New Home Septic Inspection Checklist

September 24th, 2018 Posted in Septic Tank Inspections
Comments Off on New Home Septic Inspection Checklist

If you are buying a new home with a septic system, an inspection is usually required as part of the process. You want to be aware of any possible septic problems before you buy since replacing a septic system can be a large expense. While there are certain areas that must be checked for any septic inspection, you want to ensure the company you choose to do the inspection is thorough. Here are some of the areas that should be on the septic tank inspection to ensure you have a comprehensive overview of the septic system function in your new potential home.

  • Pump the tank. For a thorough inspection, the tank should be emptied before the evaluation begins.
  • Inspect the inside of the tank. Once the tank is pumped, the walls and floor should be inspected to detect any cracks or damage.
  • Septic tank lid. The lid needs to be checked for any damage and to ensure its placement meets local regulations or if it needs a riser. The lid should provide a complete seal and service openings should meet regulations
  • Ground inspection. Doing a complete inspection of the ground around the tank, distribution box and drain field should be performed to identify any possible leaks. Wet ground, pooling or erosion can be signs of a leak.
  • Components. There are many components that need to work properly. Some components that should be checked include: baffles, filters, runback water flow from drain field, and water flow from the home.

Making sure the septic system in your potential new home is working properly and has no signs of possible failure is important to your purchasing decision. Make sure you choose a septic service company that includes all these factors in their inspection for the most comprehensive evaluation.

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

, ,
Read More

Sights and Smells of a Septic Problem

May 23rd, 2018 Posted in Septic System Maintenance
Comments Off on Sights and Smells of a Septic Problem

Your septic system can seem to work without any problems for years and even when there is an issue, you may not be aware of it right away. Since your sewer lines, septic tank, d-box and drain field are all underground, it can be difficult to know if something is wrong. However, if something is not right, it will eventually come to the surface. In most cases, it will be something you see or smell that alerts you to a problem.

Visible Septic Issues

The most common issues that you can see when you have a septic problem are changes in the ground above the septic components. If there is a leak in your tank, pipes or d-box, you may notice an area that is eroding. Sinking dirt in one area near any septic component should be a cause for alarm. If it is a big leak, the ground may be wet.

Another visible sign of issues is in your drain field. Keep an eye on the grass and vegetation in this area. If it begins to become more vibrant than other areas of your lawn or there appears to be a layer of water or algae, your drain field may be failing. This can create a biomat that blocks absorption of the waste water into the ground.

Bad Septic Odors

If your septic system is working correctly, you should never smell sewage. If you notice bad odors in your yard or by the drain field, you may have an overflowing tank or other septic issue. The same is true in your home – bad odors coming up from your drains can be a sign of a sewer line clog or other issues.

If you see or smell anything amiss near your septic system, call your local professional right away for a septic tank inspection. The sooner you catch the problem, the better chance you have at a repair versus a complete replacement.

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

, ,
Read More

Septic Tank Pumping Frequency

July 24th, 2017 Posted in Septic Tank Pumping
Comments Off on Septic Tank Pumping Frequency

Septic systems are a reliable way to dispose of household wastewater for homes that are not connected to a municipal sewer system.   A properly sized, installed and maintained septic system can provide excellent, trouble free service for 20 to 30 years or more. Septic systems generally require little maintenance other than regular inspections and pumping to remove accumulated septic waste.

Many experts recommend septic tank pumping every 2 years, but how often you need to have your septic tank pumped depends on various factors including the size of the tank, the number of people in the household, and whether or not you have a garbage disposal.

A home with a small septic tank or a lot of people living in the home will need more frequent septic tank pumping than a home with a large septic tank and fewer occupants.  Using a garbage disposal will shorten the time required between septic tank pumping.

Failure to have the septic tank pumped when needed can result in damage to the septic drain field which can be very expensive to repair.  Having your septic tank pumped too often is a waste of money, but it is far less expensive than repairing a damaged drain field.

The best way to determine how often your septic tank should be pumped is to have your septic system inspected by a sewer-septic professional.  Septic system inspections are relatively inexpensive and can save you a bundle.  Your sewer-septic system professional will be able to tell you if your septic system is in good working order, whether your septic tank needs pumping, and how frequently your septic tank needs to be pumped.  Annual or semi-annual septic system inspections will help extend the life of your  septic system and keep it in good working order.

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

, ,
Read More

7 Things New Septic System Owners Need to Know

April 3rd, 2017 Posted in Septic System Maintenance
Comments Off on 7 Things New Septic System Owners Need to Know

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

, ,
Read More

Insist on a Thorough Septic Inspection Before You Buy Your New Home

February 22nd, 2017 Posted in Septic Tank Inspections
Comments Off on Insist on a Thorough Septic Inspection Before You Buy Your New Home

Buying a new home can be an exciting and nerve-racking time. Whether it is your first home or you are changing locations for your job, growing family or school districts, you must consider many factors when purchasing a home. No one wants to buy a home and find out a few months later that there is a major issue that will need repair. If you are buying a home with a septic system, having that system thoroughly inspected is vital before you make an investment into the home.

Septic system failures can cost several thousand dollars or more to repair or replace the system. While most counties and state regulations require a septic inspection by the owner before a home sale, considering the importance of this system, you may want to schedule your own inspection. Find a septic service company that offers intricate inspections that include:

  • Complete inspection of all septic components – tank, distribution box, leach field and any other components
  • Digital camera inspections of sewer lines. A broken sewer line or clog can cost thousands of dollars to fix. A digital camera inspection can ensure that the pipes underground are in good condition.
  • Functionality of the system. Checking the level of bacterium in the septic tank and the health of the leach field, mound system or sand filter should be completed.

It is worth the extra investment to have your own septic inspection completed before you buy a new home. It can give you the peace of mind of knowing that your new home has a solid, quality septic system that should last for many years to come.

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

, ,
Read More

Prevent a Septic Backup with Regular Pumping

January 11th, 2017 Posted in Septic Tank Pumping
Comments Off on 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

, ,
Read More

Four Reasons to Have a Septic System Professionally Inspected

August 9th, 2016 Posted in Septic Tank Inspections
Comments Off on Four Reasons to Have a Septic System Professionally Inspected

There are times when you need to have a septic system inspected by a professional. Most people know very little about septic systems, even when they own a home or business that use one for their sewage system. In certain circumstances, you need someone who has the training, experience and tools to evaluate the efficiency and productivity of the entire system. Here are four reasons that you may need to call a septic professional for an inspection.

 You are buying a house or business with a septic system. Buying property with a septic system is a large investment. You will want to know that the system is in good working order before making the purchase.  Most places require a septic inspection before a property can be sold.

You are selling property with a septic system. If you are selling your home or business, you should plan on having a septic inspection. It most likely be needed before you can sell the property, but you don’t want any surprises at the last minute.

You are having drain field issues. Is there an odor coming from your drain field or water pooling? You may have a major issue with your septic tank or drain field. Call a professional for an inspection immediately.

You are having drain backups. If the drains in your home or business are backing up, you should have your septic inspected. Digital cameras can be used to find the problem, whether it is in your sewer pipes, in the septic tank or drain field.

Septic systems are too expensive to trust an inspection to anyone but a trained professional. Make sure you hire a qualified septic service that will thoroughly inspect your system and give you a detailed report on its performance.

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

 

, ,
Read More

Buying a Home with a Septic System

June 24th, 2016 Posted in Septic Tank Inspections
Comments Off on Buying a Home with a Septic System

Are you in the market to buy a new home? If you have been considering living in a rural area, you may come across homes that rely on a septic system versus city sewer. For some new homeowners, a septic system may seem like a deal breaker. If you have never owned a home with a septic system, you may be concerned about the maintenance and upkeep needed. However, you shouldn’t let a septic system stand in the way of owning your dream home. Here are some facts that can help you decide if a home with a septic system could be right for you and your family.

  • It is estimated that 25% of the population relies on a septic system for their home. You would be one of millions of other homeowners use and maintain a septic system.
  • Septic tanks can last up to 50 years when maintained. The other equipment can also last for decades when regularly serviced.
  • There are benefits to owning a home with a septic system, especially when it comes to monthly utility costs. Although you must maintain your system, you will not need to pay for sewer service.
  • Septic service options. You can hire a local septic service company to maintain your system for you. With annual service and periodic inspections, your system can be easily maintained without you needing to do any of the work yourself.

Septic systems do require you to meet certain safety standards set by the EPA, state and local authorities. However, if you hire a local septic company to maintain your system, you won’t notice a large difference between using a septic system versus a city sewer, except you won’t receive a monthly utility bill. Don’t miss out on buying your dream home just because it has a septic system; you may be surprised how easy owning a septic system can be when you have the right septic service company to help you with maintenance.

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

, ,
Read More

Buying Land with a Septic System?

June 22nd, 2016 Posted in Septic Tank Inspections
Comments Off on Buying Land with a Septic System?

You found the perfect place to invest in a new or vacation home, a piece of land that is already equipped with a septic system. Whether there is already a small cabin or trailer on the property or there used to be a structure, you are imagining your new home that will easily hook up with the existing septic system. Before you write that down payment check for the property, you will want to have a thorough septic inspection.

Most property purchases with an existing septic system will require an inspection of the system. However, the inspection is just to ensure that the system is functional and meets the local regulations. A clean bill of health on a septic system does not mean you will be able to use it for a future home you are planning to build. Before buying land with a septic system that you intend to use for a new home, here are a few things you need to know.

  • When was the system installed?
  • When was the last service and/or tank pumping?
  • What size of a tank does the system have?
  • Where is the drain field?

These are all important questions with more important answers. A septic system that is decades old may need many upgrades. Plus, the tank size and drain field may not be large enough for the size of home you want to build. If the system has not been maintained, it could mean large expenses down the road.

Before you decide to buy land with a septic system, make sure you invest in a thorough inspection of the system by a local septic service and get the answers to these questions. It could save you from future disappointment and many expenses if it is not right for your needs.

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

, ,
Read More

Importance of a Complete Septic Inspection Before Buying a New Home

January 26th, 2016 Posted in Septic Tank Inspections
Comments Off on Importance of a Complete Septic Inspection Before Buying a New Home

There are many factors to consider when buying a new home, including whether the home is on a septic system. Unlike city sewer systems, it is up to a homeowner to maintain a septic system and this could be a major expense if the previous owner has not kept up on the home’s septic service. Most states or local municipalities will require a septic system inspection before a home can be sold. However, it is in your best interest to ensure a complete inspection is performed covering these basics.

  • Tank is pumped. For a thorough inspection to be performed, the tank should be pumped. Make sure that the tank was emptied so that the tank can be checked for structural damage. If the tank will need to be replaced soon, this could greatly affect your buying decision or the price of the home.
  • Lid inspection. The septic tank lid should be inspected for several issues, including depth, cracks, seal performance and risers. All items should meet the local standards.
  • Drain field performance. The drain field is an integral component of the entire septic system. If it is not performing correctly, the entire system could fail and need to be replaced, costing several thousand dollars or more.
  • Measurements. As part of the pre-sale inspection, the septic tank should have several measurements taken, including the level of solids, water flow from the home into the tank and waste water flow from the tank to the drain field.

All components such as baffles and other equipment should also be checked to ensure every part is in good working order. You want to start ownership of your new home with a clean slate, so make sure the septic system is thoroughly inspected for your peace of mind.

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

, ,
Read More
Older Entries
Newer Entries

Find Local Company | Find Local Sewer Septic Services