Studies Prove Compliant With Regulated Septic Tanks

No Complaints When It Comes To Inspected Septic Tanks

septic system

Community councils have visited hundreds of homes, businesses and farms, which have registered septic tanks and asked about its functionality. The results have shown that more than half the interviewed people are happy with how septic systems and tanks are working in their properties or in a place nearby.

This helps prove that if you keep good care of things and follow the recommendations that experts share with us all of the time, you should not have any problem with your septic tanks.  Researchers have gone the extra mile and also handed out pamphlets and other sources of information in order to help people improve the conditions of their septic systems and make them function properly at all times.

Although some septic system owners were notified at least 10 days prior the researcher visit, it is obvious that they have been taking good care of their septic tanks for a very long time.

So if you own a septic system, remember that they can be very helpful and you only need to take good care of them, inspect them regularly and make sure that a septic tank expert helps you when needed.

Please remember to share and like this blog post, so that more people can read about the studies that some researchers are doing on septic tanks and so that more people can see that these systems are really not dangerous at all.

A Little History About Septic Systems

The Invention Of The Septic System

Septic System

It is believed that septic systems, first appeared in France and that a man by the name of, John Mouras, first thought of them.  The records show that septic tanks started appearing around 1860 and since then, they have made our communities a nicer place to live.

Mouras’ septic tank design was made out of concrete and clay.  It was built in Mouras’ home and the tank was in his yard.  When Mouras was dismantling the system, after using it for 10 years, he noticed that his waste was not there anymore and that only some liquid remained.  With the help of some scientists, Mouras found out that this was a great way to get rid of human waste and soon submitted the papers that he needed to get a patent.

By 1881, Mouras had a patent on his septic system design and two years later, the system was being used in the US.   The British would then take the system to Africa and from there it would reach other countries as well.  The importance of the septic system cannot be emphasized enough and if it wasn’t for people like Mouras, our communities would be entirely different.

While today, not many people consider installing a septic system in their home, there are millions who still benefit from them and that are thankful for this invention.

Do Septic Systems Affect Water Quality?

Studies on The Effects of Septic Systems in the Environment

septic systems

Around 25% of homes in the United States are not connected to the community sewage systems and have a separate septic system installed.  The Environmental Protection Agency has found that at least 48.5% of homes in the State of North Carolina also have a septic system installed.

According to data from a study in Atlanta, there were around 500,000 septic systems in the area during 2006 and it was predicted that the number would grow at least 12,000 more units per year.  Mussie Habteselassie, who is a researcher from the College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences said, “Home septic systems are still very common and not just in rural areas.  On-site septic systems drain into drain fields where the soil treats the waste water. The soils filter out the contaminants in the waste water before it reaches the ground water and the streams.”

The University of Georgia is currently leading a three-year study in order to find out if septic systems do affect water quality.  Water samples have been taken several times during a year in order to determine what septic systems can do to underwater canals and rivers.  The samples have been taken during both wet and dry seasons, which will give a much better explanation of what goes underground and how much contamination a septic system can produce, if any at all.

People are under the impression that septic systems take away water from their streams and rivers, but the recent study’s results are proving that septic systems could in fact help to increase the overall level of water in these kinds of settings.  The time of year and season seems to influence the amount of water that septic systems supply to streams and rivers, but further samples during 2014 will yield more information about this.

There is still a lot of uncertainty about the bacteria and residues that septic systems can send to rivers and streams, but the studies are proving that these systems do not affect the water in our environment and that septic water is naturally treated thanks to the soils composition and other climate factors.

At Lake Norman Septic, we worry about our environment and we are always looking to find new eco friendly methods for improving your home.  Feel free to contact us for any inquiries or to get an answer to some of your questions.   We are always ready to help you out and we want to make your home feel comfortable for you.

New Environmentally Friendly Septic Systems Are Coming Our Way

Is It Time To Update Your Septic System?

Environmentally Friendly Septic Systems

Aerobic wastewater treatment systems are now in the market and according to many experts, these are the future of septic systems.  For many years, scientists and other sewer system specialists have been working on improving the systems that we currently have available to us and they are concerned about human health and functionality.

As more people are starting to look towards green technology, scientists and technicians are also looking for new septic systems, which can provide more health benefits for all of us and prevent as many diseases as possible.   The new wastewater and septic treatment solutions help to stop the growth of certain types of bacteria and they can even provide household owners with some compost for their gardens.

Some people are even deciding to install some concrete rainwater tanks, which help to store water when it rains and to use this water with your septic system.  This not only helps to save water, but it will also help to reduce your water bill every month and to ensure that your septic system is always filled with water.

The new environmentally friendly septic systems are also perfect for those people who are thinking about building their homes in a non-sewage area. They are also an excellent option when your old septic system is producing bad odors or not functioning, as it should.

These new types of septic systems are capable of digesting solid waste and they also treat wastewater with natural processes, which will not harm your home or yourself.  Once wastewater has been purified by these processes, it can then be used to water your garden or other similar purposes.

Even if you do not have lots of water to count on in your household, you can still own one of these new environmentally friendly septic systems. In fact, they will even benefit you, as they use a lot less water than normal septic systems do.  Not only will you have a better working septic system, but you will also feel good about yourself since you will be protecting our environment and not wasting too much water as well.

If you are interested in one of these new environmentally friendly septic systems or other type of septic system treatment, you can contact the team at Lake Norman Septic for more information.  We are always ready to help and recommend the best solution to your problems.

Knowing More About Septic Tanks And Their Contents

Thinking About When To Clean Out Your Septic Tank?

 

Lake Norman Septic

Lake Norman Septic

Today, there are about one-third of US citizens, who have a septic tank or system installed in their homes.  It almost always functions right and it helps them to treat the waste that they produce on a daily basis.  Most of you may not know it, but septic tanks or systems, are actually quite simple and it does not take much technology to make them work.  Our ancestors had their own type of septic systems and today, we have barely modified a few things, from the creations that they made thousands of years ago.

Septic systems are basically made out of a single pipe, which takes all of your household’s waste to a single place.  Other pipes are connected to this main pipe, so that they can transfer all of the waste that goes through them, to same reservoir.  These pipes need to have a gradual inclination, as this will allow waste to flow easily and to reach the place where it will be treated.

Once waste is in your septic tank, you can both treat it and leave it there for a few months, or you can call some professionals, to haul all that waste away for you. The question is how often you should clean out your septic tank, or how can you easily treat your own waste and wait for a few months to haul it all way.

According to some experts, it would be wise to get your septic tank and system, pumped at least once per year, but there are many people, who prefer to get this done more than once every twelve months.   It will all depend, on what level of cleanliness you want for your home and how large your family is.

If you are uncertain of how often you should get your septic tank and system pump, you can always give some professionals a call and at Lake Norman Septic, we are always ready to answer all of your questions.    We do not want you to have problems with your septic tank and this is why we recommend you that it is pumped and cleaned, at least twice per year.

This will save you a lot of money in the long run and you will also prevent a lot of health hazards in your backyard and home.  It is also important, for all homeowners to monitor their septic tanks and systems, as this will also help you to determine, when it needs to be cleaned and pumped.   If a problem does arise, there is always a solution, but the simple solutions, will no longer be an option for you.  This means, that preventing septic system and tank problems, is a much wiser decision for any home owner and that hauling away all your waste on time is a god idea.

So if you have any doubts about your septic system or tank, you can always contact us and we will gladly help you to solve all of your inquires.

The Importance of Charlotte Septic Tank Cleaning Services

Septic Tank CleaningSeptic tank cleaning services can save your home and your wallet. Septic maintenance is far more important than the average home owner might expect. For instance, the cleanliness of a septic tank has a direct effect on the cleanliness of the yard and home. A poorly maintained septic tank will create an unhealthy living environment. In many Charlotte communities, drinking water is largely supplied by ground water. This water is filtered, but community filters do not catch everything. Plenty of bacteria leaks into drinking water every day. Septic leaks can introduce viruses that can be very harmful to the human body.

How Your Septic Tank Effects the Entire Community

A poorly maintained septic tank can be hazardous to the environment. Leaking septic tanks produce pollutants that can spread to nearby lakes and rivers. This effects wild animals and the local fishing community in a serious way. A leaking tank can contaminate local food and eventually spread diseases to the people of your community. There is no denying the importance of septic tank cleanliness.

Avoid the Major Costs of A Septic Tank Repair

The financial benefits of a Charlotte septic tank cleaning service make the choice even easier. The cost of a simple septic maintenance job is nothing compared to the costs of a major tank repair or replacement. A burst septic tank can cost over $15,000. Home owners who neglect regular maintenance are almost certainly going to face such a devastating event within the first decade of owning the home. There will also be major damage to the yard and house itself. These damages will require additional repairs that could cost just as much.

Go Easy on Your Tank

Using bleach and other unnatural cleaning products on the pipes in your home can have serious effects on your septic system. For instance, bleach kills certain helpful bacteria that live in the tank itself. This bacteria is largely responsible for the efficiency of the tank. Hair and grease are two of the worst things for a tank. They create clogs and increase the need for regular maintenance. Talk to a septic tank cleaning service today to find out how you can save your home and protect your community.

Preventive Home Sewer Maintenance by Septic Tank Pumping

septic tank pumpingSeptic tank pumping removes sludge buildup from the tank and helps maintain a healthy home septic system. To understand the benefits of this process, you need to understand how a septic system works.

The septic tank is the first step in a septic system. Wastewater from the home flows into this tank where natural bacterial and enzyme action break down solids into liquids which rise to the top of the tank. The liquids then flow into a drain or leach field where it soaks away.

But not all solid waste breaks down. Some accumulates as sludge and sinks to the bottom of the septic tank. If the level of sludge rises high enough to flow into the drain fields it can clog the field and would render the septic system unusable. Think of septic tank pumping as preventive maintenance to make sure the system works well for years to come.

Homeowners should consider pumping the septic tank when the sludge levels reaches somewhere between a third and a half of the tanks capacity. Open the tank at the access cover and probe with a long stick. You should be able to determine the level of sludge and liquid based on the residue on the stick. If probing the septic tank isn’t something you look at as a fun weekend activity an annual or twice a year cleaning, depending on level of use, could be planned as a preventative measure.

Contract with a reputable septic cleaning service to have the tank pumped. This commonly involves using a pump and truck system to remove the sludge and liquid in the tank. The septic tank cleaner should use specialized hose attachments, sometimes called septage spoons to clear even the corners of the tank. It is not necessary to wash or flush the tank but all sludge and liquid should be removed.

There are steps homeowners can take to reduce the requirements for septic tank pumping and improve the overall health of the system. Limit things going into the septic system to water, toilet paper and human waste. Never flush disposable diapers, paper towels or even waste food. These items do not break down in the septic tank and contribute to the sludge buildup. In addition, limiting the amount of water introduced into the septic system by the use of conservation toilets and repairing leaks promotes the overall health of the septic system.

Septic System Maintenance and Tips

Failures in your septic system will have negative implications on your family’s health. This can be unsightly, produce foul smell, as well as contaminate your well water. It’s for this reason that septic system maintenance is of great importance.

Septic system maintenance isn’t difficult

septic systemAll you need is to follow some basic tips such as diverting rainwater from your septic drain field. A soggy drain field will not absorb and neutralize the liquid waste, so ensure you divert excess water away from the septic drain field.

Avoid overloading your drain field and septic tank. You should for instance try reducing the amount of water required to flush your toilet, reduce the amount of water used for your small loads of laundry, as well as reduce the amount of water you use at the shower.

trash_signYou should avoid disposing garbage to your septic tank, because they will clog the tank in no time. Never flush disposable diapers, cat litter, sanitary napkins, paper towels, cigarette butts, or facial tissues. Your septic system should only have tiny particle waste, which is easier for it to digest.

As part of septic system maintenance, you should also minimize on the use of heavy duty cleaners as they kill beneficial bacteria in your septic tank. Such bacterial helps in the breakdown of solid waste. Avoid hazardous chemicals such as vanish, gasoline, paint thinners, and motor oil, because they ruin the septic system. You should also avoid pouring grease down the drain, as it makes it impossible for the soil to absorb liquids.

septic tank in grassHaving dense grass cover or other shallow rooted plants over your septic tank is beneficial. However, keep trees away from your septic tank because their roots can clog the system or break the pipes.

The septic tank should be pumped every 2 to 5 years, based on the use. This prevents particles of sludge or scum flushing out of the tank and clogging the drain tiles. You should hire a professional to clean your tank.

What is Septic?

septic systemWhat exactly does the “septic” in “septic system” refer to?

According to Dictionary.com, “septic” means “pertaining to or of the nature of sepsis; infected” or “putrefactive.” It comes from an original Greek word meaning “rotten.” FreeThesaurus.com lists synonyms including dirty, germy, infectious and unhealthful.

Clearly, nobody would want to be around anything that is septic.

So why would anybody want a septic tank or a septic system?

The “septic” in “septic tank” or “septic system” refers to the environment in the tank, which is, yes, septic because of what goes into it from sinks, bath drains, washing machines and toilets. This septic tank environment is rich in anaerobic bacteria, meaning bacteria that do not use oxygen. These bacteria break down the nasty elements that settle to the bottom of the tank into food for other bacteria. What goes into a septic system is indeed dirty, germy, infectious and unhealthful for us, but makes a lush banquet for our single-celled friends. The leftovers remain settled on the bottom, to be cleaned out periodically by trained technicians who can haul it off from our property and dispose of it. From there, it can go to a sewage treatment plant, a cesspool, or an approved landfill.

In some areas, the sludge from septic tanks is portioned out as fertilizer. In a few areas, it’s used to generate electricity by being broken down to release methane, which is then burned as fuel for a generator.

What of the stuff that doesn’t settle to the bottom? The fluid in the septic system makes its way to a drain field, where the organic material serves as a fertilizer for whatever plants are growing there.

Thus, while what goes into the septic system is indeed septic for us, it is nutritious for bacteria and plants, and can even become a renewable source of clean energy.

Solving Septic System Problems with Air

septic repair

A septic system is designed to clean household wastewater and restore it to the ground. This occurs through a two-step operation that involves bacterial digestion to break down solid material and soil filtration to remove toxins. Oxygen is vital to this process. Without air, the system cannot work properly and wastewater will back up, possibly contaminating wells and other water sources. The leach-field, the component that handles this function, is a common culprit in septic systems that perform poorly.

Over time, soil in the field can become densely compacted and deprived of oxygen. The aerobic bacteria responsible for waste digestion die off and the water is unable to percolate through the ground. Pathogenic bacteria and viruses are not filtered out and nitrogen accumulates in the soil. Homeowners may notice slow draining toilets and sinks, frequent blockages in plumbing fixtures, bare patches of ground around the system, and sewage odors inside the home. During servicing, a technician may note that water flows backwards into the holding tank.

Repair traditionally requires digging up the old system and relocating it or installing a new system. Although costly and time consuming, it may still be the best option in many cases. If the old septic system is damaged beyond repair or there is a significant increase in the demand for wastewater processing, a new tank and field line are necessary. Occasionally the old system can be left in place and used as a backup for heavy workloads.

For septic problems caused by poor soil drainage and aeration, lakenormanseptic.com recommends the Terra-lift technology as an affordable alternative. Using special equipment, high-pressure blasts of air are injected deep into the ground at various locations. Creating large fractures in compacted soil, new drainage channels are opened thereby increasing oxygen levels and loosening the dirt. Inserting plastic beads into the ground ensures that the new fissures remain open and prevent soil re-compaction. Ultimately, this leads to better waste water filtration and lower nitrogen levels in the system.