3 Things You Should Never Flush Down the Toilet

August 9th, 2018 Posted in Septic System
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If you have a home or business with a septic system, the toilet can be the nemesis of maintaining your system. Too often, items that can clog your filters or caused damage to your septic end up getting flushed down. Ask any septic technician that has been called to handle septic emergencies what causes the biggest problems and it is often things that are flushed down the toilet. Here are three things you should never flushed down the toilet if you want to avoid problems down the road.

  1. Plastics. Nothing made from plastic should enter your septic system. Unfortunately, there are many items that get used in the bathroom that are made from plastics and end up in the toilet. Feminine hygiene products, cotton swabs, prophylactics, bandages and other items should not be flushed, but thrown away.
  2. “Flushable” wipes. They may say they are flushable, but these wipes should not be disposed of down the toilet in homes with septic systems. Most of these wet wipes are not bio-degradable and can clog up your septic system.
  3. Cat litter. Most cat litter is made from sand and clay, substances that can clog pipes and create excess sludge in your septic tank. Keep cat litter out of the toilet to avoid plumbing and septic problems.

If you own a septic system, you do not want anything that will not breakdown to be flushed down the toilet. Urine, human waste and septic-friendly toilet paper should be the only items that go into the toilet. Keeping other items out can help protect your septic system and avoid emergency calls to your septic service company.

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

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Tips for Parents with a Septic System

December 30th, 2016 Posted in Septic System Maintenance
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If you ask a septic service technician what are common factors that cause septic problems, children are often listed. People who are parents with small children and also are owners of a septic system need to be aware of the possible problems that can occur. Often the cause of a septic emergency or backup is directly related to children. Here are a few tips for parents that own septic systems in their homes.

  • Don’t flush baby wipes and other solid items. You may be tempted to flush dirty baby wipes, cotton swabs and other sanitary items down the toilet. However, these items do not disintegrate and will clog your septic system. Throw them into the trash.
  • Keep small toys out of the bathroom. Often kids like to have toys to play with in the tub. While this is fine, once bath time is over, put those toys away or out of reach. Left unattended in the tub, those small toys often find their way into the toilet and kids love to watch them swirl down into your septic system.
  • Teach your kids septic system rules. Septic systems need special care. Many items can harm your septic system, such as certain foods, chemicals, paint, medications and non-biodegradable items. Teach your kids what they can and can’t put down your drain and how to avoid harming your drain field.

As a parent, you don’t need any extra expenses, especially a large expense like a septic system replacement. Make sure to protect your septic system by following these tips and scheduling regular inspections with your local septic service professional for ongoing maintenance.

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

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Protect Your Septic System with Water Efficient Fixtures

September 21st, 2016 Posted in Septic System
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If you have a septic system, you may also have a well for your water. While you may not receive a water or sewer bill each month, using too much water can still cost you plenty in septic repairs and replacement. Water efficient fixtures help reduce water waste and also reduce excess wear and tear on your septic system. Using less water means your septic system can function easier and last longer, saving you money off repairs and expensive septic system replacement. Here are a few fixtures that can help reduce water waste in your home.

  • Water efficient toilets. Did you know that an average family flushes 30% of its water down the toilet? Considering this high number, using high-efficiency toilets in your bathrooms can make a big difference on your water use. Choose a toilet that uses less than 1.28 gallon per flush.
  • Showerheads. Another big use of water in the home is the shower. High-efficiency showerheads can reduce the water your family uses while taking their showers by 70%.
  • Faucets. High pressure is usually not needed for a faucet. Replacing faucets with efficient models that release less than 1.5 gallons per minute can save water. Another option is adding a flow restrictor to existing faucets to reduce waste.

On top of using water efficient fixtures, teach your family good water conservation habits. Don’t let water run while rinsing items in the sink or brushing your teeth. Small changes can add up to big savings on your water use and reduce wear and tear on your septic.

Keep your septic system running smoothly and extend the lifespan with lower water use and regular maintenance. Make sure to have your system inspected and serviced once a year by your local septic professional.

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

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Preparing Your Septic System for Summer

September 21st, 2016 Posted in Septic System Maintenance
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For many families, summer means more time spent at home, entertaining and overnight guests. Kids are out of school and the warm weather is perfect for hosting parties and family reunions at your home. If you own a house with a septic system, this can mean extra stress on your system throughout the summer. Before your guest rooms are full, now is the time to make sure your septic system is ready for the busy summer ahead. Here are a few tips to ensure your septic is ready for extra use.

  • Schedule an inspection. The best way to gauge the effectiveness of your septic system is to have a full inspection from your local septic service. A professional can inspect the tank and drain field to ensure everything is in good working order.
  • Considering tank pumping. Talk to your septic professional about pumping your tank. Even if you would normally not need a pumping for another six months, if you have an excessive amount of guests coming this summer, you may want to schedule the pumping now versus later.
  • Guest education. If you have family or guests that are not familiar with septic system limitations, you may want to print up a friendly reminder for your guests to put in your bathrooms. A list of what cannot be flushed down the toilet (wipes, cotton balls, cotton swabs, feminine hygiene products, etc.) could prevent a big septic mess later.

Nothing can ruin a party quicker than a septic backup – preventive maintenance can go a long way in making sure your summer soirees are not interrupted by a septic problem. Call your local septic service today to schedule your annual maintenance.

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

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Be Green and Preserve Your Septic System

June 22nd, 2016 Posted in Septic System Maintenance
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Everyone is aware of the push to make green decisions; from the products we buy to the items we throw away. Being green is about not hurting the environment we will live by reusing, recycling and reducing waste. This means using products that are safe for the environment and preserving natural resources like water. But did you know that when you think green, you are also preserving your septic system? Here are a few ways that being green is good for your septic system.

  • Natural products. One way to be green is to use natural products that are not made with harsh chemicals that are hard on the environment. This is also great for your septic system! Many natural products for personal hygiene and household cleaners are made from plants and other benign ingredients that are gentle on your septic system.
  • Using less water. Cutting down on water waste by using water-efficient fixtures and appliances cuts down the load on your septic system. Too much water can dilute your system and the bacteria needed to break down solids in your septic tank.
  • Composts. Creating a compost pile is a great way to make your own fertilizer and save your septic system. How? By consciously putting all food items into your compost pile, you are keeping them out of your drains. There is no need for a garbage disposal if you are composting and that is a good thing for your septic system!

Keep your septic healthy by being green around your home. By reducing waste, you can extend the life of your septic system, especially when combined with yearly maintenance from your local septic service company.

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

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5 Things in Your Home That Can Contribute to Septic System Failures

June 22nd, 2016 Posted in Septic System Maintenance
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No one wants to come home to a backed up septic system that may need to be replaced. Septic system failures are messy and expensive, making it a priority to avoid anything that can cause this issue. However, most septic failures can be prevented if you know what can cause them. Here are five common contributors to septic failures that are in your home.

  1. Garbage disposal. Although garbage disposals are handy, they are also a bad idea if you own a home with a septic system. Even though the garbage disposal breaks down food, it is better to not put any food down the drain when you have a septic.
  2. Washing machine. Lint from your clothes can go down the drain from your washer and causing havoc in your septic system. Installing a lint filter in your washer can prevent lint clogs in your drain field.
  3. Toilets. The biggest drains in your house is your toilets, making them the most likely place for foreign items to enter your septic. Make sure your family understands what can be flushed and what cannot, such as feminine hygiene products, cotton swabs and disposable wipes.
  4. Cleaners. Many cleaners you use in your home can be harmful to your septic system. Make sure to use laundry soaps, dish soaps and all-purpose cleaners that are safe for septic systems.
  5. Medications. Did you know that some medications can be harmful to the bacteria your septic system needs to function? Also, flushing old tablets down the drain can clog your drain field pipes.

Avoid septic system disasters by being aware of these common culprits. As another preventative measure, make sure to have annual inspections and routine tank pumping by your local septic service provider.

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

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Five Things to Avoid if You Own a Septic System

February 24th, 2015 Posted in Septic System Maintenance
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Septic systems are notoriously expensive to replace, making maintenance the most important aspect of owning a septic. While annual inspections and regular tank pumping are a big part of maintenance of your septic system, the most important parts of system protection are remembering the things you shouldn’t do. Here are five things to avoid to help preserve the integrity of your septic system and prolong its life.

  • Fat and grease. Fat, grease and oil are poison to a septic system, creating more waste which needs to be pumped and causing issues in the system. Avoid allowing fats and oils to be dumped down drains. Scrape out cooking pans and wipe them clean of fats and grease before washing them in the sink or dishwater.
  • Tree roots. It’s important to know where your sewer lines and septic components are when planting new trees in your yard. Tree roots are attracted to the moisture in your septic system, and root intrusion can cause serious trouble.
  • Drain field compression. Under no circumstance should vehicles be allowed to drive over your drain field. This can damage the drain field and even result in septic system failure.
  • Excess water use. Conserving water use can add years onto the life of your septic system. Practice water conservation by avoiding running water down drains unnecessarily and fixing water leaks immediately.
  • Chemicals. Household chemicals, like bleach and other harsh agents, can destroy the bacteria in your septic tank and make it less efficient. Antibacterial cleaners are specifically harmful to this delicate balance, so be careful not to overuse these products. 

Keeping your septic system healthy is easier to do if you can avoid these common issues. When paired with regular maintenance, many septic systems can last for decades.

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

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Strange Items That Can Hurt Your Septic System

January 2nd, 2015 Posted in Septic System Maintenance
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You may already know the normal household items to keep out of your drains when you own a septic system. You know that grease, fat, paint and bulky items all need to be thrown away and not allowed to enter your septic tank. However, there are some less common items you may not have considered. Here are a few of those strange items that also need to stay out of your septic.

  • Bath and body oils. A luxurious, scented bath is relaxing, but those bath products may also be hurting your septic system. Bath and body oils are especially taxing on the septic system and should only be used sparingly, if at all.
  • Liquid anti-bacterial hand soap. Anti-bacterial soap does kill bacteria. In fact, it continues to kill bacteria when it enters your septic system, including the good bacteria your system needs. Liquid hand soap is often more aggressive than bar soap, adding too much of these anti-bacterial agents to your septic system.
  • Chemotherapy drugs. The drugs used in chemotherapy can be life-saving. They can also be extremely toxic to your septic system, even after they have passed through the body. To avoid septic backups during a time that’s already difficult, waste from chemotherapy patients should not be flushed. The other option is to have your septic tank pumped more frequently.

Talk to your septic professional about any concerns you have with drugs or other agents that may be entering your septic system. They may have a solution to help you protect your septic system from harm.

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

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Going Green is Great for Your Septic System

January 2nd, 2015 Posted in Septic System Maintenance
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It’s not just the planet that can benefit when you make green choices. If you own a home with a septic system, going green is a great way to extend the life of your septic and decrease the chance of septic failure. There are several ways that green habits and products can help your septic system, including these green septic tips:

  • Green cleaning products. Harsh cleaners like bleach, ammonia and other chemicals can be harmful to the delicate bacterial balance in your septic tank. Choosing green cleaners which do not contain such chemicals can be healthier for both your septic system and the environment. Another option is making your own cleaners from natural substances, like vinegar and baking soda.
  • Save on water, save your septic. Conserving water is part of the green movement, but it’s also a great way to reduce wear and tear on your septic system. Be conscious of every bit of water you use, saving an important resource while putting less stress on your septic system.
  • Use energy and water efficient appliances. Choose appliances and fixtures that are energy and water efficient. This can reduce your energy bills while decreasing the water that goes through your septic system every month.

Living green has many benefits to your bank account, the earth and even your septic system. Your septic service company may have more tips on how to preserve your septic system and make it last for many years to come. Call to schedule an annual inspection and maintenance service for your septic, and learn more about how to use green methods to take care of your septic system.

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

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Five Things Kids Should Know About Your Septic System

January 2nd, 2015 Posted in Septic System
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It may not occur you to educate your kids about your septic system, at least until you need to call your septic professional due to a problem caused by your children. It’s never too early to start teaching your kids about how to safeguard your septic with good habits. Here are five things to teach your kids about the care of your septic system.

  1. What not to flush. Just because it can go down the toilet does not mean it should. Many septic emergencies are caused by items which are flushed down the toilet only to clog up the system. Let your kids know that only the only “item” beyond their normal functions that should ever be flushed is toilet paper.
  2. What can be poured down the drain. Let your kids know that the sink drain is not for paint, chemicals, grease or other liquids that can hurt your septic system. Even too much of a carbonated soda product can be harmful.
  3. Limiting water use. Teach your kids good water efficiency habits from an early age. Never leave water running down the drain; this includes allowing a shower to run for several minutes before they get in, or rinsing dishes.
  4. No food in the sink. Kids should be shown how to scrape their plates thoroughly before they are put in the sink or dishwasher. Even small amounts of food left on the plate can add up and cause clogged drains.
  5. No playing on the drain field. Show your kids where your drain field is located, and let them know that it’s a restricted area. The delicate system right below the surface should not be disturbed.

If you let your kids and family know the rules regarding caring for your septic, they can help you prevent expensive septic problems. However, if you do have a septic emergency, your local septic professional is only a call away.

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

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