Investing in septic services protects your property and saves you from paying for expensive repair and cleanup costs. Preventative care also helps to preserve the environment and prevents contamination of groundwater.
Septic tank sludge and scum should be pumped when the bottom of the scum layer is within six inches of the outlet and the top of the sludge is within 12 inches of the outlet. Speak with The Septic Guys for quality solutions.
The installation of septic systems begins with a site evaluation by a licensed site evaluator. This involves tests and measurements that reveal the soil type and other details that determine what kind of system is best for the property. The system design is then based on these results and submitted for approval by governing bodies. Once approved, the contractor can install the system using excavation methods appropriate to the site.
The size of the tank and other components can also influence costs, as can the choice of materials. Plastic, fiberglass, and concrete are common options, with each having its own advantages and disadvantages. Getting quotes from several companies is helpful to form a clear picture of the total cost.
After installation, regular maintenance is key to protecting your septic system. It’s important to use water-efficient fixtures and not flush items that can disrupt the biological balance within your tank or clog drainlines. This includes repairing leaking faucets, showerheads, and toilets, diverting roof drains to avoid septic system backups, and spreading out laundry loads to reduce water usage.
During maintenance visits, technicians can empty the septic tank and back-flush it to thoroughly clean the baffles and inspect the drain field for proper percolation. Keeping up with this preventative maintenance helps to extend the lifespan of your septic system and protect the environment by avoiding contamination of groundwater.
Professional septic services are also available to handle septic system tests and inspections for new homebuyers. It’s important that buyers have their septic system tested and inspected before purchasing a house to ensure the system is in good condition. This prevents costly repairs and ensures the health and safety of residents.
Preventative septic tank care is an investment that will save homeowners money in the long run. Most people are happy to spend a smaller amount on routine maintenance than they are to pay for expensive repair bills and cleanup costs when things go wrong with their septic system. Choosing a company that offers scheduled maintenance, including regular pumping and inspections, will help homeowners stay on top of their maintenance needs and keep their septic system in good working order.
Inspection
Septic systems are complicated, and if they don’t function as designed, it can be costly for homeowners and new buyers. That’s why a third-party septic inspection is required before a home can be purchased with a septic tank. During the inspection, the septic professional tests various aspects of the system to ensure it’s functioning properly.
First, they will locate the septic tank and its components. They will use tools like electronic locators and probe devices to find the tank without causing any damage to the yard. Once they’ve located it, they’ll conduct a flow test to see how well the septic tank and sewage pipes are working. If the water flows into the septic tank quickly, it’s likely that the sanitary lines are working properly. If the water rises slowly, it may indicate a problem with the septic tank itself or the septic leach field.
Next, the septic professional will inspect the baffles in the septic tank to make sure they’re intact and not missing or deteriorated. These are important because they restrain and redirect incoming wastewater to prevent sludge from clogging the inlet and outlet pipes. If the baffles are missing or damaged, septic tanks can easily overflow and cause sewage backups.
The septic inspector will also examine the drain field to look for signs of trouble, including standing water and mushy or swampy areas. They’ll also check to see if the leach field has been pumped recently, and if it hasn’t, they’ll recommend pumping services. This is an essential part of septic maintenance that should be done regularly to avoid overflow and clogs.
After the septic inspection, the home owner or new buyer will receive a report detailing the results. It’s a good idea to coordinate the septic inspection with the general property inspection, so that any issues can be noted in the property report and addressed before closing. This can save time and money, as it’s less likely that the sale will fall through if there are serious problems with the septic system.
Maintenance
Like any system in your home, a septic tank and drainfield need routine maintenance. Professional services uncover and address minor issues before they become major problems, saving homeowners from costly repairs. A professional septic company also offers valuable tips to avoid damage to your septic system and keep it in tip-top condition.
Local health departments play a key role in the oversight of septic systems. Their inspectors conduct regular on-site inspections to ensure septic tanks and leach fields are in good condition. If a health department finds a problem with a septic system, they have the authority to require repairs and upgrades to bring it into compliance with state regulations.
Having a well-functioning septic system boosts property value. Many potential homebuyers will want to know when the septic tank was last pumped and how regularly it has been maintained. Regular pumping prevents clogged drains, unpleasant odors and water contamination. It also helps the septic system last longer, so homeowners can enjoy its benefits for years to come.
Professional septic services use advanced equipment to clean out the septic tank and inspect the condition of the drain field. The service professionals are trained to spot signs of trouble, such as a buildup of solids in the tank or excessive flow from the house. They also know how to use special tools, such as gully suckers and power-suction hoses, that are less likely to damage the system and allow them to work faster.
A septic tank is an integral part of the plumbing in most homes, so it is important to understand how to protect it. The simplest way to do this is by avoiding putting anything down the drains that is not human waste or toilet paper. Other preventive measures include installing water-conserving devices, repairing leaking faucets and toilets and diverting roof and surface water away from the septic tank. You should also avoid pouring grease down drains, using commercial septic tank cleaners and dumping hazardous materials into the system.
Homeowners can also help their septic system by landscaping appropriately. Planting grass over the septic tank and drainfield prevents root growth that might interfere with the functioning of the system. It is also a good idea to map out the location of the system and mark its boundaries, especially when doing yard work or construction on the property. Finally, make sure not to park vehicles or heavy machinery over the septic tank or drainfield.
Repair
Occasionally, the septic system may experience some issues that need repair. This can be due to clogs or other issues with the system that cause malfunctions. It is important to have these problems fixed as quickly as possible to prevent the septic tank from overflowing and to protect the health of those living in the home.
Whether the septic tank needs to be cleaned out, repaired or replaced, professional technicians can work on these issues to get your system back in working condition. This may include replacing the septic tank lid, installing new drain field pipes or fixing broken leach field pipes. During this process, the septic company will also ensure that the absorption field is in good condition.
A septic tank will need to be pumped out regularly to remove solid waste from it. This will help reduce the number of clogs that can occur throughout the home. It is recommended to have the septic tank pumped every three to five years depending on household use and water consumption. Having the tank pumped regularly can prevent costly repairs in the future and it is much safer for your health than having wastewater enter the house.
If you notice that the toilets are flushing more slowly, that there are wet spots in the yard and that the garbage disposal isn’t functioning properly, it is time to call for a septic service. The experts will come to your property, make an assessment, pump the septic tank and back-flush the drainfield to thoroughly clean the entire system.
The septic tank is the most significant component of the septic system, so it’s the best place to start when considering any repairs or replacements. The experts can repair or replace parts such as the septic tank lid, baffles, or pumps to fix any leaks or other problems that might be occurring with the system.