Why You Should Install an Indoor Septic Tank Alarm

August 9th, 2018 Posted in Septic System
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Do you have an indoor septic tank alarm? If you have a gravity system, you may not need one. Gravity does a great job of emptying your septic tank as needed. As long as you have regular service and inspections to determine when your tank needs to be pumped, you should not have a problem. However, other systems that rely on pumps to push waste out should have an alarm to let you know when there is a problem.

Mound or uphill systems require mechanisms to push waste out of your septic tank as needed. If something should fail or there is a blockage, the tank can quickly become full. If not corrected, the tank will overflow, causing a backup of sewage into your home or business. This can cause extensive damage and cost plenty in cleanup and repairs.

An indoor septic tank alarm alerts you to when the septic tank on your property is at dangerous levels. There can be many reasons the alarm goes off – you may have had excessive use or a piece of equipment is not working as it should. Whatever the cause, the alarm lets you know that there is a problem. Having it installed indoors will let you know as soon as possible when you need to investigate an issue with your septic system.

While it is possible for an alarm to sound when there is not an overflow, this is unlikely. In most cases, if your septic alarm goes off, you should call your local septic service company for an inspection. This can help mitigate the problem before it becomes a septic failure or backup that can cost you much more in repairs.

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

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Understanding the Different Types of Septic Systems

March 13th, 2016 Posted in Septic System
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Most people don’t spend much time thinking about septic systems, but if you own one or are considering installing one on your property, there is a lot to know. First of all, there are many types to choose from, mostly put into one of two categories, conventional or alternative. Understanding the differences can help you make more informed decisions when adding or replacing a system in the future.

Conventional Septic Systems

When most people think of a septic system, conventional systems with a septic tank and drain field is what comes to mind. These can be designed using either gravity or pressure, changing how the water is distributed to the drain field. Conventional systems have for many years used a gravity flow system to move waste water from the septic tank to the drain field. Newer conventional sewer systems are often designed using a pressure system, pumping waste water to evenly disperse throughout the drain field.

Alternative Septic Systems

When conventional septic systems are not possible or allowed in certain regions, many people turn to alternative options. There are also environmental reasons to consider alternative septic systems over conventional. Some types of alternative options include:

  • Mound system.  For areas with poor soil quality, a mound system creates drain fields above the ground for treatment.
  • Aerobic Treatment Unit (ATU). An ATU uses oxygen process solids to a further extent within the septic tank, releasing cleaner waste water that requires less treatment.
  • Sand filter systems. A sand filtration system uses a man-made box containing sand and gravel to treat waste water before it is release into the drain field.

All these septic systems have merit; it just depends on what is right for your home or business. To determine which is the best for your needs, talk to your local septic professional.

All  would work best for your property. There are also other proprietary systems that may be a good fit for your needs.

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

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How Does a Septic Mound System Work

January 2nd, 2015 Posted in Septic System
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There are some areas and even entire states where new septic systems must use a mound system for their effluent purification. Unlike traditional trench systems that use the soil in the ground to purify waste water that comes from the septic tank, mound systems are built above the ground. These systems tend to be slightly more expensive to build and maintain, yet are required by law in many areas.

Function of a Mound System

Both mound and trench systems do the same job; they remove pollutants from the waste water or effluent that comes from the septic tank before the water is allowed to be absorbed back into the earth. The biggest difference is that a mound system must be built, usually using sand and gravel to create a filter for the effluent.

In a mound system, the effluent is pumped from the septic tank to the top area of the mound a few times a day through small pipes. The water saturates the sand layer which is above the gravel layer. Oxygen from the air feeds aerobic bacteria which help remove pollutants from the effluent, along with the filtering effects as the water passes through the sand and gravel layers. The purified water then enters the ground at the bottom of the mound, clean and safe to enter back into the groundwater.

Mound systems are usually required due to concerns for the surrounding environment or soil concentrations. If you are considering building a home that will need a septic system or replacing an old system, you will need to know whether you will need to build a mound system or whether a trench or drain field system can be used. Your local septic professional will be able to discuss what the requirements are and give you options for your new septic system.

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

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Are All Septic Systems Built the Same?

October 23rd, 2013 Posted in Septic System
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There are many different types of septic systems.  Some include pressure distribution, sand filter, mound, gravity and aerobic. It is important to consult with your septic system installer about which system is the best fit for your situation.

Pressure Distribution

Pressure distribution systems are used when there is not enough soil depth to accommodate gravity-based systems.  This system has a pump that distributes wastewater evenly throughout the drainage field.  The pump tank holds wastewater until a certain point before it releases it into the drainage field.

Sand Filter

Sand filter systems are one of the more common types of septic systems.  This system uses sand between the pump tank and the drainage field.  The sand is used to treat the wastewater before it enters the field. If you live in an area with shallow soil, this is the system you would need.

Mound

The mound design is also used when the soil isn’t deep enough for a traditional system.  These types of septic systems have a sand-filled mound raised over the natural soil above a drainage field.  The wastewater is treated as it travels through the sand and into the natural soil.

Gravity

This is one of the first types of septic systems.  Gravity is used to drain wastewater from the tank into a series of trenches. Because this system uses gravity, the drainfield must be below the level of the septic tank.  The bottom of the trenches must be three or four feet above the water table.  This soil above the water table is used to treat the wastewater before it returns to the environment.

Aerobic

This system is equipped with a watertight tank that has an aeration chamber. Waste is broken-down by bacteria in the aeration chamber.  This system is capable of producing cleaner wastewater.

Posted on behalf of Chuck Seagraves, Seagraves Plumbing

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