Septic Tank Pumping 101

April 2nd, 2018 Posted in Septic Tank Pumping
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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

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Household Grease and the Septic System

February 7th, 2018 Posted in Septic Tank Pumping
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When you have a septic system, you have a small water treatment plant in your backyard. The system can be fickle and if the wrong items are allowed into the septic tank, it can cause an issue with the breakdown system in the tank and filtering of effluent. Household cleaners, chemicals, paints and even prescription drugs can have an impact on your septic system. However, one common element that causes many septic problems is household grease, a simple yet harmful agent when too much is allowed into your system.

Why Is Household Grease Bad for Septic Systems?

First and foremost, grease is bad for any plumbing, whether you have a septic system or not. Grease and fats from cooking can be the culprits for clogs in the interior plumbing and the sewer lines. However, beyond clogging the pipes, grease also does not breakdown in the septic tank. Too much household grease can cause a layer that covers your drain field. A biomat can form that stops the effluent from the septic tank from filtering down through the soil. If a biomat forms, it can lead to septic failure and the need for a new drain field or septic system.

To prevent damage to your septic system, make the effort to keep all household grease out of your drains. Wipe out pans and plates, and dump grease in the garbage before you rinse or wash them, reducing the amount of fats that enter your septic system.

Talk to your local septic service about what can and cannot go down the drain to prevent septic problems. Also adhere to regular septic maintenance and septic tank pumping through your septic service company.

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

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Is Your Toilet Trying to Tell You Something?

February 7th, 2018 Posted in Septic System Maintenance
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One of the first signs of septic problems may be right under your nose. Your toilet can be one of the first indicators that there is trouble brewing in your sewer lines, septic tank or even drain field. The pressured water that spins down the toilet can alert you when there are problems down the line.

What a Slow Flushing Toilet Can Mean for Your Septic System

If you notice that your toilet is slow to flush, check your other toilets. If only one is flushing slow in the house, it may more likely be a clogged drain for just that toilet. However, if all or a few of the toilets in the home are slow to flush, it is most likely be a septic system issue. Some of the possible problems could be:

  • A clogged sewer line, causing slow drainage of the major drains in the house
  • Your septic tank is getting full and needs to be pumped
  • Your drain field is not working correctly, causing a sewage backup

A slow flushing toilet is one sign of septic issues, but it is not the only one. Other signs of septic issues include odors. Sewage odors coming from your drains or lingering outside can be a sign there is a septic problem. Bright green grass or pooling above your drain field is also are warning signs of septic issues, as is wet or eroding ground above your sewer lines.

If you notice any of these issues, call your septic repair company right away. You may be on the verge of a septic failure or have other serious problems in your septic system that need immediate repair.

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

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What is the Average Cost to Pump a Septic Tank?

February 7th, 2018 Posted in Septic Tank Pumping
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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

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Preparing for Your Septic Pumping

January 5th, 2018 Posted in Septic Tank Pumping
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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

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Tips to Keep your Septic Tank in Great Shape

November 27th, 2017 Posted in Septic Tank Pumping
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A septic tank is where the waste from your home is collected and breaks down into effluent that can be filtered back in the ground water on your property. It is an essential component to any septic system, regardless of the type of system you own. Keeping your septic tank in great shape is vital to ensure your system continues to function for many years to come. Here are some tips to care for your septic tank through preventive maintenance.

  • Keep trees and large plants away. Roots from trees, shrubs and large plants can damage your septic tank and sewer lines. Do not plant any of these larger plants near your septic tank or other septic components to protect them from root infiltrations.
  • Reduce water use. The more water and waste that goes through your septic tank, the quicker your tank and system will need to be replaced. Lower your water use by installing efficiency fixtures in your home, including low-flow toilets, showerheads and efficient appliances.
  • Be careful what you put down your drains. Septic systems are fickle; keep chemicals, plastics, cotton hygiene items, diapers and other non-biodegradable items out of your drains and toilets.
  • Schedule regular inspections and pumping. One of the best ways to protect your septic tank is with professional inspections, maintenance and septic tank pumping by your local septic service company.

Septic tank replacements can be expensive. Make your septic tank last and save money with these preventive tips to reduce wear and tear on your tank and entire septic system. It can help prevent septic breakdowns and sewage backups, while helping your tank last for many years.

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

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What Happens When Your Septic Tank is Pumped?

November 27th, 2017 Posted in Septic Tank Pumping
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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

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Avoid Costly Septic Issues in Your Business

October 8th, 2017 Posted in Commercial Pumping
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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

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Septic Tank Pumping Frequency

July 24th, 2017 Posted in Septic Tank Pumping
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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

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

July 24th, 2017 Posted in Septic Tank Pumping
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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

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