ensure it is done right and legally from beginning to end.

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

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Household Grease and the Septic System

February 7th, 2018 Posted in Septic Tank Pumping
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When you have a septic system, you have a small water treatment plant in your backyard. The system can be fickle and if the wrong items are allowed into the septic tank, it can cause an issue with the breakdown system in the tank and filtering of effluent. Household cleaners, chemicals, paints and even prescription drugs can have an impact on your septic system. However, one common element that causes many septic problems is household grease, a simple yet harmful agent when too much is allowed into your system.

Why Is Household Grease Bad for Septic Systems?

First and foremost, grease is bad for any plumbing, whether you have a septic system or not. Grease and fats from cooking can be the culprits for clogs in the interior plumbing and the sewer lines. However, beyond clogging the pipes, grease also does not breakdown in the septic tank. Too much household grease can cause a layer that covers your drain field. A biomat can form that stops the effluent from the septic tank from filtering down through the soil. If a biomat forms, it can lead to septic failure and the need for a new drain field or septic system.

To prevent damage to your septic system, make the effort to keep all household grease out of your drains. Wipe out pans and plates, and dump grease in the garbage before you rinse or wash them, reducing the amount of fats that enter your septic system.

Talk to your local septic service about what can and cannot go down the drain to prevent septic problems. Also adhere to regular septic maintenance and septic tank pumping through your septic service company.

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

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Is Your Toilet Trying to Tell You Something?

February 7th, 2018 Posted in Septic System Maintenance
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One of the first signs of septic problems may be right under your nose. Your toilet can be one of the first indicators that there is trouble brewing in your sewer lines, septic tank or even drain field. The pressured water that spins down the toilet can alert you when there are problems down the line.

What a Slow Flushing Toilet Can Mean for Your Septic System

If you notice that your toilet is slow to flush, check your other toilets. If only one is flushing slow in the house, it may more likely be a clogged drain for just that toilet. However, if all or a few of the toilets in the home are slow to flush, it is most likely be a septic system issue. Some of the possible problems could be:

  • A clogged sewer line, causing slow drainage of the major drains in the house
  • Your septic tank is getting full and needs to be pumped
  • Your drain field is not working correctly, causing a sewage backup

A slow flushing toilet is one sign of septic issues, but it is not the only one. Other signs of septic issues include odors. Sewage odors coming from your drains or lingering outside can be a sign there is a septic problem. Bright green grass or pooling above your drain field is also are warning signs of septic issues, as is wet or eroding ground above your sewer lines.

If you notice any of these issues, call your septic repair company right away. You may be on the verge of a septic failure or have other serious problems in your septic system that need immediate repair.

Posted on behalf of:
Kiddco Plumbing Inc
Sterling, VA 20166
(703) 435-4441

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What is the Average Cost to Pump a Septic Tank?

February 7th, 2018 Posted in Septic Tank Pumping
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One of the most common questions asked when it comes to septic tank pumping is how much it will cost. Unfortunately, there is not a simple answer. Not only do different septic companies charge varying amounts for this service, it is also dependent on the size of tank and the fees for disposal of waste in your area. Here are some guidelines on what determines the cost and how to know if you are getting a good rate.

  • Average national costs. According to Homeadvisor.com, the average costs for septic tank pumping can range from $300-$400. However, it is important to check the costs in your area; this is only an average, which means there are higher and lower costs nationwide.
  • Size of tank. A large septic tank for a four or five-bedroom home will cost more to pump than the smaller versions for one or two-bedroom homes.
  • Local fees. The cost of disposal is part of the fee that septic services cannot negotiate. They are charged this to dispose of the waste and must include it in their price to the consumer. They must also pay for gas, vehicles and labor, while still making a small profit for themselves.
  • Other repairs. Often, it is when pumping is performed that issues are identified that need repair or maintenance. A common issue is septic filter replacement, which can result in another $300 or more in costs if completed at time of pumping.

Make sure to ask what is included in your septic pumping fee when getting quotes for your service. Some companies advertise a low price, but there are other fees on top of the basic pumping fee.

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

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Why Hydro Jetting Is the Best Solution for Sewer Line Blockages

February 7th, 2018 Posted in Sewer Lines
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When there is a blockage or clog deep in a sewer line, hydro jetting is an excellent option for clearing the pipe. This professional service offered by sewer and septic service companies uses high-powered water to flush out the pipes and any blockages. Beyond being effective, hydro jetting has other benefits when used for clearing sewer lines. Here is why high pressure hydro jetting is the best solution for removing sewer line blockages.

No Chemicals

Unlike other types of clog removal, hydro jetting only uses water, with no added chemicals or other substances. This is a greener solution for the environment, plus it protects your plumbing and sewer lines from additional damage.

Better for Grease Clogs

The problem with grease clogs is that they are difficult to snake out of a deep pipe. They are soft yet can create a solid wall in your sewer lines. Hydro jetting flushes the grease out instead of pulling it out, making it much more effective in completely clearing grease blockages.

Quick and Less Mess

With hydro jetting, a digital video camera can find the clog and it can be flushed out with pressured water. There is no digging up pipes or pulling out debris from the pipes. The inside of the sewer line is completely cleaned and the “mess” goes through to the city sewer line or your septic system.

If you have a slow or clogged sewer line, call your local sewer/septic service that offers hydro jetting. In one day your sewer line can be inspected, and if it is only a clog, hydro jetting can be used to clear the pipes and get your plumbing working correctly again.

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

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