Tips for Parents with a Septic System

December 30th, 2016 Posted in Septic System Maintenance
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If you ask a septic service technician what are common factors that cause septic problems, children are often listed. People who are parents with small children and also are owners of a septic system need to be aware of the possible problems that can occur. Often the cause of a septic emergency or backup is directly related to children. Here are a few tips for parents that own septic systems in their homes.

  • Don’t flush baby wipes and other solid items. You may be tempted to flush dirty baby wipes, cotton swabs and other sanitary items down the toilet. However, these items do not disintegrate and will clog your septic system. Throw them into the trash.
  • Keep small toys out of the bathroom. Often kids like to have toys to play with in the tub. While this is fine, once bath time is over, put those toys away or out of reach. Left unattended in the tub, those small toys often find their way into the toilet and kids love to watch them swirl down into your septic system.
  • Teach your kids septic system rules. Septic systems need special care. Many items can harm your septic system, such as certain foods, chemicals, paint, medications and non-biodegradable items. Teach your kids what they can and can’t put down your drain and how to avoid harming your drain field.

As a parent, you don’t need any extra expenses, especially a large expense like a septic system replacement. Make sure to protect your septic system by following these tips and scheduling regular inspections with your local septic service professional for ongoing maintenance.

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

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Is Remediation the Answer for Your Failing Septic System?

December 30th, 2016 Posted in Septic System Maintenance
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Your septic system relies on a balance of bacterial and mechanical factors to function properly. While you can have the mechanical aspect routinely inspected and maintained, the bacterial component can be more difficult to manage. Anaerobic systems rely on anaerobic bacteria to slowly breakdown waste solids in your tank. However, these same bacteria can cause the formation of bio-mat in your drain field that can lead to septic failure. Remediation is one option to stop this process and turnaround a failing septic system.

Septic remediation uses an aerobic bacteria generator to change the bacterial balance in your septic tank. Although anaerobic bacteria can work for decades to maintain a healthy septic system, over time they can produce a slimy substance that can clog your drain field. This can create a bio-mat that covers your drain field, making it difficult for effluent to be absorbed by the soil. This problem can be solved with the use of an aerobic bacteria generator.

These generators are placed in the septic tank and add oxygen to the tank, creating aerobic bacteria that feeds off the sludge and solids. These bacteria also flow out with the effluent to the drain field and begin consuming the slime and bio-mat that are clogging the filtration process. Just by adding this component to your septic system, you can often fix a failing septic system and extend the life of your system for many years.

There are many different aerobic bacteria generators available through septic service professionals. One of the top options is the Aquaworx Remediator. Talk to your local septic service company to see if remediation can save your failing 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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Sewer Lines and Summer Planting

September 21st, 2016 Posted in Septic System Maintenance
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Spring, summer and even fall are when most of the planting around your home happens. Landscaping can enhance the beauty of your property and add character to your home. However, most yards where planting occurs also have sewer lines that must be protected. Before you begin your summer planting, keep these tips in mind to protect your sewer lines.

  • Know where your sewer lines run. Whether you have city sewer or a septic system, there are sewer lines that run under the ground away from your home. You should know where these pipes are located so you can avoid planting near them. They should also not be drove over with a heavy vehicle.
  • Keep trees and large bushes away from your sewer lines. Tree roots can spread twenty feet or more from a base of a tree. Those roots can destroy sewer lines that have small cracks or joints. Tree roots seek any moisture they can find and your sewer lines are a tempting source of water.
  • Keep large plants away from drain fields. If you have a septic system with a drain field, be careful of planting bushed or trees on or near the drain field. Drain fields should only have grass planted above them as large plant roots can cause issues with the pipes and drain system.

If you are not sure where your sewer lines are, call your local sewer utility company or your septic service to find out the layout of your sewer pipes. This is good information to have in case there is ever a problem and so you can avoid disturbing those pipes that are hidden under your yard.

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

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Septic D-Box Function and Maintenance

September 21st, 2016 Posted in Septic System Maintenance
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Is your distribution box or d-box for your septic system well-maintained and working as it should? If you are asking yourself what a d-box is, you should learn a little more about your septic system. Although the septic tank and drain field are major components of your septic system, in between these two large parts is your distribution box. If not maintained, your d-box could cause problems with both your tank and your drain field, even leading to septic system failure.

What Is a D-Box’s Function?

The distribution box for your septic system is the final zone for affluent before it enters the drain field. This box is usually located near the drain field under the ground. Most d-boxes are a few feet across and about a foot under the ground. Traditionally these collection boxes are made from concrete, but they can be comprised of plastic or fiberglass. The box is sealed and has a lid that can be removed.

The d-box’s function is to collect affluent from the septic tank and distribute it evenly to the drain field. There are usually a few different outlets to the different drain field pipes so that affluent is spread throughout the drain field. When working properly, a d-box ensures that the affluent is even dispersed for maximum filtering through the soil. 

D-Box Problems

Common issues with distribution boxes are leaks, clogs and corrosion. These boxes are necessary for your septic system to work correctly, so if the box is leaking or needs replacement, it could cause flooding and a septic backup. Clogs in the pipes to and from the d-box can also cause a backup. You should know where your d-box is located and be aware of any pooling or odor coming from that area.

Your d-box should be regularly inspected as part of your schedule maintenance for your septic system. If you notice any issues near your d-box, call your local septic service immediately.

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

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Preparing Your Septic System for Summer

September 21st, 2016 Posted in Septic System Maintenance
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For many families, summer means more time spent at home, entertaining and overnight guests. Kids are out of school and the warm weather is perfect for hosting parties and family reunions at your home. If you own a house with a septic system, this can mean extra stress on your system throughout the summer. Before your guest rooms are full, now is the time to make sure your septic system is ready for the busy summer ahead. Here are a few tips to ensure your septic is ready for extra use.

  • Schedule an inspection. The best way to gauge the effectiveness of your septic system is to have a full inspection from your local septic service. A professional can inspect the tank and drain field to ensure everything is in good working order.
  • Considering tank pumping. Talk to your septic professional about pumping your tank. Even if you would normally not need a pumping for another six months, if you have an excessive amount of guests coming this summer, you may want to schedule the pumping now versus later.
  • Guest education. If you have family or guests that are not familiar with septic system limitations, you may want to print up a friendly reminder for your guests to put in your bathrooms. A list of what cannot be flushed down the toilet (wipes, cotton balls, cotton swabs, feminine hygiene products, etc.) could prevent a big septic mess later.

Nothing can ruin a party quicker than a septic backup – preventive maintenance can go a long way in making sure your summer soirees are not interrupted by a septic problem. Call your local septic service today to schedule your annual maintenance.

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

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Septic Maintenance Reminders

June 24th, 2016 Posted in Septic System Maintenance
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Septic systems have unique needs for maintenance to avoid expensive repairs and service costs. Although you may be aware of many of these rules, it is always good to remind yourself and everyone in your home of these tips to avoid septic problems. Here are a few reminders that can keep your septic system working great and septic expenses low.

  • Ditch the garbage disposal. Although garbage disposals are handy, they also are hard on your septic system. On average, homes with a garbage disposal and a septic system must pump their tank twice as often as one without a garbage disposal. Consider composting as an alternative.
  • Items to keep out of your drains. Remember, everything that goes down your drain goes into your septic tank. Food items to keep out of your drains: coffee grounds, vegetable peelings, seeds, oil and grease. Non-food items to never flush or put down the drain: feminine hygiene products, disposable wipes, cotton swabs/balls, medications, anti-bacterial cleansers, bath oils, chemicals and any other inorganic materials.
  • Schedule annual inspections. Stop big problems before they begin with annual septic inspections from your local septic service company. Your local professionals can spot minor issues before they become large, expensive problems.
  • Protect your drain field. Remember to keep your drain field protected from vehicles or other heavy machinery driving over the area. The small pipes located under the soil can be crushed, causing a septic backup and possibly septic failure.

With regular maintenance and avoiding some common irritants to your system, your septic can last for decades. Stay on a regular service and maintenance program with your local septic service company to avoid major septic repairs and failure.

Posted on behalf of:
A-Flo Free Septic
Lawrenceville, GA
(770) 927-7926

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4 Things You Need to Know About Your Drain Field

June 22nd, 2016 Posted in Septic System Maintenance
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If your septic system is working like it should, your drain field may just look like another part of your lawn. In fact, you may not even know for sure exactly where your drain field is if everything is working like clockwork. However, your drain field is one of most important components of your septic system so you should be aware of some key points. Here are four things you should know about your drain field.

  1. The exact location. You probably have a general idea where your drain field is, but do you know exactly where it begins and where it ends? This is important information to know as you want to avoid having any heavy equipment on your drain field.
  2. Greener is not better. If you start to notice that one part of your lawn is greener than the rest and that part is over your drain field, you might have a problem. This may mean your septic tank is not filtering the waste water correctly before it comes to the drain field, fertilizing the grass.
  3. Wetter is also not better. Pooling water or a foul odor near your drain field are bad signs and you need to call your septic professional right away.
  4. Small items can clog your drain field pipes. Most drain field pipes have small holes in them that release the waste water into the soil. Small items, especially medications in tablet form, can clog these holes and cause a backup. Never flush old medications down the drain or toilet.

Your drain field is often the first area to show signs of distress when you are having septic problems. Keep an eye on your drain field and make sure to have annual inspections by your local septic service company.

Posted on behalf of:
Hunter’s Septic Service
Nesbit, MS
(662) 429-1686

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Be Green and Preserve Your Septic System

June 22nd, 2016 Posted in Septic System Maintenance
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Everyone is aware of the push to make green decisions; from the products we buy to the items we throw away. Being green is about not hurting the environment we will live by reusing, recycling and reducing waste. This means using products that are safe for the environment and preserving natural resources like water. But did you know that when you think green, you are also preserving your septic system? Here are a few ways that being green is good for your septic system.

  • Natural products. One way to be green is to use natural products that are not made with harsh chemicals that are hard on the environment. This is also great for your septic system! Many natural products for personal hygiene and household cleaners are made from plants and other benign ingredients that are gentle on your septic system.
  • Using less water. Cutting down on water waste by using water-efficient fixtures and appliances cuts down the load on your septic system. Too much water can dilute your system and the bacteria needed to break down solids in your septic tank.
  • Composts. Creating a compost pile is a great way to make your own fertilizer and save your septic system. How? By consciously putting all food items into your compost pile, you are keeping them out of your drains. There is no need for a garbage disposal if you are composting and that is a good thing for your septic system!

Keep your septic healthy by being green around your home. By reducing waste, you can extend the life of your septic system, especially when combined with yearly maintenance from your local septic service company.

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

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5 Things in Your Home That Can Contribute to Septic System Failures

June 22nd, 2016 Posted in Septic System Maintenance
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No one wants to come home to a backed up septic system that may need to be replaced. Septic system failures are messy and expensive, making it a priority to avoid anything that can cause this issue. However, most septic failures can be prevented if you know what can cause them. Here are five common contributors to septic failures that are in your home.

  1. Garbage disposal. Although garbage disposals are handy, they are also a bad idea if you own a home with a septic system. Even though the garbage disposal breaks down food, it is better to not put any food down the drain when you have a septic.
  2. Washing machine. Lint from your clothes can go down the drain from your washer and causing havoc in your septic system. Installing a lint filter in your washer can prevent lint clogs in your drain field.
  3. Toilets. The biggest drains in your house is your toilets, making them the most likely place for foreign items to enter your septic. Make sure your family understands what can be flushed and what cannot, such as feminine hygiene products, cotton swabs and disposable wipes.
  4. Cleaners. Many cleaners you use in your home can be harmful to your septic system. Make sure to use laundry soaps, dish soaps and all-purpose cleaners that are safe for septic systems.
  5. Medications. Did you know that some medications can be harmful to the bacteria your septic system needs to function? Also, flushing old tablets down the drain can clog your drain field pipes.

Avoid septic system disasters by being aware of these common culprits. As another preventative measure, make sure to have annual inspections and routine tank pumping by your local septic service provider.

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

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Tips to Protect Your Septic System from Winter Damage

January 6th, 2016 Posted in Septic System Maintenance
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Septic systems in cold climates should be designed to withstand the extreme temperatures of winter. But what if you live in a region that rarely gets cold weather? If the last few years have taught Americans anything, it is that when it comes to weather, learn to expect the unexpected. An unexpected cold snap could put your pipes, septic tank and drain field in jeopardy of damage. However, there are a few ways to protect your system from winter damage. Consider these tips:

–          Insulate your drain field. A cold snap, especially without snow, can put your drain field at risk of freezing if it doesn’t have ample insulation. Grass and even snow can help protect your drain field pipes, but if you have neither, use mulch. Mulch can provide enough insulation to get you through those cold snaps during the winter months without damaging your drain field.

–          Inspect your septic tank cover. If your tank cover is visible, check it for any cracks or chips before the cold weather hits. If it is loose or has any damage, call your local septic service company to have it replaced.

–          Schedule an inspection. The best way to ensure your septic system is ready for the upcoming winter is to schedule your annual inspection. Ask your local experts about any preparation you need to ensure your septic system will not be compromised during a winter storm.

What could make a winter storm worse? Having your septic system freeze up when it is happening. Plan ahead to make sure your septic system and the rest of your plumbing is ready for anything Father Winter throws your way.

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

 

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