5 Common Reasons for Septic Failure

November 27th, 2017 Posted in Septic System Maintenance
Comments Off on 5 Common Reasons for Septic Failure

Septic failure is not an occurrence that any homeowner wants to have happen, but eventually most septic systems do fail. They can last for decades when properly maintained, but there are circumstances that can make a septic failure occur quicker than expected. If you know the main causes of septic failure, you can often prevent premature failure with your system. Here are five common reasons septic systems fail.

  1. Non-biodegradable items. Flushing items that are non-biodegradable is one of the top reasons for failure. Avoid putting plastic, cotton, rubber and other items down your drains, i.e. feminine hygiene products, cotton balls/swabs, “flushable” wipes, birth control items.
  2. Chemicals like paint, oil, solvents and strong cleaners can ruin the bacterial balance in your septic tanks, causing a septic back up.
  3. Drain field damage. If vehicles or other machinery are driven over drain fields, it can damage the pipes and cause a septic backup.
  4. Excessive water use. Putting more water into your septic system than it is designed to handle can cause failure. Using water conservation techniques and water-efficiency fixtures can help reduce water waste.
  5. Foregoing maintenance. The biggest impact on your septic system that can cause failure is not maintaining the tank, drain field and equipment. Regular inspections, pumping and replacement of components as needed can help extend the life of your septic system by many years.

What you put down your drains has a big impact on the health of your septic system. Keeping grease, oil, chemicals and non-biodegradable items out of your drains is important, and lowering water use can also have an impact. Make sure you also schedule regular maintenance with your local septic service company can catch issues early and help prevent failure.

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

, ,
Read More

Warning Signs A Septic System Is Failing

January 28th, 2014 Posted in Drain Field
Comments Off on Warning Signs A Septic System Is Failing

Having your septic system fail can be expensive, messy and time consuming. While many septic systems may last for decades, all septic systems eventually will need to be replaced. However, knowing the signs which indicate your septic system is having problems or may be failing can alert you in time to either get it fixed or at least have it replaced before it does more damage to your home and property.

First Signs Of Septic Failure

When there is a problem with your septic system, there are several signs that the system is failing. Whether it is a problem with your drainfield, pump or an overall system failure, there are tell-tale signs that it is time to call a septic professional.

  • Odor. One of the most obvious signs there is a problem with your septic system is a bad odor. This could be near your drainfield, septic tank or in your plumbing within the home.
  • Slow draining. If your drains in the home are slow, it may be a sign that the septic system is not working correctly.
  • Wet spots or standing liquid over drainfield. If there are noticeable wet areas or standing liquid on your drainfield, especially in dry weather, your drainfield may be failing and in need of drain field repairs or replacement.
  • Backups. If you have sewage or contaminated water (usually black with a very unpleasant odor) backing up in your plumbing or septic system, you need to have your septic system looked at immediately.
  • Gurgling. If you hear gurgling sounds in your plumbing system, it may be a symptom of septic failure.

If you have any of these signs, call your septic professional right away to get a diagnosis of the problem. Many issues can be resolved if identified before they get worse; however if the septic system or drainfield needs to be replaced, it is better to know sooner than later.

Posted on behalf of Keith Lee, Metro Septic and Plumbing

Google

, ,
Read More

Duluth GA Drain Field Repair and Installation

October 23rd, 2013 Posted in Septic System
Comments Off on Duluth GA Drain Field Repair and Installation

If you are a homeowner with a septic system it is very important to pay close attention to the warning signals your septic tank is giving to you.

  • Bad odors. This is one of the biggest red flags that your septic system isn’t performing the way it should. You should watch out for smells like rotten eggs or sewage. This is the smell of methane gas seeping through your septic system. You need to contact your local septic system professional. ASAP!
  • Wet or soggy areas around your drain fields. This can mean the drain field is clogged from roots or biomaterial that has built up over time, which causes a backup of sludge and other waste. This can cause a very serious environmental and health hazard in the soil.
  • Very slow drains and toilets. This could mean that your septic tank is filled to the brim or there may be damage in the pipes. If you hear a gurgling sound from the drains, this is a good indication that the waste and water are not flowing as freely as they should be.
  • No harm no foul. Problems in your septic could be happening right under your nose without giving you any warnings.  If you have not had your septic system pumped and inspected in over two years you could have leaks, back-ups and problems within the tank.  It is very important to the health of your septic system, property and your family to have your tank pumped and inspected every one to two years.

Remember, take responsibility of your septic system and always consult your septic system professionals when you discover signs of a problem.

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

Google

, ,
Read More

Does Homeowner Insurance Cover Septic System Failure?

October 23rd, 2013 Posted in Sewer Lines
Comments Off on Does Homeowner Insurance Cover Septic System Failure?

If something goes wrong with your septic tank or sewer line, do you know if your homeowner’s insurance will cover this? Installing a new septic tank could cost you $2,000 or more, plus the fee of the excavator, city permit fees and inspection fees. Replacing an entire home sewer line could cost over $10,000.

Don’t wait for an emergency to hit. Examine your current homeowner’s policy and ask questions about your coverage now. Look within your policy under the section where limitations and exclusions are listed. If septic problems are not excluded, they might be covered to some extent and under some circumstances.

Homeowners insurance generally will cover a repair if the damage is unrelated to the regular care and maintenance of the sewer pipe or septic. For example, if there is a major house fire and the sewer line is destroyed because it was located beneath the house, your insurance may cover replacement of these pipes. Your insurance will not cover replacement of pipes that failed because of their age.

A septic system requires maintenance. Just like a roof or furnace, homeowners are responsible for the septic pipes and septic tank on their property. If you don’t properly maintain the septic system and you experience a problem like seepage in your yard, chances are, your insurance won’t cover it.  Seepage occurs over an extended period of time and is not sudden. For this reason, the insurance company would consider this a maintenance problem and the homeowner would be responsible.

Avoid potential pitfalls and have a yearly septic tank inspection and maintenance of your lines by a professional sewer-septic contractor.

Posted on behalf of Keith Lee, Metro Septic and Plumbing

Google

, ,
Read More

Find Local Company | Find Local Sewer Septic Services