Many residents of rural areas don’t have connected water and sewer systems, but wells and septic systems. These systems aren’t difficult to take care of, thanks to upgrades present in modern technologies. By following basic instructions and these tips, you can ensure your septic system operates properly for years to come.
Watch rainwater
A soggy and wet septic drainfield won’t properly handle liquid waste, leaving it unabsorbed and not neutralized. You’ll need to plan things like landscaping, gutters and drains to divert away water from the drainfield.
Don’t overload
One of the biggest reasons for septic system repairs is an overloaded system. Make sure your system and drainfield aren’t overloaded by checking regularly for leaks from toilets and faucets, and making necessary repairs. Aerators and flow-reduction nozzles on faucets and showers will help lower water consumption, as will reduce water levels for small laundry loads. Other ways to keep the system from overloading is to run the dishwasher only when you have a full load and to use a displacer to decrease the water needed to flush.
Keep trees away
Another reason to call for repairs is root damage from trees. Tree roots are notorious for damaging septic tanks, which can mean costly repairs. Keeping trees at least 100 feet away from your septic system will discourage these costly damages. Willow and other similar trees have very aggressive roots, so they should be kept even farther from the system and drainfield.
Be careful of what you dispose
Your toilet is not a garbage disposal. You shouldn’t flush (even if you are connected to a municipal sewer system) cat litter, diapers, sanitary items, coffee grounds, cigarette butts and other items, as they can quickly clog your tank. Do not overuse heavy cleaners, as they will kill beneficial bacterium that break down solids. Grease can also clog the drainfield, and make it impossible for the soil to absorb liquids. When that happens, you’ll need a new drainfield. Hazardous chemicals like varnish, gasoline and oils can ruin your system and are a hazard to groundwater sources.
Maintain regularly
If you want your system to work properly, the solids will eventually have to be pumped. The rule of thumb for a family of four with a 1,000-gallon tank is to have it pumped every three to five years. And while you might think it easy to take care of it yourself, never open a septic tank as it contains harmful materials and gases. Always have a professional handle the job.…
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The Costs of Neglecting Your Septic Tank and System
You always hope you won’t ever have to contact a drainage company to help you replace the septic tank system within your house yet it might happen at some time if you’re not careful. The cost for rectifying your situation and replacing the system is really high and this is not just in terms of money. Look at the cost below and you will find out why it is a good idea to take good care of your system.
It is going to present a danger to one’s wellbeing. When your dilemma has gotten to where the unit has been damaged, the waste products will leak into your home’s ground. You must speak to your local health department because they will need to check out the problem and show you exactly what needs to be done. Waste matter which is not carefully treated could come out of your damaged system that can result in serious illnesses. Hepatitis and dysentery are only 2 examples of those disorders that may be brought about by waste products that are untreated. If you’ve been making use of chemical products for cleaning which are in the tank, these agents also can get into the environment. These kinds of compounds could be very hazardous to animals, people, and also wildlife in the region.
It can cause the waste materials to seep in your home. This is another huge expenditure. You will have certain detrimental waste material that is making its way straight into your drainage area. This can even back up into the house. Just visualize what it will be like and smell like when that waste is coming back up the lines. Cleaning this up would be really bothersome and also a big job. Till the job is completed, you will not be able to make use of your septic system. Just think the inconvenience that it could give. Sure you’ve got neighbors who might permit you to use their toilet but what will happen if you want to go in the middle of the night or if there is an emergency? Not fun!
You’ll likely need to have the system pumped, and this is quite expensive. This should help with keeping the condition from getting more serious simply because it will reduce the waste amount within the tank. This way it can help stop the overflow and thus prevent it from spreading into the area and perhaps your property.
All of the costs which are stated here might have been avoided had the system been able to address the waste it was collecting. The reasons for backup are many, but one really preventable and frequent concern is insufficient bacteria. Those bacteria eat solid waste, transforming it to the form that can be released into the soil harmlessly. Additive treatments for septic systems are on the market so that you can reintroduce the bacteria to the septic system for the conversion of the waste products.
A lot of people think of the monetary cost of the replacement of a septic tank. But it goes beyond that. It could really be harmful to everyone and everything in the place. You never know what a neglected septic system and tank can do until you become ill or perhaps lose a beloved pet to illness.…
Important Tips For Owners Of Septic Tanks
Persons moving to a home that uses a septic tank may need some information about this onsite wastewater treatment system. Septic tanks are an efficient way to safely dispose of contaminated water from the home. If properly cared for, the septic tank is a vital key top protecting the environment. Tanks that are not properly taken care of can allow raw sewage to leak onto the top of the ground and into runoff water.
Proper care for a septic tank begins in the home. There are certain items that should not be flushed down drains. Grease, plastic and latex do not break down in the system and should be disposed of in another manner if at all possible. If these items are flushed down a drain or toilet, they tend to add to the scum layer at the top of the tank and cause the tank to need pumping sooner.
While many household cleaners are diluted to the point that they do not cause a problem, occupants of the home will want to avoid overuse of these materials with the tank. In addition, it is recommended that when choosing laundry detergents, persons with septic tanks choose liquid detergents rather than powders.
Septic tanks require regular pumping. Generally speaking, a tank serving a family of four needs to be pumped every three years. If the home has more family members, the tank will need servicing more often. In addition, if the family makes heavy use of a garbage disposal, it can cause the tank to require servicing more often. Pumping should occur before the scum level drops below the baffle or solid materials may leak into the drain field and cause failure of the field.
When homes have septic systems, care must be used to avoid driving over the tank or drain field. Driving over the tank could cause the lid to break and may drop a vehicle directly into the tank. Driving over the drain field can compress the rock and pipe that allow the system to distribute the treated wastewater into the soil.
While it is possible to find many additives for septic systems, most experts agree that there is no need to add these materials to the tank. There is enough bacterial in the materials that fill the tank that will cause a natural breakdown of the substances. Most septic tank additives only add more pollutants to the streams.
Most older septic systems used gravity to distribute the treated water into the drain field. Today, however, in order to place septic systems on property in places where a traditional gravity flow drain field does not operate correctly, many homes are being built with pump systems or sand filters. These systems must be engineered to allow for pollution free distribution of the treated water. They can be very expensive systems and require even more caution at taking care of the system.
If a home uses a septic systems to treat the wastewater from a home, it is important to know how to take care of the tank. Septic tanks can effectively take care of waste water if properly maintained, however, tanks that are neglected may cause pollution problems on the homeowner’s property as well as that of his neighbors.…
What Size Septic Tank Do You Need?
The septic system is an astounding and innovative piece of technology. The device is natural and energy efficient. If you are planning on installing a septic tank, you will need septic lines, a septic tank, permit from your local government, and choose the appropriate location for installing the tank.
A septic tank operates by sewage being carried from the house to the tank using gravity instead of using motors and fossil fuel energy. The sewage moves by means of gravity from the tank to the drain field. Microbes in the ground digest and sanitize the bacteria, viruses, and other harmful substances. When the soil is healthy, clean water returns to the water table. The location of the tank and lines will depend on the percolation test. Another important feature is the size of the septic tank.
There are a few ways you can determine the size of the septic tank for your home. The size of the septic tank can be determined by basing it on the water usage or home size. The most productive and efficient way to calculate the size of the tank is through water usage. The size of the septic tank that will be required is based on the amount of water it will conduct through the field lines.
Calculations by Water Tank
Based on the total water usage of a home, the following is the expert and local government recommended tank size:
Up to 500 gallons per day: 900 gallon tank
Up to 700 gallons per day: 1,200 gallon tank
Up to 900 gallons per day: 1,500 gallon tank
Up to 1,240 gallons per day: 1,900 gallon tank
It is important to be aware that the minimum size tank normally permitted for use in a residential home is 1,000 gallons. Make sure you check with your local governmental official to obtain their regulations of size.
Calculations by House Size
This type of calculation assumes that all rooms in the home will be used. The following is the expert and local government recommended tank size based on calculating the house size:
One or two bedrooms: 750 gallon tank
Three bedrooms: 1,000 gallon tank
Four bedrooms: 1,200 gallon tank
Five or six bedrooms: 1,500 gallon tank
Make sure you check with your local governmental official to obtain their regulations of size.
For single-family homes, tanks normally vary in size from 500 to 1500 gallons of sewer storage capability. For a one or two bedroom house, a 1000 or 1200 gallon tank is used most often.
The costs of septic tanks will vary. The average 1,000 gallon septic tank will cost between $500 and $700. If you want to install a 1,250 gallon tank, the price can range from $600 – $800. One can install a tank in either the front yard or the backyard. The area must be able to hold the tank and drain field. The cost of installing a standard septic tank can be anywhere from $1,000 to $2,500
Septic tanks are a necessity and required by law for residential houses. When installing a septic tank, make sure you are aware of all of the local governmental regulations.…
How Do I Know When I Need a New Septic Tank?
Determining when you need a new septic tank can often feel like you’re playing psychic. Oftentimes, a damaged system can keep working until one day, it suddenly fails – and you’re stuck with tons of repairs, a yard full of septic tank cleaners and a massive invoice.
Septic tanks are generally quite hardy, and can last up to three years before they need to be pumped. However, a damaged tank can be quite difficult to fix; add years of wear and tear on top of that, and it often makes more sense just to buy a new one altogether.
If you’re not sure of when you need a new septic tank, then this list of damaged septic tank symptoms should help you determine when it’s time to call in the professionals:
• As previously mentioned, septic systems will only need to be pumped every three years, or even longer. However, if you think you’ve needed to pump a lot more than usual, then it might be time to replace it with a totally new system, as it may be a symptom that you and your family have outgrown your old tank.
• Go out to the landscape surrounding your septic system and examine the water. Are there any puddles that have collected on the ground? Does the ground seem constantly moist, even when it hasn’t rained for some time? That’s a big indicator that your septic system is leaking out water. If the leak is along the ports, a septic tank professional can easily fix it; however, if the damage has occurred on the tank itself, then it might be time to consider upgrading to a new tank, as these repairs are costly and time-consuming.
• While you’re checking the ground, see if any trees surrounding your septic tank system have grown larger over the years. Many professionals report seeing tanks that have been damaged by growing tree roots. If there’s been a change in your landscape, forget calling a tree removal service – contact a septic professional to see if they can install a smaller tank or a new one elsewhere on your property.
• If you’ve had your septic system for a couple of decades, you might want to contact a professional to give your tank a check-up. Older tanks may properly function now, but like with anything, it can quickly break down and result in an expensive clean-up job. Spare yourself the hassle – and the cost – by replacing an old system with a new one.
Self-diagnosing a damaged septic tank can be difficult; that’s why it’s often better to leave the process up to the professionals. If you suspect that you need a new tank, don’t wait for it to completely break down before contacting your local professional.
You’ll be sparing yourself from plenty of hassle, expense and frustration!…
The Origins Of Septic Tanks
Before, a septic tank was created using a built prototype manufactured from concrete and fabricated clay pipes that was designed by John Mouras from France around 1860. Nowadays a basic septic system generally has a capacity of a thousand to two thousand gallons. The typical tank comes with an inlet opening from the infrastructure and an outlet opening which would go to the distribution box. The distribution box is in between the tank and the leachfield that would dispense the digested effluent waste into the drain field.
Within the septic tank the chief work of the distribution box is to handle the overall overflow of the main septic tank and equally spread it out to the leachfield. The distribution box is constructed out of concrete, water-tight and around the size of the cinderblock. In a few systems NT-MAX liquid is incorporated directly in the distribution box typically performed by an experienced professional to intensify the application process of bacteria. The primary objective of this technique would be to enhance the digestion action inside the tank specifically in addressing clogged septic system or drainfield. The bacterial action will massively aid in the absorption of the waste content and also aid to hasten the assimilation of the same.
In the tank the new wastewater which enters into the unit will put pressure on the waste which is already there, into the drainfield. In the drainfield or leachfield the pattern of degradation as well as remediation is continued which accommodate more waste products to come in and the process goes on and on. The septic tank system is generally designed hands-free and also functions by itself. It is built by gravitational forces to be sure that the odor and backup functions freely. Since the time that septic tanks started it has been performing productively in handling the normal waste matter originating from the house. However, because of the addition of chemical compounds and anti-microbial components in most household items that is generally used the septic system suffered a few challenges due to the natural killing bacteria in the system are affected.
In the past, the anaerobic bacteria in the septic tank system and also the coli-form that is found in the human waste is enough to serve as an ample supply of bacteria in digesting the waste materials produced. However with the home products that are being incorporated with increasingly more anti-bacterial agents, this coli-form are killed and diminished that makes the tank to no longer break down the waste materials properly. The undigested waste can cause solids to flow on the drainfield and cause the blockage of the pipes that might also lead backups in several cases or the total malfunction of the septic system.
A lot of homeowners are using the new technologies of bio-remediation to enhance the killing of helpful bacteria that were lost in the septic tank. By the addition of these new bacteria in the septic tank system it will make sure that the count of healthy bacteria can digest the sludge and grime that have piled up for a long period of time. These bacterial products are strong enough to easily digest and unclog the pipes going to the drainfield and restore the free-flow and the proper function of the septic tank system.…
Water Butts For Septic Tanks Are Affordable and Easy to Find
Water butts for Septic Tanks are containers used as storage for rain harvesting. It is 200 liters in capacity and made of lightweight material. It can be carried easily anywhere you would want to place it. Most often it is situated at the back of the house near the garden where stored rain from the butts is used for gardening. Instead of using hose getting water from the main water line water butts are useful source of watering the garden. You can install one or more containers connected together by storage connector available at the hardware store. Connecting five 200 liters water butts is much cheaper than building 1000 liters storage tank capacity.
Water storage are useful especially in arid areas for storing rainwater and used for domestic purposes. Rainwater from water containers can be used for washing the clothes, watering the plants, flushing the toilet, cleaning the cars and other household use. Butts must be covered to prevent it from breeding ground for larvae since any clean water is what mosquitoes prefer for their breeding grounds and also to prevent it from being contaminated. Water are usually installed above the ground and the material is usually opaque to prevent sunlight exposure thus decreasing the bloom of algae.
Butts have been around for some time. They are durable and dependable. Installation of butts in other areas is mandatory especially if there is a community wide program for conserving water. Since it is affordable and simple to install any household can easily have it. They position the butts in houses’ downpipes for collection of rainwater. Water butts are provided with taps and they will give you direct access to all the rainwater you harvested. The complete kits for water butts include water butts itself, stand for water butts and rain diverters. These are all easy to fit and once the butts are connected to your downpipes they are ready to use and to collect rainwater right away.
Water storage is really essential for small to medium scale storage for rainwater harvesting. They are compact and will not require a large space. They are also durable since water containers are made of high grade quality materials and can be used for long life. This is a good remedy if you have a small patio and you need to save on water. Recycling water for future use is a great solution when there is shortage of water and butts is the simple obvious answer. Water butts are hard wearing and resilient that is why it is most desirable for storage of rainwater.
Water butts for Septic Tanks are a good way to save money. People nowadays are aware of the importance of saving and you can start it by saving water by means of butts. This is very practical approach and also time and energy efficient since you will only need to place the water butts from the source of your rainwater. This is also a very good solution in preparing especially if there is drought season.…