Beware of Hidden Costs of Septic Tank Pumping

June 24th, 2016 Posted in Septic Tank Pumping
Comments Off on Beware of Hidden Costs of Septic Tank Pumping

If you own a home or business with a septic tank, you already know that pumping your tank will be required. Solid waste that cannot be broken down in the tank will need to be removed periodically. While this is an expense, it should be a reasonable fee that can be added into your budget. However, there are some companies that may advertising low cost septic tank pumping, then hit you with hidden fees and costs that may be more than you expected. Here are some tips to avoid being overcharged for this service.

  • Choose a reputable septic company. Unfortunately, almost every home service industry has a few companies that make money from dishonest pricing scams. Septic service is no exception. You can avoid these issues by choosing a local, reputable company that has been in business for many years and has excellent customer reviews.
  • Ask for a written estimate (and read the fine print). Get a written quote or estimate for your septic service before the work begins and read any disclaimers. While any repairs may be extra, make sure that all expenses for pumping is included in the estimate.
  • Too good to be true. See a super low advertised price for septic pumping? Make sure that is a flat fee with no additional costs, fees or “taxes” that are not included. As with most services, if it sounds too good to be true, it probably is.

Avoid unexpected expenses when it comes time to pump your septic tank. Hire a reputable, local septic company that offers flat-fee septic pumping with no hidden costs to keep the expense of maintaining your septic system within your budget.

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

, ,
Read More

Septic Tank Pumping Basics

January 26th, 2016 Posted in Septic Tank Pumping
Comments Off on Septic Tank Pumping Basics

All septic tanks need to be pumped to remove solid waste that accumulates over time. However, how often this needs to be performed is dependent on many factors. The size of the tank, the amount of people living in the home and the habits of the home dwellers all impacts the frequency of septic tank pumping.

In general, most septic tanks will need to be pumped every 3-5 years if the tank is the right size for the home. Septic tanks usually must meet local regulations for size based on how many bedrooms are in the home. The idea is that a four-bedroom home is more likely to have more people living in the home and will need a larger septic tank to accommodate the family waste needs. But this is not always the case, which is one of the reasons why septic tank pumping times can greatly vary.

For example, there may only be two people living in a four-bedroom home, meaning they are filling a septic tank made to handle four or more people living in that home. It is likely that the tank would only need to be pumped every five years or even more. But a small two-bedroom home with four people living inside may need to have its tank pumped every 1-2 years instead of waiting until the third year.

Also, the amount of debris put down the drains in the home will affect pumping frequency. Solid waste is what is pumped out, so excess food debris, paper and other items put down the drains can increase how often a septic needs to be pumped.

Since there are so many factors that can affect how often a septic tank should be pumped, it is prudent to have the tank inspected once a year by a septic professional to ensure it does not become over full and is functioning correctly. Schedule your inspection today.

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

, ,
Read More

Reducing the Frequency of Septic Tank Pumping

December 2nd, 2015 Posted in Septic Tank Pumping
Comments Off on Reducing the Frequency of Septic Tank Pumping

One of the larger maintenance expenses owning a home with a septic system is the pumping service that is needed every few years. While the pumping itself is often not extremely expensive, the disposal of the waste usually adds quite a bit to the labor and service costs. Most homes with septic system will need pumping every 2-3 years, depending on their waste levels. Here are a few ways to keep those septic pumping services to a minimum.

To start, you need to understand why and how often most septic tanks must be pumped. Septic tanks collect sludge at the bottom of the tank that is solid waste that has not decomposed. Most organic material will breakdown and be able to exit the tank and be filter through the drain field. So reducing the solid waste is key to reducing pumping frequency.

Tanks should be pumped when the sludge level is at or approaching 30% full, so in a 1,000 gallon septic tank you only want about 300 gallons or less before you have it pumped. Each adult will add about 40-60 gallons of solid biological waste per year. So what needs to be reduced is the addition of any other solid waste.

Any toilet paper, paper towels, hygiene products or even food waste can add to the sludge level in your septic tank. Use toilet paper that is designed for septic tanks or is easily biodegradable and keep other paper and cotton product out of the toilets. Also, to ensure your septic tank can function properly to breakdown most of the solid waste, keep chemicals out of your drains; they can destroy the bacteria needed for your septic to work properly.

Even with careful maintenance, you will still need to have your tank pumped every three to five years. An annual inspection by your local septic service can keep you informed on when you should schedule your next pumping.

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

, ,
Read More

Don’t Be Fooled By Low Cost Septic Pumping Ads

October 27th, 2015 Posted in Septic Tank Pumping
Comments Off on Don’t Be Fooled By Low Cost Septic Pumping Ads

Have you ever seen advertisements for septic pumping for $150? If you own a home with a septic system, that price may sound very alluring. Most septic tanks cost around $400 or more to have pumped, so how can these companies do the job so cheaply? The fact is that they don’t. Most of these ads are for the pumping alone, but do not include all the other costs. So that you know what to expect, here are some fees that a septic service company should disclose when you ask about their pumping costs.

  • Pumping. There is usually a base fee for pumping different sized tanks. Make sure their pumping fee includes all the costs of pumping, including labor, gas and equipment.
  • Waste disposal. After your tank is pumped, that waste must be properly disposed according to local regulations. In most cases, this fee is almost as much as what the cost of pumping the tank will cost, which is one of the main reasons those low price ads are misleading.
  • Digging up the tank lid. If the company needs to located the tank and dig up the septic lid, that is also an extra cost.

Most of the base costs for septic pumping are for tanks that are easy to access, have been well maintained and do not have excess sludge or scum. When getting a quote for a septic pumping, making sure to ask about any additional fees that could increase the price. While most septic companies are honest, there are those that may have hidden fees that could be a shock when you go to pay the bill.

Reputable septic companies will be more than happy to breakdown the costs of their septic pumping service so you know exactly what to expect. Just beware of those that claim to have unreasonably low fees – in the end, the bill may be higher than anyone else in town would charge!

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

, ,
Read More

Preparing Your Septic System for Summer Festivities

May 29th, 2015 Posted in Septic System Maintenance
Comments Off on Preparing Your Septic System for Summer Festivities

Summer is full of fun occasions with friends and family, from the first big Memorial Day weekend barbeque to the final Labor Day party. If you like to host these festive parties, you can have many extra people visiting and staying at your home, putting strain on your septic system. To ensure that your summer gatherings are not interrupted by a septic failure, make sure you prepare your septic system and home for the extra sewer waste. Here are a few tips: 

Schedule an inspection. Before you have your next big party, make sure to have your septic system inspected and annual maintenance performed. This is a good way to ensure that everything is in good working order before your guests arrive.

Ask about septic tank pumping. When you have your septic inspected, make sure to talk to your septic professional about pumping. Explain you will have excess use over the summer. Although with regular use it may not need pumping, it may be a good idea if there will be heavier use over the summer.

Plan ahead. Before your big parties, plan to do heavier water use in the days prior to guests arriving. Get laundry caught up and other high water uses done to avoid too much water in one 24-hour period.

Educate your guests. Not everyone understands the limits of a septic system. Make a bathroom sign to educate your guests on what not to flush down the toilet. A little sign can save a lot of money down the road in septic problems.

By preparing your septic system for the heavier waste during your summer gatherings, you can avoid having an embarrassing and expensive septic failure. Call your local septic service company today to start your preventive maintenance.

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

, ,
Read More

Staying on Top of Septic Pumping

February 24th, 2015 Posted in Septic Tank Pumping
Comments Off on Staying on Top of Septic Pumping

Your septic tank has a limited capacity, usually around 1,000 gallons, depending on the size of your home. While much of the solid waste going into your tank will be dissolved into effluent through the natural decomposition process, there’s always some solid waste left behind. This “sludge” eventually fills the tank, needing to be physically removed through pumping by a septic professional.

When to Schedule a Septic Tank Cleansing

The time to clean or pump is determined by the level of sludge in your tank. Pumping should be done once the sludge begins to approach the outlet pipe, where effluent leaves the tank for the drain field. Once the top of the submerged sludge is within approximately 12 inches of the outlet pipe, it’s time to have your septic tank pumped.

Most septic system tanks only need to be pumped every 2-5 years. The variance is due to how much solid waste is accumulated from the home and the size of the tank. Good septic practices, such as not using a garbage disposal and reducing fat and oils allowed down the drain, can reduce how often a tank needs to be pumped. Although there are commercially avialable chemicals which claim to extend the time between pumping, these are often ineffective.

The best way to stay on top of when your septic tank needs to be pumped is to have an annual inspection of your entire system. It’s very difficult for most homeowners to determine where the sludge level is within their tanks, so having a professional check the tank level each year can prevent expensive tank overflows.

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

, ,
Read More

Septic Tank 101: Understanding What Your Septic Tank Does

February 24th, 2015 Posted in Septic Tanks
Comments Off on Septic Tank 101: Understanding What Your Septic Tank Does

The novice septic system owne may think of their septic tank as the actual system that cleans their wastewater, but it’s just one component of an entire process which works tirelessly to clean and remove the waste from the home. To care for your septic system properly, it helps to understand the different components involved, including the septic tank.

Septic Tank Specifications

The septic tank is the large receptacle where the process of treating wastewater from your home begins. Tank size varies depending on the size of the home, with the standard size at approximately 1000 gallons. Considering the tank must handle up to 350 gallons per person, per day, the size of tank needed depends on how many people live in your home. Tanks can have either one or two compartments, although single compartments are becoming more popular.

The function of the septic tank is to store waste while it decomposes, releasing effluent to be further filtered in the drain field. The solids in the wastewater sink to the bottom of the tank, separating the effluent from the solids. Bacteria, yeast and fungi naturally occur in the tank to breakdown the solids, dissolving 50% or more of the solids in the tank. The solids which are left behind accumulate until the tank needs to be pumped by a septic professional, usually every 2-3 years.

If the tank is sized correctly for the home and precautions are taken to keep harmful items out of the system, very little maintenance is required to allow the tank to perform. Annual inspections and pumping when needed can keep a septic tank functioning for many years with little other maintenance necessary.

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

, ,
Read More

New Septic System Owner Basics

December 5th, 2014 Posted in Septic Tank Pumping
Comments Off on New Septic System Owner Basics

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

, ,
Read More

Pump Your Septic Tank Before The Holidays

December 5th, 2014 Posted in Septic Tank Pumping
Comments Off on Pump Your Septic Tank Before The Holidays

The holidays bring with them plenty of fun times and great food with family and friends. This can also mean extra people staying in your home with a heavy strain on your septic system. More people means more showers, dishes, laundry and toilet use that all goes through your septic system. Before grandpa, grandma and the rest of the relatives arrive, now is the time to schedule a septic tank pumping.

Is Your Septic Tank Full?

There is no set rule which dictates how often you need to have your septic tank pumped. While some homes will only need a septic tank pumping every 3-4 years, others will need one every year. It all depends on the size of your tank, the amount of people living in your home and how much waste goes down the drain. How much time has elapsed since your last pumping is only one indicator of whether it is time to pump your tank.

The best way to avoid a septic backup during the holidays due to a full septic tank is to have your tank inspected and pumped if needed. Keep in mind that even if it is not completely full now, a household of guests for several days could fill it up very quickly. It is easier to have a preventive pumping done than to deal with a backup when you are trying to enjoy the holidays with your family.

Call your local septic service company to schedule a maintenance inspection now. They can ensure your entire system is ready for the extra strain, including pumping your septic tank if necessary.

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

, ,
Read More

Should I Be Using Additives For My Septic System?

October 24th, 2014 Posted in Septic Tank Pumping
Comments Off on Should I Be Using Additives For My Septic System?

There are thousands of products sold in retail stores for septic tanks. While the makers of these products or additives claim they are needed or at least beneficial, there are experts who report that they can do more harm than good. Before spending money on any additive claiming to improve your septic system, fix problems or reduce pumping, make sure you understand how your septic system works.

Bacteria And Enzyme Additives

A popular type of additive for septic systems sold in home improvement and hardware stores are biological options for proper bacteria levels. These additives are often called septic treatments, rejuvenators, cleaners or restorers.  While it is true that bacteria and enzymes are an important part of your septic system’s balance, they are naturally occurring. If maintained, most septic systems do not need additives to keep the bacteria levels intact.

Many of these companies claim these products will replace bacteria killed by cleaning chemicals, prescription drugs and other agents lethal to your septic system’s vital bacteria. While it is true that chemicals can disturb the bacterial balance in your septic tank, many of these products are not proven to improve the balance. Also, some of these companies claim that adding these bacteria will reduce the need for frequent septic tank pumping. Most of these claims are unsubstantiated.

Although many of these additives will not hurt your septic, they may not be helping it either. You may be literally dumping money down the toilet for no reason. The money is better spent on obtaining regular maintenance from a professional septic service company, which will keep your septic working properly. They can test your bacteria levels and address any problems as needed, plus inspect your entire system.

, ,
Read More
Older Entries
Newer Entries

Find Local Company | Find Local Sewer Septic Services