Give Your Septic a Spring Inspection

April 30th, 2015 Posted in Sewer Lines
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After a long winter, it is finally spring and time for home maintenance. Although you may be more concerned with planting beautiful flowers or improving your outdoor space, it is important to also do necessary maintenance. Spring is a great time to do a thorough inspection on your septic system to look for any problems that may have been caused by the cold weather or regular wear and tear.

Septic System Inspection Checklist

There are many different components to your septic system that should be inspected at least once per year. This includes looking for issues within the sewer pipes between the home and tank, issues within the tank and inspecting the leech or drain field. As part of your inspection, here is a checklist of areas that should be covered: 

  • Leaks. Check the ground between the home and around the tank for wet areas. These can be signs of leaking sewer pipes or a leak in the tank.
  • Excess effluent. Inspect the drain field for backed up effluent on the surface. Excess effluent can mean that the drain field is no longer viable or that you may have a septic failure.
  • Tank levels. When you inspect the tank, you will be looking at the level of effluent, sludge and scum. If the sludge is high, you may need to schedule a pumping.
  • Tank inspection. If pumping is done, a full inspection can be performed on your tank and system. This should be completed by a septic professional.

Doing an annual inspection can help identify maintenance problems with your septic. If you find any abnormalities, call in your septic service company to do a complete evaluation of your septic.

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

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What You Need to Know Before Buying a Home with a Septic System

February 24th, 2015 Posted in Septic System
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If you’re shopping for a new home, you may be looking at some homes with a septic system. If you’ve never owned a home with a septic, you may be a little leery of taking on the responsibility of maintaining your own sewer system, but don’t let a septic system deter you from buying the home of your dreams. Here are a few basic facts about septic systems, which may make your purchasing decision less complicated:

Septic Systems are Affordable

You may think the costs associated with owning a septic system are immense, but In reality, maintaining a septic system is usually no more expensive than paying for city sewer services. Unlike a city sewer, you don’t pay out a monthly fee for your septic system, only paying for annual inspections, repairs or pumping when they’re necessary. In the long run, a properly maintained septic system can last for decades with very little cost for maintenance.

Low Maintenance

Most modern septic systems require very little maintenance to keep them running smoothly. If you follow regular septic system etiquette, like keeping harmful items out of your wastewater, there’s little that needs to be done to maintain your system on a monthly basis. If you don’t want to mess with the septic system at all, you can choose to sign up for a maintenance program with your local septic company. They can perform regular checkups and maintenance as needed.

One thing you should do before buying a new home with a septic system is ensure that the system has been thoroughly inspected by a trusted contractor. Although septic systems are affordable and easy to maintain, they are expensive to replace. Make sure you’re starting with a system in good shape before you buy the home.

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

 

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Five Things to Avoid if You Own a Septic System

February 24th, 2015 Posted in Septic System Maintenance
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Septic systems are notoriously expensive to replace, making maintenance the most important aspect of owning a septic. While annual inspections and regular tank pumping are a big part of maintenance of your septic system, the most important parts of system protection are remembering the things you shouldn’t do. Here are five things to avoid to help preserve the integrity of your septic system and prolong its life.

  • Fat and grease. Fat, grease and oil are poison to a septic system, creating more waste which needs to be pumped and causing issues in the system. Avoid allowing fats and oils to be dumped down drains. Scrape out cooking pans and wipe them clean of fats and grease before washing them in the sink or dishwater.
  • Tree roots. It’s important to know where your sewer lines and septic components are when planting new trees in your yard. Tree roots are attracted to the moisture in your septic system, and root intrusion can cause serious trouble.
  • Drain field compression. Under no circumstance should vehicles be allowed to drive over your drain field. This can damage the drain field and even result in septic system failure.
  • Excess water use. Conserving water use can add years onto the life of your septic system. Practice water conservation by avoiding running water down drains unnecessarily and fixing water leaks immediately.
  • Chemicals. Household chemicals, like bleach and other harsh agents, can destroy the bacteria in your septic tank and make it less efficient. Antibacterial cleaners are specifically harmful to this delicate balance, so be careful not to overuse these products. 

Keeping your septic system healthy is easier to do if you can avoid these common issues. When paired with regular maintenance, many septic systems can last for decades.

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

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Three Signs of Septic System Problems

February 24th, 2015 Posted in Septic System Maintenance
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Most septic systems can function without issues for years on end with no major issues, especially if they’re inspected regularly by a septic professional. Annual inspections can uncover any potential problems before they happen, providing you with the opportunity to fix these issues before you encounter a septic emergency. Some problems can still occur, however, leading to sewer backups and even a complete system failure. To resolve these problems quickly, here are three signs that your septic system is not working correctly:

  1. Foul Odors — One of the first and most noticeable signs of a brewing septic problem is a foul odor. This could be in your home, your yard or near your drain field. If your septic system is working correctly, you shouldn’t be experiencing bad odor at all, as the waste should be contained within the system.
  2. Pooling Water — If you see pooling water in your yard, around your septic tank or in your drain field, something may be amiss in your system. Wet areas in your yard could mean a broken or leaking sewer pipe, while pooling water near your septic tank could mean a leak in your tank. Drain fields with wet areas are a sign the water isn’t draining correctly into the ground, and can result in septic failure.
  3. Sewer Backups — If you’re noticing that drains in your home are slow or wastewater backing up in sinks or bathtubs, you need to call your septic professional. It’s possible that you’re dealing with an interior plumbing problem, but it can also be a sign of a major problem within your septic system.

Any of these signs is a good reason to call in a professional to get your system inspected. Early detection of septic problems is the best way to reduce the cost of repair, and to avoid needing a full system replacement.

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

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Strange Items That Can Hurt Your Septic System

January 2nd, 2015 Posted in Septic System Maintenance
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You may already know the normal household items to keep out of your drains when you own a septic system. You know that grease, fat, paint and bulky items all need to be thrown away and not allowed to enter your septic tank. However, there are some less common items you may not have considered. Here are a few of those strange items that also need to stay out of your septic.

  • Bath and body oils. A luxurious, scented bath is relaxing, but those bath products may also be hurting your septic system. Bath and body oils are especially taxing on the septic system and should only be used sparingly, if at all.
  • Liquid anti-bacterial hand soap. Anti-bacterial soap does kill bacteria. In fact, it continues to kill bacteria when it enters your septic system, including the good bacteria your system needs. Liquid hand soap is often more aggressive than bar soap, adding too much of these anti-bacterial agents to your septic system.
  • Chemotherapy drugs. The drugs used in chemotherapy can be life-saving. They can also be extremely toxic to your septic system, even after they have passed through the body. To avoid septic backups during a time that’s already difficult, waste from chemotherapy patients should not be flushed. The other option is to have your septic tank pumped more frequently.

Talk to your septic professional about any concerns you have with drugs or other agents that may be entering your septic system. They may have a solution to help you protect your septic system from harm.

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

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Going Green is Great for Your Septic System

January 2nd, 2015 Posted in Septic System Maintenance
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It’s not just the planet that can benefit when you make green choices. If you own a home with a septic system, going green is a great way to extend the life of your septic and decrease the chance of septic failure. There are several ways that green habits and products can help your septic system, including these green septic tips:

  • Green cleaning products. Harsh cleaners like bleach, ammonia and other chemicals can be harmful to the delicate bacterial balance in your septic tank. Choosing green cleaners which do not contain such chemicals can be healthier for both your septic system and the environment. Another option is making your own cleaners from natural substances, like vinegar and baking soda.
  • Save on water, save your septic. Conserving water is part of the green movement, but it’s also a great way to reduce wear and tear on your septic system. Be conscious of every bit of water you use, saving an important resource while putting less stress on your septic system.
  • Use energy and water efficient appliances. Choose appliances and fixtures that are energy and water efficient. This can reduce your energy bills while decreasing the water that goes through your septic system every month.

Living green has many benefits to your bank account, the earth and even your septic system. Your septic service company may have more tips on how to preserve your septic system and make it last for many years to come. Call to schedule an annual inspection and maintenance service for your septic, and learn more about how to use green methods to take care of your septic system.

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

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Causes of Frozen Septic Pipes

January 2nd, 2015 Posted in Septic System Maintenance
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Most sewer and septic pipes are protected from freezing in cold winter weather by the soil and vegetation that insulates them in the ground. Even in cold climate regions, septic pipes don’t normally freeze. However, there are some circumstances which can make it possible for these underground pipes to freeze and cause problems for the homeowner. Here are a few common causes of freezing septic pipes:

  • No ground cover. Newly installed septic pipes which have no vegetation above them have less insulation, leaving pipes susceptible to freezing.
  • Cold weather with no snow.  A deep frost with no snow for insulation can freeze the ground and septic pipes, in some cases.
  • Irregular use. Septic systems that are not used regularly, such as a vacation cabin, are more likely to have pipes freeze. This can also occur in homes which are used less frequently than the system is designed to handle.
  • Dripping plumbing or furnace. If plumbing is dripping small amounts of water, or there is condensation from a furnace or dehumidifier, this trickle of slow water can freeze inside the pipes.
  • Cold air. If an inspection cap is left open or is cracked, it can allow cold air into the system that can freeze septic pipes.
  • Poor drainage. Septic pipes that are not inclined or have settled may not drain correctly, causing water to pool and freeze.

A frozen sewer or septic pipe will usually cause a backup into the home’s plumbing, requiring the help of a septic professional. If the problem is not fixed, the septic pipes will continue to freeze and can cause more damage to the system in the future.

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

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Five Things Kids Should Know About Your Septic System

January 2nd, 2015 Posted in Septic System
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It may not occur you to educate your kids about your septic system, at least until you need to call your septic professional due to a problem caused by your children. It’s never too early to start teaching your kids about how to safeguard your septic with good habits. Here are five things to teach your kids about the care of your septic system.

  1. What not to flush. Just because it can go down the toilet does not mean it should. Many septic emergencies are caused by items which are flushed down the toilet only to clog up the system. Let your kids know that only the only “item” beyond their normal functions that should ever be flushed is toilet paper.
  2. What can be poured down the drain. Let your kids know that the sink drain is not for paint, chemicals, grease or other liquids that can hurt your septic system. Even too much of a carbonated soda product can be harmful.
  3. Limiting water use. Teach your kids good water efficiency habits from an early age. Never leave water running down the drain; this includes allowing a shower to run for several minutes before they get in, or rinsing dishes.
  4. No food in the sink. Kids should be shown how to scrape their plates thoroughly before they are put in the sink or dishwasher. Even small amounts of food left on the plate can add up and cause clogged drains.
  5. No playing on the drain field. Show your kids where your drain field is located, and let them know that it’s a restricted area. The delicate system right below the surface should not be disturbed.

If you let your kids and family know the rules regarding caring for your septic, they can help you prevent expensive septic problems. However, if you do have a septic emergency, your local septic professional is only a call away.

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

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How Long Will My Septic System Last?

December 5th, 2014 Posted in Septic System Maintenance
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Installing a new septic system can set a homeowner back several thousand dollars, or more. It’s a major and necessary investment into a home where city sewer connection is not an option. Anyone who is buying a new home with a septic, or who already has a home with a septic system, may be wondering how long they can expect their system to last before it needs to be replaced. The good news is that many homeowners have been using the same septic system for decades by keeping up with regular maintenance.

Making Your Septic System Last

As a general rule, a well-maintained septic system can last up to thirty years. Many homes have systems that are even older, with repairs and replacement of certain components as needed. The trick to making your septic system last is knowing how to maintain your system. Considering the cost of replacement, it’s well worth the money and time spent on meticulous maintenance. To promote a long lasting septic system, try keeping up with the following tasks:

–        Pumping. Make sure your septic tank is pumped as needed. A full tank can cause several problems, including a septic backup.

–        Protect your drain field. You drain field is essential to your septic system. Keep all vehicles, equipment and even foot traffic off your drain field.

–        Watch your waste. Reducing your water use and regulating what’s put down the drain can extend the life of your septic system. Keep in mind, everything that gets flushed or put down your drains must be processed by your system.

–        Inspections. Have your system inspected at least every year. Your local septic service company can check all the components and replace parts as necessary. Many companies offer a service or maintenance plan, which can keep your system on scheduled maintenance for a fair cost.

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

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New Septic System Owner Basics

December 5th, 2014 Posted in Septic Tank Pumping
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If you have recently purchased a home with a septic system, you may be at a loss when it comes to how to care for your system. A septic system requires a higher level of maintenance by homeowners than being on a city sewer system. However, with some help from a trusted septic service company, you can keep your system running smoothly, without any major mishaps. Here are a few septic basics that every homeowner needs to know.

–        Drain field. Your septic system will have some sort of drain or leach field. A mound system will be easy to spot as it is above ground. A traditional drain field is only a few inches under the ground and needs to be protected. Keep vehicles and heavy equipment away from this area.

–        What goes down, must come out. All solid waste must be pumped out of your septic tank eventually. Learn not to put solid items like food, paper and other debris down your drains and toilets. Also, reducing your water use can help extend the life of your septic system.

–        Regular maintenance. Your septic system will need regular maintenance. The easiest solution for those who are new to owning a septic system is to hire a septic service company to keep up with these vital tasks. Many septic companies offer specialized programs designed to inspect and perform regular maintenance on your septic system throughout the year.

–        Know the signs of a septic program. Talk to your septic professional about common signs of a septic problem. These can include wet areas or pooling in your drain field, foul odors and slow drains. Catching these issues quickly can prevent a septic failure, which can cost thousands of dollars for repair or complete replacement.

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

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