Components of A Traditional Septic System

March 26th, 2014 Posted in Septic Tank Pumping
Comments Off on Components of A Traditional Septic System

Traditional septic systems are used throughout the United States in both urban and rural environments, wherever public sanitary sewer systems are unavailable.  Although each residential septic system is a custom design based upon the number of design factors, all septic systems have a septic tank, distribution box and a drain field in common.

Sewage and wastewater from the home flows into a precast concrete septic tank located in the yard of the home, where the organic solids are digested by enzymes or bacteria, which have been introduced into the tank.   Non-organic materials are also collected here, which are removed by periodic septic tank pumping.

The distribution box is located at the beginning of the drain field and has a single solid pipe running into it from the septic tank and multiple pipes running out of it and into the drain field.  Then purpose of the distribution box is to allow the fluids from the septic tank to be evenly spread out into the entire drain field.

The drain field is where the fluids are absorbed into the soils.  The field will consists of a number of trenches that vary in depth from four to six feet deep.  Half of the trench is filled with stone.  A 4” perforated pipe is placed in the gravel of the trench, which is then backfilled. In many cases, a filtration fabric will be placed on top of the stone to prevent soil from contaminating the stone or clogging the pipe.  The length of the trenches varies due to the septic load on the system, which is determined by either the number of bedrooms or bathrooms., as well as the soil conditions.

Posted on behalf of Keith Lee, Metro Septic and Plumbing

Google

, ,
Read More

Why Should I Have My Septic Tank Cleaned?

March 26th, 2014 Posted in Septic Tank Pumping
Comments Off on Why Should I Have My Septic Tank Cleaned?

Periodic septic tank pumping is a fact of life for anyone with a home or business being serviced by a septic system.  A regular cleaning of the tank to remove the normal and excessive build up of sludge, scum, biomaterials, solids and liquids is critical to maximizing the lifespan of the system and is a key factor in preventing sewage backups.

Depending upon the number of occupants of the building, as well as their lifestyle, most tanks will need to be pumped between 3 and 5 years, although the use of garage disposals can cut this time in half.   As a part of the cleaning, a thorough inspection will also be performed to ensure that the system is performing as designed and that there are no issues with the tank or other components of the system.

In between cleanings it is recommended that the occupants of the building take steps to protect the system.  The protection of any septic system begins with limiting what finds its way into the system in the first place.  One of the biggest dangers to any septic system is grease, which finds its way into the system as a result of dishwashing or literally pouring grease out of a pan and into the drain.

Grease will cause blockage in the building’s waste pipes, as well as the septic system, because the grease will harden as it cools and adheres to everything.  Grease can be a septic system killer, so be sure to pour any grease into a jar and throw it into the trash!  The only thing that should find its way into the septic system is water, body waste and a limited amount of toilet paper!

Posted on behalf of Tony McAdams, A-1 National Sewer and Drain

Google

, ,
Read More

Keep Grease And Fat Out Of Your Septic System

February 12th, 2014 Posted in Septic Tank Pumping
Comments Off on Keep Grease And Fat Out Of Your Septic System

One of the most common culprits of septic problems is grease and fat, which can find their way down the drain and into the septic system. Just like unhealthy fat can clog the arteries in your circulatory system, fat and grease can clog up your drains and septic as well. Once they’re poured down the drain, they will begin to build up in the pipes and septic system until they are either removed or contribute to a complete septic system failure. The best way to avoid these problems is to teach your family the importance of keeping these items out of the drains.

Preventing Grease Overload In Your Septic

Grease and fat collect inside of your plumbing, sewer lines and eventually end up in your septic tank. This accumulates on the top layer of your tank, and can eventually push down the liquid underneath, pressuring it out into the exit pipes and leach field. If this fatty substance goes into the exit pipes, it can clog these pipes and drain holes. The best way to prevent this from happening to limit the amount of fat and grease going down your drains in the first place.

Make a point of removing all fat and grease from plates and pans before they are rinsed in the sink. Have a metal container to pour hot grease into after cooking, which can be later disposed of in the garbage. By scraping fat and grease from plates and pans and wiping them out with a paper towel before trying to rinse them in the sink, you will remove the majority of the fat which can end up in your plumbing and septic system.

Even with preventive measures, some oils and fats can and often do make their way into the septic system. The only way to remove it once in the system is to schedule regular septic tank pumping before it causes problems. Be sure to work with a septic professional in your area to keep your system in peak condition, and you’ll be able to avoid potentially damaging and expensive problems in the future.

Posted on behalf of Septic Service Pro

, ,
Read More

Preventing Septic Problems During Big Events

February 12th, 2014 Posted in Septic Tank Pumping
Comments Off on Preventing Septic Problems During Big Events

A septic emergency can easily ruin a big party or holiday get-together at your home. Although you can’t necessarily predict or prevent all septic emergencies, there are things you can do to reduce the chance they will happen during your next big event. Having extra people in your home and everything that goes along with hosting a party can put extra strain on your septic system, increasing the likelihood of a problem at the worst possible time. Use these tips to reduce the additional strain, and to help prevent any septic problems from ruining your next event.

–        Food. Big events usually mean plenty of food. Keep the food out of your septic system by either scraping the plates thoroughly before rinsing them in the sink, or using paper plates to eliminate the risk altogether.

–        Water usage. When you know you will have guests for the day or even a few days, try to ease the water load during their stay by doing all laundry, dish washing and other large water tasks before they arrive.

–        Rent a portable toilet. For large outdoor parties, take the strain off your septic by renting a portable toilet which guests can use outside. Renting a portable toilet is usually less expensive than having a septic problem, and can also make it easier to ensure bathroom needs are met when there are more guests than bathroom availability in your home.

–        Pre-pump your septic. Before the holidays hit or before a large event at your home, schedule septic tank pumping and inspection to prevent any issues occurring while you have guests.

Understanding the limits of what your septic system can handle before hosting a large event is an important part of your hosting responsibilities. By preparing ahead of time, you can most likely prevent most septic emergencies from happening when you least expect it.

Posted on behalf of Mike Smith, A-Flo Free Septic

Google

, ,
Read More

Septic Tank Pumping Frequency

January 16th, 2014 Posted in Septic Tank Pumping
Comments Off on Septic Tank Pumping Frequency

Most homeowners understand that regular septic tank pumping is necessary to keep their septic system in good working order.  What is less understood is how often to have the septic tank pumped.  How often a septic tank needs to be pumped depends on a variety of factors including the size of the septic tank, number of people in the household, and the habits of the people in the household.

The larger the septic tank, the less frequently it will need to be pumped.  Larger septic tanks are able to safely hold a larger quantity of sludge which translates into longer intervals between septic tank pumping.  The opposite is true with regard to the number of people in the household.  The more people, the more sludge and the more often the septic tank will need pumping.  In addition, if the household is in the habit of flushing solid materials such as cat litter, feminine products, diapers, coffee grounds into the septic tank, it will need more frequent pumping.

Even taking these factors into consideration, there can be considerable variation in the frequency of septic tank pumping for a specific septic system depending on the unique characteristics and installation of that system.  Most experts recommend having the septic tank pumped every three to five years.  As a general rule, this will probably be frequent enough to avoid problems with most septic systems.

The better practice is to have the septic system inspected every other year.  Not only will the inspection turn up any problems that may be developing, but the sludge layer will be measured as part of the inspection and your inspector will let you know if it is time to have the septic tank pumped.

Posted on behalf of Tony McAdams, A-1 National Sewer and Drain

Google

, ,
Read More

Does Your Septic Tank Need Pumping?

July 4th, 2013 Posted in Septic Tank Pumping
Comments Off on Does Your Septic Tank Need Pumping?

Unlike the carefree use of a city maintained sewer system, your septic system does require some occasional maintenance. A septic system is primarily a large tank on your property in which all of the water drainage from your home flows.  It functions as a separator of solid and liquid waste, wherein the solid waste settles to the bottom of the tank, while the liquid waste is pumped back out of the tank into a prepared drainage field. Natural bacteria in the tank serves to break down much of the solid waste over time, however, eventually the tank does become full and in need of being pumped out by a certified septic tan pumper.

Most septic systems require septic tank pumping every three to five years, depending on the amount of water used by the household. For those homes that use a garbage disposal, it is recommended that your tank be pumped every year so as to ensure your drainage pipes remain free of unnecessary or problematic clogs which can be cause by the use of garbage disposals.

Before your local septic professional actually pumps out your tank, you may want to have the thickness of the layers of scum and sludge measured, in order to anticipate how often in the future your septic tank will need to be pumped. This is also a good time to have your septic system thoroughly inspected to ensure that everything is working properly. While this may cost an additional amount, it is well worth the expense, considering that replacing your system or the drainage field could cost thousands of dollars.

, ,
Read More

Maintaining your Septic System

March 13th, 2013 Posted in Septic Tank Pumping
Comments Off on Maintaining your Septic System

Those living in a house with a septic system can have an effect on the system’s performance. Everyone should be aware that using too much water can cause the system to fail, depending on how much it was built to take. Here are a few maintenance tips for keeping your septic system healthy and ready for long, extended use by you and your family.

  • Get your tank inspected regularly: The most way to maintain your tank is the removal of any sludge or other build-up. Your tank needs to be pumped, and the regularity of septic tank pumping depends on the tank’s size, how many people live in your house, and the estimated amount of water your home uses. Tanks should be inspected and pumped every 3 to 5 years on average.
  • Keep most chemicals out of your tank: Most household chemicals like paint, gasoline, motor oil, paint, pesticide, as well as most caustic chemical drain cleaners should be kept out of your septic tank. Disposing of these chemicals by pouring them down the drain can have a negative effect on the bacteria that breaks down wastes in your septic system.
  • Cut down on other solid waste: Be aware of what goes into your system and the unwanted side effects it might have. If you can dispose of unwanted waste in some other fashion, consider that instead of putting it into your septic tank.
  • Use water efficiently: The ground soil under your septic system has to absorb the water used by your home. The less water that you use means that there’s a lesser chance of your system failing. Conversation is key.
, ,
Read More

Tips for Protecting Your Septic System

January 31st, 2013 Posted in Septic Tank Pumping
Comments Off on Tips for Protecting Your Septic System

Your septic system is an important part of the waste disposal system for your home. Having it installed by a licensed professional according to local ordinances is very important. Once it is installed it is also important to protect your septic tank and drain field in or to keep them functioning properly.

A septic system is made up of two parts: the septic tank where wastewater from the home is initially piped to from the home plumbing system and the drain field which is beyond the tank. Both the tank and the drain field have vulnerabilities that need to be protected to keep them operational.

You should have the septic system inspected by a sewer septic professional every two to three years.  The septic tank needs to be pumped periodically and your inspector will let you know if your septic tank is due for septic tank pumping.

For the septic tank to work properly it requires a certain amount of bacteria. The bacteria is necessary to help breakdown the solid wastes. Too much bleach or anti-bacterial cleaners being used and flushed into the septic tank at once can destroy that bacteria and hinder the function of the septic tank.

Too much wastewater all at once can also be a problem. Spreading out your laundry loads, showers and dishwasher use can be very beneficial to your septic system. Fixing water leaks from toilets and other plumbing fixtures is also an important part of protecting your septic system from water overload.

Too much traffic or weight over the drain field could potentially damage the drain field. Pipes can be crushed. You also do not want to have trees planted or growing too close to the drain field, as tree roots can clog the drain field. Tree roots can also damage sewer pipe leading from the home to the septic tank.

Septic systems can last for decades without any problems, if they are properly protected and maintained.

, ,
Read More

Proper Septic Tank Maintenance Saves Time and Money

December 20th, 2012 Posted in Septic Tank Pumping
Comments Off on Proper Septic Tank Maintenance Saves Time and Money

A septic tank is a necessity in many American households and knowing how to properly maintain one is crucial if you have never previously had one. Even those who have had one installed in their household before can benefit from using certain tips and techniques in order to prolong the lifespan of their septic system.

Proper septic tank maintenance is necessary for both the septic tank and the drain field.  In addition, making conscientious decisions and actions when it comes to your water use and waste disposal habits is the key to long and healthy use of your septic system.

The main thing that should be considered at all times by every member of the household is what you are putting into the system. Avoid putting any materials or chemicals into the system including sanitary napkins, cigarette butts and even cleaning products. Chemicals contained in cleaning products can upset the balance of the bacteria within the tank and make the breaking down of waste products less effective.

Grease and fat should be disposed of in the garbage rather than down the drain and try not to over use your garbage disposal. Being conscientious about how much water is used by the household can also help to prolong the life of the system so try not to use excessive amounts in short periods of time.

Avoid driving heavy machinery or cars on top of the tank and septic field and make sure there is enough land and soil surrounding the leach field to properly filter out the effluent. You can save time and money spent on emergency repairs by having your tank serviced periodically to ensure that every thing is working properly and efficiently.  Regular septic tank inspections and septic tank pumping is necessary to remove the solids that have accumulated in the septic tank.

, ,
Read More

Signs That Your Septic Tank Needs Pumping

November 22nd, 2012 Posted in Septic Tank Pumping
Comments Off on Signs That Your Septic Tank Needs Pumping

If you have a septic tank installed in your home, it is essential that you are able to recognize some of the initial warning signs that your system is struggling and needs some help. In most cases what it needs is septic tank pumping, which should be done regularly on a 3-5 year periodic basis whether you have noticed signs that it is needed or not.

Having said that, it is not set in stone that your septic tank won’t need pumping more often than that and if you have recently moved into a new house you may not know when the tank was last pumped.

Many newer tanks have alarms integrated into the pump that flash red or beep to let you know that the tank is almost or already full and needs to be pumped or emptied. A smell coming from the tank is another good indication that you need to check what’s going on inside the system. It can also occur in the bathroom suggesting that the line is clogged or blocked somewhere.   If your septic system does not have an alarm, then a septic tank inspection every other year will tell you when it’s time to have your septic tank pumped.

Unusual behavior from your drains is another of the early signs that your tank needs pumping. If you notice sewage backing up in the toilet or water draining slowly you should take this as a warning sign that something is not right.

Additionally there can be signs that occur around the tank and the ground where it is buried. For instance if the ground is wetter than usual and remains wet for an excessively long time and there is a bad smell to accompany it, then you will need to call in a sewer and septic specialist to see what’s going on and how it can be fixed.

, ,
Read More
Older Entries
Newer Entries

Find Local Company | Find Local Sewer Septic Services