ADMINEXISTS
3 Septic Tank Nevers
Three Septic Nevers
The only items that go down your pipes and into your septic tank and drain field are what dissolves. Grease and oil, either as a result of cooking or frying when warm can slide right down your drain. The problem occurs when the grease and oil cool and become a congealed mass. This does not dissolve and remains as a mass in your septic. Over time, the mass becomes very thick which will cause the scrum layer to push down into the liquid level and possibly reaching the exit pipes of the septic system.
Three culprits in clogging your septic systems:
- Grease and oils
- Cat litter
- Paint or paint thinners (hazardous waste)
Your septic's main job is to dispose of the affluence in the home. For such an unseen machine, its job is to break down waste and render it harmless. Pouring grease down a drain, will over time, ends up clogging your drain and nothing will get through. Too much grease and oil bogging down your septic functionality can make it back up, in turn, causing serious as well as expensive damage to it.
Disposing of grease and oil, including olive oil, properly is a great habit to get into. After cooking or frying pour all grease in a can, let it cool, and throw it away. Wipe pans out with a paper towel and toss them in the trash.
Once or twice, allowing grease or oil down the drain is not the problem. The issue becomes when the septic system cannot do its job at dissolving matter. The septic systems distribution lines and drainage field can also be affected. Grease that you pour down the drain ends up floating on top of the water in the tank and interferes with the way water and the broken-down waste flow out into your septic leech field. Developing good habits to dispose of grease helps protect the septic.
A septic system pumping and disposal will help to remove grease and fat, this is a job for the professionals at Tri-County Septic. If grease and fat is not removed from your septic system, your septic pipes may have to be dug up and replaced.
Anything other than waste and toilet paper does not go in your toilet. Cat litter, even if the label says septic safe, is not safe and needs to go out in the regular trash. Cat litter clumps and does not dissolve. Also, by the nature of what cat litter is used for, there are microorganisms that can cause illness. Cat litter can cause serious damage to your septic system.
Hazardous waste, which includes paint and paint thinners is far too corrosive for your septic. Even washing off paintbrushes or rinsing out paint cans or cans of paint thinner need to be outside and away from your septic. These liquids will eat away at the tubing and filtration system in your septic.
Avoiding items that harm your septic system will go a long way to allowing the septic to do its job of breaking down waste and keeping not only your family but the neighborhood groundwater and wells safe.
Fabric Softeners, Dryer Sheets and Septic Systems
Septic Systems - Fabric Softeners and Dryer Sheets
It doesn’t sound like a big deal, sometimes tossing a dryer sheet into the toilet is just easier. Or using fabric softener in the washing cycle. And yet, it is. Fabric softeners, like many other household cleaners and chemicals, can have nasty effects on your septic system. It is a two-fold issue.
- Chemicals in the fabric softener attack your septic system as well as interfere with the tank’s physical functioning.
- The quats, chloride salts, are used in fabric softener and sulfate salts are used in dryer sheets. Both are troublesome for your septic system. They are not only antibacterial, allowing them to kill off the good bacteria in your system’s tank, but they also contain nitrogen.
- Nitrogen runoff, whether from agriculture, landscaping, or septic systems, is the leading contributing factor to harmful algae blooms that are a growing problem impacting groundwater.
Fabric softeners or dryer sheets are also petroleum-based, as in oil-based. Using a fabric softener into the washing machine is just like pouring and grease down the drain. Fabric softeners add to the layer of scum floating on the surface of your tank’s effluent. When the scum layer becomes too thick, it will be able to flow into your drain field, potentially causing damaging clogs or possibly a system failure. Fabric softeners also contain emulsifiers which is to prevent the oils and chemicals from separating in the bottle. The issue becomes, when these emulsifiers find their way into your septic tank, they interfere with the tank’s natural settling process, preventing the solids from settling to the bottom and the oils and grease from rising to the top. This means solids will be suspended in the effluent that flows out into the drain field, which isn’t designed to handle solids. Clogs can occur.
Softeners are great for keeping your clothes soft, it can wreak havoc on the good bacteria that does all the work inside your septic tank. If you have used fabric softener with your septic system, keep an eye out for signs of septic system failure.
Signs of septic problems:
· Lush, green grass above or around your system.
· Foul odors in and outside your home.
· Gurgling drains.
If any of these signs occur, call the professionals at Tri-County Septic.
There are ways to have your clothes lint and static-free without the harmful chemicals of fabric sheets and fabric softeners. Alternatives include:
· Add a half cup of white vinegar to the final rinse cycle.
· Make your own dryer balls using foil.
· Purchase wool or silicon dryer balls.
· There are reusable dryer sheets.
· Baking soda, a half-cup mixed with water, added to the final cycle.
If there is a particular scent or essential oil you enjoy, these can be added to the vinegar, baking soda, or to the dryer balls, usually about ten drops.
Protecting your septic system needs to be a priority for its health and productivity. Tri-County Septic can answer all your questions about keeping your septic system and drain field healthy for years to come.
8 Items to Avoid with a Septic System
8 Items to Skip with a Septic System
The septic system for your home is a complex mechanism of pipes and bacteria that is designed to handle water, human waste, and toilet paper. Using it for anything else is harmful to the system and in the long run, expensive.
The following is a list of what needs to be thrown out in the trash or taken to the compost:
- Wet wipes - Yes it often feels more cleansing than regular toilet paper and if disposed of in the trash, wonderful. Even when it says ‘disposable’ they actually are not, as they do not dissolve. Wipes will build up with other waste, like congealed grease, and form masses or clogs.
- Dryer sheets - Sheets used in the dryer have a coating on them and that coating along with the fibers of the dryer sheet will eventually cause problems.
- Paper towels, or toilet paper not stating ‘septic safe’ – You want to avoid anything that complicates the job of your septic functioning.
- Fruit and vegetable skins – These belong either in the trash or in the compost. These can become stuck at any point in the drain system. More so the stringy parts of skins can cause clumping issues.
- Grease and oil from cooking – While these will slide down your drain while hot or warm, they will congeal when cooled. Better to wait until the grease or oil is cooled and wipe it out into the trash. The natural decay waste processes cannot occur with globs of grease and oil in the tank.
- Paint and all other hazardous chemicals - These can permanently damage your septic tank. Paint and paint thinners, varnishes, etc. do not belong in your drains. Wash paintbrushes outside.
- Cat litter - Again, even when the box says ‘septic safe’ it simply is not. Cat litter clumps and remains in clumps. Also, it is possible that cat feces carry diseases that do not need to be shared in your tank.
The Septic Alarm
The Septic Alarm
Having a licensed septic professional like Tri-County Septic, look over your septic system on a regular basis can save you time, money, and worry. Much can go wrong with your septic system, from corrosion in the tank itself, to an unprotected or malfunctioning float switch.
Newer septic systems have an alarm, some older ones do not, making it harder to know when the septic system is in trouble. However, if your system does have an alarm and your float switch is malfunctioning or doesn’t have the correct sealant to protect the wires, having an alarm does you no good. That green light just keeps blinking away.
The reverse of that is the alarm keeps tripping as if the septic system has a malfunctioning float switch. The job of the float switch is to detect when the water level in your septic system's pump tank is either too high or too low as either condition can cause damage to the system and this needs to be prevented. That is when the septic alarms are meant to go off.
- Nothing lasts forever, and that includes the parts that are monitoring water levels.
- The septic tank system alarm works with the use of a float that is placed inside the tank to monitor water levels. If the alarm continues to sound, call the septic company.
- There will be a red light and a green light located on the alarm box. The green light should always be on.
- If there is an alarm system installed in your septic tank, you might also hear a high-pitched noise when it is time to pump the tank.
A trickling noise, on the other hand, warrants an inspection from an experienced septic provider like Tri-County Septic to inspect the septic system.
What you don’t want to happen is the drain field becoming overdosed during periods of increased use. When a drain field is overdosed, meaning too much water entering it too quickly, it can be damaged, and the alarm prevents this from happening.
Causes for this to occur:
- Too much water is being put through the septic system. From an uptick in laundry usage, more dishwashing than the usual amount, or many long showers, all can cause too much water usage.
- Groundwater is getting into the system. The heavy rains of the spring and summer in NJ may seep into the tank. Standing water or puddles occurring around the septic tank is water that can seep into the tanks causing the water level to rise inside of the tanks.
- Something can be wrong with one of the septic system’s components. The pump, floats, alarm, timer, etc. may have something wrong that is not allowing them to work properly.
- This you can do on your own: Use as little water as possible during a period of 10-12 hours. If the red light goes out, the system is working properly. It needed to catch up with the additional water that was introduced into the system.
An alarm signal does not mean sewage is about to back up into the house. Alarms are installed to give you 24-48 hours of usage until sewage may start to back up. Of course, there are plenty of DIY videos for swapping out a float switch or coating wires and connectors, however, remember the whole of your septic system is filtering out contaminants, the fumes of which are often deadly. Call the experts at Tri-County Septic for the well-being of your family and the continuing health of your septic system.
5 Signs Your Septic Needs Pumping
The Five Signs Your Septic Needs Pumping
If you wait far too long to pump out your septic tank several obvious and often smelly consequences will occur. Septic systems sadly don’t come with bells and whistles, except for the green/red light in your basement. However, having regular maintenance done for your tank as well regular inspections to check on the health of your system; not only means less possibility of stench in your home but also more money remaining in your pocket. The professionals at Tri-County Septic are available to help you help your septic system stay healthy!
If your drains begin to gurgle, which will be obvious when the toilet flushes or you turn on a faucet, call for a septic pump. This is one of the minor signs that your septic may be backing up. It could also be completely unrelated, such as having a birds nest in the plumbing vent to your roof. It's important to have this situation assessed so the proper professional can be called.
Signs your septic system needs help now:
- Odor – As the septic tank fills up there is less room for the odor causing gasses in your tank. And these gasses are deadly. Only a professional should be handling this occurrence.
- Bright green grass over the drainfield – this is a sign of your septic overflowing, and when it has no place to go, your lawn becomes its option.
- Sluggish or backed up drains – Your septic is in distress as there is not longer room for your septic to process the effluence of your household.
- When water begins pooling around the septic or drainfield, this calls for immediate attention as the system is being overwhelmed.
- Raw sewage – The smell alone should be a sign to call in the professionals. Raw sewage backing up into the home is another call out that your septic needs fast assistance.
Remember, a septic pump which should be done every three to five years costs a few hundred dollars to keep your tank healthy; replacing your septic tank and drain field costs 10s of thousands in New Jersey.
We've seen a lot of horror stories, and we don't want to see our customers get stuck with a failed real estate transaction or drained savings account. Regular pumping can save you a lot of pain and heartache.
Avoidable Concerns- Septic Do not's
Septic systems cost on average between $25, 000 to $45,000. They have a life span even with regular pumping of about 30 years. To make sure your system runs as efficiently and long as possible let’s discuss what NOT to put down your drains and into your septic system.
Five Avoidable Concerns
Cat litter.
Yes the box SAYS septic system safe. And if it was only a couple of times, maybe that’s correct. However, cats use the litter box daily and it is a lot of substance for a septic to handle day after day.
Dog waste.
Think of what your dog eats. Rawhide chews don’t dissolve in your dog and they won’t in you septic either.
Coffee grounds.
The hard texture does not break down easily.
Food scraps.
It’s tempting to dispose of your leftovers by stuffing them down your kitchen drain, but by throwing meat scraps in the trash and using a compost heap for coffee grounds, eggshells and other food waste will extend the life of your septic!
Garbage disposals aren’t a great idea for homes with septic systems, it is just too tempting. You want to put things in your septic which will dissolve over time. The composted fertilizer of your scraps will be a benefit to your garden and lawn.
Grease.
After making some tasty bacon, don’t pour the remaining grease down your drain. Over time the pipes will become coated with it, making it harder for water to flow freely. Grease doesn’t break down the same way that human waste does. And if enough oil and grease is coating your pipes and hoses, there is the concern of a sewage backup. Septic systems cost enough without additional repairs that can be avoided.
Instead of pouring grease or oil down the drain, pour it into a glass jar or empty tin can.Remember to let the grease or oil cool off first. When filled they can be tossed out in the garbage. Also wipe out pans with a paper towel prior to washing in the sink or dishwasher.
Taking care of what goes down your drains and by extension into your septic system will give you piece of mind in the years ahead as toilets flush and water runs.
What Not To Flush -Part 2
It Sounded Like a Good Idea at the Time
Sometimes you have something in your hand and think, ‘this will be okay’ and if it’s someone toothbrush and there’s grout to clean and you’re annoyed at them, well maybe. However if it is something you know shouldn’t go down to your septic, then no. Just no. Back away from the drain and toss it in the trash.
Easiest way to think of what works for a septic tank digestion is bio-degradable. And even then not ALL things bio-degradable get to go down your drain.
Animal feces - Cat and dog waste need to be put in the trash.
-Indoor cats use litter boxes and even if it says right one the box septic friendly. It isn’t. The material used in litter boxes can clog your pipes and cause blockages in the septic systems itself.
-Whatever dogs eat, and they eat some interesting things, goes in one end and comes out the other. It is more ecologically friendly to dispose of feces in the trash.
Medicine – Please dispose of properly.
-Most towns have several places to drop off unneeded medicine
-If put down drains it can affect groundwater as well nearby streams or lakes.
Hazardous chemicals - Your septic system needs good bacteria to break down waste.
-Heavy chemicals like bleach, motor oil, paint and poisonous chemicals are big DON’Ts for your septic tank.
-This will contaminate your soil.
-Dispose of these chemicals and items like them properly and use environmentally safe cleaning products for your sinks and bathrooms.
-Fabric softeners, although they make clothes feel soft, comes at a price as they are coated in chemicals. And the last place they need to be is in a septic system.
A few other items that need to thrown in the trash and not down your drains are sanitary napkins or tampons; cigarette butts, earplugs, cotton balls and paper towels or dental floss.
All these items can seriously interfere with a productive, healthy septic system. At all costs you want to avoid anything that will cause clogs or blockages in the pipes or upset the balance of the good bacteria that breaks down waste. Protecting your septic system not only helps groundwater and nearby water to stay healthy but also allows for your septic system to continue providing for your home and family.
Getting the Right Septic Tank
Having a licensed septic professional look over your septic system on a regular basis can save you time, money and worry. Much can go wrong with your septic tank, from issues with the tank itself or the contents within the tank. Proper Maintenance allows your tank to last a good long time.
Septic tanks come in a variety of materials:
Concrete:
- These are the most common type of septic tanks.
- They are susceptible to cracking or having seam separation.
- Can last 40 or more years when properly maintained.
- Will require heavy machinery to shift into place.
Fiberglass:
- These are lightweight and less vulnerable to cracking
- The lower weight makes them more likely to suffer structural damage.
- Tanks can shift in the soil.
- Environmental changes like soil erosion or soil acidity can have an effect.
- Tank can be repaired far easier than either steel or concrete
Plastic:
- Less costly as there is no need for heavy machinery.
- Incapable of rusting.
- They can be damaged upon installation.
- The tank can float to the surface if not properly installed.
- Will last 30-40 years.
Steel:
- These are the least durable. A steel septic tank will more likely rust out due to soil acidity, steel quality and coating integrity
- The covers often the first thing to corrode, leaving a dangerous access to the tank.
- If buying a home with a steel septic tank, get an inspection prior to closing.
- Lifespan is 15-20 years if maintained properly.
- Due to rust and often developing perforations (holes) over time, they are difficult to remove.
Having Tri-county Septic professional team on your side will help with deciding which tank is right for your family size as well as what works on your property. Additionally they can help with the regulations regarding your town’s ordinances as to which septic tanks are acceptable.
After having your tank installed, there are a few things for you to avoid to make sure your tank last as long as it can.
- Never park cars or trucks on top of the septic tank or the drainfield.
- Plant only grass seed on top of the tank and drainfield.
- Plant trees well away from the area and look for trees without extensive root reach.
By working with a professional septic company and taking reasonable precautions your septic tank, whichever one is chosen, will last for many years to come.
Why Maintaining Your Septic System is Crucial
If you like saving money and don’t like stinky surprises, then getting your septic system on a regular plan of maintenance is the way to go. Most people are only concerned with getting their septic tank pumped, not realizing that the system has other parts which are important as well. Yes, of course getting your septic tank pumped needs to be done on a three to five year basis. Having Tri-county Septic come out to do it, enables them to also check on the condition of your tank and its components. Septic tanks like many things in life do not last forever, having a professional do an assessment for dings or cracks is a cost saving measure.
Is your float switch active?
Most septic systems have alarms, many people see the green light flickering and assume everything is okay. The problem arises when the alarm is no longer attached to anything. Often over time the coated wires become corroded, leaving an alarm’s green light blinking merrily along. Generally, the alarm is connected to the float switch. When the float rises it is supposed to set off the alarm which is a red light along with beeping, it is a warning that the liquid inside the tank is rising. This can only happen if the alarm is functional.
Other reasons the float switch might activate:
Too much water is being put through the septic system.
Several long showers as well as an increased amount of laundry can cause too much water usage. Sometimes the solution is an easy one. Use as little water as possible for a day or so and do a couple of pump cycles to see if the float regulates.
Ground water is getting into the system.
Heavy rain may cause seepage. When too much standing water occurs around the septic tanks, the water can seep into the tanks causing the water level to rise inside of the tanks.
Something may be wrong with one of the septic system’s components.
The pump, floats, alarm, timer, etc. may have something wrong that is notallowing them to work properly.
As you can see having a properly working alarm system allows for you to have advanced warning on a possible failing of your septic system or its components. Letting the professionals at Tri-County Septic maintain your septic system is a win for you.
Located in Port Murray, New Jersey
© Copyright 2019 TriCounty Septic Inspection & Repair
Website Designed & Managed by Lattice Marketing
Tri-County Septic Inspection & Repair is Licensed, Bonded and Insured.
Recent Comments