Did Your Drainfield Grass Stay Green All Summer?

September 27th, 2014 Posted in Drain Field
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By late August, many lawns are withering away under the hot summer sun, turning yellow and brown in the heat. If you noticed that the grass above your drain or leach field stayed green all summer, however, it may not actually be a good sign. Flourishing grass looks great, but it’s also one of the signs that there may be a problem in your septic system’s drainfield, which may need immediate repair before it fails completely. 

Signs Of Drainfield Problems

Greener grass in the area of your lawn covering your drainfield isn’t the only sign of a potential problem. There are several indicators which should be taken as a warning it’s time to call a local septic professional. Should a drainfield fail, it will more than likely need to be completely replaced, at high costs to homeowners. If problems are detected and addressed early, though, repair is generally an option. Some signs, in addition to abnormally healthy grass, to be aware of include: 

  • Odor. One of the easiest to detect and most noticeable signs of impending failure is the distinct odor a drainfield gives off when it’s not working correctly. If you catch a whiff of unpleasant odor on the breeze, you may want to take a closer look at your drainfield.
     
  • Wet areas. The reason for the green grass during the hottest months of the year may be attributed to excess moisture on the ground surface. Although great for the grass, it is not a good sign for your septic system, as that water should be draining down through the field. 

If any of these signs are present, call your septic professional for a full inspection. There may be options to fix the system instead of replacing, which can save you thousands of dollars.

Posted on behalf of Find Local Sewer Septic

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Perc Tests

August 16th, 2014 Posted in Drain Field
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Before a septic system can be installed on a property, the soil must be tested to determine the conditions and suitability of land for a sewage disposal system. Perc tests refer to two functions performed for the testing: deep hole tests and percolation testing. Both of these types of testing require digging holes, one deep and one shallow. A board of health sanitarian or civil engineer will “read” the soil types and how well the soil accepts liquid to determine if they are suited for a septic system or not.

The term “Perc Test” comes from the word percolation. Once the shallow hole has been dug, water is poured into the hole to see at what rate the soil will accept liquid or how long it takes the level of water to go down within the hole. This rate is measured by “minutes per inch.” The perc rate will determine how many square feet of leaching area the septic system will need. The perc rate will be taken and then combined with the number of bedrooms to be built within a house. The number of bedrooms can be a sole determining factor on the size of a required septic tank. The number of people within a home determines the size of a septic system because they must all be accounted for in regards to how much waste the system can manage.

A perc test is required before a septic system can be installed onto a piece of property. This is a test to determine the absorption rate of soil for a septic drain field or “leach field.” The results of a percolation test are required to properly design a septic system. While every jurisdiction will have its own laws regarding the exact calculations for the length of line, depth of pit, etc., the testing procedures are the same.

Posted on behalf of Septic Service Pro

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Drain Fields

August 16th, 2014 Posted in Drain Field
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There are four main components of a septic tank system, and all of these components must work together for the septic tank to function properly. A septic tank is a large, buried tank that collects wastewater from an individual home. The tank may hold upwards of 1,000 gallons of water depending on the size of the home. Wastewater flows into the tank at one end and leaves the tank at the other end. The water inside the septic tank separates into layers: the top layer is the scum layer, the bottom layer is the “sludge” layer, and in between these two layers is fairly clear waste water. All three of these layers inside the septic tank are important and must function properly in order for the septic tank to continually displace water into the drain field.

A drain field is an area beyond the septic tank where the fairly clear wastewater is passed and treated. The drain field is made of perforated pipes buried in trenches filled with gravel. As the water passes through the perforated pipes, water escapes through the holes in the pipes and is filtered through the gravel and dirt that is within the trenches. As the water is passed through these natural filters, contaminants and impurities are removed from the wastewater. This ensures that the wastewater that has left the house and entered the septic system is safe to enter the supply of ground water.

Although many people typically do not put a lot of thought into their septic systems and drain fields until there is a problem, a properly functioning septic system is a work of art. It performs strictly on the basis of gravity, and it naturally functions to clean the water so that it is safe to reenter the ground. With proper installation and care of a septic system, a drain field will function efficiently 25-30 years.

Posted on behalf of Septic Service Pro

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Preventing Septic Drainfield Failures

May 8th, 2014 Posted in Drain Field
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The drainfield  is one of the most expensive components of a septic system, both during the initial installation and for repairs. Once a drainfield is in place, it’s in a homeowner’s best interest to ensure  the drainfield isn’t compromised by a poorly functioning or maintained septic tank, filter and aerator.  By keeping your entire septic system maintained, you can avoid expensive drain field failures and keep your entire system working smoothly for years to come.

Maintaining A Healthy Drainfield

To keep your drainfield working properly and to prevent failures, one of the most important factors is keeping your bio-mat in balance. The bio-mat is the biological mat that accumulates in the bottom and sides of your drainfield trench. This “mat” is made up of  microorganisms which live in organic material found in the septic wastewater. If the bio-mat becomes too thick, or out of balance, it can stop absorption into the drainfield soil below, causing a drainfield failure or septic backup.

To keep the bio-mat balanced , your septic tank must be maintained. Septic tank problems can cause excess organic material to be diverted into the drainfield, giving the bio-mat the food it needs to grow. Some of the ways to prevent septic tank problems that can lead to excessive organic materials are:

  • Regular septic tank pumping
  • Prevent harsh chemicals, like bleach and other cleaners, from getting into your septic system
  • Keep grease and fats out of drains
  • Have regular maintenance performed on septic tank, filters and aerators

The best way to protect your drainfield is to watch what materials you allow to go into the septic system and to maintain your septic tank. If it has been more than a year since you have had your septic system inspected or serviced, call your local septic professional now to schedule an appointment.

Posted on behalf of Mike Smith, A-Flo Free Septic

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Is A Water Softener Harmful To Septic Systems?

May 8th, 2014 Posted in Drain Field
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If you live in an area with hard water and also have a septic system, you may have heard conflicting information on whether to using a water softener is harmful to your septic. There are good points on both sides of the argument; however, most of the negative points against using a water softener with a septic system are based on older models of water softeners. The short answer is yes, water softeners can affect your septic system. That being said, there are ways to minimize the effects so that you can enjoy the benefits of softened water and maintain a healthy septic system.

Water Softeners Effects On Septic Systems

The biggest concern with water softeners on septic systems is the large amount of water discharged when the softener regenerates. This can be up to 150 gallons of water, depending on the type and size of the water softener. This surge in water use can cause a backlash on the septic system, pushing partially treated water out into the drainfield before it is ready. This can add to the growth of biomat and eventually lead to septic backups or drain field failures.

However, there are some solutions to this issue. First, most newer models of water softeners only regenerate based on water used, unlike older models which regenerated based on a timed system. This can reduce the number of regenerations and negative effects on the septic. Another solution is to drain the discharged water from the regeneration process outside of the septic if it is allowed under your local municipality or county codes.

If you have a water softener or are considering adding one, talk to your local septic professional on what is the best way to protect your septic system. They can offer advice on what is the safest way to add a water softener without jeopardizing your investment in your septic system.

Posted on behalf of Tony McAdams, A-1 National Sewer and Drain

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How Are Septic Systems Designed?

March 26th, 2014 Posted in Drain Field
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The design process surrounding residential septic systems is typically driven by the Health Department in the jurisdiction that the property is located, which will have specific design criteria.  The components of the design criteria include the number of bedrooms or bathrooms in the home, the type of soil conditions and the location of the drain field.

The septic load imposed on drain field is determined either by the number of bedrooms or bathrooms, depending upon the jurisdiction.  The bedroom or bathroom count is used to determine the maximum amount of people living in the home at any given time.  Many jurisdictions are finding that the bedroom count is a more accurate predictor of the number of people living in the home and the resulting septic load on the system.

The type of soil found on the property is also a critical design factor.  A septic system works by the fluids flowing into the drain field where they are absorbed.  Soils such as clay do not absorb liquids as well as a sandy soil.  As a result, often drain fields located in clay soils will need to be bigger in order to adequately absorb the fluids.

The location of the drain field is also a critical design factor that must be considered.  Each jurisdiction has required setbacks from the property line, house, driveway, trees and water wells.  Often all of these factors may not only influence the location of the drain field, but also the shape, size and location of the home on the property!

Posted on behalf of Mike Smith, A-Flo Free Septic

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Sewer and Septic Systems: Knowing the Difference

March 12th, 2014 Posted in Drain Field
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First-time homeowners face a host of questions related to their new property, but one of the most common sources of confusion is related to waste removal. For many, understanding the difference between a city sewer and a septic system can be a mystifying challenge, especially if their experience with one or the other is particularly limited. You know that when you flush your toilet or pour fluids down the drain, waste is carried out of your home. What you may not know is just where it goes, and how it’s managed afterwards.

What is a Sewer System?

City-dwellers and those within a reasonable distance of a municipal area will often have access to the public sewer system. A main sewer line will carry waste water and solids to a treatment facility, away from your property altogether. Municipal sewer systems are maintained by the local government, but only in public areas. Typically, only the main line is maintained by the municipal authorities. The pipe leading to your individual property is usually considered your responsibility, and you will be responsible for contacting a sewer and septic professional should you encounter pipe breakage, clogs or other mishaps.

Septic Systems Explained

If you choose to live a bit off the beaten path, you’re likely to find there’s no municipal sewer system in place in your neighborhood. This means you’ll be dependent on a septic system, which is a self-contained wastewater treatment system which is largely located underground. They’re comprised primarily of a septic tank and a drainfield, which allows for the natural treatment of wastewater from your home. Because the system is self-contained and independent of any centralized sewer system, you are solely responsible for the maintenance and upkeep of a septic system. This includes regular pumping of the septic tank to remove solid waste.

If you have questions or concerns about the upkeep of the sewer or septic system on your new property, contact a local sewer and septic professional for assistance and in-depth maintenance information.

Posted on behalf of Keith Lee, Metro Septic and Plumbing

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How Laundry Habits Affect a Septic System

March 12th, 2014 Posted in Drain Field
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When you live on a rural property or in an area without public sewer access, a septic system is the alternative. Most homeowners who rely upon a septic system understand the basics of septic care, like paying attention to what is flushed down the toilet or sent down the drains. What many don’t realize, however, is just how much of an impact their laundry habits can have on a septic system.

Laundry and Water Disposal

When you use your washing machine, water from the wash and rinse cycles flow into your septic system. When you wash several consecutive loads of laundry over the course of a single day, you’re effectively sending large volumes of waste water through your septic system. When excessive levels of water are introduced to a septic system, there may not be enough space in the tank for all the waste to settle and break down at the bottom of the tank. This can force solid materials into the drain field, which eventually causes failure and expensive septic system problems.

Practicing Good Laundry and Water Use Habits

Instead of designating one day for all the laundry which has accumulated over the course of a week, try to break your washing habits up over a few days during the week. This will reduce the volume of waste water which ends up in your septic system in one day. During your laundry sessions, try to limit the amount of water flowing into the tank from sources like dishwashers and showers.

If you suspect your drain field (leach field) or septic tank may be under stress as a result of normal water usage, contact a septic professional in your area for a full appraisal and inspection of your system to avoid potentially expensive repairs or replacement.

Posted on behalf of Septic Service Pro

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What Your Drain Field Can Tell You About Your Septic System

February 12th, 2014 Posted in Drain Field
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Your drain field is an important part of your septic system. Although it’s the final phase of your system, it can tell you a lot about what is happening in your septic tank, pump and pipes. Keeping an eye and nose on your drain field can alert you to problems within your septic before they result in a septic failure, helping you avoid costly issues in the future.

Signs To Watch For In Your Drain Field

Your drain field should be where wastewater goes after it has undergone basic filtration and cleansing within the septic tank. The drain field is meant to filter any remaining impurities from the water before it returns to the ground water supply. However, when the system is not working correctly, the water entering the drain field will not be filtered as it should be. Some signs to look for in your drain field include:

–        Wet areas. If there are wet or boggy areas, especially during dry seasons, your septic may be failing or experiencing difficulty.

–        Odor. A strong or unusual odor coming from the drain field is a serious cause for concern. Call your local septic professional if you notice unpleasant smells near the drain field area.

–        Grass color. Watch the color of the grass growing above your drain field. If it’s a brighter green than the surrounding grass on your property, it can be a sign of a back-up as the bacteria-rich fluid actually fertilizes this particular area.

–        Waste material. If you see any type of debris in the wastewater in your drain field that should have been filtered, you may have a serious problem with your septic system.

Whenever you notice any of these changes in your drain field, it is a good time to call your septic professional for an inspection.

Posted on behalf of Seagraves Plumbing, Sewer and Septic

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Types Of Septic Systems

January 28th, 2014 Posted in Drain Field
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Although most people think of a conventional system when they think of a septic system, there are actually several different types of systems. These are generally broken into two categories, conventional and alternative, with different types in each. With new technology and a greater concern for the environment, the types of septic systems available is constantly growing and changing.

Conventional Septic Systems

There are two types of conventional sewer systems: gravity and pressure. Both consist of a septic tank and drain field, but the way the waste water or effluent is distributed to the drainfield is different. Basic or standard systems use a gravity flow system. However, most newer conventional sewer systems use pressure, which uses a pump to more evenly disperse waste water throughout the drainfield.

Alternative Septic Systems

Alternative septic systems are generally used in areas where a conventional drainfield is not possible or prudent. These include:

  • Aerobic Treatment Unit (ATU). An ATU uses oxygen to further breakdown solids within the septic tank to release cleaner waste water into the drainfield. This is often used when the drainfield is not able to properly treat the waste water, or in environmentally sensitive areas.
  • Sand filter systems. A sand filtration system is usually made with a concrete box which contains sand and gravel to filter waste water before it is pumped to a drainfield. This is typically used in areas without sufficient soil for the treatment of waste water.
  • Mound system. In areas which do not have the soil capacity for proper treatment of waste water before it enters the ground water, a mound system may be used. This essentially raises the drainfield above the ground and is man-made.

If you are replacing an old septic or creating a new system, talk to your septic professional about what would work best for your property. There are also other proprietary systems which may be a good fit for your needs.

Posted on behalf of Keith Lee, Metro Septic and Plumbing

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