How to Tell if your Sump Pump Needs Repair

September 24th, 2018 Posted in Sump Pumps and Ejector Pumps
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Your sump pump can work tirelessly year-round, kicking on when needed to keep the water level around your basement low to avoid flooding. However, like any mechanical equipment, it will not last forever. The last thing you want is for your sump pump to fail when you need it the most, causing flooding in your basement. In most cases, there are signs that your sump pump is struggling before it quits altogether. Here are signs to watch for to get it repaired or replaced before it leads to water damage in your home.

  • Abnormal sounds. In most cases, sump pumps are quiet and don’t make much noise. When you start hearing your sump pump turn on, getting louder or making strange sounds like grinding or rattling, you should get it inspected.
  • Running longer. It is normal for your sump pump to turn on more often when there is heavy precipitation, but it should not be continuously running. If it is running for longer periods or seems to rarely turn off, something may be wrong, even if it is still removing water.
  • Odors. If your basement has a foul odor, especially near the sump pump, there may be something amiss.
  • Water intrusion. The last sign is the most obvious – water intrusion into your basement. Even if the sump pump is still working, it is not working efficiently enough to stop flooding.

If you have any of these signs, call your local plumber or sewer service company to have your sump pump inspected and serviced. It may just need routine service or could need a repair or replacement. It is less expensive to proactively repair the pump than to pay for repairing water damage, so it is worth the money to pay for a professional repair.

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

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New Home Septic Inspection Checklist

September 24th, 2018 Posted in Septic Tank Inspections
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If you are buying a new home with a septic system, an inspection is usually required as part of the process. You want to be aware of any possible septic problems before you buy since replacing a septic system can be a large expense. While there are certain areas that must be checked for any septic inspection, you want to ensure the company you choose to do the inspection is thorough. Here are some of the areas that should be on the septic tank inspection to ensure you have a comprehensive overview of the septic system function in your new potential home.

  • Pump the tank. For a thorough inspection, the tank should be emptied before the evaluation begins.
  • Inspect the inside of the tank. Once the tank is pumped, the walls and floor should be inspected to detect any cracks or damage.
  • Septic tank lid. The lid needs to be checked for any damage and to ensure its placement meets local regulations or if it needs a riser. The lid should provide a complete seal and service openings should meet regulations
  • Ground inspection. Doing a complete inspection of the ground around the tank, distribution box and drain field should be performed to identify any possible leaks. Wet ground, pooling or erosion can be signs of a leak.
  • Components. There are many components that need to work properly. Some components that should be checked include: baffles, filters, runback water flow from drain field, and water flow from the home.

Making sure the septic system in your potential new home is working properly and has no signs of possible failure is important to your purchasing decision. Make sure you choose a septic service company that includes all these factors in their inspection for the most comprehensive evaluation.

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

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What Is a Biomat?

September 24th, 2018 Posted in Drain Field
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Many people who own homes with a septic system are not familiar with the various components of their system. It is not uncommon for a homeowner not to know where their septic tank or drain field is, even though this is important information to know. However, knowing where your system components are located and what to look for if there is a problem is important to prevent complete septic failure. One of these elements is a biomat.

If you are unfamiliar with a biomat, that may be a good thing. A biomat is something you do not want to occur if you have a septic system. To understand what a biomat is and why it is a sign of a septic problem, you need to know how your drain field works.

Drain Fields and Biomats

Your drain field is used to filter the waste water that comes from your septic tank. The effluent or waste water comes through a distribution box from the tank and is slowly spread over the drain field area through small underground pipes. If the soil is not allowing the water to go down fast enough or too many solids are in the effluent when it reaches the drain field, a bacteria-created layer is created called a biomat. This covers the ground and can prevent waste water from entering the soil to be filtered, causing a pooling of waste water and a septic backup.

Biomats don’t occur overnight. If there is an issue with the drain field, often there will be pooling water, a bad odor or abnormal plant growth in the area. This is the time to call your septic professional for an inspection to get the problem fixed before it becomes a full septic failure.

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

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Top 3 Signs of a Main Sewer Line Clog

September 24th, 2018 Posted in Sewer Lines
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Like smaller plumbing pipes can become clogged, so can your main sewer line. The difference is that when the small pipe under your bathroom sink is clogged, only your sink doesn’t drain properly and the pipe can be easily accessed. When your main sewer line is clogged, it can back up sewer into all the drains in your home and the pipe is underground, not easily to reach. You want to catch sewer line clogs as soon as possible before you have a large sewage back-up issue. Here are three signs you may be forming a clog in your main sewer line so you can get it fixed before it becomes a larger problem.

  1. Slow drains. When more than one of your sinks is slow to drain, this can mean there is a problem with your main sewer line. It is more common for the drains closest to your main sewer line to be the slowest if there is a clog.
  2. Bad smell. If there is an odor you can’t seem to find, try smelling your drains. If any have a sewage odor, you may have a clog forming that is causing sewage to stay in the pipes.
  3. Overflowing toilets or washers. Is there still water in the bottom of the dishwasher when you open it and toilets seem to be “clogging” all the time? This may not be localized if you are having multiple problems at once; it could be your main sewer line.

If you notice any of these signs, call your local plumber that handles sewer line clogs or repairs. They can inspect your plumbing and sewer lines for clogs to find the problem and get the issue resolved.

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

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Why You Should Proactively Hydro-Jet Your Sewer Lines

September 24th, 2018 Posted in Sewer Lines
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It is common to put most sewer or septic issues out of mind until there’s a problem. It is not something you see or want to see, so unless it creates an issue in your home, it is usually forgotten. However, a little proactive maintenance can go a long way in preventing sewer line clogs and backups that can be inconvenient, nasty and expensive. Here are some reasons why you should proactively hydro-jet your sewer lines to keep them clear of clogs.

  • Trees love sewer lines. If you have trees in your yard, their roots would love to find their way into your sewer line. The moisture inside attracts roots to infiltrate sewer lines. Hydro-jetting can remove any small roots that have made their way inside and clear them before they cause a clog or broken pipe.
  • Remove sludge. Almost every sewer line has a certain amount of sludge that accumulates over time. While it may not be clogging the pipe now, it can eventually become thick enough to cause a backup. Clearing it out regularly can avoid sludge buildup and clogs.
  • Proactive repairs. When you have your sewer lines hydro-jetted, your sewer service can also do an inspection of the pipes. This is done with a digital camera that can be fed down through the line. This can reveal any potential problems so you can get them fixed before they cause a sewer line emergency.

Add sewer line hydro-jetting to your list of household maintenance that you do once a year. It is worth the time and investment to avoid costly and inconvenient sewer line clogs and other repairs when you least expect it.

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

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Does Your Insurance Cover Sewer Line Replacement?

September 6th, 2018 Posted in Sewer Lines
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When you realize you have a broken sewer line, the first thing to run through your mind may be the cost. Sewer line repairs or replacement are expensive – it can cost thousands of dollars to fix a sewer line problem. One way to mitigate the cost is to find out whether your homeowner’s insurance could cover some or all your sewer line repair.

Not all homeowner’s insurance covers sewer line repairs, but some have limited coverage. If the sewer pipe breaks due to a natural disaster, damage from weight or other accidental incidents, there is a chance that the replacement may be covered under some insurance plans. You would need to check with your homeowner’s policy and read the fine print regarding these special types of repairs or talk to your insurance agent. However, there are some causes of damage that are most always NOT covered under insurance, like wear and tear or damage to the sewer line connection to the city main line.

If you do not have sewer line replacement on your homeowner’s insurance, you may be looking at paying for your repair out-of-pocket. If you have not had a sewer line problem yet, call your insurance agent. Find out if coverage is available for your sewer lines to protect you in case of accidental damage.

Keep in mind that sewer lines will eventually need replacement due to normal wear and tear. It is better to be proactive and replace old pipes that are beginning to deteriorate before they cause a sewer backup and need emergency replacement. Schedule an inspection of your sewer lines to make sure they are clear and in good condition as part of your regular home maintenance.

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

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Distance Between a Private Well and Septic Tank

September 6th, 2018 Posted in Septic System
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When planning to add both a well and a septic tank to the same piece of property, it is important to make accommodations for distance. Contamination of drinking water from sewage can be deadly. If you are building a new home or business with both a private well and septic system, here are some considerations to keep in mind.

Ample Distance

Every local environmental agency may have their own rules and regulations, but there are some basic standards that can be used when planning wells and septic systems. The tank should be at least fifty feet from the well, while drain fields should be at least 100 feet from the well. However, you should always check your local regulations to ensure you are meeting the standards for your region.

Plan Before Your Build

Determining where the well and septic tank/drain field should be determined before you build. You must have the right spots for a well and for a drain field – not all ground will perc for a drain field, nor is it easy to sink a well. It is easier to find the right places for these systems and then plan the spot for your building.

Professional Advice

Your local septic service company can be of great service to you as you plan the plumbing for your new building. They can do the necessary testing to find the best spot for your drain field and septic tank, and they will know the local regulations on placement regarding water wells. Their advice in the planning stages can help save you time and money to ensure you meet all the local regulations and protect the quality of your water.

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

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What Size of Septic Tank Do You Need?

September 6th, 2018 Posted in Septic Tanks
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When you are adding a septic system to your property for your home, the size of septic tank you use will be important. Not only are there building and environmental regulations that you must meet – building codes require certain size tanks based on the size of the home – but you want to plan for future needs as well. Here are some considerations to keep in mind when determining what size septic tank is needed for your home.

Most residential septic tanks range from between 750 and 1250 gallons. The specifications in most building codes look at the size of the home and number of bedrooms, since there is no way to know for sure how many people will live in the home. A smaller tank of 750 gallons is designed for a home with one or two bedrooms and less than 1,500 square feet. Larger homes with three or four bedrooms may need a 1250-gallon tank or larger.

However, meeting the minimum requirements is not all you should consider. If you plan on having a full household or entertaining many guests, a bigger tank may be needed. And, you want to plan for any additions you may make in the future – adding more rooms could require you to put in a larger tank. It will save money to have a larger tank installed from the beginning.

If you are not sure what size of septic tank you should use for your home, talk to your local septic service company. They can help you determine the best size and material to use for your new septic tank, as well as the right placement and installation.

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

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Is Adding Yeast to Your Septic Tank a Good Idea?

September 6th, 2018 Posted in Septic System Maintenance
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If you own a septic system, you may be looking for ways to help keep it in good working condition. This is a good idea – septic failure and replacement can be very expensive. There are many tips you can read online on how to maintain your septic system – some good, some not so good. One you may come across is using baking yeast to help the bacteria in your tank breakdown solids.

The theory behind using yeast in your septic tank is simple. Baker’s yeast contains bacteria that does not need oxygen to thrive. When added to a septic tank, it can help breakdown starches, one of the many components in waste that is added to your tank. If solids are broken down more effectively, you may need to have your tank pumped less frequently.

So, can adding yeast be beneficial? In some cases, yes. But it needs to be done correctly and not too often. Like all good things, a little is good, too much can be a problem. To add yeast to your septic tank, follow these steps:

  • Put about 4-5 teaspoons of yeast in about 3 cups of warm, not hot, water.
  • Add 2 cups of sugar and 2 cups of cornmeal
  • Stir until yeast is dissolved. Cover and let the mixture become “frothy”
  • Flush down the toilet – flush twice to make sure everything goes down

You can do this about every 6 months. However, this does not replace regular maintenance and pumping on your septic system. Schedule regular service with your septic service company to maintain the equipment in your septic system and to perform regular pumping for the best care and maintenance of your system.

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

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Tips to Keep your Septic System in Shape

September 6th, 2018 Posted in Septic System Maintenance
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To keep your body in shape, you need to eat right and exercise on a consistent basis. For septic systems, keeping them in good shape takes a similar type of commitment. What you put into your septic tank will affect what comes out and how efficient it performs its job. Unlike your body, making it work harder will not get you better results. Here are some to tips to maintain your septic system for optimum performance.

Monitor What Goes Down the Drain

There are some items that should be kept out of your septic system. In the bathroom, items like feminine hygiene products, “flushable” wipes, cotton balls/swabs and other non-biodegradable products should not be flushed down. In the kitchen, avoid coffee grounds, peelings, egg shells and fats/oils going down the drain. Also, do not pour paints or other chemicals into your garage sink.

Limit Water Use

Be efficient with how much water you use in your home. Add water efficient fixtures to your home to help reduce water waste. Teach your kids and other family members to conserve water by not running it down the drain when brushing teeth, rinsing dishes or doing other household chores.

Schedule Regular Service

Keep your septic system in tip-top shape with annual service from your local septic service company. This ensures your tank gets pumped when needed; plus, it ensure all the equipment and components are in good condition to perform the needed work in the year ahead.

Just watching what you put into your septic and a little scheduled maintenance can make a big difference on the health of your septic system. It will help prevent failure or backups while extending the life span of your system.

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

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