3 Tips on How to Extend Your Septic System’s Life

July 25th, 2018 Posted in Septic System
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Replacing a septic system can be a major expense. Depending on the size and other factors, a septic replacement can cost $10,000 or more. If you own a home with a septic system, you want to ensure your system will last as long as possible. With regular maintenance and preventive care, many septic systems can last for decades. Here are three tips to get the longest life from your septic system.

  1. Reduce waste. The more miles your car drives, the quicker it will need service or repair. The same is true for your septic system. The more waste it must process, the quicker equipment will wear out. Consider employing waste-reduction tactics in your home. Don’t use a garbage disposal – that puts too much solid waste down the drain. Use water efficient fixtures and keep water use low.
  2. Protect your system. One of the biggest causes of failure in septic systems is clogged or broken sewer lines. Make sure you keep heavy equipment and vehicles off your yard where sewer lines and the drain field are located. A broken pipe can back up the system and lead to septic failure.
  3. Regular maintenance. One of the best ways to extend the life of your septic system is with regular maintenance. Like your car, your septic system needs service. Replacing equipment as needed, cleaning out sewer lines with hydro-jetting and regular pumping from your septic professional can prevent damage to the system and prevent septic emergencies.

Investing in preventive care for your septic system is a worthwhile expenditure, especially when it can delay the need for a septic replacement. You can extend your septic system’s life by many years, saving you thousands of dollars.

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

 

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5 Things You Need to Know About Installing a New Septic System

April 2nd, 2018 Posted in Septic System
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If you are building a new home that will need a septic system, you want to make sure you start with everything you need for success. A septic system is a large investment and you want to ensure the one you install will last for decades to come. Planning and preparation are the most important aspects of building a new septic system that will last. Here are five things to consider when building a new septic system. 

  1. The type of system. There are several different systems available – gravity, mound, aerobic and others. The type of system you have will help determine the steps you need to take next.
  2. Tank placement. All septic systems need a tank that will hold the waste while it is treated. If you are building a home, this should be considered before you start the structure if possible.
  3. Drain field or mound. All septic systems need a place for the treated waste water from the tank to disperse. Whether you need a mound system or can use a drain field, you will need a place that will filter the water before it does into the ground. Drain fields will need to have the soil perc’d to ensure proper filtration will occur.
  4. Size of tank. The size of home and the amount of people in the home will help determine the size of septic tank you need. It is better to go larger than not big enough to avoid over-stressing the system.
  5. Find the right contractor. You need an experienced septic pro that can perform the inspections, install your system and ensure you have all the permits needed to meet local regulations.

Building a new septic system should be carefully planned to avoid problems in the future. Make sure you have a quality septic professional on your side to ensure your system is installed correctly and made to last.

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

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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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Buying a Home with a Septic: What You Need to Know

January 5th, 2018 Posted in Septic System
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When you are shopping for a new home in smaller towns or rural areas, you are bound to come across homes with septic systems. If you are not familiar with septic systems, it is important to understand how they differ from city sewer service before you buy a home with a septic. Here is what you need to know if you are considering buying a home with a septic.

  • It is important to have a septic system inspection before you agree to buy a home. Insist on a thorough inspection of the pump, tank, drain field and sewer lines to ensure the system is in good shape.
  • Septic systems do not require monthly payments for service, but they do need maintenance. Ask for maintenance records for the septic system and contact a local septic service to discuss ongoing maintenance plans. Most septic systems will require service 1-2 times a year.
  • Protecting your septic. Septic systems are more sensitive then city sewer systems. It is vital to understand the limits of what can be put down the drain to prevent septic clogs and failure. Talk to your local septic service company to learn the basics on how to care for your system.

If you are unsure about owning a home with a septic system, but are enamored by a house on the market with a septic, consider conversion. Many areas may have sewer lines available that can be connected to the home you desire. While it may be a sizable initial investment, converting to a sewer system connection can be easier for maintenance and add value to you home.

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

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Can Your Drain Field be Saved Through Remediation?

January 5th, 2018 Posted in Septic System
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When your drain field no longer can filter the effluent from your septic tank, your entire system can fail. Drain field problems often occur due to bio-mat growth, a thick covering of biological material that can cover the drain field. When this occurs, effluent cannot filter properly. If not fixed, the drain field may need to be dug up and replaced, making a mess of your yard and draining your bank account. Another option is septic system remediation, a much simpler option to save your drain field.

What Is Drain Field Remediation?

When a thick bio-mat is clogging a drain field, the bio-mat must be removed. Remediation of a drain field is an alternative to complete replacement. The biological material that creates that thick, clogging mat can be reduced by adding oxygen to the septic tank to grow anaerobic bacteria. Stimulating the growth of these bacteria can dissipate the bio-mat through the natural biological process.

To add the needed oxygen to the septic tank, a remediator device can be used. This can be placed in the tank by your septic service company. Advanced remediators can begin reducing the bio-mat growth in as little as two weeks and offers long-term improvement for the breakdown of solids in the septic tank. This can prevent future drain field problems and help dissolve solids in the tank, reducing the frequency of pumping.

If you have noticed pooling on your drain field or a bad odor, you may have a bio-mat problem. Contact your local septic service company to find out if drain field remediation can resolve your bio-mat problem and improve the function of your septic system.

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

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Buying a New Home? Consider Your Sewer Options

June 11th, 2017 Posted in Septic System
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When you are looking to buy a new home, you have certain factors to consider. The number of bedrooms, bathrooms and square footage come to mind, as well as layout, location and amenities. But there is another aspect that is important in your buying decision: the sewer system. While not sexy, it is a crucial part of your home and can have a big impact. Here are a few questions to ask about the sewer system before you buy:

Is it a septic or sewer system? This is a basic question you will need to know. If it is on a city sewer system, great. But you will want to learn more about the age and type of sewer pipes on your property as they will be your responsibility. If it is a septic system, there are more questions to ask.

How old is the septic system? Septic systems can last for decades if properly maintained, but if it is twenty years old or more, you will want it thoroughly inspected. You will also want to obtain records on its maintenance.

Can the septic system be converted to sewer? In general, using city sewer can be easier with less maintenance than a septic system. It can also increase the value of the home. If a conversion is possible, it could be worth the cost as an investment into the home.

Regardless of whether it is a sewer or septic system, having your own inspection done on the pipes and other components by a sewer service company is advisable. Sewer/septic repairs and replacement can be expensive – you will want to know what you are getting into before you buy.

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

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Toilet Tips for Your Septic System

April 3rd, 2017 Posted in Septic System
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The toilet can be the biggest single factor in keeping your septic system healthy and working correctly. Since larger items can be flushed down, it has the potential to cause issues in your septic system. Ensuring you don’t put the wrong items down your toilet can help save on septic repair bills and other costs associated with maintaining your septic system. Here are a few septic system tips to help keep your septic system working great.

  • Use septic-safe toilet paper. It is important to get toilet paper that will breakdown easily in your septic system. Make sure the toilet paper you buy and use specifically says it is septic-safe.
  • Keep in mind that cleaners can harm the bacteria content in your septic tank that are needed to breakdown solids. Use toilet cleaners that are biodegradable – try to stay away from harsh chemicals like chlorine. There are natural options like vinegar and baking soda that can work well without hurting the septic system.
  • Educate kids. Kids need to know what can and cannot be flushed down the toilet. Cotton balls, swabs, feminine hygiene products and anything that is not biodegradable should not be flushed. Kids like to put toys and other items in the toilet and watch them swirl down – make sure they understand that this is not ok and can be detrimental to your septic system.
  • Slow toilets. If your toilet is flushing slow, it can be a sign that you have a clog or its time for a septic pumping. Watch for slow toilets and get the issue checked out by a septic plumber.

Following these septic system tips will help save you money on septic system repairs and extend the life of your septic system.

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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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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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Avoiding Septic Emergencies

December 30th, 2016 Posted in Septic System
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No one wants to wake up and find backed up sewage in their toilets, sinks and bathtubs. A septic emergency is not only disgusting and inconvenient, it can be very expensive. Although not all septic emergencies can be prevented, there are often signs that can warn you of a possible problem with your system. Here are a few signs that can help you recognize a septic issue before it becomes a major septic emergency.

Slow Drains

If you have one slow drain in your home, it is most likely a plumbing problem with that particular drain. However, if you have several drains that are slow, especially on the lowest level of the house, call your septic professional. There could be an issue with your septic system that is causing the slow drainage. If not fixed, you could wake up to a nasty sewage back up into your home.

Watch Your Drain Field

Your drain or leach field is a good indicator of possible problems with your septic system. If water or sewage is pooling in your drain field or there is a foul odor, this can be a sign there are issues with your septic. Ignoring this could end up causing a septic emergency and can even end in a complete septic failure.

Odor and Wet Spots

It is not just your drain field that should be watched for signs of septic issues in your outdoor area. Any wet spots in your lawn or rotten, sewage odors can be a sign of a problem. Sewer pipes under your yard can crack, break or become blocked, causing problems. These wet areas and odor can alert you to an issue below the surface of your yard.

At the first sign of any septic issues, call your local septic service company. It is almost always less expensive to have a septic repaired before it becomes a major septic emergency.

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

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