Extend The Life Of Your Septic System

November 21st, 2013 Posted in Septic System Maintenance
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If your home is on a septic system, you are probably aware that replacing these systems can be very expensive, as well as very inconvenient. Fortunately, these systems are generally designed to last for many years, even decades, when cared for properly. By reducing the stress on the system and keeping it regularly maintained, you can extend the life your septic system.

  • Water conservation. Using less water is the first step in making your septic system last longer. Consider ways to reduce water use and waste. Almost all plumbing fixtures and appliances come in water-efficient models; replace faucets, shower heads, washers and other appliances as needed with more efficient versions. Make sure everyone in your household is aware of water saving techniques like not leaving faucets running to rinse or clean items. Also fix leaky faucets and running toilets as soon as possible.
  • Disposal. One of the biggest strains on septic systems is the debris it must handle that comes down the drains. Anything that can not be broken down easily, such as grease, heavy paper products and even food, should not be allowed to go down the drain. Also, be aware of the chemicals that are allowed to go down your pipes, as many can put additional stress on your system.
  • Regular maintenance. Septic systems need to be pumped and inspected to ensure a long life. How often septic tank pumping should be done depends on the size of your household and the size of your septic system. Most septic systems should be inspected every three years, and pumped every 3-5 years.

Changing a few habits and fixtures around your home along with regular maintenance make your septic system last for many years. Consult with your local septic professional to find out the exact maintenance schedule for your specific system.

Posted on behalf of Keith Lee, Metro Septic and Plumbing

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The All Important Septic Tank

January 31st, 2013 Posted in Septic Tank Pumping
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The size of your septic tank will vary depending on the size of your home the estimated number of inhabitants. Local regulations will dictate the size of tank required for the home based on this estimated number of inhabitants. A 1,000-gallon tank is a very common size for a standard size home.

The tank is built to be watertight and may be constructed of concrete, steel, fiberglass or plastic. The tank will also have an access cover on the top of the tank. The cover is generally buried until access is required for septic tank pumping or other maintenance issues. The tank will located several feet away from the home, as per local codes. It will also be located a proper distance from the home’s well as dictated by local health regulations.

The tank will be gravity fed through sewage lines from the house. As the waste fills the tank, the solid waste settles to the lower portion of the tank where bacteria immediately begin the decomposition process. The wastewater that has separated from the solid waste continues its journey downward through the septic system via gravity to the distribution box. From their the water is dispersed into the numerous trenches of the drain field of a conventional septic system.

The most critical purpose of the septic tank is the separation and decomposition of the solid waste. If the solid waste is not able to separate and settle to the lower part of the tank, solid waste can end up clogging the distribution box and/or drain field. The active work of bacteria in the tank to decompose the solid waste is also critical. When operating properly, bacteria can eliminate up to 90% of the solid waste that comes into the tank.

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Avoid Cleaning Chemicals For The Sake Of Your Septic System

December 20th, 2012 Posted in Septic Tank Pumping
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Repairing problems with your septic tank can be expensive business so households with a septic system installed should to doing everything they can to ensure that it continues to work properly and efficiently. Good maintenance habits such as limiting the amount of water you use and regular septic tank pumping are common practices that most homeowners are aware of, but another key issue when it comes to taking care of your septic system is avoiding the use of chemicals.

Many household-cleaning products used to clean sinks and toilets contain strong chemicals, which make their way down the pipes and into the septic system. Your septic system contains a delicate balance of bacteria and microbes that break down the solid waste inside the septic tank and treat the effluent in the soil around the leach field.  Cleaning agents, bleach and detergents all affect the treatment process that is happening all of the time within the tank and in the leach field and too many chemicals will eventually begin to cause problems with your septic system.

Clog removal chemicals are similar if not worse because the chemicals are particularly robust. Also, since they are poured directly down the drain the septic tank receives a large concentration of these harmful chemicals at one time. Chemical clog removers can also be harmful to people as if the clog is not successfully removed you are left with a sink full of toxic chemicals, which will also begin to damage the piping if allowed to sit their for a significant period of time. For the sake of your septic system the next time you have a clog, use alternate methods such as plunging rather than resorting to chemicals.

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Recognizing When Your Septic Tank Needs Pumping

December 20th, 2012 Posted in Septic Tank Pumping
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Every home that has a septic tank installed will have to go through the process of having the septic tank pumped. Regular septic tank pumping is recommended but the frequency will depend on the size of the tank and the size of the household.  It typically ranges between 2-3 years.

If you have recently moved into a house with a septic system, you may not know when the tank was last pumped so the best thing to do in this situation is have a professional sewer- septic system company come in and service your system. They will be able to ensure that it is all working efficiently and advise you on when it should next be pumped.

There are other signs that you should be aware of which indicate that your tank needs to be pumped. Many of the more modern units come with a light or alarm that goes off as soon as your tank is full. When this happens it means you need to arrange to have your tank pumped as soon as possible or run the risk of causing damage.

A bad odor is a strong indication that there is an issue with your septic tank and immediate action by a sewer-septic professional is probably necessary.  A bad smell coming from the tank can be a sign that there is a leak or damage to the drain field line but if this is not the case the small is likely down to the tank being full.

Either way a professional will be able to identify the problem and provide a solution quickly and properly. Wet patches in the drain field as well as back up of waste into the toilet are both further signs that it is time to get your septic tank pumped.

 

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The Need For Septic Tank Pumping

April 3rd, 2012 Posted in Septic Tank Pumping
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If your home is on a septic system rather than connected to the municipal sewer system, be sure to have the septic tank inspected and pumped regularly.  The vast majority of septic systems do a great job of disposing of household wastewater with very little maintenance, but neglecting to have the septic tank inspected and pumped can cost you a bundle to repair or replace the drain field.

A septic system works by collecting household waste water in the septic tank where it stays long enough for solid material to sink to the bottom and greasy or oily material to float to the top.  The accumulated solid material is called the sludge layer and the oily material is the scum layer.

A septic tank is designed to hold the scum layer and sludge layer in the tank and allow the fluid (called the effluent) to flow into the drain field where it percolates into the soil.  Naturally occurring enzymes and bacteria in the tank break down the organic solid material, but the inorganic material and some residual organic material remains in the tank.

Over a few years, this material will accumulate in the tank and will need to be removed by having the septic tank pumped by a septic tank pumping service.  Without regular septic tank pumping, the tank will become too full and some solid material will flow out into the drain field and clog the leech lines.  If this happens, the drain field usually has to be replaced.

Avoid the hassle and expense of a drain field replacement by having your septic tank pumped and inspected regularly.

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Septic Tank Pumping Procedure

April 3rd, 2012 Posted in Septic Tank Pumping
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Homeowners using a septic system rather than a municipal sewer system should be sure to have the septic tank cleaned and pumped every three to five years.  Regular septic tank pumping prevents the sludge level that accumulates in the septic tank from getting too high and flowing into the leach field where it can cause serious damage to the system.  In many cases, a clogged leach field has to be abandoned and a new leach field installed.

Septic tank pumping requires the services of a septic system professional.  The septic pumping contractor should be licensed and bonded for your protection.  A good septic system technician will first locate the tank using a rod, radio transmitter or other method.  Once the tank is located, it is opened to allow the solid material to be pumped out of the tank.  Some excavation may be required to reach the access opening.

The septic tank is pumped using a pumping truck to pump all of the material out the tank through a heavy duty hose.   Water is sprayed into the tank to break up the scum layer and residual solid material and to flush it out of the tank.  All material in the tank should be removed including the sludge layer, liquids, and the greasy scum layer.  When the tank is clean, only a small quantity of fluid will remain to help start the biological decomposition process.

Once the tank cleaning is completed, your septic tank pumping technician will visually inspect the baffles inside the tank to make sure they are in place and undamaged.  If everything checks out, the tank will be closed and is good for the next service period.

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How Septic Systems Work

December 3rd, 2010 Posted in Septic Tanks
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If you own one of the 25% of homes in the United States that are on septic systems rather than municipal sewer, you may be wondering how your system works.

Most septic systems consist of four basic components.  First, there is a large drain line that leads from your home to the septic tank.  The second component is the septic tank itself, the third component is the drain field, and the last component is the soil around the drain field.

The drain line collects waste water from your home and routes it to the septic tank.  Other than a clog or break, drain lines rarely need any maintenance or service.

The septic tank is a large tank buried in your yard.  It can be made of concrete, fiberglass, or a type of plastic.  The septic tank holds the waste water long enough for the solid material to sink to the bottom forming sludge and also allows greases and oils float to the top forming scum.

The septic tank has baffles and fittings designed to hold the scum and sludge layers in the tank, but that allow the waste water to flow into the drain field.  The solid material in the tank will partially decompose, but the accumulated sludge and scum need to be periodically pumped out of the tank. Regular septic tank service will help keep the system operating smoothly.

The drain field is a series of perforated pipes buried underground that spreads the wastewater out and allows it to percolate into the soil.  The soil treats the wastewater by removing harmful bacteria and other matter.

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