Archive for the ‘Septic Services’ Category
Septic Tank Basics
Septic Tank Basics
Knowing the advantages, disadvantages, and peculiarities of your septic tank is helpful for the proper care and maintenance of it. Consequently, if you have a problem with your septic tank, you’ll have an idea of how to troubleshoot the problem and when to call a septic tank plumber for help.
Concrete Septic Tanks
While durable and long-lasting, concrete septic tanks are susceptible to cracking and separation. Use of low-quality concrete mix will cause cracking earlier, so maintenance of a concrete septic tank is paramount. Once cracked, concrete septic tanks can allow groundwater to seep into them, resulting in blockage and causing a system backup; or they can allow outward seepage that may produce dangerous runoff. Inspect concrete septic tanks regularly to repair cracks before these problems arise.
Steel Septic Tanks
Less popular and durable than concrete, steel septic tanks are designed to last just 20-25 years and are susceptible to rust. The main problem with a steel tank is that the tank covers rust creating a scenario where someone can fall through the cover into the septic tank. These covers are replaceable, eliminating the expense of replacing the entire tank, so if you have a steel tank, periodically inspect the cover for rust and replace as needed. In addition, inspect the entry and exit points on a steel septic tank as these tend to corrode also.
Fiberglass and Plastic Septic Tanks
Impervious to rusting and cracking, fiberglass and plastic septic tanks have their own set of potential problems. A low effluent level (common in fiberglass and plastic septic tanks) may indicate that you have a dislodged plug at the bottom of the tank. Inspect these regularly, especially after the pumping of your tank. And, although plastic septic tanks are resistant to natural chemical processes, their lighter weight causes them to be susceptible to structural damage. If you drive over them, you can cause the tank to move, especially when the ground is wet, causing the pipes to come out of the ground and break. So checking for exposed pipes will insure that you don’t inadvertently damage them.
Aerobic Septic Tanks
Powered by electricity, aerobic septic tanks use oxygen to increase decomposition of waste. And, while these tanks will reduce the area for your drain field, they typically are two or three times more expensive than other types of septic tanks, and require frequent and extensive maintenance.
In general, no septic tank comes without its own set of problems, so make sure yours is well-cared for and of the type you can use best in your home. Have a qualified plumber help you decide which type of septic tank will best work for your home.
Blog post provided by: Marietta GA Septic Tank Specialists
Septic Tank Maintenance
Septic Tank Maintenance
Septic tank maintenance is not a difficult task so long as you follow some proven guidelines for keeping your septic tank digestively activated and unclogged. You’ll know if you are not maintaining your septic tank properly by the bad septic smells that arise when things need attending.
Controlling bacteria growth in your septic tank is a must. Various proprietary chemicals and enzymes are used in septic tanks to curb bacteria growth; but be careful of the additives you use in yours. Those that claim to eliminate tank cleaning may, in fact, cause a sludge layer to build, that when washed out into your drain field will plug soil pores and cause property damage. Other additives, particularly degreasers, contain carcinogens and can infiltrate your soil and seep into foliage. While you do want to control bacterial growth, be careful what you use to do so.
To assure that your environment is safe, send all sewage into the septic tank and do not run laundry wastes directly into your drain field. Normal amounts of household bleaches, drain cleaners, detergents, and such are safe to filter through your septic tank; however be careful not to dump cleaning water for latex paint brushes and cans into your house sewer as this will contaminate the area.
To avoid clogs, don’t dispose of coffee grounds, cooking fats, paper towels, disposable diapers, facial tissues, cigarette butts, or any other non-decomposable items in your house sewer. Make sure you use a quality toilet tissue that breaks up easily when wet. Those with high wet strength and scented brands are more likely to clog your toilet, than those that break up easily.
In your kitchen, avoid pouring grease down the drain as it will plug up sewer pipes or build up in your septic tank, causing the inlet to be plugged. Try to make it a habit to dispose of cooking grease in the garbage. When using your garbage disposal, be conscientious to follow the guidelines for what you can deposit in it and what you cannot, to relieve your septic tank of the possibility of a build-up of food items and clogs.
Even taking the above-mentioned precautions, you will probably need to clean your septic tank every four years. Contact a licensed septic professional to pump out your tank to ensure that the septic tank is cleaned in an effective and environmentally responsible manner.
Post provided by: Septic Tank Plumbers Alpharetta GA