Tips to Keep your Septic System in Shape

September 6th, 2018 Posted in Septic System Maintenance
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To keep your body in shape, you need to eat right and exercise on a consistent basis. For septic systems, keeping them in good shape takes a similar type of commitment. What you put into your septic tank will affect what comes out and how efficient it performs its job. Unlike your body, making it work harder will not get you better results. Here are some to tips to maintain your septic system for optimum performance.

Monitor What Goes Down the Drain

There are some items that should be kept out of your septic system. In the bathroom, items like feminine hygiene products, “flushable” wipes, cotton balls/swabs and other non-biodegradable products should not be flushed down. In the kitchen, avoid coffee grounds, peelings, egg shells and fats/oils going down the drain. Also, do not pour paints or other chemicals into your garage sink.

Limit Water Use

Be efficient with how much water you use in your home. Add water efficient fixtures to your home to help reduce water waste. Teach your kids and other family members to conserve water by not running it down the drain when brushing teeth, rinsing dishes or doing other household chores.

Schedule Regular Service

Keep your septic system in tip-top shape with annual service from your local septic service company. This ensures your tank gets pumped when needed; plus, it ensure all the equipment and components are in good condition to perform the needed work in the year ahead.

Just watching what you put into your septic and a little scheduled maintenance can make a big difference on the health of your septic system. It will help prevent failure or backups while extending the life span of your system.

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

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Holiday Septic System Reminders

July 24th, 2017 Posted in Septic System Maintenance
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As the busy holiday season approaches, there are a few things to keep in mind if you own a home with a septic system. If you will be hosting large family dinners, parties or other festivities, your septic system needs to be ready for the extra work. Fatty foods going down the drain, excessive toilet use and other pressures could cause a nasty septic problem if you are not prepared. Here are a few reminders to get your septic system ready for the holidays.

  • Minimize the fat and grease. Be careful when rinsing plates and pans during the holidays. Gravy and other fatty foods that go down the drain can cause issues in your drains, pipes and septic tank. Scrape excess food and fat off plates before rinsing them in the sink.
  • Remind your guests of septic rules. If you have guests visiting your home during the holidays, put a friendly reminder in the guest bathrooms that you have a septic system. Guests that are accustomed to using a city sewer may forget what they can and cannot flush down the toilet with a septic system.
  • Have a pre-holiday septic service performed. Minimize the possibility of a septic problem during the holidays with a pre-holiday service. Make sure to have your tank level checked – if it is even close to needing pumping, have it done before you have extra guests to your home.

No one wants a septic problem to ruin their holiday season. Being prepared for the excess use is the best way to avoid backups or other issues. Call your local septic service for an inspection now before the busy season arrives.

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

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Protecting Your Septic System from Harmful Cleaning Products

July 24th, 2017 Posted in Septic System Maintenance
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Your septic system needs bacteria to function. Like our own digestive systems, there are ‘good’ bacteria that are needed to digest the solid waste in your septic tank. Unfortunately, cleaners that kill ‘bad’ bacteria in your home can also kill the ones you need in your septic tank. Bleach and other agents in many household cleaners can cause havoc in your septic system. So how do you keep your home clean and healthy without harming those necessary bacteria living in your septic tank?

The first step is to look at any cleaning products that you use in your bathrooms, laundry room or kitchen sink area. If the cleaner will be washed down the drain, you need to know what is in those products. Dish soaps, laundry detergent, toiler cleaner, shower spray and any other agent that goes down the drain should be ‘septic-safe’. There are many all-natural cleaners that work great and keep your home clean without the use of harmful bleach or chemicals. It is better for your septic system and the environment to use eco-friendly cleaners.

Want to save money and protect your septic system from damage? Learn to make your own cleaners at home. Vinegar and baking soda are excellent options for cleaning almost anything – they can even be used to safely loosen clogs in your plumbing. Other natural cleaners include lemon, tea tree oil and other plant extracts, all effective and safe for your septic system.

Septic maintenance can protect your system and extend the life, saving your thousands of dollars in the long run. Be careful of what you put down the drain and keep up with regular service from your local septic service company.

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

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Tips for Extending the Life of Your Septic System

July 24th, 2017 Posted in Septic System Maintenance
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Replacing your septic system is one of the more expensive home improvement projects you may face as a homeowner, right up there with a new roof or furnace replacement. However, you can maintain your septic system to help extend its life for many years. Here are a few tips to reduce wear on your septic system and get the longest life possible out of your investment.

  • Reduce water use. Not only should water be conserved as a natural resource, excess use can put extra wear on your septic system. Use low-flow fixtures and appliances to reduce the amount of water you use in your home to reduce the pressure on your septic system.
  • Watch what goes down the drain. Many household items can cause problems in your septic system if allowed to be washed or flushed down the drain. Keep fats, grease, medications, bleach, paint, chemicals, anti-bacterial cleaners and anything non-biodegradable out of your drains and septic system.
  • Adhere to regular inspections and maintenance. Your septic system needs maintenance to keep it in good working order. Have a professional septic service company do a thorough inspection once a year on your entire system and do any maintenance needed, including septic tank pumping and repairs. Replacing parts like baffles and filters as they wear out helps reduce the chance of septic failure and the need for a complete system replacement.

Septic systems can last for decades if maintained at a high level. It is worth the investment of time, money and effort to reduce the wear and tear on your septic system to extend the life for many years to come.

Posted on behalf of:
A-Flo Free Septic
Lawrenceville, GA 30046
(770) 927-7926

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Toilet Tips for Your Septic System

April 3rd, 2017 Posted in Septic System
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The toilet can be the biggest single factor in keeping your septic system healthy and working correctly. Since larger items can be flushed down, it has the potential to cause issues in your septic system. Ensuring you don’t put the wrong items down your toilet can help save on septic repair bills and other costs associated with maintaining your septic system. Here are a few septic system tips to help keep your septic system working great.

  • Use septic-safe toilet paper. It is important to get toilet paper that will breakdown easily in your septic system. Make sure the toilet paper you buy and use specifically says it is septic-safe.
  • Keep in mind that cleaners can harm the bacteria content in your septic tank that are needed to breakdown solids. Use toilet cleaners that are biodegradable – try to stay away from harsh chemicals like chlorine. There are natural options like vinegar and baking soda that can work well without hurting the septic system.
  • Educate kids. Kids need to know what can and cannot be flushed down the toilet. Cotton balls, swabs, feminine hygiene products and anything that is not biodegradable should not be flushed. Kids like to put toys and other items in the toilet and watch them swirl down – make sure they understand that this is not ok and can be detrimental to your septic system.
  • Slow toilets. If your toilet is flushing slow, it can be a sign that you have a clog or its time for a septic pumping. Watch for slow toilets and get the issue checked out by a septic plumber.

Following these septic system tips will help save you money on septic system repairs and extend the life of your septic system.

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7 Things New Septic System Owners Need to Know

April 3rd, 2017 Posted in Septic System Maintenance
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If you just bought a home with a septic system or are building a home that will require a septic, you may be wondering what you need to do to maintain your new system. For homeowners that are new to owning a septic system, it may seem overwhelming to control your own sewage system, but it doesn’t need to be that difficult. Here are seven things you need to know to make the transition from sewer to septic easier.

  1. What goes down, must come up. It is more important than ever to be careful of what you put down the drain. Keep in mind that anything not biodegradable will need to be pumped out of your septic tank.
  2. Fat and grease are bad for your septic. Keep fat and grease out of your drains – these can be detrimental to your system.
  3. Garbage disposals are hard on septic system. Consider composting instead of using a garbage disposal.
  4. Minimize wastewater. Keep water use down – a separate outlet for gray water is a good idea for washers and other non-sewage drains.
  5. Harsh chemicals effect your septic system. Be careful of dumping chlorine and anti-bacterial chemicals down your drains – the bacteria in your septic tank are necessary to breakdown waste and can be affected by chemicals.
  6. Throw away cotton or plastic personal products. Wipes, tampons, condoms and other personal items should not be flushed into your septic system.
  7. Maintenance is key. Yearly septic tank inspections by your local septic service company can ensure your system keeps running smoothly.

There is no reason to be worried about owning a septic system – talk to your local septic service about getting on a maintenance plan to avoid any unexpected issues down the road.

Posted on behalf of:
A-Flo Free Septic
Lawrenceville, GA 30046
(770) 927-7926

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4 Things in Your Bathroom that Could Harm Your Septic System

January 11th, 2017 Posted in Septic System Maintenance
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A septic system failure is an expense no one wants to incur. Depending on your system, it could cost several thousand dollars to repair or replace your septic. There could be items in your bathroom that could be harmful to your system that you may not realize. Here are four common items that can become expensive culprits to backing up your septic system. 

  1. Decorative items on toilet tank. You often see a basket of mini soaps or votive candles placed on the top of the toilet tank. This is a poor choice of placement for any items that are small enough to flush down the toilet. They can easy slip unnoticed into the bowl, then cause clogs within your pipes or septic system.
  2. Flushable wipes. The wet wipes that claim to be flushable are usually not biodegradable and should not be flushed, regardless of the labeling. These can be destructive to your septic system, causing clogs and unnecessary extra solids in your septic tank.
  3. Cotton swabs and balls. Most bathrooms have cotton balls and swabs for personal hygiene. Make sure these items do not get flushed down the toilet – cotton does not easily breakdown and can be detrimental to your septic.
  4. Medications. Medications, both prescription and over-the-counter, should never be flushed down the toilet. Many can kill the bacteria you need to maintain in your septic tank for proper treatment. Pills can also get stuck in the small holes in the pipes in your drain field, causing a backup.

Protect your septic system and bank account by keeping these items out of your toilets. If you don’t, you will need the professional help of your local septic service company to fix the problem.

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

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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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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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Protect Your Septic System with Water Efficient Fixtures

September 21st, 2016 Posted in Septic System
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If you have a septic system, you may also have a well for your water. While you may not receive a water or sewer bill each month, using too much water can still cost you plenty in septic repairs and replacement. Water efficient fixtures help reduce water waste and also reduce excess wear and tear on your septic system. Using less water means your septic system can function easier and last longer, saving you money off repairs and expensive septic system replacement. Here are a few fixtures that can help reduce water waste in your home.

  • Water efficient toilets. Did you know that an average family flushes 30% of its water down the toilet? Considering this high number, using high-efficiency toilets in your bathrooms can make a big difference on your water use. Choose a toilet that uses less than 1.28 gallon per flush.
  • Showerheads. Another big use of water in the home is the shower. High-efficiency showerheads can reduce the water your family uses while taking their showers by 70%.
  • Faucets. High pressure is usually not needed for a faucet. Replacing faucets with efficient models that release less than 1.5 gallons per minute can save water. Another option is adding a flow restrictor to existing faucets to reduce waste.

On top of using water efficient fixtures, teach your family good water conservation habits. Don’t let water run while rinsing items in the sink or brushing your teeth. Small changes can add up to big savings on your water use and reduce wear and tear on your septic.

Keep your septic system running smoothly and extend the lifespan with lower water use and regular maintenance. Make sure to have your system inspected and serviced once a year by your local septic professional.

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

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