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Top 3 Common Septic Tank Issues

December 4th, 2018 Posted in Septic Tanks

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If you have a septic system, you know keeping the components in good working order is important. One of the main parts of your septic is your tank. This giant underground holding tank is where your solid waste is broken down, with some waste water being directed to your drain field and the solid waste accumulating as sludge. When a problem occurs with the tank, the entire system is at risk of failure.

Here are the top three tank issues that can affect your septic system.

Leaks. If the tank walls crack or erode, the tank can begin leaking. When this happens, the waste water does not get distributed properly and can contaminate the soil. Most leaks cannot be repaired; the tank usually needs to be replaced.
Not enough bacteria. If the bacteria needed to break down waste are not present, the tank will quickly fill up with solids. Chemicals can kill these bacteria; keeping chemicals out of the tank can help avoid this issue and there are additives that can help improve bacteria growth.
Needs pumping. The most common problem with a septic tank is that it overflows. It is vital to have your septic tank serviced and the levels checked every year to avoid a full tank that will back up your septic system.

Scheduling an annual inspection for your complete septic system, including the tank, can help you avoid common septic tank problems. Regular pumping and checking the efficiency by septic professionals can help you proactively fix issues and keep your septic system working like it should. If it has been more than a year since your last septic service, call your local septic professional to schedule your maintenance.

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

Septic Tank Additives, Septic Tank Inspections, Septic Tank Leak

What is a Sludge Check?

December 4th, 2018 Posted in Septic System

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When you have a septic system, keeping an eye on your septic tank is vital to prevent overflow and backups. Unfortunately, checking the level of your septic tank is not an easy task. There are deadly fumes in your septic tank and accessing the inside is a chore. Septic professionals are the best option to keep an eye on your septic tank levels, including a sludge check.

Sludge, when referring to a septic tank, is the layer of solid waste residue that forms inside your septic tank. This is solid waste that has been semi-dissolved, but it still a thick substance that should not be distributed to your drain field. During regular service, septic professional check the sludge level to determine if your septic tank needs to be pumped. This sludge check should be performed at least once a year to ensure it does not reach dangerous levels.

In most cases, if the sludge check reveals the tank is approaching the two-thirds level of fullness, it is time to schedule a septic pumping. This means the sludge is filling more than half the tank and will need to be removed before it backups into the sewer lines or overflows into the drain field. Sludge will not breakdown and can ruin a drain field. It is important to keep up with regular sludge checks and other maintenance to prevent septic failures.

If it has been over a year since you had your septic system serviced and a sludge check performed, it is time to call your local septic service professional. They can safely check the level of sludge in your septic tank and perform a pumping if needed.

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

Septic Tank Inspections, Septic Tank Pumping, Sludge Check

Safety Tips for Cleaning a Septic Tank

December 4th, 2018 Posted in Septic Tanks

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Have you ever cleaned your septic tank? Unless you are a septic professional, you probably have never seen the inside of your septic tank. Septic tanks are located underground and can be dangerous to access. The fumes created during the breakdown of waste are toxic and can be very dangerous if you do not have the right experience and equipment. Here are some safety tips you need to know about getting your septic tank cleaned.

Be careful around the septic tank opening. Once the lid is removed from the septic tank, it becomes a falling hazard. The area showed be marked to avoid anyone falling into the hole; also keep pets contained while the lid is off to avoid having a pet fall into the tank.
Beware of fumes. Even when you are only above the septic tank, the fumes can be strong enough to cause you to blackout. Stay away from the opening without the right expertise and breathing protection.
Cover your skin. Any small wound or break in the skin can be easily infected from the substances in your septic tank. Make sure all skin is covered and protected before going anywhere near your tank.
Hire a professional. There are too many risks involved to try to clean your septic tank yourself. You need the right equipment to pump the tank clean and the waste must be properly disposed of to avoid hefty fines.

The only safe way to clean your septic tank is to hire a licensed septic service professional. Don’t every try to clean or repair your septic tank on your own – the risks are too great.

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

Septic Tank Cleaning, Septic Tank Pumping, Septic Tank Safety

Is a Trenchless Sewer Line Right for Your Septic Repair?

December 4th, 2018 Posted in Sewer Lines

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If you have a broken sewer line in your septic system, you may be wondering if a trenchless sewer line repair is a good option. No one relishes the thought of tearing up their yard to replace sewer lines, which is why trenchless pipe repairs can sound like a good option. However, there are some factors to consider before you choose a trenchless sewer line versus traditional pipe replacement.

Trenchless sewer line repairs are attractive to homeowners. They do not require the broken pipe be dug up with a trench. Instead, a pipe lining or soft-lined pipe is put in place of the broken pipe. This only involves digging two holes on either side of the broken pipe instead of a trench. This can save landscaping and take less time. However, there are some drawbacks to this method. Some factors that can be a problem include:

The grade or slope of the pipe needs to be just right. Pipe lining or trenchless pipe replacements require the right slope or pitch to work correctly.
Pipe bursting can cause disruption and damage to other structures underground. Pipe bursting is used when the pipe is being replaced using a trenchless method; if underground utilities are too close, the bursting action could cause damage to this equipment.
Unforeseen complications can result in a trench method to be needed, causing further delay and cost.

While trenchless pipe replacement or repair can be beneficial in some situations, it is not the solution for all sewer pipe repairs. Traditional sewer line repairs may require a trench, but many issues can be avoided with this method. Talk to your local sewer/septic repair services about which method is best for your sewer line repair.

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

Sewer Line Inspections, Sewer Line Repair Options, Trenchless Sewer Line Repair

3 Things You Need Before Installing a New Septic System

November 5th, 2018 Posted in Sewer-Septic Service and Installation

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A new septic system is a large undertaking; months of planning often occur before the system can finally be installed. The land must be perc’d, inspected and permits must be obtained to begin the final process. Septic systems require the right distance from the home, soil that will allow for filtration and the pipes in place for waste transportation. There are many steps that must accomplished before the system can be completed. Here are three of the things you will need before your septic system can be installed.

Layout. A layout plan is needed to prepare for your septic system installation. This is like a blueprint for a home, outlining the different components of the septic. The layout will show where the pipes, tank, drain field and distribution box will be located. Keep in mind the trees and landscaping that are in place that could interfere with your plumbing.
Permits. You will need permits from your county or city for your septic system. Your septic system installation company can often help with this process. An inspection is usually required before permits will be issued.
Tank size. Before you can install your system, you need to decide what size tank will be needed for your home. You want a tank that will be large enough for your current and future needs. Your septic professional can help you decide what size you need.

Of course, these three steps are just a few of the many factors that should be considered before installation. Having a professional septic company to help you navigate the preparation process will make sure that your installation goes smoothly and your system will last for many years to come.

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

Drain Field Perc Test, Septic Tank Installation, Septic Tank Size

Is it a Septic Problem?

November 5th, 2018 Posted in Septic System

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Your plumbing and septic system are connected, but there is a difference between a plumbing issue and a septic problem. Your plumbing refers to the pipes and water system inside the house, while your septic system involves waste pipes, your septic tank and drain field. However, both can cause drain issues and sewer backups in your home. How do you know when you just have a clogged drain or if it’s a septic problem?

When a drain or pipe is clogged in your plumbing, it is usually a localized issue. If your toilet or kitchen sink drain is clogged, only those fixtures are affected. Your toilet can overflow due to a clog, but the bathroom sink and shower will still drain. These are clogs in the smaller pipes. Larger plumbing waste pipes can get clogged, but they will still usually only affect one area of the house, not all drains.

A septic backup will affect all drains in your home, usually the ones closest to the main sewer drain pipe first. This means drains in your basement or first floor are most likely to be the first to drain slower. If there is a septic backup, eventually all drains in the home will become slow and may begin not draining at all, or sewage may come up through the drains.

Any sewer backup in your home is a good reason to call a plumber. However, if you have what appears to be a septic backup, you want to call a septic professional. Your septic tank could be full or you may be experiencing a septic failure. Your local septic professional can perform an inspection and figure out the problem and propose a solution.

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

Backed Up Sewer Line, Clear Clogged Drains, Clogged Septic System

How Often Should You Have Your Septic Inspected?

November 5th, 2018 Posted in Septic Tank Inspections

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When you buy a home with a septic system, an inspection is usually performed before the sale is finalized. Same is true when a new septic is added to a home; it is inspected before it is approved for use. However, outside these circumstances, how often should you have your septic inspected?

Your septic system has many different components, the majority of which are underground. It is difficult and unsafe to try inspecting the tank yourself – it is also almost impossible to know what is going on in your sewer lines without professional help. Like any major system, inspections can catch issues, such as components that need repair or replacement, before they cause extensive and expensive problems.

Septic inspections should be done once a year as part of your maintenance program. Your local septic service can perform a thorough septic inspection, which may include:

Checking septic tank levels
Measuring scum and sludge layers in the tank
Inspect tank for cracks or other damage
Check drain field and distribution box for proper function
Sewer line camera inspections
Check connections and function

Inspecting the septic tank is dangerous due to the gases inside the tank. It is important that this is performed by a professional for safety.

Once a thorough inspection is performed, your septic professional can give you an overview of your system. If this is done annually, you can catch small issues before they cause a sewer back up (like a clog forming in a sewer line) or septic failure if there are issues in your drain field or tank. Keeping up with regular annual inspections can help extend the life of your septic system and prevent expensive septic emergencies.

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

Septic Tank Capacity, Septic Tank Inspections, Septic Tank Maintenance

How to Tell if your Sump Pump Needs Repair

November 5th, 2018 Posted in Sump Pumps and Ejector Pumps

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Ironically, sump pumps are put in to prevent a flooding emergency, but they can sometimes cause the emergency. Since sump pumps are not necessarily used year-round, they can be easily forgotten when it comes to maintenance and repair. However, if your sump pump does not work when it is needed, you could be in for a flooded basement that can cost you plenty in damage and repairs, both on the sump pump and your home. Here are some tips to keep your sump pump maintained and how to know when it needs a repair.

Beware of bad odors. A bad odor coming from your basement may be sign that your sump pump repair. Check your sump pump – if the odor is especially bad in that area, you need to call your sewer/septic plumber for an inspection and possible repair.
Flooding. Obviously if your basement has any flooding, your sump pump may not be working correctly. Call your local sewer plumber for a repair.
Strange noises. If the sump pump is making more noise than usual or sounds like it is struggling, it is time for a service. It may just need a little tune-up on the motor or other regular maintenance, but it is better to be proactive and get it serviced before it quits running altogether or needs an emergency repair.
Keep your sump pump maintained. Schedule regular service for your sump pump, especially before the wettest seasons of the year.

Don’t wait for your sump pump to breakdown. Watch for signs that it needs repair and have regular maintenance performed to prevent sump pump emergencies. Talk to your local sewer/septic plumber about scheduling your next inspection or maintenance service.

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

Odor Near Sump Pump, Sump Pump Maintenance, Sump Pump Repairs

Why You Should Replace Polybutylene Pipes

November 5th, 2018 Posted in Sewer Lines

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Sometimes an invention comes along that seems like a great idea, but turns out to be a literal bust. That is the case with polybutylene pipes, which was used in plumbing between the 1970’s and 1990’s. This blue plastic piping was very popular, thought to be the wave of the future. It turned out it is unreliable and will eventually corrode from the inside out, causing plumbing and sewer line failures. If you have polybutylene pipes in your plumbing or as your sewer line, you should replace it. Here’s why.

Repairs Will Get Expensive

Many home and business owners have opted to repair polybutylene pipes as they burst versus doing a full replacement. While this is less expensive at the time, it will not be in the long run. Running up plumbing and sewer line repairs at a few hundred dollars or more per episode will eventually cost more than replacement, which will need to be done anyway.

Possible Damage

If your sewer line breaks or a pipe bursts in your home, you can be in for expensive damage to your house and property. A broken sewer line can cause a sewer backup, creating a nasty mess, plus possible water and mold problem in your home.

It’s Not if They Will Break, It Is When

If your polybutylene pipes have not already begun to give you problems, they will. Proactively replacing polybutylene pipes will save you on repairs and damage.

Don’t wait for the next plumbing or sewer line emergency to occur. Talk to your local sewer/plumbing service company about replacing your old polybutylene pipes to protect yourself from emergency repair costs and other damage to your property.

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

Polybutylene Pipe Replacement, Septic System Inspections, Types of Sewer Line Pipe

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

Odor Near Sump Pump, Sump Pump Maintenance, Sump Pump Repairs