Garbage Disposals and Septic Tanks

August 2nd, 2014 Posted in Septic Tank Pumping
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Many people love the idea of having a garbage disposal in their kitchen. It makes for quick cleanup after meals, it saves from the trashcan getting stinky, and it is an easy way to get rid of food waste. However, there is much debate as to whether using a garbage disposal with a septic tank is a wise choice.

It is no surprise that using a garbage disposal adds more waste to the septic tank. Septic systems are designed to hold and break down only a certain amount of waste, and the amount should be monitored carefully and planned for well before a septic tank is installed to a home. A garbage disposal that is used frequently can increase the suspended levels of solids in a septic tank by up to 80 percent. With the increase of solids, it also increases the amount of oils and grease in the tank. The bacteria that are in the septic tank must handle all of these increases. While there are millions of bacteria living in the septic tank to break down the solid wastes that enter, they are only able to break down so much waste at a time. Over-filling the tank with waste at a faster rate than the bacteria can break it down will cause the tank to become clogged and not work properly.

All homes that have a garbage disposal need to schedule septic tank pumping once a year in order to combat the extra waste that accumulates in the tank. While a properly sized septic system can typically handle the added waste of a garbage disposal, more maintenance is required in order for the system to work properly and to last its projected lifespan. In other words, it is up to each household to determine how they want to maintain their septic tank. Is the extra maintenance required by having a garbage disposal doable, or is taking out the trash more feasible?

Posted on behalf of Metro Septic and Plumbing

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Water Conservation and Your Septic System

August 2nd, 2014 Posted in Septic Tank Pumping
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Water conservation can go a long way in extending the life of a septic system, saving you money each month on your water bill while also saving you from an expensive repair or septic tank replacement.

Septic systems s are designed to work by collecting wastewater in a septic tank where millions of bacteria are waiting to breakdown waste and convert it to a liquid or gas to be carried out into a drain field. Having a properly sized septic tank can provide a home with great service for at least thirty years with regularly scheduled septic tank pumping and maintenance. However, by practicing water conservation your tank can work more efficiently and can extend the life of your septic system.

Water conservation positively affects your septic tank because all of the water that exits your house through the drains winds up in your septic tank. By limiting the amount of water that flows to your septic tank, you are limiting the work that your septic system has to do. Not only does this save you money on your water bill, but it also saves the life of the bacteria in the septic tank. By simply turning off the water while brushing your teeth, repairing leaking faucets (inside and out), and replacing bathroom fixtures with energy efficient faucets, showerheads, and toilets you can save an estimated 6000-7000 gallons of water a year.

Taking measures to conserve water goes a long way to preserve the life of your septic tank. By reducing the load of wastewater that your system has to handle, it will extend the life of your septic system.

Posted on behalf of Metro Septic and Plumbing

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Are Septic Tank Additives Needed?

August 2nd, 2014 Posted in Septic Tank Pumping
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Many people find that when they have their septic tanks pumped that they are encouraged by the workmen and workwomen to buy an enzymatic additive to keep the septic system “healthy.” So is this true, or are these workers just trying to sell a product and earn commission?

Research shows that people should save their money and allow the natural function of the septic tank to do its thing. The septic tank is alive with millions of naturally occurring bacteria that are there to break down the majority of the solid waste that enters the tank. When solids are broken down by the bacteria, they turn into gasses or liquids that rise to the top of the tank and flow into the drain field where it percolates into the soil. When this water reaches the drain field there are more millions of bacteria waiting for it there to continue the breakdown of waste in the water.

Studies have proven that most of the septic tank additives on the market do not do much of anything. It is also important to note that some additives can actually be harmful to a septic system. Many additives claiming to “aid in the breakdown of waste” actually kill the naturally occurring bacteria. The bacteria are a main function of the septic tank, so when they are killed the septic tank will require more maintenance and more frequent septic tank pumping. In fact, in the state of Washington there is a ban on septic tank additives because of the way in which they interfere with the natural function of the septic system.

People should save their money and focus their attention to properly caring for their septic systems.

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

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Septic Tank Bacteria

August 2nd, 2014 Posted in Septic Tank Pumping
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When most of us hear the work bacteria we think of something negative, something unhealthy. But that is not always the case. In fact, there are healthy bacteria growing in the mouth of every person on the planet helping to keep billions of teeth clean! There are also helpful bacteria living in the septic tank of every home that has a septic system. Without those bacteria working hard septic systems would fail and there would be a very large sewage problem.

In a home, raw sewage is collected by the plumbing and it is delivered to a septic tank. When the organic solids such as human waste and food particles reach the tank there are millions of naturally occurring bacteria waiting to do their jobs. When the household wastewater reaches the tank it is held for about two days in order for solids to settle to the bottom of the tank while oils, grease, and lighter waste float up to the top forming the “sludge layer.” The bacteria in the septic tank go to work on the solid materials by breaking them down and converting about half of the material to liquids or gases. Then these lighter waste materials can rise to the top and flow into the drain field where further treatment occurs.

With regular septic tank pumping, the bacteria will continue to thrive and successfully do their jobs. It is a popular misconception that additives need to be added to the plumbing in a home in order to help the septic tank work properly. However, with proper maintenance and monitoring of what is allowed down the drains, the septic system should not need any human assistance to operate. Those millions of bacteria can do the job!

Posted on behalf of Metro Septic and Plumbing

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How Long Will a Septic System Last?

August 2nd, 2014 Posted in Septic Tank Pumping
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Every septic system is designed to last its ideal lifespan of at least 30 years. However, it should not simply be assumed that your septic system will last those 30 years – there are requirements that need to be done in order for that benchmark to be reached. Keeping your septic system regularly maintained and by reducing the stress on the system, the life of a septic system can reach 30 years and may even last longer!

The most important factor in extending the life of your septic system is making sure that it is the proper size for your home. Determining the number of bedrooms is one key to figuring out the correct size of your septic system. However, if there are people sharing bedrooms then those “extra” people need to be accounted for. For example, a typical septic tank for a three-bedroom home is generally sized for four people (two adults in the master and one person in each remaining room). However, if there are really six people living in the home, then the size requirements of the septic tank have changed significantly. Proper sizing matters!

Regular maintenance of septic systems is also highly important. Septic systems need to be pumped every 3-5 years; those with a garbage disposal should be pumped annually. Regular septic tank pumping will help to extend the life of your septic tank.

It is also important to carefully monitor what goes down the drain. Anything that cannot be broken down easily by the natural bacteria that lives in the septic system should not be put down the drain.

By giving your septic tank a little TLC it can last you and your home for many years, even decades. Replacing a septic tank is a hassle – an expensive one. When cared for properly, your septic system can be a well-functioning system that serves your home well.

Posted on behalf of Septic Service Pro

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The Importance of Septic Tank Pumping

August 2nd, 2014 Posted in Septic Tank Pumping
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For many of us, we turn on the faucet, flush, wash dishes, and spit after we brush our teeth without ever stopping to think where all of that water and waste go. Most people tend to think that everything is good with their septic tanks unless something is going wrong. However, that is the wrong mindset to take when it comes to making sure that their septic tanks work properly and last as long as they should.

A septic tank is a large holding tank for waste that leaves the home. The tank is designed to separate the liquid waste from the solid waste, but it must be maintained in order to function properly. Taking the initiative to pump the septic tank every few years is crucial to the longevity of the tank. Without pumping the tank regularly, materials will accumulate at the bottom and top of the water and create layers of scum and “sludge.” The accumulation of scum can ruin the condition of the septic tank and the drain field.

It is recommended that everyone with a septic tank schedule the tank to be pumped every 3-5 years. It is important to have the tank pumped while the system is still working properly. Waiting too long could leave the septic tank in unsalvageable condition leading to a very costly and messy repair. Those who have a garbage disposal system attached to the house should have more frequent septic tank pumping because of the greater amount of waste that will accumulate in the tank. Talking to professional septic tank companies, you can determine the schedule you should keep for maintaining the life and function of your septic tank.

Posted on behalf of Septic Service Pro

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How Septic Tanks Work

August 2nd, 2014 Posted in Septic Tank Pumping
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It may not be something we tend to think about, but the invention of indoor plumbing may be one of the best modern inventions. To bathe, wash clothes, and use the bathroom indoors is a comfort that has not been around all that long as far as history goes. However, take that luxury away, and you will quickly come to realize that it is definitely one of your favorite modern improvements. While you may not think of your indoor plumbing often, knowing how it works to rid your home of waste can be important if something were to go wrong in the future.

About one-third of the homes in America have a septic system treating the waste in their homes. By design, these systems are fairly simple. All of the drains in a home are designed to converge to a single pipe that leads to the septic tank buried outside. The water from the toilets, sinks, laundry, baths, and showers all combine in the single pipe. However, once the waste makes it to the septic tank it begins to separate. The septic tank is designed to have two separate holding areas – the liquid side and the solid side. There is a center wall inside the septic tank that separates the two sides. The wall has a hole in the middle that allows the liquid waste to flow across the tank into the “liquid side” where it will drain into a leaching area. The waste that accumulates in the “waste side” will separate. Some waste will float and form a scum mat, while other waste will sink to the bottom and create a sludge layer. Some water remains in the “waste side” to separate the floating and sinking wastes.

About every three years (for an average family with an adequately sized septic tank) the tank needs to be pumped. The idea is to pump out the solid wastes before there is enough water in the “waste side” to trickle into the “liquid side” of the tank. Because the liquid waste will exit the septic tank and flow to a leaching area in the yard, it is especially important that only liquid waste is flowing out. By properly caring for your septic tankwith regular septic tank pumping, you can ensure that it will function correctly and not cause serious problems for your home, yard, and health.

Posted on behalf of Septic Service Pro

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Daily Tricks For A Long Lasting Septic System

July 16th, 2014 Posted in Septic Tank Pumping
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If you own a home with a septic system, the biggest fear is needing to replace that system. Having a new septic installed can be very expensive, as well as inconvenient. However, there are tricks to keeping your existing system working well for many years to come. While regular maintenance and pumping from your local septic service company are important, there are things your family can do every day to reduce wear on your septic system.

What Goes Down The Drain Must Come Out

Anything that goes down the drain must be processed by your septic system. One of the simplest ways to increase the life of a septic system is to have house rules on water usage. Never leave water running to go straight down the drain. Have a container that fits into your kitchen sink to rinse vegetables and dishes. Then dispose of the water outside or water your houseplants with it. Teach your entire family tricks to conserve water and reduce the impact on your septic system. Other tricks include being aware of:

  • Garbage disposals. Be very careful with what you put into your garbage disposal. High fiber vegetable or fruit  peels, grease, coffee grounds and other difficult to process items can wreak havoc on a septic system. Try starting a compost pile for some of these items instead of putting them through the disposal.
  • Leaks and drips. Make sure to fix dripping or leaking faucets promptly to reduce the amount of water going down the drain.
  • Water efficient fixtures. Change your water fixtures such as toilets, shower heads and faucets to water efficient options in order to reduce the amount of water you use.

Allowing less water and debris to go down the drains of your home every day can make a big difference on the longevity of your septic system. Combined with regular septic tank pumping by your local septic company, you can extend the life of septic by many years.

Posted on behalf of Bynum & Sons Plumbing, Inc.

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Can Your Septic Handle Your Big Summer Party?

June 16th, 2014 Posted in Septic Tank Pumping
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It is common during the summer months for many homeowners to have large gatherings at their homes. From Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day, there are many beautiful weekends and holidays which present perfect opportunities to bring friends and family together. However, if you own a home with a septic system, you need to plan for more than how many hot dogs to buy for your barbecue. You should also be preparing for the extra stress these parties can have on your septic system.

Preparing For Extra Guests

Your septic system is designed to handle the daily load for your household, but not necessarily a dozen or more extra guests at one time. To offset this extra load, you should plan for the big day ahead of time. Here are a few ways to reduce stress on your septic system during a large party:

  • Water usage. Showers, laundry and other large water usages should be handled prior to the day of the party. Do food prepping and other tasks that require water in the days before the event.
  • Use disposable plates and cups. Cut down on the amount of dishes you will need to wash by only using disposal items which can be thrown away.
  • Post bathroom rules. Politely let guests know what cannot be flushed down the toilet by posting a reminder in your bathroom. If it is a very large party, you may want to consider renting a portable bathroom that can be used outside.
  • Pump your tank. If you have not had your septic tank pumped in awhile, having it pumped prior to a large party can ensure that there is room in the tank to handle the extra waste. Plan ahead to arrange septic tank pumping before the date arrives.

With a little planning, you can have a successful summer party without ending up with a septic emergency when you have a house full of guests.

Posted on behalf of Seagraves Plumbing Septic and Sewer

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4 Tips For Keeping Your Septic Maintained

June 16th, 2014 Posted in Septic Tank Pumping
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Owning a home with a septic system requires certain maintenance to be performed to keep it running smoothly. If you are new to owning a home with a septic system, you may not be aware of the full scope of problems which can be directly attributed to improper septic maintenance. There are certain things you need to do, and some things that you should avoid, to ensure your septic system continues functioning optimally. Here are four basic septic maintenance tips to get you started.

  1. Avoid harsh chemicals. Septic systems require a delicate chemical balance, which is easily disturbed when certain substances are put down the drain. Avoid putting chemicals such as bleach or heavy household cleaners down the drain. Use biodegradable cleaning products whenever possible.
  2. Food waste. Even if you have a garbage disposal, you should be extremely careful of the food waste you put down the drain. Try to limit grease or fats going down the drains by straining extra grease out of pans into the garbage before washing. Also, scrape excess food off plates into the garbage before washing dishes.
  3. Water usage. Your septic system must process all water used in your home. Preserve the life of your septic by using water efficient fixtures and appliances. Teach your family to practice water conserving techniques, such as not leaving the water running and spreading out laundry schedules.
  4. Septic maintenance. Your septic tank should have regular maintenance performed, such as regular septic tank pumping and maintaining the treatment system. Most homes with septic systems will need some annual maintenance, plus the tank will need to be pumped every few years.

Hiring a septic company to perform regular maintenance is one way to avoid septic malfunctions and backups. They can also give you other hints and tips on how to keep your septic system well-maintained and running smoothly.

Posted on behalf of Metro Septic and Plumbing

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