Safety Tips for Cleaning a Septic Tank

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

What Are ‘Septic Safe’ Products?

If you have a septic system, there is a good chance you have heard that certain items should not be put down your drains. Keeping plastic, cotton and other non-biodegradable items out of your septic tank is important to reduce the possibility of clogging your septic filter and to reduce the frequency of septic tank pumping. However, even the items you use every day in your showers, sinks and toilets should be tailored to your septic system. Here is what ‘septic safe’ products are and why you should use them.

Toilet Paper

One of the main products you use every day that ends up in your septic system is toilet paper. Not all toilet paper is made the same and some brands do not breakdown as easily. Choose toilet paper that specifically says it is ‘septic safe’ or designed for septic systems.

Household Cleaners

You may not want bacteria in your home, but you do want them to thrive in your septic tank. Bacteria are what breakdown your solid waste and allow it to become effluent that is filtered back into the ground. Certain cleaners can kill bacteria, harming the bacterial balance in your septic tank.

However, you can still have a clean home and protect your septic system. There are many septic-safe products for cleaning, from soaps and detergents to toilet cleaners and dish soaps. Many use natural ingredients that are effective for cleaning but won’t harm the bacteria in your septic tank.

Drain Cleaners

Too much bleach or even small amounts of drain cleaners can be harmful to your septic system. There are drain cleaners or clog removers that do not use chemicals and are considered septic-safe, which are a better choice if you must use a liquid clog remover.

Using septic-safe products can help protect your septic system. When combined with regular service and pumping from your septic professional, these products can help extend the life of your septic system for many years.

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

Septic Tank Pumping 101

If you are new to owning a septic system, you may not know what to expect as far as pumping your tank. The problem is, every septic tank needs pumping at different intervals, depending on the amount of use and the size of the tank. Here are a few things you should know about septic tank pumping so you can plan for maintenance and avoid damage to your septic system and home.

What Size Tank Do You Have?

You should find out the size of the tank you own. When you bought your home, there should have been an inspection and details about your septic system and the size of the tank. Tanks are usually built based on the number of bathrooms/bedrooms in your home.

When Was Your Tank Last Pumped?

Most septic tanks need to be pumped every 2-3 years, but some can wait longer. If your tank is too small for the number of people living in the home, you may find yourself pumping every year. Find out when the last time the tank was pumped. If it has been more than a year, you may want to schedule an inspection and possible pumping to ensure you don’t overflow your system.

What Goes Down, Must Come Out

If you have always been on a city sewer system, you are used to unlimited amount of waste that can be allowed down your drains. With a septic tank, too much use will mean more frequent pumping. Limit the amount of food, waste and even water that goes down your drains to keep maintenance and pumping frequency low.

Once you get an idea of how big your tank is and how quickly your family will fill it, you can get on a regular pumping schedule with your local septic company. They can help you determine the right frequency to avoid waiting too long between pumping intervals.

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

What is the Average Cost to Pump a Septic Tank?

One of the most common questions asked when it comes to septic tank pumping is how much it will cost. Unfortunately, there is not a simple answer. Not only do different septic companies charge varying amounts for this service, it is also dependent on the size of tank and the fees for disposal of waste in your area. Here are some guidelines on what determines the cost and how to know if you are getting a good rate.

  • Average national costs. According to Homeadvisor.com, the average costs for septic tank pumping can range from $300-$400. However, it is important to check the costs in your area; this is only an average, which means there are higher and lower costs nationwide.
  • Size of tank. A large septic tank for a four or five-bedroom home will cost more to pump than the smaller versions for one or two-bedroom homes.
  • Local fees. The cost of disposal is part of the fee that septic services cannot negotiate. They are charged this to dispose of the waste and must include it in their price to the consumer. They must also pay for gas, vehicles and labor, while still making a small profit for themselves.
  • Other repairs. Often, it is when pumping is performed that issues are identified that need repair or maintenance. A common issue is septic filter replacement, which can result in another $300 or more in costs if completed at time of pumping.

Make sure to ask what is included in your septic pumping fee when getting quotes for your service. Some companies advertise a low price, but there are other fees on top of the basic pumping fee.

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

Preparing for Your Septic Pumping

Is it time to have your septic tank pumped? Since most septic tanks only need pumping every few years, you may not be familiar with the process. If you are ready to schedule your septic pumping, here are a few tips to ensure you get a quality service performed and are prepared on the day of your service.

Finding a Quality Septic Pumping Service

First, you need a reputable septic pumping service. If you do not already have a company you can trust, do a little research to find a quality septic company. You want an experienced company that is licensed and insured; if any accidents happen on your property, you need to know the company you hire is covered for damages.

Preparing for Septic Tank Pumping

The trucks needed for septic pumping are large, and must be able to park within hose range of your septic tank. Make sure you know where your septic tank cover is located and ensure there is a clear path between the parking area and the tank cover. Move any vehicles that are parked in the area closest to your septic tank cover. In some cases, you can save money on your pumping service by locating your tank covers and removing the dirt on them before the septic service arrives. Ask when you schedule your pumping appointment if you will be charged extra for tank cover locating and uncovering.

In most cases, septic tank pumping takes less than an hour, if there are no problems or repairs needed. Make sure to ask about having your tank and equipment inspected during your service to check for any damage or issues to keep your system maintained.

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

What Happens When Your Septic Tank is Pumped?

Are you new to owning a home with a septic system? If you have never had to maintain a septic system, it is important to learn about the best way to maintain your system to prevent problems. One of the basic maintenance tasks is having your septic tank pumped when it becomes full. Since you are new to this experience, here is what you can expect and what happens when your septic tank is pumped.

When to Have Your Tank Pumped

The first concern for most people new to septic systems is how often they should have their tank pumped. This can vary, depending on the size of the tank, the number of people living in the home and waste use. Typically, tanks need to be pumped every 2-5 years, but you should have annual inspections.

How Much Does It Cost?

Expense is always a concern. The good news is the expense of maintaining a septic system is usually much less on average than paying for city sewer service. Septic tank pumping cost varies by region and the size of your tank, but typically runs about $300-$500.

What to Expect the Day of Pumping

The company you hire will let you know what type of access they will need to pump your tank. Generally, you will need room in your driveway for their truck, so they can easily connect to your septic tank. Usually, the pumping service will include 1 or 2 backwashes to clean the tank after the sewage is pumped out. The whole process usually only takes less than an hour.

Pumping your septic tank helps prevent backups and problems. Talk to your local septic company to learn how to reduce waste for less frequent pumping and to protect your septic system.

Posted on behalf of:
Hunter’s Septic Service
Nesbit, MS 38651
(662) 429-1686

Avoid Costly Septic Issues in Your Business

When you run a business, you have a hundred different factors to keep track of during the average work week. One of the last things that may be on your mind is your septic system. However, this one area can cause major problems for your business if you don’t have a plan in place for maintenance.

Your septic system maintenance should be figured into the overhead for your business. Waiting to deal with issues as they arise can be a big mistake. A septic backup or failure can cause a disruption in your business and cost thousands of dollars in repairs and lost revenue. The best way to avoid septic issues is to set up a maintenance plan for your septic system. This should include:

  • Regular pumping. You don’t want to come in to an overflowing and backed up septic system at your business. Get on a regular pumping schedule to ensure your tank is always kept at an acceptable level. If you have a high-volume period, pumping may be needed more often.
  • Fix issues before they become expensive problems with regular inspections of your septic system. Your service company can alert you when components need to be replaced before they fail.
  • Preventive maintenance. Like any mechanical system, your septic needs preventive maintenance. Talk to your local commercial septic service about setting up a preventive maintenance schedule for your system.

Staying on top of your septic system maintenance is a good investment into your business. With regular pumping, tank cleanings and scheduled service, you can avoid most common septic issues that can cause backups and failures. Call your local commercial septic service to find out what kind of maintenance plans they offer.

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

Is it Time to Pump Your Septic Tank? Look for These Signs

There is not a set schedule for pumping a septic tank. Some homes can last five years without needing to pump their tank; others may need it pumped every year. It depends on the size of the tank, the number of people in the home and their waste use. One person living in a four-bedroom home may not need the tank pumped for more than five years. But regardless of the tank size or people in your home, there are signs that it is time to schedule a pumping for your septic tank:

  • Bad odors. Is there a foul smell around your home? You may smell it in the bathroom or near the kitchen sink. You might also smell an odor outside near your septic tank. Bad odors coming from your plumbing are always a sign that something is amiss in your sewer system. You may have a tank that is too full.
  • Slow drains. Another sign of a full septic tank is slow drains in your home. If you notice that all your sinks, tubs and showers are draining slower than usual, your septic tank may be reaching capacity. You could also have a sewer line clog. Either way, calling in the professionals for an inspection is a good idea before it becomes a complete sewer backup.
  • Wet areas by your tank. If you notice wet areas surrounding your septic tank, you need to call your septic service to schedule a pumping for your tank.

If you keep up with regular maintenance and annual service with your local septic company, they can advise you on how often you need to have your tank emptied for your usage. This will help you avoid a full tank and the problems that can come with it.

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

What Factors Affect Septic Tank Pumping Frequency?

If you ask a septic professional how often you should pump your tank, you will get either a short or long answer. The short answer is “it depends” while the longer one will most likely include a long list of variables. Here are some factors that will affect how often you need septic tank pumping:

  • Tank size. Your septic tank was designed for the size of your home, usually based on the number of bedrooms in the house. The bigger the tank, the less often it will need to be pumped.
  • Household members. The tank size versus the number of people in your household will influence how often you need to have a pumping service. A big house with only 2-3 people may be able to go three years or more without pumping. A 2-bedroom home with four adults living in it may need septic tank pumping every year.
  • Special events. Big parties or guests through the holidays can impact how often you need your tank emptied.
  • Age of the system. An older septic system may not be as efficient, requiring more frequent septic tank pumping.
  • Garbage disposal. If you use a garbage disposal in your home, it can increase the solid waste in your tank. Consider composting or other options if you want to reduce solid waste.
  • Vacations and other homes. If you take frequent trips or vacations, you may not need to have your tank pumped as often.

There is not a simple answer to how often you will need your septic tank pumped; it can change as your life changes. The best way to stay on top of your pumping schedule is to have your tank and system inspected by a septic professional annually.

Posted on behalf of:
Hunter’s Septic Service
Nesbit, MS 38651
(662) 429-1686

Prevent a Septic Backup with Regular Pumping

If you own a home or business with a septic system, you know that eventually you will need to have it pumped, but when? There is not a set amount of time between pumping intervals since it is different for every system. However, if you wait too long, you will find out quickly what happens when your tank is full. A septic backup is a nasty way to be reminded that it is time to schedule your tank to be pumped. Here are a few tips to prevent a backup from an overfull septic tank:

  • Has it been two years since your last pumping? If it has been over two years since your last septic tank pumping, it may be coming due again. Most homes have their tanks pumped every 2-5 years, depending of the amount of use.
  • Is the sludge within 12-inches of the outlet pipe? The only way to know whether your tank is full is to check the level of the sludge. Once the sludge level in the tank is within a foot of the outlet pipe to your drain field, then it is time to have it pumped.
  • Keep up on routine maintenance. If you have your septic system serviced every year, your local septic service will keep an eye on your tank level for you. They will let you know when it is getting close to time for a pumping.

Don’t wait for a septic backup in your home to tell you it is time to have your tank pumped. Call to schedule a routine service on your septic to ensure your entire system is in good shape, including the waste level inside your tank.

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