Septic Systems Have A Lifetime

Your Septic System Will Not Last Forever

Septic Systems

It is common to think that your household’s most expensive repairs and renovation projects will be your roof and furnace, but the reality is that if your home has a septic system installed, it will most likely not last  forever and you will need to repair  or replace it at one time of your life.  So having a budget saved for this sort of emergency, is a must, if you own a septic system, as you may depend on it and having problems, could really affect your life.

According to some studies, the life span of a septic system is usually around 15 to 30 years.   It is common for tanks to corrode after some time, due to the humidity, moisture and water that is constantly within your home’s septic system.

The soil and groundwater around your septic tank, will also affect its life span and this will be very different in every home.  The things that you flush down your toilet, will also affect how long your septic system will last and how often you will have to clean it.  If you flush things other than toilet paper and human waste down your toilet, your septic system will most likely last a lot less, than if you only flush these things.

Sometimes, it is very difficult to detect when a septic system is failing and this is why, checking it on a regular basis, could help you to save a ton of money and problems.  Installing a septic system, can cost more than $15000, which is why taking care of the one that you have right one, is a very smart idea.

Nothing lasts forever and since your septic system, is used almost on a daily basis, it will most likely last less, than those things that are not used on a regular basis. We can conclude that home owners who have a septic system, need to have some money saved up, in case their system fails and requires repairing. That septic systems need to be inspected on a regular basis and that it is not cheap to install or repair a septic system.

So be careful and check your septic system, as frequently as you can, so you don’t suffer from sudden failures and have to spend a lot of money, on emergency septic system repairs.

Spring Could Bring Problems To Septic Systems

Preventing Septic System Problems During Spring

Spring

Spring

Because many regions of the US have had a very tough winter this year, it is possible that spring may bring some problems to septic systems and their owners.  The speedy melting of snow and some spring rains, may cause runoff from septic systems, which could contaminate other water sources or areas.

While it may be very difficult for this to happen, as most rural areas and agricultural land now follow certain procedures and standards for not having any of their livestock waste runoff into other septic systems, it is possible for some areas to experience problems and people should do their best to stay away from surface water, as there will be some high risk of bacteria levels and other waterborne diseases.

There are still however, some areas which are poorly placed or that have some damaged fields and this means that some water sources could become contaminated very easily.  At the moment, authorities in several states are concerned about their rising streams and rivers, as these could be the water sources, which get contaminated first and take the bacteria to communities nearby.

Although their primary concerns are raising streams and rivers, authorities are also recommending people who live in rural areas or who have septic tanks to watch for flooding signs, as this may happen even if you do not live in a flood risk area.

The most critical warning sign to watch for is standing water on top of your septic system.   This is an obvious sign that your septic system or tank is not draining as it should be.  If you find some of your home’s drain to be working slower than usual or causing some gurgling, it might also mean that the septic system you have installed is experiencing some problems.

 If this happens to you, it would be a good idea to reduce the pressure on the system by using less water than you usually do.  If at all possible, you should stop using the septic system when you suspect that there might be a flooding problem or saturation problem, as this will prevent wastewater from being treated and it will only become a pollution source.

It is not a very good idea to pump your tank while the ground around it is saturated or even to use other equipment to try and reduce the water in the ground around the tank, as this could cause the situation to become even worse.

The best thing to do is to try and conserve as much water as possible and to wait for the system to restore itself and the water levels to drop down.

Septic Tanks And Running Water During Cold Temperatures

Septic tans and cold weather

Septic tanks and cold weather

Septic systems can easily freeze when there are cold temperatures and frost is running deep under the ground.  People, who live in rural areas and have a septic system installed in their properties, should be very careful about running water to keep their lines open.

If the temperatures are really cold and you keep adding water to your septic system, it could cause the entire system to freeze completely and lead to more problems in your home.  Residences, which have a septic system installed, should consider installing an alternative method for keeping their water pipes flowing with water properly, as this will prevent their septic systems from freezing.

Mark Mathre, who is an environmental health specialist, stated “lots of communities are having trouble with freezing water lines, which is a fairly new issue for the larger systems.  The easy fix is to tell people it’s a good idea to let the water drip.  That is one of the worst ideas for a septic system, because it really increases the risk of freeze up.”

Here are some more tips, which will help any septic system owner, to prevent freezing and other problems:

  • Do not let water run, if you own and are using a septic system.
  • Dripping fixtures, like toilets and faucets, should be repaired immediately.  If at all possible, using a condensation discharge from a high-efficiency furnace can help to prevent your septic system from freezing up.
  • Immersion-type tank heaters and stock tank heaters are also a good way to prevent your system’s tank from freezing.
  • Insulating your septic tank is an excellent way to prevent it from freezing and this can be done by piling up snow or covering the top of your septic tank.

If you are having other types of problems with your septic tank you can always contact Lake Norman Septic and we will help you solve your problems.

Thankfully, the cold winter days are almost over now and you will not have to worry much longer about your septic system freezing up.

Inspecting Your Septic Tanks Is A Smart Decision

Inspecting Septic Tanks

Most of our households now have a septic tank installed in them and it is a very smart decision, for everyone to inspect their septic systems every now and then.  This will prevent any type of clogging, early filling or other problems that these systems tend to have.  This means that you can easily maintain your septic tank working properly and that inspecting it, can save you a ton of money every single year.

Many families have problems with their septic systems every month, but if they had inspected them much sooner, they would of have been able to prevent these problems from happening and this is why expert plumbers now recommend every family to inspect their septic tank at least once every two months.

Some communities have inspection groups, which only worry about checking the septic tanks around their community and who will report you to the authorities, if they find any irregularities.  This means, that inspecting your septic tank at least every two months, will help you to prevent any problems with the law and to pay any type of fines for this.

People are now understanding, how important a septic system really is for their homes and this is why many are now taking these inspections seriously today.  Besides being in risk of being fined, entire families also want to make sure that their septic systems are working correctly, as them not doing so, could mean a health hazard and this is something that we all need to prevent at any cost.

Some Stats, are now charging some very serious fines, to all those families who do not inspect their septic tanks properly, which is why having a professional plumber inspect yours, is one of the wisest decisions that you can make right now.

Older homes require inspecting their septic system a lot more often, than newer homes and this is why there are now many specialists who can help you with this.  As more of our infrastructure begins to age our inspections will become more necessary and helpful, which is why this is something that expert plumbers recommend today.

There are plenty of ideas, about how often someone should inspect their septic systems, but there is no doubt that inspecting them as often as possible will prevent any problems from happening.  If you have not inspected your septic tank in a while and you are considering doing an inspection soon, you should really consider Lake Norman Sewer and Septic, as they have a team of professionals, who are always ready to help you with this and know exactly what to do.

 

Benefits of Charlotte Septic System Installation

septicSystemInstallation03

If your home was built 25 or 30 years ago, there is a good chance that your septic systemis overtaxed and operating at less than optimal levels. Quite often, systems from that era were built to meet minimum standards which you and your family have surpassed over the years. The norm in the past was for the system to accommodate a family size of four or fewer. Undoubtedly, your needs have expanded to reflect the requirements of larger families and different lifestyle.

Your system may be on the verge of failing. Before that occurs, you should consider updating your antiquated septic system installation. The Collier family, who own and operate this family owned septic business have over a half century of experience behind them. They will size your new system to meet your expanded needs. If your family has grown, that translates to more showers, increased laundry loads and more daily flushes, all of which put more of a load on your current tank and field.

Sanitary Codes in the Charlotte area have changed over the years as well. Many communities now require that sewer and grinder pumps be installed in your sanitation lines. Over the years, we have provided complete sewer service to large parts of the Charlotte metro area. Our services run the gamut from clearing backed up septic systems and clogged drains to installing complete sewer infrastructures for entire new housing communities.

To this day, we categorize ourselves as full-service, highly-skilled septic technicians, who stand ready to take care of all your sewer needs and emergencies. We ask that you remember us, the leading Charlotte septic system installation and repair company for all your septic needs. Whether you are faced with an emergency or require maintenance or repairs, a phone call will have our expert technicians to your home in a timely manner.

Our phone number is (704) 483-5125. No matter what your septic issue might be, we can help.

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.

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.

How Often to Clean Out Your Septic Tank

Septic Tank Cleaning

There are all too many homeowners that spend unnecessary amounts of money to repair or replace their septic tank. This is likely because not many realize that regular maintenance performed by a professional company can help to save bundles in the future.

There are various factors that will determine how often your septic tank will need to be cleaned. Each home will require different cleaning times depending on the frequency of use and whether there are harsh chemicals or garbage disposals contributing to the pile. Other factors like the number of members in the household, size of the tank, and amount of waste also contribute to filling the tank.

The costs for a septic tank cleaning are minimal compared to the expenses involved with repairing. With the help of modern technology, septic tanks are fairly simple to maintain and empty but this operation should not be done by the inexperienced. It is vital that homeowners do not try to clean the tank on their own because harmful fumes can be damaging to the body when inhaled.

Even homeowners with new septic tanks installed should regularly empty, maintain, and clean the system. This is crucial because over time, sludge can buildup and cause problems with operations. A simple issue can quickly turn into a messy complication so simply because you do not see or smell the problem yet, having professional care is highly recommended.

Most homeowners do not hire professionals to care for their septic tank for fear that the costs are too high. But actually, finding an honest company with a wide range of services can be the answer to saving money in the long run. It is certainly important to beware of the companies that scam and do not have the sufficient foundation to complete the job.

Choosing the wrong company to do the job could mean unnecessary expenses and stress. A reliable way to go would be to choose a company like All About the Pipes Inc. because with experience necessary, fair pricing, and the utmost professional practices, your septic tank and wallet will be healthy.