3 Things You Should Never Flush Down the Toilet

August 9th, 2018 Posted in Septic System
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If you have a home or business with a septic system, the toilet can be the nemesis of maintaining your system. Too often, items that can clog your filters or caused damage to your septic end up getting flushed down. Ask any septic technician that has been called to handle septic emergencies what causes the biggest problems and it is often things that are flushed down the toilet. Here are three things you should never flushed down the toilet if you want to avoid problems down the road.

  1. Plastics. Nothing made from plastic should enter your septic system. Unfortunately, there are many items that get used in the bathroom that are made from plastics and end up in the toilet. Feminine hygiene products, cotton swabs, prophylactics, bandages and other items should not be flushed, but thrown away.
  2. “Flushable” wipes. They may say they are flushable, but these wipes should not be disposed of down the toilet in homes with septic systems. Most of these wet wipes are not bio-degradable and can clog up your septic system.
  3. Cat litter. Most cat litter is made from sand and clay, substances that can clog pipes and create excess sludge in your septic tank. Keep cat litter out of the toilet to avoid plumbing and septic problems.

If you own a septic system, you do not want anything that will not breakdown to be flushed down the toilet. Urine, human waste and septic-friendly toilet paper should be the only items that go into the toilet. Keeping other items out can help protect your septic system and avoid emergency calls to your septic service company.

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

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Why You Should Install an Indoor Septic Tank Alarm

August 9th, 2018 Posted in Septic System
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Do you have an indoor septic tank alarm? If you have a gravity system, you may not need one. Gravity does a great job of emptying your septic tank as needed. As long as you have regular service and inspections to determine when your tank needs to be pumped, you should not have a problem. However, other systems that rely on pumps to push waste out should have an alarm to let you know when there is a problem.

Mound or uphill systems require mechanisms to push waste out of your septic tank as needed. If something should fail or there is a blockage, the tank can quickly become full. If not corrected, the tank will overflow, causing a backup of sewage into your home or business. This can cause extensive damage and cost plenty in cleanup and repairs.

An indoor septic tank alarm alerts you to when the septic tank on your property is at dangerous levels. There can be many reasons the alarm goes off – you may have had excessive use or a piece of equipment is not working as it should. Whatever the cause, the alarm lets you know that there is a problem. Having it installed indoors will let you know as soon as possible when you need to investigate an issue with your septic system.

While it is possible for an alarm to sound when there is not an overflow, this is unlikely. In most cases, if your septic alarm goes off, you should call your local septic service company for an inspection. This can help mitigate the problem before it becomes a septic failure or backup that can cost you much more in repairs.

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

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Is it Possible to Move a Septic Tank?

August 9th, 2018 Posted in Septic System
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When a septic system is put in place, it is meant to last for decades. The position of the tank and drain field is carefully designed to best suit the property and building it serves. However, down the road, the property owner may decide that they want to build or make changes to the property. When that happens, the septic tank could be a hindrance.

While it is not a simple task, septic tanks can be moved. This involves digging up the tank, disconnecting pipes and putting in a new tank at a different location. New pipes will need to be added to connect the building with the new tank and to divert waste water to the drain field.

There are considerations that must be factored in when deciding to move a septic tank. Some old cement tanks may not survive the move. They can break or crumble when removed, requiring disposal of the old tank and purchasing a new tank for the revised location. In some cases, a larger tank may be needed, especially if the reason for moving the tank is to make room for additions to the home. For gravity systems, the right amount of downgrade is needed for proper drainage in the pipes leading to and from the tank. Everything will need to be re-fitted and secured once the new tank is in place to ensure proper function.

Before deciding to move a septic tank, have an inspection done by your local septic service and installation pro. They can help you determine the best options for moving your septic tank to accommodate your new project and give you a quote on the moving costs.

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

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Sump and Ejector Pump Maintenance

August 9th, 2018 Posted in Sump Pumps and Ejector Pumps
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If you have a sump or ejector pump in your home, you rely on it to work as needed without fail. Sump pumps need to turn on when water levels rise and ejector pumps should be managing the flow of sewage up to the main sewer line. To ensure your pumps are working properly, regular maintenance and inspections are required. While you may not have the skills to maintain the motors of these pumps, you can perform regular inspections to ensure they are doing their jobs. Here are a few things to check.

  • Inspect the cover to ensure it is secure and tight; this cover should be child-proof for safety. Look for any issues with the seal or cracks in the cover.
  • Check for any evidence of leaks or overflows. If there was a backup or overflow, you may see water stains, smell odor or see particles left from the overflow.
  • Look for any damage to the reservoir basin like cracks, holes or other issues. The lid should fit tightly and the basin should not show any signs of leakage.
  • Check the basin for any debris. Large chunks of wood, fabric or other debris can clog the pump and cause a backup.
  • Inspect to make sure there are no exposed wires or openings to the tank or pumping chamber that need repair.

Doing regular inspections of your pumps can alert you if there is a problem so you can have it fixed before it causes a backup. In addition, schedule annual tune-ups and service for your pumps by a qualified sewer service to keep your equipment in good working order to prevent failure.

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

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Should You Repair or Replace Your Sewer Pipes?

August 9th, 2018 Posted in Sewer Lines
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Like any plumbing, your sewer lines will not last forever. While many can function properly for decades, eventually they can break, crack or crumble, causing a sewage leak or blockage. When you have a sewer line problem, the first inclination may be to just repair the pipe. However, there are times when replacement may be a better option.

Depending on the type of sewer pipes you have, you can experience different types of problems within the lines underground. For pipes with joints, tree roots can infiltrate the joints and bust apart the seams. In some cases, the joints can become corroded or come apart due to pressure from above. Cast iron, cement or clay sewer lines that were commonly used in homes built before the 1970’s often are the cause of sewer pipe failures.

When you have older pipes like those listed above, it may be best to replace the pipes versus repair. Sewer pipes that are fifty years old or older are likely to continue having problems. The material can become to corrode and crumble; shifts in the soil over the years can break them apart. If you have large trees on your property, they are often the cause of issues, with roots seeking the moisture inside your sewer lines. Replacing with seamless piping or other options can reduce further issues, saving money and mess down the road.

If you have newer sewer lines, repair is often the better choice. One cracked pipe can be fixed for much less money, a better option if the rest of the piping is still in good shape. Your local sewer service company can help you determine your options and give you advice on whether repair or replacement is a better choice.

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

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