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5 Common Causes of Septic Tank Odors

Thu, 27 Apr 2023 04:58:34 GMT

A septic tank is an underground wastewater treatment system that helps hold and filter wastewater from commercial and residential properties. If the septic system doesn't function properly, it could start to generate bad smells. Learn about common reasons why septic systems produce bad smells.

1. Clogged Drains
Various things can clog the pipes that transport wastewater to the septic system. For instance, cold weather can clog your home's venting system. As the temperature keeps falling, ice and frost will build up in the vents and ultimately block the venting system.

A clogged drain doesn't sound like a serious issue, but it can lead to many problems, such as a foul smell. Clogged drains will dry out the pipe. This will reduce the level of ventilation in the pipes, increasing the effect of bad odor.

Dry drains won't properly filter any gases accumulating inside the septic tank. As a result, the gas can escape from the septic tank and enter your home. You will often notice a bad smell coming out of the toilets and drains.

2. Full Septic Tank
In addition to the bad smells, a full septic system can also cause your sink to produce gargling sounds. You might also notice that the washing machine has become slower and the toilet has gotten sluggish. If you don't clean out the septic system early enough, the sewage might overflow.

Ideally, you should pump the septic system at least once every few years. The pumping frequency depends on the size of the septic tank and your family's needs. The pumping frequency can be less often if you regularly maintain your septic system.

3. Insufficient Bacteria
Bacteria in the septic system help with the digestion of waste. If the bacteria is insufficient, the rate of wastewater treatment is lower. As the wastewater accumulates in the septic tank, it will start to produce gases that eventually escape back up to the drains and into the home.

Several things can affect the number of bacteria in your septic system. For instance, low nutrient availability, lack of enough oxygen, incorrect PH, and extreme temperatures can kill most bacteria in the septic system. Septic tank owners can use various things, such as biological stimulants, to increase the number of bacteria in the system.

Pumping out the septic tank can also reduce the number of bacteria in the system. Once you pump out the septic system, seed it with new beneficial bacteria that will digest waste. Also, add the appropriate amino acids, minerals, and nutrients to assist with the repopulation of the septic system.

4. High Rainfall
High rainfall can cause surface runoff on your property. Most of the water from the rainfall will increase the level of the groundwater near the septic tank. The result will be overflowing in the septic tank, allowing foul-smelling gases to escape from the septic tank and out of the drains. A possible solution is to introduce another drain that will prevent the groundwater from entering the septic tank.

5. Broken Pump
All septic tank systems have a pump that assists with moving the wastewater in and out of the tank. The septic tank pump can either be broken, outdated, or simply unable to withstand the requirements of the septic system.

Failure of the septic tank pump means that wastewater will accumulate in the wrong parts of the septic system. This can cause some of the gases to find their way back into the home. If the septic tank pump is broken, ask a professional plumber to check and repair it.

Bad smells from the septic tank are usually an indication of septic tank damage. Pete's Outflow Technicians provide reliable, friendly, and knowledgeable septic tank services. We have operated since 1953 and offer industrial, commercial, and residential septic services. Contact us now for more information.

Ways To Protect Your Septic System From Tree Roots

Tue, 31 Jan 2023 19:54:00 GMT

Trees improve air quality, reduce storm water runoff, and provide homes for wildlife, among other benefits. However, if you rely on a septic system, you must be cautious with trees.

The roots of trees can penetrate your system in search of water and nutrients they need to thrive. Once inside, they can quickly grow large enough to threaten the system's performance.

The following steps can help prevent tree roots from invading your septic tank.

Create a Physical Barrier

Creating a barrier between your septic system and existing trees that aren't septic-safe is one way to prevent issues. Typically, the barriers are solid panels or sheets of hard plastic that you bury in the ground near your septic system.

Whenever roots come into contact with the barrier, they are physically unable to penetrate it, leaving them unable to reach your underground septic system. Of course, root barriers have to be in place before roots can reach the system—barriers cannot fix existing tree roots growing in the septic system.

Sewer-Friendly Trees

The actual strategy here is to plan your landscaping carefully to avoid tree roots encroaching into your septic tank.

Plant trees and shrubs with shallow roots since they are less likely to damage pipes and tanks. Some options include dogwood trees, cherry trees, redbud trees, holly shrubs, and boxwood shrubs.

Even when planting septic-safe plants, you should still maintain a certain distance between them and your system. One guide is to plant trees as many feet away from the system as their possible full height when they are mature. For example, a tree that could grow 20 feet tall is best planted at least 20 feet away from the septic system.

Regular Inspection and Maintenance

Investing in regular inspections and maintenance by a professional septic service minimizes the possibility of costly repairs.

Besides performing routine maintenance like pumping, this services allows you and your technician to see the tank's actual condition. The septic service can do video inspections on your septic system. During a video inspection, the experts attach a tiny camera to a snake that they send down your septic system.

An in-depth video inspection can help you detect a developing tree root issue before it becomes severe and causes extensive damage.

Know the Septic Tank & Drain Field Location

Creating a barrier and planting sewer-friendly to keep out tree roots only becomes effective once you know where your septic system equipment lies.

If you know the location, you know which areas to avoid when digging or planting trees to avoid tree roots close to your septic system. A septic professional can help you locate the septic system if you need help finding where it is. A building permit or land record can also help you locate the system.

Consider marking the area so you will remember to avoid landscaping there.

Chemical Tree Root Removal

Copper sulfate septic treatment is among the most common chemical removal method. Copper sulfate dissolves the tree roots already existing in the septic system. To use copper sulfate, flush it down the toilet. Avoid putting the chemical down drains as it can damage metal pipes.

If you want to prevent future root growth, you can sprinkle copper sulfate around the area where roots enter. But remember, copper sulfate is a dangerous substance if mishandled—the use of copper sulfate for septic system roots requires extreme caution.

The tips above should help you maintain your septic system's efficiency and prevent root problems. When in doubt about your septic's root intrusion, contact septic experts who can recommend the best solution.

If you have any questions or would like inspections and maintenance to ensure your septic system is in good working order, contact us today.

5 Common Septic Tank Problems

Mon, 26 Dec 2022 17:36:05 GMT

A septic system helps to remove wastewater from your home. However, septic systems require regular maintenance and quick problem solving. When you properly maintain your septic system, the system can serve you for many years.

Discover common septic tank problems to be aware of.

1. Damage From Tree Roots
Tree roots will grow in areas with water. If the roots discover a septic tank, they can try to get inside the tank. In the process, the tank could crack and start to leak. A leaking septic tank can generate unpleasant odors and cause suspiciously healthy grass to grow near the tank.

A possible solution is to avoid planting trees near the septic tanks. In case roots reach the septic tank, use chemical treatments or mechanical removal to get rid of the roots.

2. Clogs
A common problem is if solid waste accumulates in the septic tank. This shouldn't be a problem if you regularly pump your tank. But lack of regular septic tank pumping can cause solid waste to accumulate in the tank.

The septic tank can also clog if you force non-biodegradable materials into the tank. Non-biodegradable substances end up in your septic tank from your drains, toilets, and garbage disposal units. For example, cigarette butts, sanitary wipes, diapers, and paper towels should never enter the septic tank. Nail polish, paint, glue, and motor oil are also substances that can destroy your septic tank.

Also, specific cleaning detergents contain chemicals that can damage the septic tank. Some chemicals are corrosive and acidic, which may destroy the pipes connecting the septic tank to other components.

The best solution is to pump your septic tank regularly. Also, be careful about the materials that you put down your drain.

3. Excess Water
Excessive water usage can lead to tank overflow. When the tank overflows, the water will force the solid matter out of the septic tank and into tubes that should only handle liquids. This disruption interferes with the proper breakdown of solid waste. Also, solid waste in the tubes blocks the flow of liquids into and out of the tank.

One possible solution is to get another pipeline for extra water.

4. Broken Drain Lines
When septic tanks’ drain lines break, the rate of water draining reduces. As a result, your plumbing appliances will accumulate water even when the septic tank works properly.

One common cause of broken drain lines is parking heavy vehicles on the septic drainfield. The vehicles can exert excessive pressure on the earth above the septic tank or drainfield and cause damage.

The problem can also happen when you drive a light vehicle over the drain fields occasionally. Therefore, avoid parking or driving any type of vehicle over the septic tank or drainfield.

If the drains are already broken, call a specialist plumber to inspect the pipes and identify the problem. You can then replace or repair the collapsed or broken drain line.

5. Strong Odors
Unpleasant and strong odors emanating from the household drains may indicate problems with the septic tank. The problem might be waste buildup or problems with the soak-away area of the septic tank. Also, when bacteria that break down waste in the septic tank die, solid waste will accumulate in the tank.

Identifying the specific cause of the unpleasant smells from the septic tank can be tricky. The best action is to contact a professional contractor to inspect your tank. Also, regular maintenance of your septic tank can help prevent unpleasant smells.

Ultimately, any septic tank problem is a significant inconvenience. The most recommended solution is to work with a professional to inspect the tank and do the necessary repairs. Pete's Outflow Technicians is a professional contractor that repairs septic tanks. Contact us to get a quote.

Types of Septic Systems for Your Home

Wed, 23 Nov 2022 19:28:34 GMT

Whether constructing a new home or replacing an old septic system, homeowners must decide on the type to install. Various options are available, each with different specifications.

The following are a few types of septic tanks.

Conventional Septic System

Conventional systems are one of the most common types of septic systems. The majority of conventional systems find application in single-family homes or small businesses.

The conventional model involves an underground watertight septic tank near the home it will service. As waste flows from the house into the tank, heavy solids settle to the bottom, and scum floats to the top. What remains is liquid waste or effluent, which is then pushed through a system of pipes that branch out slowly into an area of land called a drain field.

Drain fields are underground trenches lined with gravel or stone, along with a geofabric layer, which filters the liquid waste before it enters the ground.

Conventional systems are relatively easy to repair when needed and are the least expensive option. The issue with a conventional system is the dirt and soil need to be porous enough for the drain field, and you need a lot of space for the liquid to drain.

Aerobic System

Aerobic treatment units (ATUs) inject oxygen into the wastewater in the treatment tank. By adding oxygen to the system, the bacterial activity increases, which, in turn, speeds up treatment for the nutrients in the effluent.

Some aerobic systems include pretreatment and final treatment tanks. The tanks disinfect water to further reduce pathogen levels before dispersing it into the environment.

An aerobic system requires a smaller drain field, making it a good option for smaller lots. ATUs are also suitable for situations where local regulations restrict the wastes a septic tank can release into the soil. However, the systems tend to require ongoing maintenance and are often a more expensive option.

Mound Septic System

Mound septic systems consist of a large, raised mound that contains the drain field trench. The effluent from the septic tank flows to a pump chamber and drains into a mound of gravel and sand at timed intervals. As the effluent passes through the trench and sand, it undergoes treatment before soaking into the ground.

Mound systems require a substantial amount of space to build and periodic maintenance. This system is a popular option in areas where the soil is too shallow for regular dispersal or where there is a high water table.

Drip Distribution System

A drip distribution system releases pretreated wastewater at predetermined times. An additional large dose tank follows the septic tank to collect wastewater and slowly release it. A buried network of small tubing delivers the timed dose over a large drain field. The timed release prevents the drain field from overflowing.

The distribution pipes rest in shallow soil, typically just 6 to 12 inches below the surface. If repairs are needed, you can easily access the pipes.

The disadvantage of the drip distribution system is the electrical power it uses to run. The result is additional maintenance and expense.

Chamber Septic System

Many of the principles used in a chamber system are similar to those used in conventional systems. However, chamber systems don't use gravel and perforated pipes. Instead, the systems rely on a network of connected leaching chambers surrounded by soil.

After passing through the septic tank and distribution box, wastewater enters the leaching chambers covered with soil. Soil microbes treat the effluent before it's dispersed and enters the groundwater.

Chamber systems are helpful when the volume of wastewater varies throughout the year. The system is also suitable for homes with high groundwater tables, as they reduce the possibility of poor drainage and messy back-ups.

Chamber systems are easier to build than conventional systems but may require more maintenance due to the added chambers. Furthermore, chamber systems take up a great deal of ground space.

If you need help deciding which septic system type to go with, you can work with an expert to determine which solution is optimal for your home. Feel free to contact us today for all your septic tank needs.

Factors That Influence How Often You Need To Pump Your Septic Tank

Sun, 18 Sep 2022 13:17:05 GMT

Pumping your septic tank should be part of your home maintenance routine. This maintenance is one way to ensure your septic tank serves you well for an extended period. Usually, septic tank experts recommend pumping a septic tank after three to five years. However, the stated pumping intervals may vary based on the factors below.

The Amount of Wastewater From Your Household

Gray water and blackwater are the primary forms of wastewater the septic tank drains away. Gray water emanates from areas like your showers and washing machines. Black water stems from kitchen sinks and bathrooms.

When you have excess wastewater, your septic system may not be efficient. The septic system and tank need enough room to drain the regular wastewater from your household. The only way to create room is by pumping your septic tank.

Consider scheduling the pumping sessions at closer intervals if you have a lot of individuals in your household. More people means more waste that accumulates in your septic tank over time. Shorten the pumping session intervals any time the number of your household members increases.

If your home has few individuals but you still receive many guests, you may also have excess wastewater. For example, during holidays, you may host a lot of people within a month. A lot of individuals in your home increase water usage, increasing the amount of gray and black wastewater.

After a holiday season in which you hosted many guests, contact a professional for an inspection of your septic tank. The professional will recommend the best actions to take. One of the recommendations may be pumping the septic tank.

Lastly, if you clean, wash, and cook a lot in your home, you produce a lot of wastewater in a short time. This wastewater can make the septic tank fill up quickly. Thus, you might have to schedule frequent pumping sessions.

The Size of Your Septic Tank

Septic tank sizes vary based on various factors. For example, professionals determine the size of a septic tank based on the estimated number of residents or bedrooms in a residential property.

For instance, a small septic tank in a household with a lot of individuals will fill up quickly. Therefore, the pumping sessions should happen after a shorter period. A professional can advise you on whether the size of your septic tank is recommendable for the size of your household.

Determining the size of your septic tank may be difficult. But, information about your septic tank could be on the paperwork when you bought your home. If you do not find the information, contact a professional to determine the size of your septic tank. The professional will help you know the size and times you need to empty your tank.

The Volume of Solid Waste

A septic tank takes in both solid and liquid waste. The liquid waste is flexible and flows through the tank outlets into the ground. Solid waste remains and accumulates in the tank. The solid waste gets broken down by anaerobic bacteria and rests at the bottom of the tank.

The accumulation of waste at the bottom forms sludge. The sludge increases over time, leaving no space for bacteria to work on the waste. A backflow or flooding may occur if you do not pump your tank. If your household generates a considerable amount of solid waste, your pumping sessions should be more frequent.

A septic tank requires proper maintenance for the system to function correctly. Pumping the tank is a way to give the tank enough room to drain wastewater and solids from your household. The right professionals can guide you through the maintenance process. Contact us today for any inquiries or septic maintenance.

5 Factors to Consider When Choosing a Septic Tank

Wed, 10 Aug 2022 19:35:07 GMT

Septic tanks are some of the most practical innovations. Septic tanks remove bacteria in water and protect the environment. In addition, the septic tank has no monthly maintenance costs and is often less expensive to install than sewer lines.

Septic tanks provide an effective way to remove sewage from your home. The tanks will filter and remove wastewater from toilets, showers, and sinks. This proper waste removal prevents contamination to you and your house.

Perhaps you want to replace your current septic tank or buy a new one. Learn how to select the right septic tank.

1. Know the Size Requirements

All your home's wastewater will end up in the septic tank. Therefore, you should know your home's daily wastewater release. You will then choose a septic tank that accommodates all the wastewater in your house.

Many factors will affect the right size of your septic tank. The factors include the number of occupants, number of bedrooms, and the home's size.

An undersized septic tank can cause problems like foul odors, overflows, and blockages. On the other hand, oversized septic tanks won't have enough water to work correctly.

2. Understand the Type of Wastewater

The type of wastewater influences the type of septic tank system. Your home will release blackwater and gray water sewage. Blackwater is wastewater from toilets and has urine and feces. Your septic tank must have a filtration system to handle blackwater.

Gray water is wastewater from all domestic areas except toilets, such as laundry and dishwashing. The wastewater may contain pathogens like viruses, bacteria, and parasites.

3. Select the Appropriate Design

Most septic tanks use the same working principle, but each tank design is different. The ideal septic design will depend on your home's installation and functionality requirements. A home with coarse soil or gravel will often require a pressure-type design.

The main types of septic tank systems include:

Decentralized wastewater septic system design
Open-bottom chambers and fabric-wrapped pipe septic system
Intermittent sand filter system
Recirculating sand filter system
Evaporation septic design
Mound septic design

Similarly, a gravity design is perfect for places with dirt or rich soil. The gravity design allows water to filtrate into the surrounding area.

4. Choose a Durable Material

A septic tank's material affects its effectiveness and durability. The most common types of septic tank materials are coated steel, fiberglass, and concrete. You can also use polyethylene to construct your septic tank.

Concrete tanks are heavy and require cranes during installation. Concrete tanks are ideal for waterlogged soils because the heavy tanks won't float easily. You can also reinforce concrete tanks with other materials to increase depth.

On the contrary, plastic tanks are lighter and don't require large equipment during installation. Also, you can pre-manufacture plastic tanks and transport them over long distances.

Wastewater chemicals can destroy certain types of tank system materials. For instance, sewer water contains substantial amounts of sulfuric acid and hydrogen sulfide. These chemicals can react with metal tanks and cause corrosion. Therefore, you should select corrosion-resistant materials, such as polyethylene and PVC.

5. Pick the Correct Pump

A pumping system will provide power to remove the sewage from the septic tank. Many types of pumping systems run on gas or electricity. Each pumping system is more effective with a particular type of septic tank.

Sump pumps are the most common type of septic tank. These pumps provide the power to transfer wastewater from the septic tank to the drainfield. Sump pumps are most effective for tanks with low solids concentration.

High-head effluent pumps are ideal for homes with aerobic septic tanks. They have high pressure and use oxygen to divide solids in wastewater.

Buy the Right Septic Tank

A septic tank helps you to remove and treat wastewater in your home. However, you must know your ideal septic tank's size, design, and material.

Pete's Outflow Technicians offers septic tank maintenance services for industrial, commercial, and residential properties. Contact us for all your septic tank solutions.

Telltale Signs You Need to Repair Your Septic Tank

Wed, 27 Jul 2022 03:12:58 GMT

Septic tanks are one of the most indispensable parts of your home. A septic tank is an underground chamber where domestic wastewater collects.

If your septic tank has a problem, you may have challenges with simple tasks such as washing your hands. And you may also be posing severe health hazards to yourself and your family due to bacteria build-up and vermin.

Identifying signs that your septic tank has a problem will help you rectify the situation early enough before the problem worsens. Read on to discover the warning signs that your septic tank may have a problem and need urgent repairs.

Slow Drains

When your septic tank gets full or has sludge at the bottom, the septic tank will not actively collect wastewater from your house. Instead, water from the sinks and toilets will drain slower than usual. The sludge may rise and cause the drainage pipes to clog, making it difficult for water to drain into the septic tank.

Sometimes, slow drainage results from a clogged drain, but only of the affected section or pipe. For instance, if your toilet has a clogged drain, only the toilet will drain slowly. Consequently, if you try to unclog a filled septic tank, you will not see any changes.

Therefore, if you notice that drains in your home are draining slowly, ask an expert to check whether your septic tank is full and drain it or assist you in removing the sludge.

Wet and Colorful Drainfield

A faulty septic tank system may cause flowing wastewater to spill. A porous septic tank cannot contain wastewater resulting in water seeping from the ground creating a pool or making the drainfield damp. If you have grass in these wet areas, the grass patches may appear greener than others because sewage from the septic may act as a fertilizer.

The areas surrounding your septic tank should be dry and the same color as the rest of your yard. If you notice any anomalies, reach out to a septic technician immediately.

Unpleasant Smells

When your septic tank gets filled, has a blockage, or has a faulty plumbing vent pipe, the septic will start to produce foul odors . The remedy to the bad smell is to have the septic tank

emptied or checked for possible blocked sections. You can also have a technician extend the vent pipe or add a carbon filter that assists in regulating odors from the septic tank.

Gurgling Noises

Appliances such as toilets and faucets make splash water noises when you use them, and they stop producing such sounds when they are out of use. However, if you have faulty septic, you will hear sounds similar to a rumbling stomach when you use your plumbing appliances. When you hear gurgling sounds when using your appliances, get in touch with a technician to identify and solve the problem.

Noticeable Sewage Backup

All plumbing appliances in your house drain into your septic tank. If your septic tank is full or has a problem, drainage pipes will not be able to drain into the septic tank. Instead, wastewater will stay in the pipes until the water begins to come up.

Sewage backup on your sinks and toilets can be smelly, disgusting to look at, and expose you to health problems. When you notice any slight backup in your home, seek professional help before it gets out of hand.

A septic tank that has problems will start showing off signs such as slow drains, sewage backup, awful smells, or gurgling noises. You should not overlook these signs or attempt to solve them alone since you could trigger more damage. Contact us at Pete's Out Flow Technicians to identify and resolve all your septic tank problems.

4 Surprising Facts About the Septic System

Fri, 10 Jun 2022 17:47:16 GMT

Septic tanks treat and dispose of wastewater for homes that public sewers don’t serve. Many homeowners don't know much about septic systems other than knowing their house runs on one. However, being uninformed about septic tanks can lead to a lot of frustrations.

Thus, learning about your septic system is the key to ensuring that it stays healthy. With more knowledge, you can better maintain your septic system and understand what you should do if something goes wrong.

The following are four facts about the septic system you might not know.

1. You Can't Flush Everything Down the Toilet

Just because you can fit an item in the toilet doesn't mean you should flush it. Ideally, you only want to flush organic waste into the septic system. A septic system is delicate, and flushing non-biodegradable items risk clogs, backup, and pipe damage.

Some everyday items that you should not force down the toilet include:

Baby wipes
Hairs
Fats, oils, or cooking grease
Heavy toilet paper
Cigarette butts

Eventually, you have to filter out the problematic items above, as they interfere with the system's ability to break down waste. As a result, homeowners often face additional pumping costs.

2. Your Pumping Schedule Is Different Than Other Homes

Generally, you should pump your septic tank every three to five years . However, the most critical factor for the pumping schedule is the level of sludge and scum in the tank.

The frequency of pumping depends on several other factors:

The size of your household
The volume of wastewater
The septic tank size
The volume of solids in the wastewater

Always pump your septic tank at the proper interval. Pumping more often means you'll overspend, and the failure to pump is detrimental to your septic system. A professional can help you determine the ideal time pumping schedule for your system.

3. Your Septic System Shouldn’t Have Harmful Chemical Drain Cleaners

A septic system relies on naturally occurring bacteria to break down the solid waste in the tank. Most homeowners will quickly reach for chemical drain cleaners when faced with a clogged drain.

Chemicals are excellent for killing germs around the house but are not the best solution for drain cleaning. Chemicals are not ideal because they are highly corrosive.

The cleaners kill natural enzymes and bacteria in the septic tank, making it less effective in treating sewage and wastewater. Repeated use of chemicals can lead to pipe damage and contamination of the underground water supply.

Alternative septic safe methods of clearing a clog include:

Hot water
A biological enzyme cleaner
A plumbing snake
Vinegar and baking soda mixture

4. You Can Use a Garbage Disposal With the Septic System

The garbage disposal system is a fixture of immense value to any kitchen. And yes, you can use your septic system and the garbage disposal. But food waste breaks down slower than, say, septic toilet paper.

While the two can coexist, take some precautions to avoid problems with your septic system. And like any other equipment, the septic tank needs care and attention. Consider these septic system do's and don'ts to avoid complications that will strain your wallet.

For the longevity of your septic system, be aware of what you can and cannot put down the garbage disposal. For food waste, dispose of it in a compost pit or trash.

A septic system is a complicated but essential part of your home. Hopefully, this article has given you great insight into septic systems, including how to care for them. If you need more information about septic tanks, contact us , and we'll be happy to help.

Factors Determining the Operation and Lifespan of a Septic Drain Field

Wed, 18 May 2022 06:49:40 GMT

The septic drain field is a critical part of the system. Septic field failure exposes the environment to contamination and means you cannot use your drain system. All septic system parts, including drain fields, eventually fail, but some fail sooner than others. Read on to learn about some factors that determine how long your septic drain field will last.

Drain Field Design
The septic drain field design should accept and dispose of all the waste it receives from the house. The design factors that matter include:

The drain field size that ensures effluent from the house doesn't overwhelm it
The gravel particles are the right size and amount for effective waste absorption
The type of drain field can handle the effluent; for example, a mound system is necessary for areas with shallow soils, rocks, or high water tables

The drain field will struggle to handle the effluent without such design considerations and possibly suffer premature failure.

Soil Conditions
Soil conditions on and around the drain field matter. The best soils comprise sand, clay, and silt with granular particles. Such soils allow effluent from the septic tank to percolate into the ground at a controlled rate — neither too fast nor too slow. Controlled absorption means the effluent does not saturate the drain field. Otherwise, the drain field won't handle all the effluent it receives.

Surrounding Environment
The surrounding environment affects the drain field's ability to handle its waste in multiple ways. Environmental factors of concern include the following.

The Slope of the Land
The topography and slope of the surrounding land determine how floodwater or surface runoffs flow. Land that slopes towards the drain field encourage drain field flooding with water and silt. Both things interfere with the drain field's ability to absorb wastes.

Nearby Water Bodies
Nearby water bodies, such as rivers and dams, can overspill and flood the drain field during some seasons. Again, the reduced absorption rate is the effect if that happens.

Nearby Plants
The presence and type of plants near the drain field determine whether their roots can reach and affect the drain field. Invasive roots will seek water and nutrients from the drain field. The roots can clog and damage the septic drain lines.

Septic System Use
A septic system works best and for long if it:

Receives waste volumes it can handle
Receives effluent at different times of the day

The two conditions allow the drain field to absorb all the waste it receives, but this is not possible if:

You send more waste into the system than the contractor designed it to handle
You dump a lot of water into the septic system at once

In such cases, the waste might overwhelm and cause the drain field to fail.

Nature of Effluent
A septic drain field treats organic waste, which should mostly be human waste. Non-organic waste will pass through the system without decomposition. Some non-organic wastes can even kill the bacteria that decompose wastes in the system. Drain field failure ensues if untreated wastes end up in the drain field.

Examples of dangerous effluent include chemical wastes, such as paint, cleaning liquids, and fuel. Never send such things into your septic system.

Care and Preservation
Lastly, good maintenance practices will prolong the septic drain field's lifespan. For example, you should pump the septic tank regularly and avoid drain field compaction. Otherwise, the drain field won't handle its waste.

Pete's Outflow Technicians is a professional septic company with over 60 years of experience in the industry. Contact us to design and install your septic system for maximum durability. We can also maintain your septic system to enhance its efficiency and prolong its life.

Effective Septic Tank Maintenance Tips for Residential Apartments

Thu, 28 Apr 2022 17:25:10 GMT

Apartments often have more occupants than standalone homes; this predisposes the former's septic tanks to fill faster. Moreover, apartments host diverse tenants whose individual behaviors either promote or undermine the efficiency and longevity of septic tanks. For example, tenants who dispose of inappropriate waste in their drainage systems may clog the pipes, causing backups.

Landlords should proactively maintain their septic tanks for health, safety, and compliance reasons. Remember, septic tank issues such as frequent backups may affect your tenant turnover rates, undermining your rent income. This blog discusses essential maintenance tips that every landlord ought to observe.

Schedule Regular Inspections

Landlords should schedule regular inspections to monitor their septic tanks' condition. Septic services assess the condition of the tank and drainage pipes, ascertaining they are in good condition. A comprehensive assessment begins with a visual inspection where the technicians check the physical condition of the septic tank and recommend repairs where necessary.

For example, the technicians may inspect your lawn to look for green spots that often indicate leaking drainage pipes. They may also assess the apartment's basement for water damage. The visual inspection may guide the technician's decision on which technical tests to conduct.

In contrast, technical inspections assess a septic tank's efficiency and performance. For example, the technicians may conduct a dye test to assess drainage efficiency. The test involves pouring dye into a sink, running water to drain it, and checking the septic tank for the dye. The technicians may use different-color dyes for each apartment unit or floor level to ascertain drainage efficiency.

Septic tank services also train landlords on essential DIY inspections. For example, landlords may learn to check septic filters for clogs. They may then call septic tank services to clean or replace the clogged filters.

Moreover, technicians may educate landlords on visually inspecting the septic tanks and surrounding areas to identify signs of potential leaks. Such education is essential as it increases landlords' awareness, reducing the chances of clogged systems.

Liaise With Tenants to Report Drainage Issues Timely

Tenants often notice drainage issues before the landlord; they may notice changes in drainage efficiency over time. Landlords should encourage their tenants to report any drainage issues for timely repairs and maintenance. You do not want to wait until the whole apartment's drainage system is clogged to take action. Allowing the drainage system to deteriorate may cost you significant amounts in repairs and prompt some tenants to vacate.

Landlords may educate their tenants to increase their awareness about septic tanks and their maintenance. For example, landlords may dissuade tenants against flashing down solid objects in the toilets. Waste such as containers or soil may clog the system, causing slow drainage or backups.

Schedule Regular Septic Tank System Pumping

Septic tank pumping boosts drainage efficiency significantly; pumping restores the tank's holding capacity. Landlords should monitor their septic tanks to schedule pumping services per recommendations. You do not want to wait until the septic tank is overflowing to schedule emergency pumping.

Remember, overlooking septic tank pumping predisposes your property to safety and non-compliance issues. For example, overfilled tanks may cause toilet backups, leading to disease outbreaks in your apartment. Such issues often have ripple effects and could progress to lawsuits.

Overfilled tanks may also cause undue pressure on your drainage pipes, causing bursts. Pipe leaks predispose your building to water damage, often necessitating costly repair and restoration services. Moreover, you may have to compensate your tenants for any losses they incur because of the water damage.

Consult Experts

Landlords should take essential measures to ensure their septic tanks operate optimally. Otherwise, they risk incurring huge losses in the long term. Interested landlords may contact Pete's Outflow Technicians to schedule timely inspections or pumping services. Get in touch today.

Bleach and Your Septic System

Fri, 01 Apr 2022 13:43:12 GMT

Bleach is a popular detergent for killing germs. Many homeowners use bleach to remove stains from clothing. Bleach also has a brightening and whitening effect on white clothes. Homeowners consider bleach an extraordinary cleaner to use for their septic systems. However, bleach can have adverse effects on your septic tank. Here are some frequently asked questions about bleach and your septic system.

What Are Some Bleach Alternatives?

The main types of bleach are chlorine and oxygen bleach. Chlorine bleach comes in the form of a liquid and contains sodium hypochlorite. Chlorine bleach is very potent and is mainly used to disinfect laundry. However, it isn't safe for colored clothing.
Oxygen bleach is also called color-safe bleach. Oxygen bleach doesn't remove patterns or colors on clothing. Both chlorine and oxygen bleach also work for cleaning the bathroom and kitchen. One way to avoid the adverse effects of bleach on your septic system is to opt for oxygen bleach instead of chlorine bleach.

How Does Bleach Affect Your Septic System?

Your septic tank has a natural biome that breaks down wastewater passing through the drains. The septic system's natural biome has good and bad bacteria. The good bacteria break down substances like soap, organic waste, and contaminants that are flushed through your household's plumbing system.
Although bleach effectively destroys germs, it can also ruin your septic system. Bleach kills both good and bad bacteria. If the good bacteria are destroyed, your tank won't be able to break down waste effectively. As a result, your septic system will become clogged with waste. The harsh consequences of excess bleach include waste backup in your home, unpleasant smells, and a squishy compound.

How Much Is Too Much Bleach?

The effect of bleach on your septic tank is dependent on concentration. According to the American Cleaning Institute, a modest amount of chlorine bleach in household wastewater cannot suppress your septic tank's bacteria levels.
A moderate amount equals 3/4 cup or the amount used for a toilet bowl cleaner. Over one gallon of bleach down the drain is enough to affect the septic tank's good bacteria and hamper sewage flow. One way to avoid a high bleach concentration is by diluting it with water.

What Is the Alternative to Bleach?

There are many good alternatives to bleach for keeping your sinks and toilet clean. The chlorine component in bleach is what harms your septic system. Therefore, look for chlorine-free cleaners.
Many chlorine-free products use formulas that release hydrogen peroxide instead of chlorine. Other bleach alternatives include baking soda, tea tree oil, lemon juice, and vinegar.

How to Add Good Bacteria That Bleach Has Destroyed

If you have been flashing excess amounts of bleach down your drains, you can reverse the harsh effects by adding good bacteria to your septic system. One option to replace the bacteria population in your septic system is to use septic tank enzymes. Septic tank enzymes increase the number of beneficial bacteria in the tank and aid in decomposition waste. Inquire about the best septic tank enzymes to employ in your septic system with your septic tank maintenance professional.
Natural items are another option to add helpful bacteria to your septic system. For example, you can flush rotten tomatoes down your drains. Rotten tomatoes contain pectinolytic enzymes and good bacteria. Baking soda can also help to boost the number of beneficial bacteria in your septic tank. Baking soda elevates the pH in your septic tank, allowing bacteria to proliferate quickly.
Consult a renowned septic tank maintenance service if you are dealing with a foul smell, waste backup, or overflowing toilets. Pete's Outflow Technicians are your trusted source for pocket-friendly and reliable septic tank services. Call us if you experience any issues with your septic tank system.

4 Tips for Handling Solid Waste in Your Septic System

Fri, 11 Mar 2022 21:21:16 GMT

Under the right conditions, your septic system uses anaerobic bacteria to decompose solid waste. Inorganic remnants then settle at the bottom of your tank as sludge, which will need pumping once it accumulates to a certain level. However, large amounts of solid waste can exert pressure on your septic system.

If you often deal with solid waste such as pet remains, paper towels, cigarette butts, or hair, you may find yourself with a slow-moving drain. The good news is you have ways of preparing your septic system to handle large amounts of solid waste. This strategy includes a combination of organic and inorganic waste management tips to avoid blockages in your septic tank.

1. Schedule Regular Drainage Pipe Inspections

For homes dealing with solid waste, taking a proactive approach is critical. Inspect your drainage pipes regularly before significant blockage occurs. For example, large families may experience trouble with slow-moving shower drains or clogging from pet hair. Catching such issues will prevent your septic tank from overflowing your drainfield.

If you experience frequent clogging, consider installing higher capacity pipes or a large septic tank. Larger tanks can handle more waste by giving bacteria additional time to facilitate decomposition.

2. Develop a Plan for Non-Biodegradable Waste

You may know how septic systems separate wastewater into scum and eventually sludge. But what happens if non-biodegradable waste clogs your septic tank? If left unattended, such waste could harden and block your pipes. Non-biodegradables could also end up in your drainfield, clogging soil and resulting in flooding.

Prevent solid waste blockage by pumping your tank. The pumping process removes sludge that piles up at the bottom of your tank. Furthermore, pumping and drain line cleaning is an excellent way of removing any remaining solids from your pipes.

Another important tip is to avoid flushing cooking oil, grease, and non-biodegradable solids down the drain. Also, avoid running dirty laundry water straight into your drainage system. These actions result in soap scum and other items clogging your septic system.

3. Make Adjustments to Your Drainfield

The drainfield releases treated wastewater into the surrounding soil. It essentially acts as an outlet for your septic tank.

You can improve drainfield performance in several ways. For example, raising the ground level around your drainfield will help water flow more freely. You can also install gravel or crushed stone in the area to help with drainage. Finally, be sure to plant septic-friendly grass or other vegetation in the surrounding area. The soil in your drainfield should be porous, providing space for water to leach into underlying layers.

4. Install Smart Sensors

Septic tank smart sensors can track your system and prevent blockages. Smart sensors detect when water levels become too high or low, indicating a problem with your septic tank. Early detection is critical when avoiding overflow related to solid waste.

Smart sensors come in many different options. Some models connect to your smartphone or tablet, while others transmit data to a central monitoring station. If you like to remain in complete control of your septic system, consider sensors that you can monitor in real-time via a mobile device.

On the other hand, central monitoring is an excellent solution for busy families. With this option, you can develop a maintenance schedule to remove non-biodegradable solids from your septic system before blockage occurs.

If you struggle with solid waste, Pete's Outflow Technicians are here to help. We specialize in septic and grease interceptor services for commercial and residential properties. Contact us to develop a septic tank maintenance plan for your home today. We look forward to helping you with all your septic needs.

4 Legal Considerations for Septic Owners

Fri, 04 Mar 2022 15:32:29 GMT

Septic tanks allow you to manage your household’s gray water. Many septic tank design solutions help serve your home and business. When you own a septic tank, you have more responsibility for your waste than you think. These responsibilities apply to you and extend to the people and the environment around you. Read on to learn about five legal factors you must follow as a septic tank owner.

1. Health
Septic tanks help protect you and the surrounding environment. The waste you generate contains bacteria and viruses that cause diseases. The septic tank collects this waste and breaks it down. Then, the remaining, less-harmful wastewater is released into the environment. Ingesting these harmful substances can cause gastrointestinal problems. Therefore, your septic tank must be at least 100 feet away from any water source or supply line.

You are responsible for your septic tank. Therefore, you should ask for professional services if you suspect leaks in your septic tank. The signs of leakage include foul smells and greener grass around the leech field. You also have the right to sue your neighbors if they ignore their faulty septic systems.

2. Waste Collection
Septic tanks operate as a balanced biological ecosystem. This ecosystem requires a constant balance between microbes and waste for optimal operation. Unfortunately, septic tanks accumulate waste over time. The United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) recommends that you pump your septic tank every three to five years.

The intervals of removal depend on:

How big your household is
How much wastewater you generate
How much solids your wastewater contain
How big your septic tank is
What electric and mechanical components your septic tank has

All these factors also vary as your septic system also degrades with time.

3. Design
The basic structure of your septic tank consists of concrete, fiberglass, or plastic. These materials ensure your septic tank is watertight and that your untreated waste isn't released into the environment.

The size of your septic tank varies with the size of your household or business. For example, a standard for a four-bedroom house requires a 1,000-gallon septic tank.

A professional must approve the location for your absorption field. This expert can be an environmental health specialist or a soil scientist. In addition, the individual conducts a soil survey on your proposed site. This process ensures that your land can support a functional septic tank and its drain field. The most common tests are percolation tests. These tests measure the efficiency of the soil to treat and move water throughout the year.

The authority grants you a permit to have a septic tank once you have met all the requirements. The local regulation agency then approves the appropriate depth for your absorption field.

4. Inspection and Waste Disposal
Your septic tank should last your household for 15 to 40 years based on how you maintain it. In addition, your septic system should receive regular inspections from licensed septic services professionals who examine the general condition of your septic tank and drainfield. Also, your compound needs to be inspected for tree roots that could damage the septic tank.

Your septic services provider is also regulated under different laws. The Clean Waters Act (CWA) has outlined rules for all companies in waste collection. The CWA requires every company to get legal pollution permits. The permits restrict the amount of waste that gets to water bodies.

Conclusion
You should ensure that your septic tank doesn't harm your health or others'. You must meet the legal requirements of your septic tank. As such, you should never compromise on any factors if you own a septic system. You should work with an approved septic tank company to ensure you meet the set legal requirements. At Pete's Outflow Technicians , we ensure that we meet all your septic tank needs.

4 Signs You Need to Pump Your Septic Tank

Mon, 21 Feb 2022 15:52:03 GMT

Septic tanks play a vital role in household wastewater management. After prolonged use, these facilities can accumulate scum and sludge, which may affect your entire plumbing system. While the frequency you need to empty your septic tank may differ based on its size and design, you should always look for various warning signs to prevent a malfunction.

Here are four things that can help you identify when to empty your septic tank.

1. Slow Drainage

Septic tanks connect to all the drains in the toilets, sinks, bathtubs, and showers. Once the sewer facility fills up, you will likely notice water pools. The wastewater may also leave some dirt around where you dispose of it.

If you notice signs of slow drainage in your home, inspect various areas for blockage. For instance, check your sink for leftover food particles. Additionally, inspect your shower drain for hair strands, soap pieces, and other debris.

If your drains don't have any particles, the slow drainage may be due to a full septic tank. Contact sewage facility technicians to prevent foul odor, dampness, and stains.

These experts will inspect your septic tank to determine if you need to empty it. However, if the sewer facility has enough space left, the technicians will check for damages and determine the cause of slow drainage.

2. Sewage Backup

Another common sign you need to pump your septic tank is sewage backup. This issue occurs when your facility fills up and starts to push sludge into your home. While a sewage backup can affect any section of your drainage system, it mainly occurs in toilets.

Unfortunately, a toilet sewage backup can leave a foul odor from contaminants that are harmful to your health. The overflow material may also cause significant property damage.

Call a septic tank maintenance company immediately once you notice sewage backup. Moreover, reduce water usage before the experts pump your tank to prevent further damage.

3. Foul Odor

Foul and pungent odors are the most noticeable signs of a filled-up septic tank. These smells occur due to limited space for the gases produced by decomposed waste.

When you look out for foul odor, you can quickly identify when to pump your tank even before an issue like slow drainage or sewage backup occurs.

Smell your clean kitchen sink to identify if the odor originates from your septic tank. Further, leave your home for a few minutes and enter your bathroom to determine if it also has a similar stench.

If most drains produce the same foul odor, the problem most likely originates from a full or damaged septic tank.

4. Overflow

When your septic tank overflows, you may notice the area near the lid is marshy. The space may also have excess water in rainy seasons, unlike other sections of your lawn.

A septic tank overflow is often a sign you need to pump the facility. However, the wastewater may seep to the surface due to breakage caused by cracks or invasive tree roots.

Other issues that can lead to a septic tank overflow are:

Improper chemical use
Clogged drains
Damaged pipes

An ideal way to determine why your septic tank overflows is to get a professional inspection. Sewage facility technicians can use their equipment to check sludge levels. They will also inspect the tank for signs of damage and repair it or recommend a replacement.

Septic tank maintenance can protect your home from damage and prevent foul smells that cause discomfort. If you aren’t sure when to empty the sewer facility, the discussed signs can ensure you seek services at the right time.

At Pete's Outflow Technicians, we provide reliable septic tank maintenance services. Call us today to determine if you need to pump your sewer facility.

How Different Appliances Can Hurt Your Septic System

Mon, 22 Nov 2021 20:36:34 GMT

The type and volume of waste that your septic system receives determine its efficiency. Some waste kills the septic bacteria, which you need to decompose septic effluent. Some waste fills up your septic tank sooner than normal. Some dangerous waste comes from your plumbing appliances.

Below are some of the appliances that can negatively affect your septic system.

Hot Tub

The hot tub can hurt your septic system in multiple ways. Below are three of those ways.

1. Excess Water

A hot tub holds a considerable volume of water that you need to empty regularly. Too much water can hurt your septic system in several ways. For example, water overuse can overwhelm the septic system, disturb the solid waste in the tank, and cause an overflow. Untreated waste might end up in the drainfield or contaminate the environment.

Secondly, you can flood the drainfield if you empty the tub directly into it. The flooding risk is especially high for hot tubs that sit close to septic systems. The proximity can tempt many people to take the easy route and empty the tub into the drainfield. However, drainfield flooding is bad since it hampers further absorption of treated waste.

2. Chemicals

Septic systems rely on bacteria to treat their wastes. However, some people use chemicals in their hot tubs, killing bacteria and reducing the septic system's efficiency. Treatment chemicals, such as chlorine and bath salts, are common examples.

3. Weight

The hot tub can hurt your septic system if you place it on the septic drainfield. A typical hot tub is heavy and might compact the ground. A compacted drainfield is dangerous since it needs to breathe and absorb the waste from the septic tank.

Garbage Disposal

Garbage disposal is a convenient appliance for handling kitchen waste. However, some of the appliance's waste can hurt the septic system. Below are two types of waste.

1. FOG

Kitchen waste often has considerable amounts of fats, oils, and grease (FOG). FOG can coalesce and clog the septic pipes, preventing further waste flow. Septic bacteria also struggle to break down FOG, so it will just accumulate in the tank.

2. Solid Waste

Garbage disposal produces considerable solid waste. This solid waste will often accumulate in the septic system and fill it up faster than normal. Therefore, only connect the garbage disposal to the septic system if you are okay with frequent pumping.

Washing Machine

The type of washing machine and its usage determines its effect on your septic system. Below are some causes of these potential effects.

1. Chemicals

Soap and detergent can kill the septic bacteria you need to decompose your waste. The damage might not be much if you use the recommended volume of soap. Liquid detergent is also safer than powder detergent. However, you should worry about powder detergent overuse since some of this might even clump together within the septic system and cause blockages.

2. Excess Water

Normal washing machine use should not overwhelm your septic system with water. The danger arises if you regularly overload the washing machine or do multiple loads of laundry within a short period. The drainfield might not handle that much water effectively.

3. Lint

Lint from your clothes can hurt your septic system in two main ways. First, lint can form lumps and clog the septic pipes. Secondly, lint from nonorganic materials might not easily degrade since bacteria cannot break it down. The damage can worsen with clogged, damaged, or nonexistent lint filters.

Take care of your septic system so that it can take care of your waste. Pete's Outflow Technicians can help you service your septic system to ensure it can handle the waste you designed it to handle. Contact us for a quote on any septic service you need.

How to Prepare Your Septic Tank for Winter: 7 Helpful Tips

Thu, 28 Oct 2021 17:04:16 GMT

A septic tank doesn't come cheap, so it's essential to maintain it properly. Unfortunately, people forget about the septic tank until it malfunctions. In the winter, the extremely low temperatures can cause the septic tank to freeze and cause problems. So you need all the help you can get to keep the septic tank working optimally during winter and avoid any nasty surprises.

Here are some helpful tips to prepare your septic tank for the cold winter weather.

1. Get the Septic Tank Inspected

Before winter finally sets in, enlist a local septic company to inspect your septic tank. A professional should inspect a septic tank annually to ensure all the components are working, there are no leaks, and the entire system is working properly.

2. Winterize All the Pipes

If you will not be around during the winter months, drain all the septic tank's pipes to prevent freezing and cracking. First, shut off the water main, then open all the taps and leave them open so they can drain completely.

Also, disconnect all the hoses to appliances such as the dishwasher and the washing machine. Most importantly, empty the tank's pressure. After draining all the lines, add a septic-safe antifreeze according to the manufacturer's guide.

3. Inspect the Lid

Inspect the septic tank's lid for any holes or cracks. A secure lid prevents debris, children, and small animals from getting into the tank. The tightly secured lid keeps the internal heat trapped due to the anaerobic bacteria inside the tank that breaks down the solid waste and treats raw wastewater. The heat inside the tank keeps the bacteria's metabolic rate high.

If you notice any problems with your septic tank lid, have a professional replace the lid right away before winter weather kicks in.

4. Pump Out the Tank

If you close the house during winter or only use it a few times, consider pumping the septic tank. Ensure you pump the tank to eliminate all waste and any greywater that might freeze during winter.

Generally, you should pump the tank every three to five years, so if this is the year you should pump yours, ensure that you do it before the temperatures plunge. Freezing temperatures make the ground hard to break, which makes the tank hard to access.

5. Insulate the Drainage Field

You must do everything you can to protect the septic tank during the cold months because the frozen ground can damage the septic tank. Fortunately, it's easy to protect the drainage field. You can do this by allowing grass to grow around your septic system so it can effectively retain snow.

The grass acts as an insulating layer over the soil treatment area during winter. If you do not have a lawn, spread the leaves or straw over the drain field. Alternatively, purchase insulated blankets. These steps protect the tank and field by retaining heat and preventing the whole system from freezing damage.

6. Use the Septic Tank Regularly

Lack of use can bring problems during the winter weather. Everyday household use of the septic system is enough to keep things moving properly. If you are not home during the winter, arrange with a trusted individual to occasionally use the septic system while you are away, so the tank stays in top shape.

7. Check the Furnace

If you leave a high-efficiency furnace on during the winter, ensure no water drains into the septic system. You can reroute the dripping water into a bucket, floor drain, or some other drain not connected to the septic system. Excess water flowing into the septic system can cause the system to freeze up.

These steps help you protect your septic tank and keep it functional during the cold winter months. If you need assistance winterizing your septic tank, contact Pete's Outflow Technicians . We are your go-to professionals for all your septic tank needs.

Should You Buy a House With a Septic System?

Wed, 06 Oct 2021 20:26:15 GMT

Have you just found the home of your dreams and discovered it has a septic system? If you're not accustomed to the ins and outs of this particular waste disposal structure, the prospect of septic ownership and maintenance can seem intimidating. Fortunately, septic systems aren't as daunting an operation as they seem.

Septic tanks are fairly common, as one out of every five homes in the country uses one. Learn what you'll need to know as you consider a house with a septic tank on the property.

A Septic System Differs From Community Sewage Systems

Every household produces waste, but waste disposal varies. Municipal sewage systems, like those common in both urban and suburban areas, manage the waste of an entire region. Septic systems, on the other hand, only manage the waste from a single household.

In both systems, waste from sinks, toilets, and showers goes down the drain, but septic systems drain through pipes and into a container only within property boundaries.

A Septic System Is Separate From the Water Supply

Though septic systems deal with water waste, they're an entirely separate entity from the water that flows into your home. In rural areas, properties often have both a septic system and a well or drinking water system on the property.

However, local laws and guidelines prevent septic components from being a certain distance away from drinking water systems to prevent the risk of water contamination.

A Septic System Requires You to Watch Your Disposal Habits

To protect your septic system from clogs and blockages, you will need to take a closer look at what goes down the drain. These systems can handle a variety of waste types, but some things should never make their way into the pipes, including:

String, floss, or excess hair
Oils or grease
Paint or other harsh chemicals
Hygiene products (including diapers, sanitary napkins, and tampons)
Grainy substances, such as cat litter or coffee grounds
Non-biodegradable substances, such as plastic

A Septic System Can Save You Money

Because you don't have to tap into the municipal utility system, you won't see a bill from the city's sewer services as long as you have a septic tank on your property. These savings may not seem like much, but because public sewer expenses are typically packaged into your property taxes, the savings can add up.

A Septic System Requires Some Maintenance

Septic tanks, when well-maintained, last for decades without replacement or major repair. This maintenance, however, is required every few years. Only allow a trusted, well-trained professional to do maintenance, as well as regular inspection. Pump septic tanks every three to five years, and make swift repairs to handle any clogs, blockages, or suspected leaks.

A Septic System May Require an Upgrade Down the Road

While septic tanks can hold up for decades, they will eventually need replacement. Also, if you upgrade your home's footprint or find that your household produces more waste than your system can manage, some local rules require that your system get an upgrade. That way, you ensure the system can keep up with the size of your home and household.

A Septic System Can Keep You Off-Grid

If homestead and off-grid life appeals to you, then a septic system is one major step in that direction. The quiet of the countryside appeals to many, and the prospect of calling a beautiful, rural area home, especially when far away from other cities and towns with utilities, is possible with a self-contained septic system for your rural property.

A Septic System Needs an Inspection Before You Make a Decision

Your region may require it, but even if it isn't mandatory, inspect a home's septic system before you submit an offer. An inspection can tell you the age, the integrity of, and the status of the system so you know what you are getting into. Ask for the past inspection records as well.

To schedule an inspection for or for further questions about your septic system, contact the professionals at Pete's Outflow Technicians . With proper care, you'll have a waste disposal system to last you and your family for years.

When It's Time to Abandon Your Septic Tank

Mon, 23 Aug 2021 21:27:17 GMT

Once your septic tank outgrows its use, you will need to carefully follow septic tank disposal guidelines to ensure the safety and integrity of the property.

Valid reasons for abandoning your septic tank may include:

A major home renovation or re-construction
The need to re-channel your wastewater disposal and treatment system for health reasons
When you install a second septic tank to replace the old one
When you establish a connection to your municipal sewer system due to personal preference

In either case, you'd need to decommission your septic system safely to avoid future hazards. You could either choose to remove the tank entirely or fill it up with rubble.

The Dangers of Poor Septic Abandonment

If you don't use the right approach when abandoning your septic tank, the tank may fill up with runoff water over time. Kids might unknowingly open up the lid when playing and accidentally fall into the tank.

Old abandoned tanks may gradually grow weaker in structure. The risk of collapse can prevent you from adding any structures around the unused space left in the yard. There may not be firm ground on which to lay your new foundation.

Also, pets could be harmed if the tank collapses in your yard. Additionally, the abandoned tank may fail to support your car's weight if you decide to park over the area.

If you sell your house, the new owner may not be fully aware of the danger that lurks in their yard. The tank becomes a constant hazard for their safety for as long as they live there.

The Key Steps for a Safe Septic Abandonment

With the above risks in mind, you'll want to ensure a safe environment for your household by following the safety guidelines. Learn about the key steps to follow when you decide to do away with your tank.

1. Re-channel the Wastewater Path

If you bring in a new septic tank, you first need to divert the wastewater coming from your house to flow into the new tank. You could still do the same if you switch from a septic tank system to a municipal sewer line. The aim here is to prevent new wastewater from accumulating in the old septic system.

A licensed septic contractor can re-channel the drain pipes for wastewater to flow into the replacement system. They could assess the state of the old drain pipes to make sure if they can still be re-used in your new system.

But if you want to connect to your local sewer line, your septic system expert may disconnect the old sewer line and seal off the ends.

2. Pump the Septic Tank

If your septic tank still contains waste, you might want to pump out the tank before doing away with it permanently. Your pumping contractor may need to remove any sludge settled at the bottom of the tank to prevent deterioration or a possible collapse.

3. Remove or Bury the Old Unit

To safely abandon your septic tank, you should ensure that it doesn't hold water in the future to prevent potential hazards. Concrete tanks may only need to be broken up on the sides or bottom. This strategy helps prevent the tank from holding any water. After tearing down the tank, your contractor might then fill it up with rubble, sand, or gravel.

They will then bury the tank, ensuring that the soil remains compact to protect against shifting whenever you drive your car over the site. You're likely to encounter fewer challenges if you decide to use that part of your yard for something else.

If you need reliable, all-around septic services, contact Pete's Outflow Technicians today.

What Could Be Causing Frequent Septic Backups?

Mon, 26 Jul 2021 22:55:07 GMT

Your septic system has two main sections, both working together to ensure proper home waste management. First, the system has a watertight tank buried underground that stores the solid waste from your house. Second, the system will have a drain field for treating the wastewater and filtering out toxic substances.

Once the water is free of contaminants, the ground reabsorbs clean water back to the water table in the drain field. Therefore, your septic system only releases treated water and keeps the harmful waste inside the septic tank.

You'll need to pump out the tank after a while to maintain good system performance. However, your septic system could experience septic backups that you might not have thought through. Backup issues are a huge risk to your health in addition to being highly inconvenient. For you to avoid them, you need to know why they happen in the first place.

Your Septic Tank is Full

Your septic tank relies on anaerobic bacteria to break down waste from your home. In doing so, most of the solid waste disintegrates to form sludge. Sludge accumulates and settles at the bottom of your septic tank.

With time, the sludge creates a layer that gradually occupies more space in the tank. Soon, the new waste coming in will have little room inside the septic tank, ultimately resulting in septic backups.

At first, system backups will happen when your system is under heavy use . For instance, if you have a couple of guests over, your tank will have more waste to deal with than usual. Without enough room for fresh waste, your septic system will experience backups. Things gradually get worse, and you'll start noticing frequent backups even after light usage.

You Have a Blocked Septic Filter

A septic filter prevents solid waste from reaching the drain field. Excess waste in your drain field limits the efficiency of the water treatment process, leading to groundwater contamination . Filters are often installed inside the tank or at the outlet point towards the drain field.

A blocked filter might stop the effluent from reaching the drain field and instead flow back to your drainpipes. The result is a septic backup of raw untreated wastewater. If the effluent does make it to the drain field, you're likely to notice a sluggish discharge if you have a clogged septic filter. Also, you might hear strange gurgling sounds anytime you drain your sink or flush your toilet.

A clogged filter will have accumulated solid waste, including paper, grease, and solid fats. The untreated solids block the filter outlet, prevent wastewater from flowing smoothly into the drain field.

You Have a Sudden Wastewater Overload

Your septic system can experience a backup if there is too much wastewater suddenly rushing to the septic tank - a scenario also known as hydraulic overloading. A hydraulic overload happens whenever you're running several high-volume home activities at the same time.

For instance, you could be doing laundry while, at the same time, another person in your home is showering or using the dishwasher. The resulting wastewater will be excessive, probably more than your septic system can handle. You can avoid such a problem by spacing out such activities to avoid placing a lot of strain on your system.

To prevent frequent septic tank backups, you'll need to schedule pumping appointments regularly. Your professional septic tank expert will consider several factors to determine the pumping frequency, including the tank size and average wastewater output from your home.

At Pete's Outflow Technicians , we work round the clock to provide lasting solutions to help protect your septic system. We also provide technical assistance anytime you're in need. Contact us today for all your septic needs.

Septic Tank Inspection: A Guide

Wed, 23 Jun 2021 03:32:04 GMT

Planning to buy a new home soon? Some homes don't connect to the sewer system. Instead, they rely on the septic tank for sewage disposal.

A septic tank works as a system, and a system is prone to failures. Thus, as a homebuyer, have a professional inspector look over the septic tank before buying the house. The inspection process should coincide with the general property inspection. Discover why an inspection is necessary, what the costs of an inspection are, and what the features of an inspection process are.

The Reasons for a Septic Tank Inspection

Should you do a septic tank inspection before you buy your dream house? Absolutely! Hire a professional inspector to give you an up-to-date status of the septic system. Therefore, do a septic inspection for these three reasons:

The challenges of the tank : The report will identify any problems that the tank has. A system that needs extensive repairs is a detriment for your interest in buying that house. This report will help you avoid unnecessary repair or replacement costs.
The tank's capacity : The inspection report identifies the septic tank capacity. You will be able to determine if the tank meets your sewer requirements. And, you can adjust the tank capacity if you find any capacity deficiencies.
The health of the occupants: A septic inspection report is crucial in identifying health risks in your home. The risks can be bad odor around toilets, wet areas in the lawn, and slow drainage all around the home. You have a guarantee of the health of your family members if you identify the health risks during the inspection process.

The Costs for Septic Tank Inspection

The inspection cost varies with the location of the house, the pumping rate of the region, and the level of inspection. Also, the cost of additional services such as removing the tank lid might attract extra charges. Finally, the inspection costs depend on the depth of your tank. The buyer of the house usually bears the cost of the septic inspection.

The Process for a Septic Tank Inspection

The process usually has two major inspection approaches.

The Visual Inspection

A professional inspector should conduct a visual inspection. It is a quick process, but it is not always comprehensive. The process can be done as follows:

The house inspection : First, the inspector will ask general maintenance questions. They should record the age of the house and the frequency of emptying the tank.
The appliance tests : Your inspector will run quick tests on several appliances in the house. The professional will flush all the toilets and run all the water in the house. This is to check the pressure levels and the drainage test.
The outside inspection : The inspector will do a visual inspection of the drainfield. Here, they have to confirm if there is any stagnant water.

The Full Inspection

The inspection process focuses on the actual septic tank and the whole septic system. The process can go as follows:

The drainage test: The inspector will remove the septic tank cover and check the water levels. From the water level analysis, the professional will determine the tank's drainage effectiveness.
The water flow test : The inspector runs the tap water in the house to confirm if it flows from the house to the tank. Also, they can introduce a dye in the water and let it run from the house to the tank. They will see how much of the dyed water enters the tank. More water flow is a sign of an effective flowing system.
The septic tank test: The inspector will check the backflow from the absorption area on the tank. A blockage is a sign of a problem in the drain field.

Before you buy a house that has a septic tank, contact Pete's Flow Technicians for an expert opinion. Then, order your septic tank inspection services immediately.

Fundamental Tips for Promoting Safety Around Septic Tanks

Tue, 01 Jun 2021 19:47:48 GMT

Septic systems require regular monitoring, inspection, and servicing for stable, long-term function and performance. However, these structures present considerable safety risks to people around them. If an inexperienced homeowner attempts to handle the maintenance work, they could expose themselves and others to danger.

Consider these critical tips for promoting safety if you have a septic tank system on your residential property.

Understand the Structure

The lack of knowledge on the structure of a septic system leads to unsafe situations for residents. For instance, children might run around dangerous areas if no one knows the location and anatomy of the treatment setup. If you have the original design plans for the system, evaluate them and identify the placement of the septic tank.

Alternatively, check the details with the former property owner or consult a septic specialist. Mark the location of the tank cover for future reference. Keep in mind that most accidents occur around the tank area. For example, children and curious adults might lift the tank cover and fall in. The inhalation of the dangerous fumes from the container could also cause suffocation.

Moreover, a weak septic tank cover could break and leave the waste receptacle open. When marking the area, take note of potential dangers and plan for repairs. The tank, the drain field, and the connected pipes for effluent are vulnerable to damage if they are exposed to pressure. For example, the weight of a car or truck could break the piping.

The damage will lead to the indiscriminate release of wastewater to the property. This material contains harmful microorganisms capable of causing disease and dangerous infections. Therefore, check the location of these components and prevent unnecessary movement around these areas.

Prevent Fire and Explosions

The decomposition of waste in a septic tank causes the release of methane. This gas is highly explosive. When inspecting or checking up on your treatment system, avoid handling open flames. Prohibit smoking near the tank, even when the tank is closed. A single spark could trigger an explosive fire and cause burns and other injuries. Use a flashlight if illumination is required.

Isolate Dangerous Areas

If you identify a problem during an inspection, isolate that area. Do not attempt a detailed evaluation of the septic system or try DIY repairs. Instead, secure the danger zone with a rope and prevent access until a specialist can assess the problem further. Some of the common dangers associated with septic tanks include collapsed tanks, damaged tank covers, and cesspools.

Know Safety Practices

When working on or around a septic system, uphold the best safety standards possible to minimize the danger. For instance, avoid being alone close to the septic system. The noxious fumes from the tank can overwhelm and cause unconsciousness in the dangerous area. Any person working on the tank must use the right breathing apparatus for limiting methane inhalation.

Ventilation is crucial around the tank to prevent the build-up of methane. Make sure that no blockages compromise airflow around the tank. If a companion with you falls into the tank, do not attempt to rescue them unless you are experienced and have the appropriate gear. Instead, contact local emergency services and use a fan to ventilate the area from the top of the tank.

Other important safety practices include avoiding entering the tank, never leaning over the tank, checking for electrical hazards, and watching out for the dangers of leaking waste.

Choose Professional Help

Septic inspection, maintenance, and servicing are difficult and dangerous tasks. An inexperienced person could sustain injuries, and fatalities could occur. Therefore, if you are planning for a tank cleaning, a tank pumping, or general repairs, contact us at Pete's Outflow Technicians for professional and affordable assistance.

Septic Tank Pumping: An FAQ

Mon, 24 May 2021 03:43:56 GMT

Septic pumping is a fundamental part of maintaining a septic system. Schedule septic pumping to prolong the life expectancy of your septic tank, prevent costly repairs and replacement, enhance the value of your home, and keep your family safe and healthy.

Regrettably, many homeowners take too long until the time is too late to pump their septic tanks, thus compromising the septic system and their family's health. Learn more with these six FAQs about septic tank pumping so you can schedule one confidently.

1. What Are the Signs You Need Septic Pumping?

A licensed service technician can help you determine when you need to pump your septic tank. Nevertheless, several signs indicate you need septic pumping, such as slow drains, bad odors in your home or yard, and sewer backup. Also, if you notice lush grass above your septic tank or drainage field, pump your tank or have a professional check it.

2. After How Long Should You Pump Your Septic Tank?

The frequency of septic tank pumping depends on various factors, including sludge level, appropriateness of use, and amount of wastewater. Experts recommend pumping your septic tanks every three to five years. However, perform regular inspections and maintenance on your septic system.

3. What Is the Cost of Septic Tank Pumping?

The cost depends on tank size, geographic location, tank condition, and contractors. Also, the amount of sludge affects the cost of pumping.

Homeowners can expect to pay between $295 and $610 for septic tank pumping. Depending on the septic tank size, you can pay as little as $175 for a 750-gallon tank and as much as $600 for a 1,500-gallon tank.

4. When Should You Not Pump Your Septic Tank?

Do not pump your septic tank if you experience one of the following.

First, your home has flooded. Opening your septic tank for pumping may welcome floodwater. Also, your tank may float, resulting in pipe damage.

Second, you have a low sludge level. Typically, you should pump your tank when the sludge level is a third of the tank capacity.

Third, you have an old or fragile tank. Since the tank may collapse during pumping, you should liaise with a professional service technician on the best line of action.

Lastly, avoid septic pumping if you have scheduled a septic inspection in less than two weeks.

5. What If You Fail to Pump Your Septic Tank?

You may experience various problems ranging from blockages to disease and expensive repairs. Wastewater backing in your home poses a huge health risk. The bacteria in the raw sewage can cause diseases or leak into the soil and contaminate underground water. Blocked septic systems can cause substantial damage and a huge repair bill.

6. How Do You Maintain Your Septic Tank System After Pumping?

You can take several actions after septic pumping to keep your septic system in optimal condition, avoid costly damages, and guarantee your family's safety and health.

Firstly, schedule routine inspection and maintenance. Secondly, invest in water-efficient washing machines, showers, and toilets to reduce the amount of wastewater your home generates.

Thirdly, avoid flushing hygiene products, wipes, diapers, paper towels, cigarette butts, and grease. Fourthly, do not park or drive on your septic tank or drainfield.

Fifthly, do not direct rain runoff water into your drainfield. Lastly, keep off any products and chemicals that claim to clean your septic tank; they often do more harm than good.

Contact Pete's Outflow Technicians for septic system pumping and maintenance in Santa Cruz County and the San Mateo Coast. We offer great and personal service that only a small family owned and operated business can provide.

3 Surefire Signs Your Septic System Is Failing

Mon, 26 Apr 2021 19:19:08 GMT

Owning a house can be challenging at times. From the initial purchase to moving in, it is easy to see the overwhelming nature of home ownership. While certain tasks may be considered priorities, focusing on your home's septic system is imperative. Not only is the septic system crucial for removing waste from your home, but it is also important for protecting your home from hazardous health conditions.

In addition, a failing septic system increases your risk of serious water damage, which will be costly to repair. To ensure your septic system is in proper working condition, understanding the signs of distress is key. With this guide and the help of your plumbing professionals, you will learn the signs your septic system is failing.

Soggy Ground

If your area receives a lot of rain or your climate is constantly humid, then your lawn may stay damp a lot of the time. However, if the area around your septic tank or pump is constantly damp and soggy, then you likely need to address an underlying issue immediately.

Constant use will cause your septic tank to overflow with water and waste over time. This is normal and unavoidable, but the system is designed to handle the heavy flow of both water and waste.

If the tank becomes overloaded with water and waste, an alarm should signal, alerting you to have your septic tank pumped. In some instances, the alarm may fail, causing the tank to overflow into your yard.

Your tank will need to be pumped immediately if the alarm has signaled or your yard is damp and soggy. Pumping will remove the buildup of waste inside the septic system, and ensure that the waste and water will flow through in an efficient and safe manner.

Slow Drainage

As a homeowner, you will most likely face clogged toilets, sinks, and shower or tub drains periodically. These clogs are normal due to the flow of water, hair, and food down these drains. Unclogging the drains is possible using boiling water, a plunger, or a plumbing snake. However, you should address drains that continually clog.

Slow drainage or constant clogs is most likely due to an underlying septic issue. Waste that builds up in your plumbing and septic lines can back up into your septic tank, increasing the risk of flooding and failure.

If you are experiencing slow draining and constant clogs, have your plumbing and septic systems inspected professionally. Clearing the lines and pumping the septic tank can restore the systems back to a healthy and functional state.

Rotten Egg Smell

If you notice a smell coming from your septic tank that is similar to rotten eggs, your first inclination may be to panic. While it is definitely something to document and address, the odor is actually more common than you think.

As food, grease, human waste, and other debris combine together in your septic lines, different gases will form and seep out of the tank. When you notice the smell of rotten eggs, it is most likely due to the presence of hydrogen sulfide. If your tank is backed up or leaking, you will notice the odor is more frequent and stronger.

Again, pumping the tank is your best option for eradicating the gas and the unappealing odor. But proper understanding will help you know how to address a failing septic system.

If you just bought a house and you're worried about your septic system, contact the friendly professionals at Pete's Outflow Technicians today. We can perform inspections and repairs on your septic system and will help you in any way we can.

3 Restaurant Grease Interceptor Myths

Mon, 22 Feb 2021 13:47:36 GMT

If you own or manage a restaurant, then your plumbing system likely has a grease trap, or grease interceptor. This separates fats, oils, and greases (FOGS) from your wastewater before it flows into the municipal sewer system. While you may understand how this trap works, you may also believe some common grease trap myths.

Learn about three common restaurant grease trap myths and the truth behind these common misconceptions.

1. You Should Clean Your Grease Trap Only When It Is Full

Some business owners wait to clean their grease interceptors until they are full due to the belief that there is simply no reason to clean them sooner than this. However, all grease traps should be cleaned when the layer of solids occupies a small percentage of the interceptor wet area or when city ordinances require - whichever comes first.

After solids accumulation surpasses a certain percentage of the trap capacity, the interceptor can experience a drop in efficiency, and trap clogs are more likely to occur.

In addition, the grease that enters your interceptor becomes more acidic and corrosive over time due to hydrolysis, a chemical reaction that occurs when FOGs are in contact with water. If you wait until your trap is full of old, corrosive FOGs to clean it, the corrosive fats can damage many grease trap components, including your interceptor baffle.

2. You Can Pour Oil Into Your Drains When You Have a Grease Interceptor

Many restaurant owners find that their grease traps fill more quickly than they expect, leading to the need for frequent cleanings. This often occurs when the restaurant staff believes that you can pour oils down the drain when the restaurant has a grease interceptor.

However, a restaurant grease interceptor is not an oil disposal device. It instead ensures that any FOGs that accidentally enter the plumbing system do not clog facility pipes or enter the municipal sewer system.

Reduce the need for extremely frequent interceptor cleanings by training your staff in proper oil disposal.

All waste oils should go in proper waste cooking oil containers and then to a local cooking oil and grease recycler. In addition, remove all grease covering dirty cooking pans and dishes from the dishes before they go in the sink or dishwasher. Also, scrape all greasy food scraps into the trash instead of down the garbage disposal.

New kitchen staff members will likely make occasional mistakes when disposing of grease without creating an interceptor problem. However, interceptor wear and tear that shortens its lifespan and the need for more frequent cleanings increases when extra FOGs frequently and intentionally are washed down restaurant drains.

3. Interceptor Cleaning Companies Dispose of Grease in Landfills

Many people believe that grease interceptor cleaning companies dispose of the grease they collect in landfills. However, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Solid Waste Disposal Act of 1965 prohibits disposing of interceptor FOGs in landfills. Instead, this waste typically goes to a facility where it is reused or recycled.

Some facilities that accept interceptor grease waste use this grease to create compost. FOGs mix with paper; plant matter, such as weeds and leaves; and sewage sludge to create a compost very high in nutrients.

Other interceptor grease disposal facilities use FOG to create biogas, an emerging source of renewable energy, by mixing this grease with agricultural waste and then processing this mixture in an anaerobic chamber.

If you own or manage a restaurant with a grease interceptor, or grease trap, then forget these three grease interceptor myths. Instead, contact Pete's Outflow Technicians for all of your commercial grease trap maintenance needs today. We look forward to helping you.

The Do's and Don'ts of Septic Tank Maintenance

Fri, 29 Jan 2021 15:51:39 GMT

Septic system replacement is costly, so practice maintenance to prolong the system's life. Proper maintenance of your septic system protects the health of those who live in and near your home, preserves the quality of the groundwater, and prevents your sewage from polluting nearby waterways.

Discover some of the best practices for septic maintenance.

Do Regularly Inspect and Maintain Your Septic System

Routine maintenance of your septic system prevents pollution, illnesses, and the risk of failure. An inspection also determines the pumping routine of your tank. Inspections also save you money because you can fix small problems before they escalate into larger problems, which can be costly.

The type of septic system will often determine the inspection routine. Many people inspect gravity systems every couple of years, whereas people inspect pressure distribution, sand filter, and proprietary septic systems after one year.

Do Pump Your System

Septic tanks need pumping every 3-5 years. The ideal time for pumping your septic tank will vary depending on your household. The more people use your septic system, the higher your water flow. As a result, you'll have to pump your tank more often because it will get full faster.

A septic tank expert will note the ideal time for pumping your system during a maintenance inspection. The inspector measures the sludge and scum layer in your tank to determine when you should pump it. You should pump the septic tank when the sludge and scum layers are within a certain distance of the outlet baffle or outlet fitting.

Don't Use Chemical Additives

Bacteria in wastewater help decompose the waste. Although you can use household detergents, bleaches, and drain cleaners, you probably shouldn't use them excessively. Some additives harm the septic system's operation.

A septic tank should collect solids. If you flush solids by adding chemicals, these solids will often affect the soil. As a result, you'll often have to replace the soil treatment component of the system. Since replacing the soil treatment of your septic tank is expensive, avoid using chemical additives.

Don't Construct or Move Over the Drainfield

You shouldn't construct driveways, storage buildings, or any structures over the wastewater treatment system. These structures will make it difficult to access the system during maintenance inspections. They also minimize the evaporation of water from the soil.

Also, when no structures are near the septic system, you'll be able to minimize movement over the drainfield. Driving heavy equipment over the wastewater system can easily crush its components. These components provide support to the soil above the system and not equipment driving on top of it.

Don't Discharge Excessive Water Into the System

The load capacity of your septic tank will vary depending on the size of your household. A rule of thumb is to minimize the water draining into the system. This improves the efficiency of your septic tank.

Excess water stirs up the waste particles and delays the bacteria's role of breaking them down. These particles move into the drainfield and saturate the bacteria with wastewater. This clogs the drainfield and suffocates the anaerobic bacteria.

To avoid discharging excessive water into the septic system, have your septic expert redirect the rain gutter pathway. Another way of reducing the discharge of water into your system is by saving water. You can do this by minimizing your water consumption habits.

To get the most out of your septic tank, familiarize yourself with the do's and don'ts of septic maintenance. With years of experience in septic tank maintenance and repairs, Pete's Outflow Technicians can help with your septic tank services. Contact us today if you have any questions or concerns about your septic tank.

Septic Systems: An FAQ

Thu, 07 Jan 2021 11:20:49 GMT

Many homes connect to the city sewage system, but rural homes may not have that option. For this reason, many homeowners use septic tanks. In fact, many homeowners prefer using a septic system over city sewage. If you would like to learn more about septic systems to see if one is right for you, keep reading.

Why Choose a Septic Tank Over City Sewage?

For many reasons, homeowners choose a septic tank system instead of using the city sewer system. First, some homes don't connect to the city sewage system. If that's the case, you'll have to pay to expand the plumbing from the city to your home, which becomes a costly endeavor.

Other people prefer having more control over their sewage system. If you connect to the city sewage system, you have no control over when workers decide to upgrade or change the system, which can impact your home. With a septic tank, however, you plan all the repairs and maintenance, so it works for your schedule.

Finally, some people prefer septic tanks because they are an eco-friendlier alternative. One reason for this is the drainfield and leach field, which strains the waste. By the time it reaches the soil, the water no longer contains dangerous bacteria.

In a city sewage system, however, leaking pipes are at a higher risk of letting contaminated water reach groundwater. As an added benefit, the nutrients from the effluent that goes into the soil helps local plants and animals.

Do You Have to Do Anything Differently With a Septic Tank?

Many people shy away from septic tanks because they assume they require a lot of changes, but most changes are simple: be mindful about what you put down the drain and try to conserve water. Even if you connect to the city sewage system, you shouldn't flush random material down the toilet like coffee grounds, paper towels, or kitty litter because it can clog the pipes.

However, with a septic system, these materials can also impact the tank by filling it with solid materials that can't break down. As a result, your tank will fill up faster than normal. This is also the same reason you should start conserving water with a septic tank. Too much water too fast can cause the tank to overflow because the water can't drain fast enough.

Also, don't put household chemicals down the drain. These chemicals may be great at unclogging clogs or keeping the pipes clean, but they can also kill the bacteria in your septic system. This bacteria is necessary to break down the solid waste.

How Much Does a Septic Tank Cost to Buy and Maintain?

To purchase and install a new septic system, expect to pay between $2,000 and $5,000 . Depending on local labor rates and material availability, you may have to pay more. You will also need to pay for regular maintenance, such as emptying the tank as necessary.

Forgetting to maintain your septic system can lead to serious consequences. In particular, the tank could overflow, which not only makes a smelly mess but also could be a health and safety concern for adults, kids, and pets alike.

This may make septic tanks seem like the more expensive option, but in the long run, you can actually save money. A well-maintained septic tank lasts a long time, and you don't have to pay to use it. With city sewage, you have to pay a monthly fee just because you connect to the city sewage system. If you end up making a lot of waste, you may have to pay more.

Septic tanks require more maintenance on your part, but that just means you're in control of when and what to maintain. While they may cost you more upfront, you have no monthly fee, which can save you money in the long run. If you would like to learn more about how to maintain a septic system, contact us at Pete's Outflow Technicians today.

4 Ways to Protect Your Septic Tank While Doing Your Laundry

Wed, 02 Dec 2020 18:24:38 GMT

If your home relies on a septic tank system, you may have heard horror stories about catastrophic flooding caused by washing machines. Fortunately, most modern septic systems are entirely capable of handling wastewater from your washing machine, but irresponsible use can still cause serious problems in septic tanks and lines.

Erring on the side of caution will help to prevent washing machines from causing serious damage to your septic system. Keep the following guidelines in mind to ensure that your septic tank can handle everything your washing machine throws at it.

1. Use Detergents and Soaps Correctly

You might assume that throwing an extra dose of detergent in with your laundry is harmless, but excessive detergent use can cause serious damage to septic systems. Septic tanks rely on colonies of beneficial bacteria, which consume and process organic waste so it can be safely released into the tank's drain field.

Most laundry detergents contain cleansing chemicals, such as phosphates and surfactants, which can destroy these vital bacteria and prevent the tank from processing waste effectively. Under normal circumstances, detergents are diluted in the laundry water to the point where they will not harm the bacteria, but using too much detergent can expose the bacteria to lethal levels of these chemicals.

Using too much detergent can be especially harmful if you rely on detergent powders. Using too much laundry powder will cause the undissolved powder to clump together inside your septic system. If these clumps of powder get caught in the system's inflow lines, they can cause serious blockages, which may lead to sewage and wastewater backing up into your home.

As long as you use the correct amount of detergent with each laundry load, you shouldn't encounter any of these problems. However, if you want to play it safe, choosing liquid laundry detergents that do not contain phosphates, bleach, or nonylphenol ethoxylate (the most common surfactant found in laundry detergent.)

2. Clean Lint Filters Regularly

Cleaning your washing machine's lint filter regularly is particularly important for washing machines used with septic systems. If the lint filter becomes clogged, clumps of lint can escape into the septic system and may cause serious clogging if they get caught in the septic lines.

Lint that makes it into the septic tank system can also cause issues. Any non-organic fibers in the lint, such as threads from polyester or nylon clothing, will not be processed by the tank's bacteria and will settle in the bottom of the tank. Over time, accumulated lint and other indigestible matter can form a thick layer of impacted material inside the tank, reducing its overall capacity.

3. Don't Overload the System

Washing machines use a lot of water, and doing many loads of laundry in quick succession can overwhelm your septic tank system. If too much wastewater flows into the tank in a short space of time, the tank may be forced to release waste into the drainfield before it has been processed. This can cause serious problems with drainfield clogging and contamination, which are usually expensive to repair.

The amount of laundry you can do in a day will depend largely on your septic tank's holding capacity. If your tank is relatively large, you should be able to wash several average-sized loads in a day without causing problems. However, older septic systems tend to have smaller tanks, so you should space out your laundry loads if you live in an older home.

4. Consider a New Washing Machine

Another way to avoid overwhelming your tank with laundry water is by investing in a newer washing machine. Modern washing machines must meet strict energy efficiency regulations, and use a lot less water than older models. They can be expensive, but a newer washing machine will allow you to do laundry more frequently without worrying about septic system problems.

Follow these simple rules, and you should have no issues using your washing machine alongside a septic tank system. If you have any more questions about how to protect your septic system, contact the septic system experts at Pete's Outflow Technicians for professional advice and recommendations.

3 Septic Tank Problems & How to Avoid Them

Wed, 28 Oct 2020 23:48:36 GMT

A well-maintained septic system can stay in great shape for decades. However, some homeowners find themselves replacing their systems sooner than necessary due to problems with the tank or drain field that could have been avoided with proper septic tank maintenance.

Read to learn about three common septic tank problems and how to prevent them to eliminate the need for early tank replacement or repairs.

1. Tank Cracks

One common septic tank problem is the development of large cracks. Large cracks can allow sewage that contains harmful bacteria to seep out of your tank and into your yard, potentially posing a health hazard to your family. In addition, groundwater can seep through these large cracks and into your tank, increasing your tank liquid level so much that your entire septic system can no longer work efficiently.

While some septic tank cracks are unavoidable, such as those caused by a natural disaster like an earthquake, others can be prevented with proper tank care.

If you live in an area that experiences freezing winter temperatures, cover the ground above your septic tank with mulch before winter arrives to keep the ground underneath warm. When the ground around your tank is warmer, the water inside of it is less likely to freeze and expand, which would lead to large crack development.

In addition, never drive vehicles or other heavy equipment over your tank, because the weight of these vehicles can crack the tank instantly. Finally, never plant trees or other large plants with intrusive root systems on or around your septic tank. Small cracks can become larger when plant roots enter them and enlarge the cracks as they grow.

2. Baffle Problems

Every septic tank is equipped with two devices called inlet and outlet baffles that help control the flow of wastewater into and out of the tank.

The inlet baffle directs incoming wastewater to the middle of the tank to encourage more efficient natural separation of liquid and solid waste while limiting the chance of inlet pipe clogs. The outlet baffle helps direct wastewater out of the septic system and into the drain field instead while blocking the outflow of solid waste.

If your inlet baffle cracks or collapses, then a septic system back-up can occur that can only be remedied by professional plumbers. If your outlet pipe becomes damaged, then solid waste can more easily enter your drain field and disrupt its natural bacterial balance, reducing its efficiency. This solid waste can also clog drain field pipes, leading to the need for pipe repair and replacement.

Both of these baffles can also become clogged when too much solid waste accumulates inside of your tank due to tank neglect.

To prevent baffle problems, obtain regular septic tank pumpings to remove solid waste accumulation. Your septic tank specialist will inspect your baffles for damage during the pumping process and repair or replace them if necessary to prevent future problems.

3. Floating Tank

Another common septic tank problem is a floating tank. When a septic tank floats, it begins to rise out of the ground instead of staying buried where it belongs. As the tank rises, it can break free from the inlet and outlet pipes connected to it and become completely unusable until it is reburied and repaired. Plastic and fiberglass tanks are more prone to floating than concrete tanks because these materials are lighter.

Thankfully, you can take additional steps to prevent septic tank floating. First, ensure home gutter system downspouts are not directed toward your septic tank where they can saturate the soil around it and increase the chance of floating.

In addition, avoid having your tank pumped when the ground surrounding it is saturated with water, such as after a long period of heavy rain. Tanks are more susceptible to floating when they are empty while the ground around them is saturated with water.

If you are a homeowner with a septic system, then follow these tips to prevent septic tank problems. Contact the septic tank specialists at Pete's Outflow Technicians to schedule a tank pumping service or septic tank repair today.

Troubleshooting 3 Common Grease Trap Issues

Mon, 21 Sep 2020 17:52:48 GMT

A grease trap is a two-compartment system that hooks up to the main drain in a restaurant kitchen. All water passes through the trap, where the grease-free water is siphoned away to municipal drains while the sludge and grease remain. Although the system typically runs smoothly, sometimes there are problems.

1. Foul Odors

A properly functioning grease trap should not let foul odors into the air nearby. If you can smell your grease trap, then chances are something is wrong.

Cause

A grease trap puts out a foul odor either due to mechanical issues or insufficient cleaning. The inlet into the grease trap is sealed with a gasket, which is there to ensure that odors do not leak out. If this gasket fails, then you may begin to smell the contents of the trap.

Insufficient cleaning can also lead to odors, even if the gasket is working properly. This can be the result of infrequent pumping, resulting in an overly full trap, or from residue and sludge that is not fully removed during a routine pumping.

Solution

Fortunately, foul odors are one of the easiest grease trap problems to fix. Gaskets are easily replaced, thus keeping the odors properly sealed away. If cleaning is an issue, a full pumping followed by hydrojetting to remove any remaining sludge should remedy the problem.

2. Clogs

A clog can affect one or both compartments in your grease trap. When a clog happens, there were will be an overflow in the compartment that is affected by the clog.

Cause

There are three places where a clog can occur in your grease trap -- in the incoming line, the outgoing lines, and in the crossover line that connects the two compartments. Clogs usually occur when debris rises from the bottom of the trap and becomes lodged in one of these lines.

In some cases, a clog may also occur if grease gets into one of the lines and solidifies into a dam of sorts. This can happen when there is too much grease in the trap and it cools down to the point of becoming a solid mass.

Solution

A full cleaning of your grease trap system will fix the clogs. First, all debris, including the sludge and grease, must be pumped out of both compartments. If the obstruction in the lines is severe, hydrojetting may be used to force out the debris into either the neighboring compartment or into the sewer line. Everything is then scrubbed down to remove all remaining residue. Scheduling more frequent pumpings will prevent future clogs.

3. Overflow

An overflow can create a huge wet and greasy mess. Once an overflow happens, it will continue to happen each time you try to run any water through the trap until the issue is fixed.

Cause

Most grease traps work by allowing sediment to sink to the bottom of the compartment, while grease floats to the top. The clear water is then siphoned out from the central layer to the sewer, while the grease is shunted to the second grease storage compartment of the trap. The sediment remains in the first compartment, as sludge.

If the sludge isn't pumped out periodically, then it overfills the first compartment, and an overflow results whenever any water flows into the system from sinks, dishwashers, and other attached drains.

Solution

The only way to prevent overflows is with timely pumping of both the second grease-containing compartment and the first compartment that holds the sludge. How frequently you need to pump depends on the size of the trap and your grease output, as well as municipal code. For example, in Santa Cruz county grease traps must be professionally pumped at least once annually.

Contact Pete's Outflow Technicians for more help with maintaining or repairing your restaurant grease trap.

What Should Landlords Know About Septic Systems?

Fri, 21 Aug 2020 19:12:40 GMT

Renting any property comes with a wide range of difficulties and potential pitfalls. Whether you're a first-time landlord or expanding your property portfolio, you must understand these unique challenges to keep your tenants happy and your properties profitable. Residential properties serviced by septic tanks may seem especially difficult to manage if you are unfamiliar with septic tank systems.

Successfully managing a property with a septic tank requires a bit of knowledge and potentially more attention to routine maintenance scheduling, but it's far from an impossible task. This article will provide you with the tools and tips you need to make sure that your septic tank properties don't become an unexpected thorn in your side.

Understand Your Responsibilities

As a landlord in California, you must abide by the "Implied Warranty of Habitability." In non-legal terms, this means you must provide your tenants with a property that provides the essentials required for human habitation. Proper, functional plumbing falls within these essentials, and that means that the septic system and any issues that arise with it are your responsibility as a landlord.

In practice, this means that you have a legal obligation to service septic systems on your properties regularly. Failing to inspect and pump septic tanks can lead to a variety of problems, and even threaten the health of your tenants. Under these conditions, your tenants may able to withhold rent or seek other legal remedies against you.

While these responsibilities may seem intimidating, renting out a property with a septic tank doesn't need to be a burden. Septic systems require routine inspections and cleanings about once every three years. Meticulous adherence to this schedule can potentially allow your septic system to operate without trouble for decades.

Educate Your Tenants

Many septic problems are the result of improper usage. Flushing inappropriate items into a septic tank can cause clogs or negatively impact the tank fauna. Over time, these problems can damage septic tanks, lead to backups, or force more frequent tank pumping. If your tenants don't use the system properly, then you may face significantly higher maintenance costs.

While California does not require you to pay for damage caused by tenants, you may find it a challenge to prove that septic issues are the fault of any individual tenant. The best way to avoid higher maintenance costs is through proper education. Always ensure that your tenants are familiar with the appropriate use of the septic system so that they do not flush inappropriate items down their drains.

In addition to educating your tenants on usage, you can explain common symptoms of septic problems. Bad smells, gurgling drains, or wet spots on the lawn may all be early warning signs. If your tenants recognize these problems early enough, then you may be able to address the issue by pumping your tank before you face costly repairs.

Maintain the System

Ultimately, keeping your tenants happy and avoiding expensive repairs is all about proper maintenance. If you rent out a single-family home, then sticking to a 3-5 year pumping schedule will usually be sufficient. When you have the tank pumped, be sure to also schedule an inspection. Discuss the results of this review with your septic tank cleaner to understand if you need to increase your pumping frequency.

Note that you should take extra care if you are renting out a single-family home that's been converted for multiple occupancies. In these cases, the septic system may not be able to handle the waste volume of more than one family. To avoid problems, increase your pump tanking frequency and discuss the situation with an expert. You may also need to consider upgrading the septic system capacity in the future.

Pete's Outflow Technicians can help you to manage the septic systems on your rental properties. Give us a call to schedule your tank cleaning and inspection today!

How to Maintain the Grease Trap in Your Commercial Kitchen

Wed, 22 Jul 2020 05:41:35 GMT

A grease trap is probably isn't the most exciting piece of equipment in your restaurant, take-out, or other commercial food kitchen. However, it also may be one of the most important. A malfunctioning grease trap can impact your customers' experience, your employees' working environment, the effect of your operation on the local community, and your business's standing with health and safety regulatory agencies.

What Is a Grease Trap?

A grease trap, also sometimes known as a grease interceptor, is a plumbing fixture designed to catch the fats, oils, and greases (FOG) produced in food processing and often washed down the drain. Grease traps can be small affairs located inside, often around the sink area. Or they can be large exterior traps, often underground, capable of holding hundreds to thousands of gallons.

How Do They Work?

Wastewater carrying FOG flows from your kitchen's drains into the grease trap's tank. There, the FOG rises to the top of the tank and is kept by a baffles system from flowing with the water into the sewer pipes.

What Happens if the Grease Trap Is Not Well Maintained?

A clogged or otherwise malfunctioning grease trap can have deleterious effects on all aspects of your food operation. It can:

Emit a stench that doesn't disappear no matter how much you clean
Cause drain clogs and sewage overflows in your establishment, requiring expensive repairs and remediation
Bring about regulatory penalties and even business closures
Lead to FOG and other contaminated wastewater overflow entering the sewer pipes and polluting local groundwater

What Can I Do to Avoid a Non-Maintained Trap?

On a day to day basis, there are a number of steps you can take to keep your grease trap in top working order. These include:

Don't pour grease down the drain but instead collect it in bins disposed of by a waste management contractor.
Scrape plates before rinsing to further remove grease.
Install screens under the drains in your sinks to catch FOG before it enters the pipes.
Use disposals for non-greasy foods only.
Wipe up grease spills with a paper towel to keep as much FOG as possible away from the drain.
Train employees in appropriate grease management practices.
Have your grease trap inspected and cleaned regularly by experienced technicians familiar with your local health, safety, and environmental regulations.

How Do I Know When I Need to Have the Grease Trap Cleaned?

How often to call in the professionals to clean your grease trap depends on its size and the extent of your kitchen operation. However, the time between cleanings should never exceed three months. Signs that you might need more frequent service include:

Blocked pipes or foul smells
Levels in your grease trap tank more than 25% FOG
Grease leaked onto floors and surfaces

Of course, you should always look for a company with the appropriate experience and certifications in grease trap maintenance to take care of your regular cleanings. The rules governing grease trap services vary between states and localities. In California, for example, the law requires that the company cleaning your grease trap be:

Licensed, approved, and permitted
Operating a pump truck and dumping at an approved sewage plant
Certified by the California State Food and Agriculture Department

The cost to your food operation of ignoring proper maintenance of your grease trap is high - unpleasant customer experience and workplace, pollution of the local groundwater, expensive plumbing repairs, legal sanctions, and even business closure. Keeping the grease trap clean may be the least glamorous task you have, but making sure that it's done well can make or break your business.

Give us a call at Pete's Outflow Technicians to talk more about how you can keep the grease trap in your commercial kitchen clean and operating smoothly.

Why You Shouldn't Substitute Septic Maintenance With Septic Additives

Wed, 24 Jun 2020 17:51:45 GMT

Some people think they can use septic additives so that they don't have to maintain their septic systems. Unfortunately, your septic system's efficiency depends on its maintenance and service, not additives. Here is an overview of septic systems, the myth of additives, and correct septic maintenance practices.

How Septic Systems Work

To understand why additives don't work as advertised, you need to understand how the septic system works. Once the septic effluent gets into the tank, it decomposes due to the action of bacteria. The decomposed effluent then separates into three layers:

Sludge at the bottom of the tank
Watery effluent on top of the sludge
Scum (mostly fats, oils, and grease) at the top of the pile

The watery effluent flows to the septic drain field where further decomposition occurs, and treated wastes seep into the soil.

The Additives

Septic additives are mostly chemicals, such as acids and solvents. Some people also sell biological additives, which are mostly bacteria and enzymes.

Claimed Benefits

Proponents of septic additives claim that they work in two main ways. The first is that chemical additives help with the decomposition of wastes in the tank. The second is that the biological additives augment the natural bacteria in the septic tank, which also accelerates decomposition.

Why Additives Are Unnecessary

The claimed benefits of septic additives are more myths than reality. For one, it is not chemicals, but the bacteria in the septic tank and drain filed that break down the wastes into harmless components. Secondly, a well-maintained septic system has enough microbes to facilitate decomposition without other help.

The Dangers of Additives

Septic additives are both unnecessary and dangerous. Here are some of the associated dangers:

Corrosion: Many of the chemicals in septic additives are corrosive and can damage metal components of the septic system.
False security: If you use additives, you might think that your system doesn't need any maintenance or service even though it does.
Microbe death: Chemicals in septic additives can kill microbes in the septic tank or drain field.
Ground contamination: Chemicals in septic additives can seep into the ground along with the effluent and contaminate the groundwater.

In the end, the additives might leave your septic system in a worse condition than before. If you have to use additives, first confirm with your septic company that the additives won't harm the system.

What to Do

The good news is that septic maintenance is relatively easy. Below are some of the measures that will keep your septic system healthy:

Ensure that only organic wastes, specifically human waste, water, and toilet paper, enter the septic system.
Have the septic system regularly inspected to spot and deal with emerging problems.
Limit the volume of water that goes into the septic system so as not to flood the drain field.
Pump the septic system regularly. The optimal frequency depends on various factors, such as the nature of your wastes, the household size, and your water-usage habits.
Don't compact the septic drain field - for example, don't park cars on the drain field.
Don't let chemicals flow into the septic system.
Limit the quantity of fats, oils, and grease that enter the septic system. For example, install a grease trap and discard these separately.
Repair septic problems as soon as they emerge.

A septic maintenance company can provide you with the full list of septic maintenance do's and don'ts.

A new septic system costs a lot of money to install. Take care of your existing system so that it doesn't fail prematurely. Pete's Outflow Technicians can help you pump your septic system and execute the necessary maintenance and service. Contact us today, and we will have your septic system running healthily in no time.

Ready to Pump Your Septic System? Know What to Expect

Tue, 26 May 2020 20:19:07 GMT

Every septic tank eventually becomes full. Septic cleaning services pump the tank to prevent a variety of problems. Overfilled tanks can cause unpleasant odors, swampy yards, and backed-up pipes in the home. Regular cleaning empties the tank before problems begin. Here is what to expect when tank pumping and cleaning takes place.

Schedule the Service

Contact a septic service company for the cleaning. Technicians will usually ask why you want the system pumped. Some plumbing issues may start because of problems elsewhere in the system and not because of a full septic tank. The technician will want to make certain a cleaning is what the home needs most.

Expect Little Damage

Many homeowners worry most about the potential damage to their yard. Tank cleaning does not require the technicians to uncover the entire tank. A technician may have to dig to uncover the lids if they are not on risers that bring the lid above the ground. A technician will use a prod to search the yard for the location of the tank and only remove the earth immediately above the lids.

After the cleaning, the technician will replace the original dirt and sod, which will hide almost any sign of the work that took place. Some flattening of the grass could occur if the tank was too far away from a paved surface for the hose to reach the tank. The driver may need to bring the truck onto the grass to perform the cleaning.

Homeowners can uncover and recover the lids themselves if they prefer. To do this, measure the distance of remote tanks to the nearest accessible paved surface. If the distance exceeds the length of the hose, the homeowner can decide where to direct the technician to park for the least amount of disturbance to the yard.

Prepare for Odors

Unsurprisingly, septic tanks do not smell nice. Some odor exits the tank as the lid comes off, and the smell usually remains throughout the cleaning service. The odor will dissipate once the service ends and the lid goes back on the tank.

No odors will come into the home through the drainage system. Homeowners may wish to close their windows on the side of the home where the tank sits to reduce any chance of the smell entering the house. Even if the windows stay open, the smell will fade quickly after the completion of the service.

Keep Your Schedule

It is unnecessary to stay home for the service if the tank only needs cleaning and there are no problems. People that need to go to work can do so. Let the technicians know so you can discuss any details and billing issues before the work takes place.

The technician may request any homeowners at home to flush a toilet or run water once the cleaning ends. Water entering the system enables the technician to see if the system works properly. This step is not a necessity if the home has had no leaks or problems with clogged drains.

Discuss Future Cleanings

Septic tank cleaning is an ongoing maintenance task and not a one-time event. Most residential properties need cleaning about every three years, but many variables affect the timeline. How many people live in the home, the use the system gets, and the items that go into the drains can affect the timetable.

Longer waits between cleanings rely on homeowners following some simple guidelines. Use less water because excess water fills the tank quickly. Only flush toilet paper and biological materials, and avoid rinsing food down the drain. Heavy use of anti-bacterial products will kill the beneficial bacteria in the tank that helpfully digest solid matter.

Septic tank cleaning should take place before obvious signs of a full tank begin. Homeowners who do not know when the last cleaning took place or have not had a cleaning done in years should contact us to arrange a service. At Pete's Outflow Technicians , we offer a thorough and efficient professional cleaning. Call today.

3 Signs Your Septic System Is Full

Thu, 19 Mar 2020 17:38:33 GMT

The waste that collects in septic tanks must be pumped out when a tank becomes full. If you are a homeowner whose house uses a septic system, you should know how to recognize when a septic system is full. Discover three signs to look for.

1. Pools of Standing Water Form

When water pools near a septic tank and you do not have an obvious reason why, a full septic tank is the most likely culprit. This is especially true if you have not had rain recently or if the water has visible waste in it.

When this happens, the pools of water form near where your septic system's drainfield is. The drainfield is a series of pipes that drain water that flows through the system into the soil. They are not intended to handle solid waste, which should get trapped in the actual septic tank.

If your septic tank becomes too full of solid waste, however, the sludge can move into the pipes of the drainfield. Once solid waste clogs up these pipes, the drainfield will not work properly. As water gets into the field, it will not flow through the pipes as designed and instead can pool in a particular area.

Should you ever notice pools of water near your septic system's drainfield, make sure no one goes in that part of your yard. The water is likely contaminated with human waste, so avoid the area until you can properly address the problem. You will need a professional septic tank service provider to both pump out the tank and unclog the drain lines.

2. Unusual Smells Emit from the Ground

Hopefully, you realize that your septic tank needs pumping before the drainfield actually clogs. One way to monitor for a forthcoming problem is to periodically sniff the air around where your septic tank and the drainfield are.

The waste that enters a septic tank does not smell good. In fact, it smells downright nauseating because it is full of kitchen waste, human waste, and general wastewater.

When a septic system works properly, these foul smells are not an issue because they are trapped within the system and underground. Should you notice a foul smell where your septic tank and drainfield are, however, the smell suggests that gases may be escaping from the drainfield.

These gases themselves are not a problem, except that they are unpleasant to smell in your yard. They are a sign that your septic tank has started to get full, though. When odors first become noticeable, waste is near the drainfield and emitting gas into it. The waste will not immediately be in the drainfield, however.

As long as you have a septic tank service provider pump out your septic tank soon after you initially notice a foul smell, you should be able to prevent the drainfield from clogging. This will keep the service simple, since no pipes need to be unclogged. You also will not have wastewater collect in your yard.

3. Multiple Drains Become Slow

When just one drain becomes slow, a clog has likely formed in the pipes directly connected to that drain. If multiple drains in your home start to slow down, however, the blockage is not limited to a single localized area. Instead, it has affected most of your house - and could be in your septic system.

As waste builds up in your septic system, water will pass through the system more slowly. If the waste is not cleared out, the problem will only get worse. In this situation, you should pump your septic tank relatively soon.

If you need to pump out a septic tank , contact Pete’s Outflow Technicians.

Landscape Design and Septic Tanks: Avoid Any Complications

Tue, 18 Feb 2020 20:36:23 GMT

A lush landscape can add value to a home and make the yard more attractive and enjoyable. Homeowners with a septic system need to use caution as they plan their layout to avoid and complications. Septic tank runoff can harm ponds and gardens, and some plants can damage the system. Plan carefully to avoid an undesirable outcome.

Keep Area Accessible

Keep clear the area over the septic tank for routine maintenance and in case the system ever needs repair. To access the tank for septic pumping, repairs, or replacement will mean removing anything above the tank. Flower gardens, trees, and other items could end up destroyed when a removal takes place.

To avoid complications, locate the septic tank before completing a landscape plan. Previous homeowners may know the location of the tank. Check out local property records with the town or county to see if they have maps available with the information. Local septic companies may also know if they worked on the system in the past or installed the tank.

Avoid Any Contamination

Septic systems also include a leach field where wastewater from the tank drains. The soil purifies the liquid as it moves through the ground, so it does not contaminate water systems. Homeowners can safely walk and sit on the ground above a functioning drain field. However, it isn't safe to plant a garden in the same area.

Experts recommend planting all fruits and vegetables at least 10 feet away from the drain field. The distance will help to avoid the risk of bacterial contamination. The risk of contamination occurs most often when the system has too much water for the ground to drain efficiently.

Excess water in the ground from a weather event or a leaking septic system could cause the area to flood. Flooded leach fields can allow bacteria in the wastewater to rise to the surface. Plants may absorb the bacteria or their surfaces become contaminated. Exposure to the bacteria occurs as people handle or consume the plants.

Prevent Any Damage

Planting above the septic tank or sewer lines could cause damage to the system if the items planted have invasive roots. Trees are the main concern for invasive roots. Popular tree species with invasive roots include some types of elms and maples, willows, and hybrid poplars.

Research any tree before planting and make certain to install it far enough away from the system so the future root growth will not become a problem. Invasive roots can enter pipes and the tank and cause leaks and fill the interior, so the system becomes unusable. The roots can also grow under the system and lift it, causing damage.

The soil in a leach field could contain elevated levels of nitrogen because organic material releases it as it breaks down. Many plants suffer or fail if the nitrogen level gets too high. Planting grass is a good option for this area because it thrives in a nitrogen-rich environment, it prevents soil erosion, and it slows water absorption to reduce the risk of over-saturated soil.

Nitrogen can also become a problem for people that add ponds near a drain field. Nitrogen can pollute the water and cause algae blooms. Stocked fish in the pond could also sicken or die.

Damage to nearby vegetation may take place because of other chemicals found in the wastewater that come from the home. For example, elevated levels of boron can damage or kill citrus trees. Some laundry detergents use boron as an ingredient.

No one wants to see a yard destroyed due to a septic tank issue. An expert can locate and inspect the system for the homeowner before any landscaping begins. At Pete's Outflow Technicians , we offer advice, make septic system repairs, and install new systems to ensure everything is in the best condition possible. Call today to schedule an appointment.

Steps to Take If You Suspect Septic Damage

Fri, 24 Jan 2020 19:13:33 GMT

Your septic system can become damaged in a variety of ways and for a variety of reasons. So when you notice the first signs of an issue, you may be at a loss wondering what to do next. After all, most of the system is underground, so you can't exactly check it over for damage yourself.

In addition, looking inside the septic tank can be unsafe, especially if you're not properly trained, and you should never enter the tank under any circumstances. Instead, play it safe and use professional services once you've determined that your septic system needs to be investigated and perhaps repaired.

Here are the next steps to take if you suspect some type of damage to your septic system.

1. Rule Out the Weather

Sometimes a particularly rainy spell of weather can slow or stop septic processing for a period of time. If slow drains or the septic alarm going off are the only symptom of problems, the weather can sometimes be to blame.

If you have had a lot of rainy weather recently, try using less water for the rest of the day and see if the issue resolves on its own. If a septic alarm problem doesn't resolve after fifteen hours or so, you'll want to call in a septic professional to see if you have another underlying issue.

2. Look for a Proximate Cause

Some things that can cause damage to a septic system include:

Driving over the septic area (even with a small car or riding lawnmower)
Flushing solid items down the toilet or drains
Using the kitchen garbage disposal
Natural disasters such as earthquakes or floods
Lack of maintenance

If you've noticed any of these possible causes, you'll be able to tell your septic contractor about it when they arrive. This could help them to diagnose the issue faster.

3. Decide Between a Plumber and a Septic Contractor

In some cases, plumbing problems such as clogged drains can present symptoms similar to the symptoms of septic issues (such as a clog in the septic baffle or the main sewage line). In either case, backups or slowdowns can occur.

One sign that you could have a plumbing problem is if only one or two specific drains are slowing down (such as just the shower drains). Shower drains and kitchen sink drains may clog especially easily. But if several or all of your drains seem to be slowing or stopping, a septic issue or main drain line clog is more likely to be the problem.

4. Call for Repairs

Your septic system contractor can make a house call to inspect and diagnose any septic issues for you. Some homeowners will notice the septic system is running slow and simply call for a tank pumping. However, pumping the tank doesn't fix the issue; you'll just have problems again when the tank fills back up in a few days.

So although septic repairs may not sound like an attractive way to spend your home repairs budget, don't skimp on this area of home maintenance. Avoiding repairs today could compound the issue, which in a worst case scenario could mean that your system quits completely and needs to be repaired sooner than normal.

5. Avoid Using Drains

While you wait for your septic contractor to arrive, you'll want to avoid overloading your septic system with wastewater. No matter what the issue is, expecting a damaged system to function like normal isn't reasonable. And in some cases such as a main line clog, using the system like normal could just result in dangerous sewage backups in your home.

These steps can help you to progress from first noticing a septic problem all the way to safely repairing the system. For more information on septic pumping, line cleaning, and other services we provide, get in touch with Pete's Outflow Technicians today.

Understanding Your Septic Drainage System

Fri, 20 Dec 2019 20:31:14 GMT

A home's septic system consists of two main parts, the septic tank and the soil absorption area, also called a leach field. The absorption area shouldn't be relegated to an afterthought because many septic system failures originate in the field. Gain an understanding of how your septic drainage system works with regards to the soil absorption area to better be able to safeguard it.

Septic Soil Absorption Area Basics

The septic tank collects the organic matter and other floatables that the household flushes into the system. It holds onto the water long enough for solids to settle to the bottom. The result is three layers inside the tank - the settled solids, water, and a layer of sludge on the top made of grease and oil.

The tank then discharges the effluent, or the remaining liquid in the tank, into the soil absorption area. A system of perforated pipes or other release units slowly let the effluent leach into the soil. The soil further removes pathogens and impurities from the effluent through the process of percolation. The water is then pure enough to enter the water table.

Never flush chemicals such as paint thinner or varnish because they can contaminate the soil and even leach into the groundwater.

Septic Soil Absorption Area Size and Placement

The size of your household will determine the size of the tank, which will determine the size of the soil absorption area. A factor that goes into sizing the leach field is the soil's rate of percolation. A good rate might be three minutes for one inch, while a bad rate might require a full hour. Septic experts are the best at these determinations.

Naturally, the leach filed area must be near the septic tank. What's more, the septic system works primarily via gravity. Therefore, the field should be at a lower elevation than the tank, which ideally is at a lower elevation than the house. If such a location isn't feasible, homeowners have to invest in a lift station or pump to move the water from the tank to the absorption area.

Divert runoff water, such as from roofs and patios, to avoid soaking the leach field. Soaked soil offers a lower percolation rate.

Signs of a Failed Soil Absorption Area

A septic system relies heavily on the soil in the absorption area percolating the effluent. When the system handles primarily bathroom waste, the soil has no problem with percolation. Unfortunately, grease and oil floating on top of the water flow into the field. When they enter the soil, they settle and bind the particles to make clay, which reduces percolation rates.

An early harbinger of a failing field is the presence of suddenly lush, green grass, which indicates the lawn is receiving more nutrients from the waste below. Spongy grass or muddy soil indicates water from the drains is backing up. Strong odors around the septic system area are the biggest hint the soil absorption field is failing.

Safeguarding Tip: Avoid pouring grease and oil into your sink.

Location of Your Soil Absorption Area

If you have your house custom-built, you may be involved in the process of locating the septic system. However, many people buy homes with an existing system. You'll want to know where your system to watch for signs of failure.

The realtor or selling homeowner can usually show you where the soil absorption area is located. You may also have a "record drawing" or "as built" diagram available to you through your local county office. If you don't have such road maps, look at the areas lower than the house for manholes or shallow, parallel depressions, a likely sign of the leach field trenches.

Avoid driving onto the absorption field or building structures on top. The weight will compact the soil, which inhibits its ability to percolate effluent.

Once you have the basics of how the soil absorption area works within your septic system, sign up for a maintenance plan to keep the entirety in working order. Pete's Outflow Technicians offer a variety of septic tank cleaning services.

When Do You Need an Alternative Septic System?

Mon, 02 Dec 2019 15:23:18 GMT

A septic system is vital to the performance of your home's plumbing system. In areas where a municipal sewer system is not available, septic systems are responsible for collecting, storing, and processing waste.

A conventional septic system consists of a tank and a drain field. The tank holds waste and allows for the separation of solids and liquids. Treated wastewater is released into the drain field via a series of perforated pipes. The water seeps out of these pipes and into the gravel or permeable soil for further treatment.

A conventional septic system is the most common in residential settings, but not all homes are good candidates for a system with a conventional design. If your home is located in an area with a high water table, shallow soil depth, or impermeable soils, then you will need to consider an alternative septic system instead.

High Water Table

The water table can fluctuate in some areas. You can usually deal with temporary changes in the local water table by reducing water usage in your home for a few weeks, but a consistently high water table can wreak havoc on a conventional septic system.

The soil in areas with a high water table is already near maximum saturation. This makes it difficult for the drain field to function properly. The saturation level of the soil in the drain field that is caused by a high water table can make it impossible for the soil to absorb the wastewater being pumped out of a septic tank. An alternative septic system that features an intermediary filtration system can help address problems associated with a high water table.

The most common type of filtration system used is a sand filtration system. Wastewater passes through a sand filter after the septic tank discharges it. The sand will help to remove any impurities, making the water cleaner as it enters the drain field. You won't have to worry about soil contamination when you utilize a sand filter septic system if your property has a high water table.

Shallow Soil Depth

The depth of the soil on your property can dictate which type of septic system will best serve your home. Conventional septic systems feature a tank buried below the surface of the ground. If the topsoil levels on your property are minimal, you may not be able to fully bury your septic tank. The shallow soil will also affect drain field performance by preventing maximum saturation.

A viable septic solution for homeowners with shallow soil depth is a low-pressure pipe septic system. This alternative type of septic system features a pumping chamber between the tank and the drain field.

Instead of discharging wastewater into the drain field continually, the pumping chamber is programmed to release wastewater on a set schedule. Limiting the amount of wastewater that enters the drain field at any given time will allow the shallow soil to process wastewater without becoming waterlogged.

Impermeable Soil

It's not just soil depth that can affect drain field performance, the type of soil on your property plays a role in the effectiveness of your septic system as well. Ideal soil conditions are permeable to allow for the absorption of wastewater in the drain field.

Soils with high clay content have a tendency to form a tough crust that prevents water permeation. To combat a clay soil, you can install a mound septic system. These septic systems feature a drain field that is installed above ground level.

The technicians installing a mound septic system will create a gravel bed, and the perforated pipes of the drain field are laid over the gravel. The next step is covering the entire area with permeable sand to allow for the proper treatment of wastewater.

No matter what type of septic system serves your home, regular cleaning and maintenance are critical. Contact Pete's Outflow Technicians to schedule a septic tank and line cleaning service for your system today.

6 Signs You're Damaging Your Septic System Without Realizing It

Fri, 18 Oct 2019 03:56:29 GMT

Have you recently moved into a home with a septic system? Has your septic system started to give off strange odors? Whether you're pretty sure you have a problem or whether you want to avoid signs of failure, educating yourself about septic systems is the first step to take.

Here are six signs you could be damaging your septic system unintentionally.

1. You Don't Know Where System Components Are Buried

Did you know that some outdoor activities can damage your septic system if you're not careful? Whether that means installing a deck, parking your RV behind your home, or just using a riding lawnmower, you could easily damage some components of your septic system if you don't know where they're buried.

Check your county's records for a diagram of your septic system so you can avoid driving or building on it.

2. You've Been Using the System Like a City Sewer

You shouldn't avoid buying a home just because it's on a septic system rather than a sewer. But you also shouldn't ignore the different needs of the systems and simply use the septic system as though it were a sewer. If you don't have experience with septic systems and haven't done your basic homework on what makes them tick, you could easily cause problems by mistake.

One easy mistake to make is simply using water without thinking about how much is going down the drains. A septic system has a certain capacity and can only process a certain amount of water per hour.

If you save up all your family's laundry for over a week and then wash it all at once, you could overwhelm the system. You may not even realize you've overwhelmed your system until the leach field slows down and starts to smell bad.

3. You're Growing Trees in Your Yard

Trees can be highly beneficial; they may help shade your home from hot midday sun and provide habitats for birds and other wildlife on your property. Some can even produce edible fruit. But if you have a small or medium-sized backyard, finding a non-objectionable placement for a tree can be tricky.

If you do have any trees in your yard, their roots can pose a threat to underground structures such as your septic system. The trees' roots are actually attracted to the system because they seek out sources of water. When they find their way into a pipe, they can cause leaks and clogs.

4. Your House Has Had Recent Renovations

A past owner of your home may have added on to the house without increasing the septic system capacity accordingly. This could allow your larger family to move in without realizing that your septic tank is going to be overtaxed the entire time you live there.

Another potential problem is if you or a past owner renovate an unfinished space (like a basement) into a bedroom. An additional person in the house could put additional strain on your system.

5. You're Overusing Strong Cleaners

The more antibacterial soaps, disinfectant cleaners, and other strong chemicals you put down your drains, the more likely you are to accidentally damage the biological balance of your bacteria. Whether you use a lot of bleach to sanitize your laundry or whether you just use antibacterial hand soap and automatic toilet cleaners, chemicals can harm your system.

6. Your System Has Started to Act Up

Finally, you should definitely be concerned about your septic system if it's recently started to act up. A septic system that experiences sewage backup or bad smells could have a simple clog in the sewer line or it could be experiencing a complete drainfield failure.

Some causes of septic failure (such as a saturated leach field from too much rain) are beyond your control, but others (such as flushing chemicals down the drain) could definitely be due to neglect or misuse, whether short-term or long-term.

If any of these red flags sound familiar, you may have inadvertently damaged or neglected your septic system. To get it working again promptly, enlist the help of Pete's Outflow Technicians . We can clean out your septic tank, remove clogs from the main sewer line, and more.

Purchasing a Home? What to Know About Septic System Capacity

Thu, 08 Aug 2019 20:31:24 GMT

Families who plan to purchase an existing home often have a list of criteria, such as whether a home has a septic system and what its condition is. However, septic system capacity is often ignored. If you are a prospective homebuyer who would like to learn more about septic system capacity and the reason why it is important, this information can help.

Septic Tank Size

Septic tank capacity is typically measurable in gallons, with many areas of the United States now mandating a minimum residential septic tank size of 1000 gallons for a home with up to three bedrooms. Homebuyers should note that these minimum requirements may not apply to an older home built prior to when the regulations were imposed.

In addition, homebuyers must consider other factors when concerned about the size and capacity of a home's septic system for their family size and the average amount of water they expect their household to use each day. Generally, septic tank size recommendations typically rise by 250 gallons for each additional bedroom in the home.

Remember that some homes may have had renovations and enlargements to add additional bedrooms without also making corresponding updates in the septic system, leaving those homes less able to handle the demands of a large family.

Septic Drainfield Size

Only about 45 percent of the sewage treatment process for a residential setting actually occurs inside the septic tank. The reminder of this critical function occurs in the drainfield, after the effluent arrives from the septic tank. The ability of the septic drainfield to safely process the effluent and render it harmless requires it be equipped with sufficiently sized lateral lines and encased by soil with a proper percolation rate.

Septic system designers must determine the input flow rate in gallons and then use that number, plus the number of bedrooms in the home, to determine the length and number of the lateral lines in the drain field.

Additionally, many factors beyond the number of bedrooms can affect the input flow rate, including whether or not the home has toilets and faucets with water-saving features and the actual usage habits of the occupants.

Undersized Septic System

Homebuyers who later determine that the home they have purchased is equipped with an undersized septic system may need to plan to install a larger tank, drainfield, or both. However, homeowners can take some actions to help the current system remain functional if they need to postpone replacement.

The first action should be to examine how the occupants of the home use water and make changes to reduce that usage, wherever possible. Recommendations for this include:

Installing low-flow toilets, showerheads, and faucets
Running laundry and dishwashing appliances only with full loads
Repairing leaky faucets

In addition, curtailing activities such as taking long showers or leaving faucets on while handwashing dishes or brushing and flossing teeth can help cut down on overall water usage.

Another strategy to reduce stress on an undersized septic system is to pump the septic tank on a more frequent basis. An adequately sized septic system may only need pumping every two to five years on average. If the septic tank is too small or the drain field is in danger of overloading, homeowners may consider pumping the tank once or twice per year until they can renovate and enlarge the system.

Homebuyers, as well as homeowners, who find themselves with problems or questions about septic tank capacity, options, maintenance, inspections, or repairs can always rely on our staff of experts for the answers and assistance they need. At Pete's Outflow Technicians , we are always prepared to help homeowners take great care of their home's septic systems. Call today.

What You Need to Know About Septic Systems as First-Time Home Buyers

Fri, 02 Aug 2019 18:03:56 GMT

Buying a home is the biggest purchase of most people's lives. It can be a stressful undertaking, especially for first-time home buyers. Experts are throwing around real estate terms that you don't understand -- contingencies, radon, easement, conveyance, septic. While we can't comment on the others, septic is a word that you don't need to be afraid of.

Even if you have only ever lived with city water and sewer services, buying a home with a septic system is really not a big deal. Read on for what you need to know about these systems.

What is a Septic System?

Many homes are connected to a municipal wastewater treatment system, where waste is transported to a treatment facility for processing. For houses that are located too far away from the city for this to be feasible, a septic system is installed for each individual house.

Like a municipal system, waste is flushed and then slowly separates from the accompanying water. The solids sink down and form a layer of sludge on the bottom of the tank. Water slowly flows out of the tank and into a drain field, eventually returning to the groundwater.

Do I Need to Have a Septic System Inspected Before I Buy a Home?

Home inspections are an important part of the home-buying process. Depending on the home you are buying, the type of loan you are choosing, and the part of the country you live in, you may get a general home inspection, an FHA-required pest inspection, a radon test, a septic inspection, and, possibly, an inspection by a structural engineer.

During a septic inspection , they locate the tank's lid and access the tank itself to determine not only how full the tank is and when it was last pumped, but also if it is still structurally sound. If the tank is failing, you will want to talk to your Realtor and take the cost of replacement into consideration during your contract negotiations.

How Often Does a Septic System Need to be Cleaned?

The EPA suggests that septic systems should be inspected at least every three years by a professional. With a new home purchase, you may want to have your tank looked at annually until you have a better feel for your usage. Full tanks typically need to be pumped out every three to five years.

How Can I Maintain a Septic System Between Cleanings?

While there are several additives on the market that claim to help clean your septic tank, the EPA states that "periodic pumping is a much better way" to maintain your septic tank over time. A better plan is to monitor what you put in your tank. Many seemingly innocent household items that are commonly flushed should be disposed of in the trash instead, like:

Dental floss. It may seem rather innocuous to flush a tiny piece of dental floss, but it can do serious damage. All those tiny pieces band together, surround other solids, and form giant balls of floss and debris that can wreak havoc in your tank.
Cleaning wipes. Do not get in the habit of flushing anything that is not biodegradable. Cleaning wipes should be disposed of in the trash, not your septic tank.
Cat litter. Clumping-style cat litter can create large, clogging clumps in your pipes and tank. Even the non-clumping litter should never be flushed because it just sits at the bottom of the tank.

The above list may seem surprising as many of the products are marketed as flushable. It is important to understand, however, that these items not only clog your tank, but also disrupt the balance of bacteria designed to breakdown organic matter.

Buying a home with a septic system does not have to be scary. Working with your Realtor and us at Pete's Outflow Technicians can help you navigate the process easily.

Septic-Damaging Household Practices | Pete's Outflow Technicians

Mon, 08 Jul 2019 22:47:03 GMT

Protect Your Septic System by Stopping These Common Household Practices

The residential septic system is typically one of the least troublesome and longest lasting of all major home systems. In fact, according to information published by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), homeowners may be able to expect to use their home's septic system for as long as four decades, or even longer with proactive maintenance habits.

While most homeowners already have a good understanding of the basic maintenance needs of their septic system, including having it pumped as needed and limiting the use of paper products, they may not realize that some of their household's common practices can harm the system and shorten its lifespan.

Flushing Old Medications

Flushing legal and illegal drugs down the toilet has been a common practice since the advent of indoor plumbing. It is, however, not a good plan for the homeowner who wants to use their septic system for as long as possible.

One problem with this practice is that many types of commonly prescribed drugs can filter into ground water supplies after being flushed down a toilet. Homeowners should also be aware that some particularly strong medications, such as those used for chemotherapy, are known to destroy the bacterial colonies that populate a properly functioning septic tank.

Without bacteria to break down waste, the system's ability to process the waste efficiently will be impaired and its lifespan may be shortened. Households who have routinely been flushing expired or unwanted medications down the toilet can break this bad habit by using a convenient nearby medication disposal site.

Introducing Unsafe Household Chemicals

Most available products designed for use in the average household are manufactured to be septic-safe, when used as directed. However, some liquids that are commonly found in the home should never be disposed of in a septic system, including:

Gasoline, diesel, kerosene, and other types of fuel
Vehicle additives, including anti-freeze, motor oil, transmission fluid, and brake fluid
Insecticides and weed-killers for home, lawn, or garden use
Solvents, paints, and stains

Additionally, drain cleaners and products that contain heavy metals, such as lead and zinc, should never be introduced into a septic system.

When any unsafe household chemical is poured into a drain or flushed down a toilet, there is potential for groundwater contamination, damage to pipes and components in the plumbing and septic systems, and destruction of the necessary bacteria inside the septic tank.

Homeowners should avoid the over-use of laundry and dish detergents. Use only the recommended amounts to ensure that any petro-chemicals contained in the formulas will remain within a range that is considered safe for residential septic systems.

Removing Excess Dietary Fats

Low-fat dieting is popular in many American households. While this type of eating may be beneficial to the household members, food preparation methods meant to reduce dietary fat may not be as healthy for the home's septic system.

For example, placing cooked, crumbled ground beef, turkey, or pork into a colander and then rinsing it under warm water to remove the fat is a popular low-fat food preparation technique. This process is effective at removing almost all the surface fat from the cooked meat but harms your home's plumbing and septic system.

In fact, any use of the kitchen drain to dispose of cooking grease and oils over extended periods can create hardened deposits inside the drain and pipes that feed the septic system. Any fats that reach the septic tank can form a congealed layer that impairs the system's ability to efficiently process waste solids and liquids.

Homeowners who are guilty of these or other usage habits that may have a negative effect on the efficiency and lifespan of their septic system are invited to immediately call on our friendly experts at Pete's Outflow Technicians for helpful advice.

Protecting Wells From Septic Systems | Pete's Outflow Technicians

Mon, 08 Jul 2019 22:38:20 GMT

Protect Your Well Water From Your Septic System

Septic systems are designed to collect wastewater from the house and return that wastewater to the ground. If the septic system is not working properly, or if the septic system is too close to the home's well, the result could be drinking water contamination.

Understanding how septic systems work and what you can do to protect your well water from your septic system can help you keep your family's drinking water safe. Here's what you need to know.

Know How Septic Systems Work

A septic tank is an underground tank that collects wastewater from the house. Eventually, that wastewater drains out of the tank into a part of the yard called the drain field. Some solids inside the tank are liquefied by bacteria in the tank, but the remaining solids settle to the bottom of the tank. These solids are eventually pumped out manually by a septic tank maintenance company.

When the water soaks into the drain field, the soil filters the water. Bacteria in the water is left in the soil. By the time the wastewater reaches the groundwater supply, it is clean and safe to drink.

Know the Potential Problems

Septic systems must be well maintained and must be located a safe distance from the well. A clogged septic tank may saturate the ground with sewer water, which could lead to contamination of the well water. Contamination could also occur if the septic tank is too close to the well.

Get a Proper Septic System Inspection

Have the septic tank inspected by a knowledgeable septic tank contractor. Your contractor will check for a variety of problems including:

Clogs in the septic line
Overflow from inside the septic tank
Drainage problems
Poor installation of the septic tank and close proximity to the well

Depending on what your septic tank contractor finds, they may recommend repairs or even relocation of the septic tank. Follow the contractor's advice to avoid drinking water contamination.

Maintain Your Septic System

Even if your septic tank is properly maintained and is a good distance from the well, maintaining your septic tank is critical. Failure to maintain your septic system could result in an overflow.

Pump Your Tank

Pump your septic tank every 3 to 5 years, or as often as your septic tank professional recommends. The frequency with which you pump your tank should be based on the size of your tank and the number of people in your household.

Only Flush Water, Toilet Paper, and Human Waste

Never flush anything down your septic tank that isn't human waste, water, or toilet paper. Be cautious of flushing any product that says it is flushable, such as disposable wipes. These items can clog your septic system. Avoid using a garbage disposal system as well: these systems send tiny particles into the septic tank that can clog the drain field.

Watch for Signs of Septic System Trouble

Know the signs that your septic system is overflowing. If your septic system does show signs of overflow, contact a septic system contractor as soon as possible. Warning signs to watch for include:

Strange odor in the yard
Extra green grass over the drain field
Standing water on the grass over the drain field

Describe what's happening to the septic tank professional, so they'll know you're having an emergency and can react accordingly.

Work with an Experienced Septic System Contractor

If you're a homeowner, work with an experienced septic tank professional to protect your property and drinking water. For more information about how you can protect your well from your septic tank, contact Pete's Outflow Technicians . We're happy to answer your questions.

Septic System Do's and Don'ts | Pete's Outflow Technicians

Tue, 07 May 2019 17:33:23 GMT

Do's and Don'ts of Keeping Microbes in Your Septic System Happy

Your septic system uses both aerobic and anaerobic bacteria to treat your wastewater. In the tank itself, millions of anaerobic bacteria work hard to break things down. And in the leach field, anaerobic bacteria and aerobic bacteria work together in a biofilm that grows both inside the pipes and outside, in the gravel bed that the pipes rest in.

Here are the do's and don'ts of keeping these microbes happy so you can continue to use your faucets and drains.

Do Pump Regularly

Neglecting septic tank pumping can lead eventually to a failed leach field. This can happen when the tank isn't pumped often enough or when it's overwhelmed by too much wastewater. As a result, the tank floods the field, resulting in an oxygen-deprived environment and allowing the biofilm to thicken as the anaerobic bacteria take over.

Eventually, the pipes will become blocked up with solids escaping from the tank so that liquids can't force their way through anymore. But either way, this is a septic disaster that can easily be avoided with some basic septic maintenance. Pumping your tank regularly and being aware of your water usage can greatly reduce your chances of developing leach field problems.

Don't Flush Chemicals

Antibacterial soaps and bleach can save lives, but they do it by killing microbes. So flushing them into your septic tank, which relies on microbes for its wastewater processing, isn't the best plan. Fortunately, the few drops of bleach you use to clean your toilet bowl is unlikely to cause a problem, but that should be the only time you put cleaners down the drain.

Don't Add Weird Stuff

Septic tanks came into being around 1860, so it makes sense that they have some urban myths floating around them. But no matter what you hear, you should never add a dead chicken to your septic tank. Yes, a dead chicken has plenty of bacteria in it but so does what you flush down your toilet every day; the chicken is unnecessary.

Other items to avoid include raw hamburger, dead sheep or cats, yeast, and chopped cabbage. In fact, you probably don't need to add any supplemental bacteria unless you've flushed a lot of bleach or taken a course of antibiotics recently. Adding things the tank wasn't meant to handle (such as dead animals) is more likely to do harm than good.

Do Choose Bacterial Additives When Needed

But what about when you do have to take antibiotics or other medications that might harm the bacteria in your tank? In that case, look for a well-known bacterial supplement additive. You still don't need to add enzymes or other additives (like chemicals) as these may cause damage. Talk to your septic professional to find out which additive would be the best bet for your situation.

Don't Route Softener Brine to Tank

Ion-exchanging water softeners use a lot of rock salt, as you probably know if you own one. As that salt gets used up, it ends up in the wastewater coming out of your water softener. And since salt is a preservative and antimicrobial, you don't want to dump that into your septic tank.

A plumbing or septic professional can help you work out the best way to divert and dispose of the brine from your softener.

These do's and don'ts are just some basic principles to keep the microbes in your septic system happily working away at your wastewater. When you care for both the bacteria in the system and the mechanics of the system (such as installing a septic filter, replacing baffles when needed, and clearing any clogs) your system can continue to serve you for decades to come.

If you need your tank pumped out anytime soon or if you're just looking for expert advice on a septic issue you've noticed recently, feel free to give Pete's Outflow Technicians a call today.

WHAT SEPTIC BAFFLES ARE AND HOW THEY WORK

Fri, 07 Sep 2018 00:00:00 GMT

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Your septic tank may seem like a simple system at first glance; it separates liquids and solids, then holds the solids in a tank until they can be pumped out and sends the liquids to a distribution field. But these processes can actually be a bit more complicated than they sound.

The tank, even if you have the simplest, most standard type, has parts that may need to be replaced from time to time, such as the inlet and outlet baffles and the baffle filter (also called effluent filter). Here's the basics about what septic baffles are and how they work.

SEPTIC BAFFLE FUNCTIONS

Septic baffles are located at the junctions where pipes enter and exit the tank. The one at the inlet pipe is called the inlet baffle, and the one at the outlet is called the outlet baffle.

The outlet baffle is often considered to be the most important baffle, because it keeps solids from exiting the tank and making their way to the leach field, where they could clog up and effectively destroy the leach field system. This is quite serious because the leach field tends to cost a lot of money to replace. Unfortunately, this baffle is also the first to crumble.

The inlet baffle is situated at the junction between the septic tank and the main sewer line leading from the house. It's designed to help wastewater flow smoothly into the tank without disturbing the scum layer. It also guides wastewater in a longer path across the septic tank (down, then across, then up) so it has more time to separate than if it just flowed straight across.

SEPTIC BAFFLE MATERIALS

Some septic baffles are made of concrete, and others, especially newer models, are made of plastic such as ABS. Plastic tends to last longer than concrete, especially at the outlet side, so if you're having a baffle replaced, your contractor might recommend that you choose a plastic one.

The outlet baffle often has an effluent filter placed inside it to make it even more effective at keeping solids out of the leach field. If yours doesn't have an effluent filter, you could have your septic contractor install one. The effluent filter will then need to be replaced on a regular basis, but that's an excellent trade-off for not needing to replace your leach field instead.

SEPTIC BAFFLE MALFUNCTIONS

Concrete baffles, especially the outlet baffles, tend to crumble after a certain number of years because of the long exposure to the corrosive gases that accumulate within the tank. If your tank has concrete baffles, you'll want to have them checked for soundness each time your tank is pumped out.

If your baffle collapses a few months after a pumping, you'll need to pay for an additional pumping because the baffle should only be replaced when the tank is empty.

Other baffle problems include clogged outlet baffles or outlet baffle filters, leaks around the baffle-totank join, and inlet baffle blockages. These blockages can happen when wipes or solids are flushed down the toilet or if the inlet pipe is installed incorrectly. Baffle blockages can also occur when tree roots come in through the inlet pipe or around the baffle.

These basics will help you understand why your septic tank's baffles are important, how they help process your wastewater on a daily basis, and why you'll need to call a septic repair contractor if something goes wrong.

For any baffle repairs or replacements, filter installations, or baffle malfunction diagnoses, call for the experienced personnel at Pete's Outflow Technicians . We're available to help with septic repairs, pumping, and other maintenance, and even septic inspections when you're buying or selling a house.

HOW EXCESSIVE WATER AFFECTS YOUR SEPTIC TANK AND WHAT TO DO

Fri, 10 Aug 2018 00:00:00 GMT

Septic systems are designed with a specific capacity based on the amount of water usage in a household. Exceeding this capacity can drastically diminish the system's ability to treat wastewater, which can result in contamination of water sources. Regulating indoor and outdoor water usage can prevent overloading and will extend the life of your septic tank.

Read on to learn more about septic tank overload and simple ideas to conserve water while protecting your septic system.

SEPTIC TANK OVERLOAD

Septic tanks come in different sizes based on user needs. When working properly, a septic tank should enable solid waste to settle at the bottom of the tank and bacteria to break down organic waste to generate nutrients.

Overloading occurs when wastewater flows into the septic tank faster than the tank's holding capacity.

An overloaded septic system does not allow solids to adequately settle and limits necessary bacterial activity. This increases the risk of solids moving into and clogging the drain field, which can reduce the septic tank's efficiency or lead to a complete breakdown of the system.

A high flow rate of wastewater can also minimize the bacterial quantity in the tank, resulting in inadequate wastewater treatment.

INDOOR WATER CONSERVATION

To prevent septic tank overload and the consequences that come with it, homeowners should adopt good practices for minimizing water wastage. Here are a few ideas you can start with.

Adjust Your Laundry Routine

Washers consume a lot of water, so you should make a few changes to how you clean your clothes to avoid excessive water wastage. If you are in the market for a new washer, opt for a front-loading machine, which is more energy and water efficient than the top-loading type.

Also, load the washer to full capacity to maximize water usage. But try to clean clothes more regularly, preferably throughout the week. Accumulating clothes to clean all at once, with multiple loads in one day, can push too much wastewater into the septic tank and cause an overload.

Minimize Shower Water Waste

The average person spends about 8 minutes in the shower, which uses over 16 gallons of water. To conserve more water, consider taking fewer and shorter showers and turning off the water while you are lathering.

If yours is an older home, look into replacing the showerheads with water-efficient ones with a flow rate of no more than 2.0 gallons per minute (gpm).

Flush Down Less Water

Toilets are among the biggest water guzzlers in the home. To minimize waste, try using the toilet several times before flushing. Dispose of tissue and other items in a bin to reduce the need for constant flushing.

If you have older toilets that tend to consume a lot of water, invest in new, water-efficient ones to realize a significant reduction in water use. You should also fix leaking toilets immediately. Toilet leaks are a major source of water wastage in the household.

OUTDOOR WATER CONSERVATION

In addition to adjusting your indoor activities, you can take several steps to minimize water wastage outdoors.

Practice Smart Lawn Care

Consider using drip irrigation for your landscaping needs. Drip irrigation systems deliver water slowly to the roots, thereby minimizing the amount of water use.

Be sure to inspect your irrigation system for wasteful leaks and develop a watering schedule that aligns with your irrigation needs.

Adjust Garden Hose Flow Rate

Install a micro-spray or shut-off piston at the end of your garden hose to reduce the gallon per minute flow rate.

Water When Necessary

Reduce the frequency with which you water your lawn and garden and consider watering early in the morning or later in the evening when the rate of evaporation is lower.

Periodic maintenance and inspection can help detect hydraulic overload in a septic tank. Once you have your septic tank repaired or pumped, be sure to conserve water to extend the tank's lifespan.

At Pete's Outflow Technicians , we can help you keep your septic system in good shape all year long. Get in touch with us today to find out more about our services.

4 SIGNS YOUR SEPTIC SYSTEM IS SUSCEPTIBLE TO ROOT DAMAGE

Mon, 16 Jul 2018 00:00:00 GMT

Your septic system can provide effective wastewater treatment services for decades at a time, but it can also become a cause for concern when it falls victim to clogs or other problems. Tree roots are a common cause of septic line clogs and backups, so you'll need to educate yourself on how to prevent these incursions.

Here are four factors that can affect how susceptible your system is to root incursion.

1. PROXIMITY OF AGGRESSIVE ROOT SYSTEMS

One of the easiest prevention strategies for root damage is to simply keep all aggressive root systems far away from your septic system. It's not as simple as it sounds, though. You have to know exactly where all parts of your septic system are, and if you have a small property, keeping trees a safe distance away could leave you with nowhere to plant trees on the entire property.

The types of trees in question can also play a part. So if you have one spot on your property that's barely far enough from the septic system, be sure to plant a tree that's small and drought-tolerant. Avoid water-loving trees such as willows and those with especially aggressive roots such as elm trees.

In addition, trees aren't the only threat; bushes can also develop large, aggressive root systems, so you'll need to look up the specifics on any bush you want to plant before placing it near your septic system.

2. LEAKS OR FRAGILE PIPES

Any parts of the system that are leaking water are like a beacon to thirsty roots. The roots will try to sniff out the leak and can then send a tiny point in through even the smallest of leaks. Fragile pipes such as clay sewer drains (the main drain that leads from a house to the sewer or septic connection) are also prime targets since a root can grow right through the brittle clay.

3. SHALLOW DEPTH OF SYSTEM

The more deeply buried your septic system is, the deeper tree and bush roots will have to go in order to damage it. This means that with a fairly deep system, you may not have to worry about bushes much at all. However, if your topsoil is shallow and your system is just a few inches below the surface, you may have to stick with just grass for the entire surrounding area.

4. LACK OF ROOT BARRIER

If you're especially concerned about root incursions (whether that's because you've had the problem before or because your neighbor's trees are uncomfortably close to your septic site), you can install root barriers. This can be done either at the time of installation or later on.

However, it requires digging and can be a very expensive process. In addition, a root barrier only provides a certain amount of protection. It's not a 100-percent guarantee. To improve the success rate, some root barriers have both a physical component and chemical component that kills any tree roots it comes into contact with. This provides a twofold protection mechanism.

These factors can all influence your septic system's risks of incurring damage from questing root systems. As you can see, there are several steps you can take now (such as removing trees and installing tree root barriers) to prevent tree root damage to your septic tank if you don't have a problem with tree root damage already.

Whether you'd like help diagnosing a problem that you suspect could be due to root incursion or whether you need a simple septic tank cleaning, feel free to give Pete's Outflow Technicians a call today. We're standing ready to help with septic and sewer maintenance and inspections throughout the Santa Cruz area.

5 THINGS YOU NEED TO KNOW BEFORE INSTALLING A HOLDING TANK

Mon, 04 Jun 2018 00:00:00 GMT

Many people use the terms holding tank and septic tank interchangeably. While both are sanitation systems, various differences exist between them. Both types of tanks collect wastewater from the house but each handles this effluent in a distinct way.

If you want to install a holding tank, read on to learn more about this sanitation system.

1. HOLDING TANKS ARE DIFFERENT FROM SEPTIC TANKS

A septic tank is a large vessel that collects household wastewater through an inlet pipe, treats the effluent through a bio-action process, and releases the treated water into a drainfield where the water percolates underground.

A holding tank also collects wastewater from the house through an inlet. However, instead of releasing treated wastewater into the ground through a drainfield, the holding tank temporarily stores the effluent for removal and transportation to a treatment facility.

2. HOLDING TANKS NEED FREQUENT PUMPING

Experts recommend pumping a septic tank every 2 to 3 years depending on factors such as the size of your household or building.

However, holding tanks are temporary storage units, and owners should pump the tank far more frequently than a septic tank. If you plan to use the holding tank regularly, you might have to clean the unit every 6 to 8 weeks.

Holding tanks come with an alarm that will alert you when the tank is full and needs pumping. The frequency at which the alarm will go off will largely depend on factors such as the size of the tank and the number of occupants.

Failure to pump can result in sewage overflow, which will greatly compromise the sanitary conditions in your home or facility.

To prolong the life of your holding tank, avoid dumping improper items such as food particles and grease down the drain. Consider using tissue specifically made for holding tanks to avoid blocking the system.

3. HOLDING TANKS NEED PROFESSIONAL INSTALLATION

Much goes into setting up a functional and fail-safe holding tank. You must evaluate site conditions and identify sewage lines. Additionally, you need to identify the correct depth for installing the underground tank and undertake intricate piping tasks.

Leave holding tank installation to the professionals to avoid adverse consequences such as leaking and contamination.

4. HOLDING TANKS REQUIRE LICENSING

Before installing a holding tank in California, owners must obtain the requisite permits from the local Environmental Health Officer and pay the required fees. You will also need to present a site plan, holding tank design plan, and a plan outlining how you intend to maintain the unit.

After installation, you must wait for the approval of the local health authorities before you can begin using your holding tank.

A reputable holding tank installation specialist can help you comply with the set regulations where the installation and maintenance of the tank are concerned.

5. HOLDING TANKS CAN DELIVER VALUE FOR MONEY

The cost of installing a holding tank will depend on factors such as permit fees, labor fees, and site conditions. The engineering process of installing a holding tank is far less complex than building a standard septic system, making holding tanks less expensive to install.

Admittedly, holding tanks may have a higher maintenance cost due to the frequent pumping of these units. However, holding tanks do not have components such as drainfields, baffles, or effluent filters that can fail and necessitate costly repairs.

Overall, when you compare the upfront cost of installing, operating, and maintaining a septic tank to a holding tank, a holding tank is a clear winner for owners seeking value for money.

A holding tank is a reliable, temporary waste management solution suitable for locations where installation of a septic tank system is not feasible.

Do you want to install a holding tank in your facility? You can trust the pros at Pete's Outflow Technicians to get the job done. Call us today to speak to one of our experienced technicians.

REAL ESTATE TRANSACTIONS AND SEPTIC INSPECTIONS: WHO BENEFITS?

Tue, 15 May 2018 00:00:00 GMT

Real estate transactions require all parties involved in the buying or selling of a home to adhere to strict legal requirements. Residential properties must be equipped with a sewage disposal system, and many homes rely on septic tanks for waste disposal.

Failure to disclose that a septic tank is in poor condition during the sale of a residential property could result in serious legal disputes. Septic inspections are designed to help everyone involved in real estate transactions obtain the peace of mind that comes from knowing a property's septic tank is not damaged, leaking, full, or otherwise compromised.

A comprehensive septic inspection will protect the interests of real estate agents, buyers, and sellers.

REAL ESTATE AGENTS

Many real estate agents demand septic inspections for all properties they choose to represent. Referrals and word-of-mouth generate a lot of business for real estate agents. Regularly inspecting properties allows real estate agents to ensure they are associated only with quality residential properties. This can enhance an agent's reputation and contribute to greater success in the future.

A comprehensive septic inspection can also provide real estate agents with the information they need to avoid getting caught up in costly litigation. When real estate agents help a client buy a property with a faulty septic system and do not recommend having the property inspected by a septic professional prior to closing, the buyers can bring legal action against the agent.

Real estate professionals have a duty to protect the interests of their clients. Negligence can be proven in court when inspections are not recommended. Real estate agents should protect themselves and their businesses by having each residential property they list undergo a septic inspection.

BUYERS

The purchase of a residential property will be one of the most significant financial investments an individual can make during his or her lifetime. Because the purchase price of most homes is high, buyers want to know exactly what they are getting themselves into before signing a legally binding contract to take over ownership of a property.

Residences with septic tanks can come with a host of hidden problems. Buyers can get stuck with a home that needs extensive (and costly) septic repairs if a septic inspection isn’t completed. A comprehensive septic inspection can also benefit buyers by providing a rough estimate when it comes to future maintenance costs.

An experience septic inspector will be able to calculate the tank and drainfield sizes, determine the accessibility of the septic tank, and verify how far waste must be hauled after a septic tank is pumped. These are all factors that can affect maintenance costs, and they are factors that can be assessed during a prepurchase septic inspection.

SELLERS

When listing a residential property, the sellers have a legal obligation to provide potential buyers with accurate information regarding the condition of the property. For homes with septic systems, this means giving a detailed account of the condition of the septic system as a whole.

A thorough septic inspection can provide information regarding the waste level inside a septic tank, the presence of any major repair work, and the types of components utilized in the construction of the septic system. This information can inform potential buyers, allowing them to make an educated decision when it comes to placing an offer on a property.

Without an accurate septic inspection completed by a third-party inspector, a seller could be liable for any repairs or damages discovered by the new owners once the real estate transaction is complete.

Contact Pete's Outflow Technicians to schedule a comprehensive septic inspection that will protect your interests in a real estate transaction.

3 FREQUENTLY ENCOUNTERED GREASE TRAP ISSUES

Tue, 17 Apr 2018 00:00:00 GMT

Restaurants rely on grease traps to ensure that their plumbing systems remain working the way they should. Without a grease trap, fat, cooking oil, and grease would soon lead to the formation of clogs in your pipes. Such clogs, in turn, would lead to the need for expensive repairs, while potentially preventing your restaurant from running as normal.

Of course, simply installing a grease trap won't solve all of your problems. Instead, you will need to have it regularly cleaned and serviced. If you would like to learn more about some of the issues that a professional can help keep at bay, read on. This article will discuss three problems frequently encountered by grease traps.

1. Full Trap

The most commonly encountered grease trap problem — a full trap — stems from a lack of timely servicing. If your grease trap becomes excessively full, grease will begin spilling out of the primary compartment into the secondary one. This will soon lead to clogs in the lines leading into and out of the grease trap.

A full trap will also restrict the flow of water through the system. As a result, you may find that water has begun backing up in your sinks and dishwashing pits. A foul odor, either in your kitchen or outside near the grease trap, also indicates that you may be overdue for a cleaning. The longer you go without addressing the problem, the more complications will ensue.

A full grease trap may even put you at legal risk. Make sure that you understand the regulations governing grease trap maintenance in your area. Because a full grease trap represents a potential fire hazard, many municipalities have strict guidelines about how often grease traps must be emptied. To be on the safe side, never let your trap become more than ¼ full without contacting a professional to empty it.

2. Crossover Clog

A grease trap contains three main pipes: the inlet pipe, crossover pipe, and outlet pipe. The inlet pipe routes water, grease, and food solids into your grease trap's primary compartment. From there, a special component known as the crossover pipe leads to the secondary compartment. Finally, the outlet pipe allows water to enter your restaurant's sewer line, en route to your municipal processing plant.

The crossover pipe can be found in the wall separating the two components. It sits at an angle pointing into the primary compartment. Because floats at the surface of the water, this orientation ensures that mainly water makes it through into the secondary compartment. Of course, over time, some food and grease will find its way into the crossover pipe.

Eventually, the crossover pipe may even become clogged. This will result in the liquid level of the primary compartment rising above its maximum threshold. Eventually, liquid may even begin leaking out of the primary compartment back into your kitchen's plumbing fixtures. Meanwhile, the liquid level in the secondary compartment will not appreciably diminish.

3. Outlet Clog

Many restaurant owners encounter grease traps with clogs in the outlet pipe. This occurs as the result of grease and debris that has found its way from the primary to the secondary compartment. This may happen if the primary compartment overflows. It may also stem from particles finding their way through the crossover pipe over time.

An outlet clog should be easy to diagnose since it will cause both of your grease trap's compartments to begin overflowing. A technician must then be called in to try and break up the clog.

If you believe that your grease trap may be suffering from any of the problems discussed in this blog, don't hesitate to seek professional help. For more information about having your grease trap cleaned and maintained, call the experts at Pete's Outflow Technicians.

WHY YOU SHOULDN'T BOTHER WITH SEPTIC TANK ADDITIVES

Wed, 14 Mar 2018 00:00:00 GMT

When owning a septic system, you may find the idea of additives to be very convenient. All you have to do is introduce additives, and they'll do all the work for you, right? But the truth is that additives will usually do little or nothing to help your septic tank, and you will still need to have solids pumped from your tank.

Additives Might Not Be Legal
Before you consider using additives, you should determine whether your local government even allows the use of additives. Some states have banned septic tank additives because of the extent to where they have caused system failures.
In some cases, there are only certain additives that are allowed. This is important when ordering these products from another state online. In addition to not having a positive impact, many additives can contaminate aquifers and can make septic drainfields less effective.
Additives Interfere with Your Septic System
For your septic tank to function properly, you will need healthy bacteria. Unfortunately, many of the additives simply kill off healthy bacteria. Additives can also interfere with the ability of the solids to settle in the tank, which can cause the septic tank to not function properly.

You May Kill Healthy Bacteria
There are several effects additives can have on healthy bacteria. Additives designed to control odors can lead to the formation of formaldehyde and zinc sulfate, which can both be lethal to healthy bacteria.
Bacteria in your septic tank will transform waste into a form that can be safely disposed of. While bacteria is an essential part of a septic tank, the best way to introduce healthy bacteria is to stay healthy yourself and to introduce bacteria to your tank naturally through your waste.

Additives Can Be Corrosive
Another detrimental aspect of septic tank additives is that they can have a corrosive effect on your septic tank. This can cause tank leaks and can jeopardize the integrity of your plumbing, which may lead to expensive repairs.

You May Interfere with the Drainfield
The hydrogen peroxide found in some additives may be harmful to the soil in the drainfield. This can cause the drainfield to be less effective at purification. The hydrogen peroxide may also harm the bacteria found in the septic system.

Consider Aerating Your Septic Tank
While additives have been researched for decades, there are no scientific studies that have been able to prove that septic tank additives work. If you would like to make changes to your septic tank that could make it more effective, consider having your septic tank aerated. This will transform your tank into a more effective aerobic system.

How Aerators Work
Aerobic bacteria remove the vast majority of the sewage contaminants before the discharge. As a result, aerating your septic tank can reduce the risk of it failing. Some of the aerobic bacteria will be released through the discharge and will continue to break down the waste after it has left the septic tank.

An aerobic septic tank is aerated using septic tank aerators. These are pumps that force oxygen into the septic tank. Aerators cause move movement within the septic tank, which makes it easier for the bacteria to attach themselves to the waste. The movement also helps tear apart solids and toilet paper that would otherwise clog the drainfield.
Rather than using additives, if you are having problems with your septic tank, or if it is time to have your septic tank pumped, be sure to contact Pete's Outflow Technicians . We will not only service your septic tank, but we will provide advice on how you can better care for your system.

TRUTH OR FICTION: 4 MYTHS ABOUT SEPTIC SYSTEMS

Fri, 09 Feb 2018 00:00:00 GMT

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Perhaps because they are located below ground, septic systems are shrouded in a bit of mystery. Homeowners don't know as much about them as they do about their showers, sinks, and toilets, and some of what you do know might not be true. Read on to discover four myths about septic systems and their maintenance.

1. Myth: You Can Save Money by Delaying Pumping

Your septic tank needs to be pumped when the solids in the bottom of the tank take up about 1/3 of the space. This equates to every two to three years under average conditions. When told this by their septic professionals, some homeowners figure they will save money by putting off pumping for as long as possible and then paying for repairs later on.

The problem with this reasoning is that there's a big cost differential between septic pumping and septic repair or replacement. Septic pumping costs a few hundred dollars at most, whereas having a septic tank replaced - a very real possibility for those who don't have their tanks pumped - will cost $5,000 or more. It's far cheaper to pay for periodic pumping than to replace your tank early.

2. Myth: Your Tank Will Tell You When It Needs Pumping

Many homeowners are under the impression that their tank will let them know when it needs pumping. They wait for odors to emerge from the drain or for the toilet to stop flushing fully. By the time these symptoms appear, your septic tank has needed to be pumped for a long time.

Have your tank pumped every two to three years before problems start appearing. This way, you avoid the damage done by sewage backups, overflows, slow drains, and bad odors. If your tank does not need to be pumped as frequently going forward, your septic care professional will alert you of this after your appointment.

3. Myth: You Can Safely Use a Garbage Disposal in a Home With a Septic Tank

This myth has been widely spread around by companies that make garbage disposals. They want homeowners to believe garbage disposals are safe to use in homes with septic tanks so that those homeowners pay to have disposals installed. While you might get away with using a garbage disposal in a home with a septic tank for a while, doing so will eventually cause problems.

The food you send down the drain ends up at the bottom of the septic tank. It takes a very long time to break down since it has not been pre-digested like human waste. Your septic professional will eventually need to pump it out. Using a garbage disposal greatly increases the frequency at which you need to have your tank pumped, and it may lead to an increase in backups and blockages.

4. Myth: You Should Plant Trees in Your Drain Field to Use Up Water

If your yard is wet, a well-meaning neighbor may suggest planting some trees or shrubs to use up the water. Sadly, this can do more harm than good in the long run. The roots of the trees can compact the drain field, preventing it from filtering waste properly. They may also grow into the septic tank or drain lines.

Grass is the only plant that you should plant in your septic drain field. If your drain field is overly wet, you may need your tank pumped or replaced.

Now that you know a bit more about your septic system, you can take better care of it and prevent costly damage. If you need to have your tank pumped, contact Pete's Outflow Technicians to schedule an appointment. We serve Santa Cruz, Watsonville, Soquel, and the surrounding areas.

IS THAT SEWAGE SMELL YOUR SEPTIC TANK BACKING UP?

Tue, 09 Jan 2018 00:00:00 GMT

The smell of sewage is never a good thing, but it can be especially disturbing when the smell is coming from your own septic tank. As a homeowner, it's important to be able to identify the cause and know what to do about the problem.

The location of a sewage smell can be a big clue about its source. Sewage odors in the home are very different from sewage odors outside the home. You handle each problem very differently.

Sewage Odors in the Yard

Before you can understand what might cause sewage odors in the yard, you'll need to understand how a septic tank works. A septic tank is a large underground tank that holds wastewater. When the wastewater reaches a certain level in the tank, it drains into a portion of the yard called the drain field.

Wastewater in the drain field is supposed to filter down through the soil into the groundwater. The soil cleans the water so that when it reaches the groundwater supply, it's safe.

If the drain field clogs, the ground above the drain field may become saturated with raw sewage. Drain field clogs can happen for a variety of reasons. Bits of solid waste from the tank can flow into the drain field pipe, causing it to back up and malfunction. Other times, ground compaction or improper tank installation can be the cause.

When this happens, the ground around the drain field can become swampy. The smell comes from the water at and just below the surface of the soil. Often when this happens, homeowners may also notice that the grass around the drain field is especially green and lush.

This is a serious problem that must be fixed by a septic tank repair professional. If you've noticed the smell of sewage in your yard, contact a septic tank repair person as soon as possible.

Sewage Smells Inside the Home

Sometimes it's the interior of the home that smells like a sewer, not the exterior. A completely different, easy-to-fix problem is often the cause in this case. To understand, you'll need to know how drains work.

Most drains contain a bendy section of pipe called a P-trap. The P-trap holds water that refreshes every time the drain is used. This water creates an air-tight seal in the pipes that prevents gas from the septic tank from filling the home. If you don't use a drain often enough, the water in the P-trap can evaporate, and gas from the septic tank can enter the home.

This is often a problem that people experience when they don't use the guest bathroom frequently enough. To fix this problem, pour water down all the drains and flush all the toilets in the house. Air out the smell by opening the windows, running the fans, turning on air vents, and running the HVAC system.

To prevent this problem from happening in the future, set up a schedule to use all the drains in the house on a periodic basis. If doing this doesn't fix the problem, it's possible that a decomposing clog has caused the odor in your home. Check for any slow drains in the house and contact a plumber if necessary.

Have More Questions about Septic Tank Odors? Contact a Professional

Some odors can be indicative of a serious problem; others are not. Knowing the difference can help you take care of your home's septic tank and plumbing. If you have questions about septic tank smells in or around your home, contact a reputable professional in your area.

At Pete's Outflow Technicians, we're happy to answer client questions about septic tanks and septic tank smells, so contact us today.

HOUSEHOLD APPLIANCES AND SEPTIC SYSTEMS: LEARN HOW TO AVOID DAMAGE

Sat, 09 Dec 2017 00:00:00 GMT

Life is a lot easier these days than it was decades ago. In terms of home functions, much of this added convenience is attributed to technological advancements in the area of home appliances.

From cooking and cleaning to relaxing, household appliances bring convenience and increased efficiency to your daily activities. However, for homes that rely on septic systems, some of these appliances can cause damage. Make sure you know how to enjoy these modern devices without harming your septic system.

Garbage Disposals

Garbage disposals are an excellent way to get rid of food scraps in the kitchen. For your septic system, a disposal can create real issues if you aren't using it correctly. The most significant mistake homeowners make is placing heavily greasy foods down the disposal, such as fried foods.

When you put these foods in this disposal, the grease is in liquid form. However, by the time the food makes its way to the tank, the grease has solidified. If this is a frequent mistake you make, you will cause the tank to fill up faster because grease in solid form has more mass than in liquid form. However, on the other extreme, the grease can clog the system, cause major damage, and require repairs.

You won't harm your system if you place these types of foods in the disposal on occasion. But don't make it a regular habit and rely on your waste bin more often.

Hot Tubs

Although hot tubs are available in a variety of different sizes, a six-person tub contains just under 400 gallons of water. Filling the tub and relaxing in it is harmless. However, the problem arises when it's time to clean and drain the tub. For any septic system, 400 gallons of water being forced through the system is enough to overload it.

This massive amount of water will agitate the solids settled at the bottom of the tank, cause it to float to the top, and push it through into the drain field. The result of this process is a clog that can back up the entire system.

The safer draining option is to release the water onto a landscaped area that is away from the drain field, such as your lawn. Just ensure there is ample slope for the water to drain away.

Washing Machines

Washing clothes isn't a task most people enjoy. For this reason, people often hold off washing until they have several loads of dirty clothes. For homes with septic systems, it's never advised to wash all these loads in a single day. No matter how high-quality the fabric or the how delicate the wash cycle, clothes will produce lint during the washing process.

When you are washing several loads in a day, this can translate into an excessive amount of lint collecting in the system in a short period of time - especially when it comes to high-capacity washing machines.

This excessive collection of lint can cause a clog in the septic tank. As mundane of a task washing clothes is, it's best to wash throughout the week instead of washing an excessive amount of clothes on a single day.

If you have an older septic system and are planning to install multiple new appliances, it might be a good idea to have a technician examine your system to ensure it's equipped to handle the demand.

Even if you have a newer septic system, have it inspected at least once every three years to ensure your appliances aren't putting too much pressure on the septic system to avoid damage . At Pete's Outflow Technicians, we can help you with this.

RESTAURANT OWNERS, ARE YOU CARING FOR YOUR GREASE TRAP PROPERLY?

Tue, 28 Nov 2017 00:00:00 GMT

It's no secret that sending grease down the drain is terrible for your plumbing and the public sewer system. This concern is even more marked in restaurant kitchens where large amounts of cooking grease are produced. Equipping your restaurant kitchen with a grease trap or grease interceptor stops this grease from flowing into the main sewage line.

In order for your grease trap to work effectively, you need to care for it. Proper grease trap care comes down to having the grease trap cleaned on a regular schedule and minimizing the amount of grease sent down your restaurant kitchen's drains. Here's a closer look.

WHY IS GREASE TRAP

CLEANING IMPORTANT?

Your grease trap works by trapping grease and oil in its baffles, while also allowing water to flow on through the pipes. If the trap becomes too filled with grease, then there won't be enough space for water and grease to separate inside of the trap, and grease will end up escaping down the drain. This can lead to clogs in the sewer line, which may interfere with your neighbors' plumbing - not just your own.

Cleaning out your grease trap is not a task you can tackle yourself. Even if you are handy, county regulations generally state that a licensed, professional pumping company must remove and dispose of the grease. This is the case in Santa Cruz County and surrounding areas.

HOW OFTEN DO GREASE TRAPS REQUIRE CLEANING?

This really depends on the type of food your restaurant prepares, your business volume and how meticulous your employees are about keeping grease out of the sinks.

A good guideline is to have the tank pumped when it is a quarter of the way full of grease and oil. In most restaurants, it takes between one and three months for this much grease to accumulate in the trap.

If you run a pizza restaurant with a lot of fried food, then you might need to have the trap cleaned monthly. On the other hand, cafes that mainly serve sandwiches can often go a lot longer between pumping sessions.

The next time you have a pumping company clean your grease traps, tell them how long it has been since you last had the trap cleaned. Based on the size of your trap and the amount of grease in the trap, they should be able to give you a more precise estimate of how often to clean your trap.

HOW CAN YOU REDUCE THE AMOUNT OF GREASE SENT

DOWN THE DRAIN?

The less grease you send down the kitchen drains, the longer you can wait between pumping appointments. Here are some ways to keep grease out of sinks:

Insist that employees scrape all sauces and residues into a trash can before placing dishes or pots in the sink or dishwasher.
Place spilled oil and rags used to clean up an oil spill in a closed receptacle, not down the drain.
If your kitchen has a garbage disposal, minimize its use and do not put oily, fatty foods down it.

If your grease trap is filling up too quickly, it may not be large enough for your restaurant's needs. Consider having a larger one installed.

WHAT ARE SOME SIGNS A GREASE TRAP NEEDS CLEANING?

If you notice any of these signs, it is time to call the pumping company as soon as possible:

A smell of rotten food or grease coming up through your kitchen drains
A slow or fully stopped-up kitchen sink
Low water levels in your restaurant's toilets

If you notice any of these issues or if it has been a couple of months or longer since you've had your grease trap cleaned, call Pete's Outflow Technicians to schedule an appointment today. We'll make sure your grease trap keeps operating properly so you don't have to deal with clogged sewer lines in your restaurant.

WHAT YOU SHOULD KNOW ABOUT EFFLUENT FILTRATION AND YOUR SEPTIC SYSTEM

Tue, 24 Oct 2017 00:00:00 GMT

Your home's septic system is probably fairly healthy, but that doesn't mean it won't be damaged if mistreated. Drain fields, in particular, can be seriously impaired by the infiltration of inorganic solids.

That is why it is critical for homeowners to make every effort to keep solid material from passing into drain fields. One such way to prevent an influx of solids is through filtration. This guide discusses the things you should know about effluent filtration and how it can benefit your septic system.

WASTE PROCESSING AND HOW INORGANIC SOLIDS CAUSE DAMAGE

Waste leaving your home enters the septic tank through the inlet baffle, an internal "tee" fitting that directs the flow of wastes toward the bottom of the tank. This action encourages the solids to collect at the bottom where they will be slowly digested by helpful bacteria. Ultimately, the byproducts of digestion, called sludge, will accumulate and require pumping at regular intervals.

Lightweight waste products, such as grease and fats, will float to the top of the tank and form what is known as a scum layer. The scum will be removed at the same time the tank is pumped.

In between the solids and oily scum, wastewater is allowed to flow across the tank and exit through an outlet baffle. The outlet baffle is directly connected to the drain field which disperses liquid waste, or effluent, into the surrounding soil.

This process is self-regulating in most cases, but the influx of inorganic solids can interfere with the septic tank's functioning. These materials can't be digested by bacteria, and they often become suspended in the watery midlevel and enter the drainage field along with the liquid wastes.

Once solids enter the drainage field, they create clogs inside the pipes and also prevent effluent from draining through the small openings in the sides of the pipes. Repairing this type of damage can be difficult, and this often necessitates the installation of a new drain field.

THE VALUE OF EFFLUENT FILTRATION

Ideally, keeping solid inorganic materials out of the household waste stream is the best way to protect your septic system. However, inorganic trash, which includes cigarette filters, dryer lint, tampons, small toys, plastic wrap, aluminum foil, condoms and medical dressings, often find their way into septic systems.

That is why an effluent filter is the most practical way to prevent effluent from transporting solids into the drain field. These filters are usually installed inside the outlet baffle and will sift the effluent to remove solids from the passing liquid.

THE INSTALLATION AND MAINTENANCE OF EFFLUENT FILTERS

Effluent filters are required by local codes in many areas of the nation, but if you discover your septic tank doesn't contain an effluent filter, it is worthwhile to have one installed. In most cases, installation is a fairly simple matter of replacing the old outlet baffle with a plastic connector that houses the filter. Installation can be performed by septic and plumbing contractors.

Effluent filters are designed to be removed on a periodic basis and cleaned. If they aren't cleaned often enough, effluent filters can clog and cause backups. Some effluent filters can be cleaned by homeowners as long as they can be accessed via the top of the septic tank. However, some filters will need to be cleaned by a professional septic system technician, so be sure to know what type of filter you have in order to plan accordingly.

If you have a septic system and aren't sure whether you have an effluent filter, be sure to contact Pete's Outflow Technicians for help. They are ready to assist you with installation and maintenance of septic effluent filters and can also provide other solutions to septic system issues.

NEW TO SEPTIC TANK OWNERSHIP? THIS FAQ WILL HELP!

Wed, 27 Sep 2017 00:00:00 GMT

Homeowners who are new to septic tank ownership often have questions about the way their tank functions, what septic tanks need in order to continue functioning properly and what a failing septic tank looks like. Knowing the answers to these questions can help you take care of your septic tank and avoid costly, inconvenient septic tank problems.

What Is a Septic Tank and How Does It Work?

A septic tank is an underground storage tank designed to hold waste water your home. When the waste water enters the septic tank, it separates into three layers: solids at the bottom, water in the middle and oils at the top. When the water level gets high enough, it enters into the drain field. Waste water from the septic tank is cleaned when it enters the drain field and filters through the soil.

What Causes Septic Tanks to Become Clogged?

Many households clog their septic tank by flushing the wrong type of waste down their drains. Septic tanks are designed to hold only human waste, water and toilet paper. Other items like food, disposable wipes and cleaning products can clog the tank either at the drain field or at the point of entry into the tank.

Medicine and cleaning products are also bad for septic tanks. Both can cause clogs because bacteria in the septic tank is what helps break down the solid waste at the bottom. Medicine and cleaning products in the tank can kill bacteria, thus slowing down the rate that solids break down.

Finally, septic tanks can also be clogged if they're not pumped in a timely fashion. Most septic tanks need to be pumped every 3-5 years.

Why Do Septic Tanks Need to Be Pumped if Bacteria in the Tank Breaks the Solid Waste?

While bacteria does help turn solids into liquids and keep waste moving through the tank, most households put more solids into the tank than the bacteria can manage on its own.

How Can You Tell if Your Septic Tank Is Full or Clogged?

If your septic tank is getting full or clogged, you may notice many different symptoms.

Swampy Area

If the septic tank fills up, you may notice a wet or swampy area in the yard that didn't used to be there as the drain field expands into the yard.

Smells in the Yard

If you have a swampy area, you may also have an odor of sewage because the water coming up in the yard is raw sewage from the septic tank.

Green Grass

People don't like sewage, but grass sure does! If sewage from your home enters the soil above the drain field, you'll likely see a very green, beautiful patch of lawn near your septic tank.

Slow Drains in the House

If the septic tank becomes clogged, or if the septic tank fills up, it's likely that you'll notice the lowest drains in the house (like showers and bathtub drains) becoming slow.

If you notice any of these signs, it's time to call a septic tank professional. Your septic tank professional can diagnose the problem, repair the tank if necessary and pump the tank as needed.

Who Can You Contact for More Information about Your Septic Tank?

If you are a new homeowner in the Santa Cruz, Watsonville or Soquel areas, you can contact Pete's Outflow Technicians for information about how to maintain your septic tank. As septic tank professionals, we have years of experience with a variety of different kinds of septic tanks.

We can help you determine what pumping schedule will work for you and whether or not your tank is in good condition. We can also answer other common questions that new homeowners have about their septic tank. Call us today for more information.

4 FACTORS THAT AFFECT HOW MUCH YOUR SEPTIC SYSTEM CAN HANDLE

Mon, 21 Aug 2017 00:00:00 GMT

Septic systems are hardworking wastewater treatment systems that allow homeowners with private wells to treat wastewater independent of a city sewer system. If you live out in the country where you can't get a sewer hookup anyway, septic may be virtually your only practical choice for wastewater treatment.

If you're going to be living with the system for a while, it's a good idea to learn what makes it tick and how you can keep it happy and healthy. One common mistake that septic system owners sometimes make is to overwhelm the system or clog it, perhaps by flushing solids down the toilet or through some misunderstanding of how much wastewater the system can actually handle.

You can generally avoid these problems by taking commonsense precautions such as not using the garbage disposal, being careful not to flush trash down the toilet and draining storm water runoff—for example, rainwater from your roof—away from the system.

But you'll also want to keep in mind that your septic system is dynamic and doesn't always have the exact same capacity and needs. Here are four factors that can affect what your system can handle.

1. Its original size

As soon as you move into a home with a septic system, or, ideally, even before you buy the home, you'll want to check the size of the tank and its leach field to make sure they’re large enough to care for the number of people in your household. If the previous owner added on to the house without updating the system, you'll want to know as soon as possible so you can take steps to avoid overwhelming the tank.

2. Its Condition and Health

Ideally, septic tanks should be pumped every two to three years. If yours hasn't been pumped for five or ten, not only could it be packed full of sludge, it could also have clogged drain lines, which would negatively affect its performance. In this situation, not only would draining be slower, but the processing of the wastewater might also be less effective.

Keeping your system in good health will maximize its ability to handle wastewater, whereas neglecting it will do the opposite. If your septic tank is in need of repairs or if you've been neglecting routine maintenance, your system may be unable to handle the amount of waste it was originally intended for.

3. Weather Conditions

You may not think about weather conditions in terms of what they'll do to your septic and plumbing, but the weather actually can have quite a profound effect.

For one thing, heavy rains can saturate the soil in your leach field. The system depends on the surrounding soil absorbing the wastewater and filtering it naturally. So if the soil is saturated, that means it will be difficult or impossible for the pipes to drain more water into it, and the whole system may slow down considerably. And flooding, of course, is even worse than heavy rains.

In addition, a septic system can become overwhelmed and start to back up if too much water is put into it, which means that if you drain your storm water runoff into the system, you could compound these problems—which is why draining your storm water runoff into your septic system is not recommended.

4. Soil Type

Because saturated soil inhibits septic function, well-drained areas often work the best, especially during rainy weather. So if your leach field is situated in a sandy area, this could make your septic system more efficient overall, as well as less likely to become bogged down or overwhelmed, than if it's in silty or clay soil that can easily become waterlogged.

As you can see, there are several factors—some of which you can alter and some of which you can't—which will affect how efficient your septic system is, how much wastewater it can handle and how well it drains at any given time. For more help with your septic system or to schedule an appointment for repairs or tank pumping, contact Pete's Outflow Technicians today at 831-475-0959.

5 PRODUCTS YOU SHOULDN'T FLUSH DOWN INTO YOUR SEPTIC TANK AND WHY

Mon, 10 Jul 2017 00:00:00 GMT

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Septic systems rely on a delicate balance to function properly. A clog, loss of bacteria or a fast buildup of solid waste in the tank could all lead to a system breakdown that could be inconvenient as well as costly to repair. As a homeowner, one of the best ways that you can care for your septic tank is to avoid flushing problematic items down into your septic system. Knowing which items not to flush and why they shouldn't be flushed can help you care for your tank.

Antibacterial Soaps and Cleaning Products

As a septic tank owner, you probably already know that solid waste inside your septic tank settles to the bottom where it builds slowly over time. Bacteria inside the tank breaks down that solid waste, turning it into liquid refuse that gets flushed out of the tank into the drain field. Without that bacteria, the solid waste in your tank would build up much more quickly, requiring you to pump the tank more frequently.

Flushing antibacterial soaps and cleaning products like bleach into your septic tank can slow down the bacterial action in the tank, resulting in a dysfunctional tank and a more frequent cleaning schedule. Avoid flushing cleaning products or even using too many cleaning products when cleaning your home. Put more effort into scrubbing and use fewer bleach and antibacterial products in your regular cleaning efforts.

Antibiotics

Antibiotics are just as bad as cleaning products because they kill the bacteria that your septic tank relies upon to function. If you're not sure what to do with your leftover antibiotics after you've finished a course of treatment, talk to your doctor. He or she can give you advice that can help you dispose of your medicines in a way that is safe for your tank and the environment.

"Flushable" Products

There are a number of products that are designated as "flushable," but which are not safe for septic systems. Diapers, disposable wipes, kitty litter and tampons are all examples of these products. These items are tough, absorbent and get larger when submerged in water. These flushable products will not biodegrade quickly enough to be safe for a septic tank.

In general, it's not safe to assume that a product can be flushed down the toilet simply because the box or manufacturer's instructions designate it as such. To find out for sure if a product is safe to flush into your septic system, contact your septic tank cleaning and maintenance company.

Grease

Grease can clog the elements of your septic tank. While some grease is to be expected to end up in your plumbing and septic system over time, the best way to prevent grease from clogging your tank is to keep the amount of grease that gets flushed down your pipes to a minimum. To do this, allow cooking grease to cool in the skillet after it's used, then dump it into a bag and throw it away.

Food From a Garbage Disposal

Garbage disposals are designed to chop up food finely and then flush it down the drain with the waste water. This is safe for homes connected to sewer systems, but for homes with septic tanks this fast buildup of food in the bottom of the tank can lead to more frequent pumping or the occasional drain field clog. To avoid problems, install a garbage disposal unit that is designed to be septic tank safe, or avoid using a garbage disposal altogether.

Consult With Your Septic Tank Pumping Company

Your septic tank pumping company can give you more suggestions that can help you take care of your septic system. At Pete's Outflow, we answer questions that can help our customers take care of their septic tanks. To get answers to all of your septic tank-related questions, give us a call at 831-475-0959.

HAVE A SEPTIC TANK? WHAT YOU SHOULD KNOW ABOUT DRAIN FIELD FLOODING AND ODORS

Wed, 07 Jun 2017 00:00:00 GMT

A septic tank is crucial to your home's plumbing system and is not something that you can just ignore, especially if you run into problems. For example, you may encounter problems that involve odors and flooding in the drain field. Here is what you need to know about both of these problems.

Drain Field Flooding

Your septic tank works by decomposing solid waste until it turns into liquid, which is then sent out of the tank and into the drain field. If the drain field floods due to excessive rainfall, the water levels can cause problems with how your septic tank operates. This is what you need to do when drain field flooding occurs.

Watch Your Water Usage

Flooding in a drain field means that the ground has been completely saturated with water. In such cases, there is a high probability that water will be able to flow back into the septic tank through compromised underground access ports. When you are experiencing flooding, limit how much water you use so that more water is not put into the tank. This means holding off on running the washing machine, using the dishwasher, and taking long showers.

To conserve water, wash dishes in a small tub and dump the water outside your home. You can also avoid flushing the toilet after each use. If you have a laundry emergency, use a local dry cleaner or laundromat until the flooding is resolved.

Avoid Pumping the Tank

You may think that the best thing to do when the drain field is flooded is to pump out the tank so you can use water regularly again. This is actually something you should avoid doing. When the ground that surrounds the tank is saturated, the weight of the waste inside the tank is what holds the tank in place.

If the tank is emptied, it could actually start floating upward towards the surface. If pipes become dislodged or damaged as a result, you could end up needing to get the tank repaired to fix the damage that was caused.

Get the Tank Inspected

It is hard to know what may have happened to a septic tank during flooding since the tank is underground. Therefore, you will need to schedule a septic tank inspection after the ground dries. If damage is discovered early, you will be able to take care of the repairs quickly.

Septic Tank Odors

Odors are often an indication that you have a problem with your septic tank, the ventilation pipes, or the plumbing in your home.

Look Out for Raw Sewage

Sewage backups can often be smelled or heard before they are seen. One indication that a backup is about to occur is a gurgling toilet, which may soon be followed by raw sewage. If raw sewage does start to come out of your toilets, sinks, or bathtubs, you will need to remove it immediately. This problem is most likely to happen in situations where the drain field is flooded.

Inspect the Vent

It is possible that the ventilation pipe on your home's roof has been clogged with debris like branches and leaves that make it difficult for gasses to leave your septic tank. This will cause those gases to go back into the home. You'll need to have the pipe inspected and clear out debris if any is found.

Sometimes strong winds can be the problem of a ventilation gas backup. You can fix this problem by having the pipe extended.

Check for Dry Drains

There are P-traps installed in your sinks, bathtubs, and toilets that prevent sewer gas from seeping back into your home. However, it is possible that you have a dry drain due to infrequent use, and this issue can easily be corrected by filling the trap back up with water.

If you need assistance performing maintenance or repairing your septic tank, get in touch with Pete's Outflow Technicians for assistance.

ANATOMY OF A SEPTIC TANK CLEANING

Thu, 27 Apr 2017 00:00:00 GMT

Day after day, all of the wastewater that exits your home through your toilet, sinks, and various drains eventually ends up in your septic tank. Some of the waste is separated and eventually filtered back into the nearby environment, but most of it sticks around in the septic tank. And sooner or later, all the waste has to come out.

This is where septic tank pumping comes into play. Septic tank pumping is a dirty and sometimes time-consuming job, but it has to be done at some point. If you want to take better care of your septic tank, you should understand exactly how the pumping process happens and where the waste goes afterward.

WHAT COMES OUT OF YOUR SEPTIC TANK

A septic tank's primary job may be to hold as much household wastewater as the tank’s capacity allows, but the tank also has the task of separating wastewater into more manageable components—solids, scum, and liquids. Solids are destined to sink and eventually settle at the bottom of the tank while oils and fats float to the top of the tank to create a scum layer.

What remains is a liquid wastewater layer that makes up the bulk of the septic tank's contents. This content is eventually fed into a drain field, where a combination of microbes, sand, and coarse gravel help break down and filter out pathogenic bacteria and viruses as the wastewater percolates through the soil. The treated wastewater is eventually filtered back into the groundwater table.

Septic tank pumping primarily deals with the leftover solid sludge and scum that's left inside the septic tank. Excessive sludge buildup can prevent the system from functioning as intended, resulting in slow drainage, sewage odors, and septic waste backing up into the home.

HOW WASTE IS PUMPED OUT

The first step of having your septic tank cleaned involves finding a licensed and experienced septic tank pumping specialist. After you've scheduled an appointment, you can expect the following to happen on the day of your appointment:

Your septic tank pumping specialist will attempt to unearth the access ports found on top of the septic tank. If the access ports are located underground, they must be excavated and exposed before pumping can begin.
After opening the access ports, the pumping specialist will lower a heavy-duty hose into each port. This allows the vacuum truck to suck up the solid and liquid waste found in each section of the septic tank.
After most of the muck is removed, the pumping specialist may use a septage spoon to dislodge and remove any remaining waste or flush the tank with water to make sure all effluent has been removed.
Once the tank has been pumped empty, the pumping specialist can inspect the septic tank itself. Your specialist will look for signs of damage, including cracks and broken baffles.

The amount of time it takes to completely pump out a septic tank usually depends on the size of the tank, the type and amount of labor required, and the capacity of the vacuum truck. In most cases, it takes about five hours to successfully excavate and pump the septic tank.

WHERE WASTE ENDS UP

After the "honey wagon" drives off into the sunset with its cargo onboard, the average homeowner no longer needs to be involved. But the septic tank cleaning process isn't over just yet. The onboard effluent has to be transported to an area where it can be emptied, usually a sewage lagoon or wastewater treatment plant.

Regularly scheduled septic tank cleanings are essential for keeping your septic system in good shape. How often you'll have to have your septic tank pumped out depends on its size and the number of people who use it on a regular basis. For example, a 1,000-gallon septic tank used by a household of four should be cleaned every 2.6 years.

Don't hesitate to call upon the professionals at Pete's Outflow Technicians whenever you need your septic tank serviced.

BUYING A HOME WITH A SEPTIC TANK? 4 THINGS YOU NEED TO KNOW

Fri, 24 Mar 2017 00:00:00 GMT

Many first time home buyers have little or no experience with septic tanks. Learning to maintain a septic tank can be intimidating for some. The more you know about the functionality, care, and maintenance of your septic tank, the better you'll be able to care for your new property.

UNDERSTAND HOW THE SEPTIC TANK WORKS

A septic tank is a large underground tank designed to hold waste water. Water from the home's drains and toilet empty into the septic tank. As the waste water sits, it separates into three different layers: scum, or fats and oils, on top; effluent, or water, in the middle; and sludge on bottom. The sludge consists of human waste and other solid pieces that go down the drain.

As the septic tank fills, bacteria that lives in the tank breaks down the solid waste. This bacteria helps control the level of sludge in the bottom of the tank.

When the effluent reaches a certain height in the tank, it begins to drain out of the tank through the drain field. The waste water travels down the drain field and into the soil, where it is filtered and cleaned.

Over time, the level of sludge in the bottom of the tank begins to rise. If the sludge gets too high, it can clog the drain field. Pumping the septic tank periodically will prevent this from happening.

PUMP SEPTIC TANKS REGULARLY

As a general rule, septic tanks need to be pumped every 2 to 3 years . The exact amount of time that can pass between pumpings will depend on many factors, including the size of the tank, the amount of waste water produced by members of the household, and the type of solid waste flushed into the septic tank. Homeowners in Soquel, Santa Cruz, and the surrounding area who are unsure how often they can go between pumpings may contact a septic tank specialist for an appointment.

Homeowners can extend the amount of time between pumpings by controlling the type of solid waste that goes down the drains. In general, the only safe solid waste is human waste. Pieces of food, hair, and other items can all cause clogs. For this reason, homeowners should not use a garbage disposal in their kitchens, as waste from the garbage disposal can cause the amount of sludge in the bottom of the tank to rise substantially.

BE WARY OF ANTIBACTERIAL WASTE

Medicines, bleach, antibacterial hand soaps, and cleaning chemicals can all kill bacteria that live in the septic tank. Since bacteria is beneficial to septic tanks, flushing anything down the drains that might kill the bacteria is not recommended.

Homeowners who need to know more about getting rid of old medications can contact the sanitation department. Anyone who wishes to get rid of cleaning agents and bleach should contact local charities and non-profit organizations. Many of these organizations accept donations of cleaning products.

WATCH FOR SIGNS OF SEPTIC TANK OVERLOAD

Septic tanks that are in need of service will display symptoms such as spots of bright green grass on the lawn, swampy areas over the drain field, and the smell of raw sewage on the property. Homeowners may also notice that all the drains in their home drain slowly or that water draining from one fixture will flow into another. These are signs that the septic tank is clogged and needs to be serviced immediately.

If you're thinking about buying a home with a septic tankand would like to know more, or if you need to get your new home's septic tank serviced for the first time, contact your local septic tank technicians for an appointment.

TYPES OF ALTERNATIVE SEPTIC SYSTEMS

Thu, 02 Mar 2017 00:00:00 GMT

Is your soil too dense or permeable for conventional septic tanks in the Santa Cruz area? If so, you need to learn about the alternative septic systems you can choose from for your wastewater. Remember, a flush is better than a full house!

Mound System: The main difference between this system and a conventional system is that it has a dosing chamber. The purpose of a dosing chamber is to collect the wastewater and pump it to the raised leaching field at a steady rate. The mound system tends to be more expensive than a conventional tank because there is more equipment necessary. You also have to do some extra work with the dirt and earth. The mound system requires more monitoring as well.
Pressurized Dosing: When your leach field is backed up, a pressurized dosing system can help. This alternative uses a holding tank and pump to evenly distribute the wastewater to the leach field. The controlled dosing helps improve the performance of the field. Pressurized dosing is cheaper than other systems and can be used in shallow soil and clay. However, it does not do well in soils that hold water well and has to be at least two feet from the saturated soil and groundwater.
Constructed Wetlands: This is an ecologically friendly option, and the great thing is that it works in almost any soil type. You use rocks or tire chippings to line a manmade shallow pond and put in special plants with roots to treat wastewater. This type of system requires a little gardening on your part in order to keep everything working smoothly.

ALSO SERVING WATSONVILLE AND SOQUEL

In order to really figure out what type of system is best for you, you have to turn to a company you can trust. Pete’s Outflow Technicians have been serving Santa Cruz, Watsonville, Soquel and the surrounding area since 1953. Call 831-475-0959 to talk to a knowledgeable septic technician about your septic tank needs.

FIVE SIGNS YOU HAVE A SEPTIC TANK PROBLEM

Thu, 02 Mar 2017 00:00:00 GMT

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A healthy septic system is designed to provide reliable service for many years. There are several common warning signs that indicate an underlying problem with your sewage system. Prompt service or pumping by Pete's Outflow Technicians is imperative in any of the following five situations.

Bad Odors in Your Home - A healthy sewage system should be odorless. When septic tanks fill up or sewage begins to back up, smells can rise from drains, sinks and other wastewater locations. If you notice rotting or sewage odors anywhere throughout your home or yard, it’s definitely time for a professional checkup.

Slow or Clogged Drains - While an isolated drain clog probably isn’t a cause for concern, multiple drainage problems should be considered a sign that you may need to repair or replace some components. If drains throughout your house are moving slower than normal, prompt attention is imperative to prevent or treat a blockage. Overflowing toilets or sinks that backup in to the bathtub are indicators that the pipes are not draining properly.

It’s Been 2 Years Since the Last Service - One of the most beneficial septic tank tips is to have your tank checked at least every two years. If you don’t remember the date of your last maintenance visit, or it’s been several years, it’s imperative to have an expert check the sludge level in the receptacle. When tanks are overfilled, they overflow, which can be hazardous and costly to clean up.

An Overly-Green Backyard - Under normal conditions, the landscaping above the drain field will appear just as healthy as the surrounding area. If you begin to notice bright green patches or unusually lush areas, it could mean that the waste water is rising underground rather than leaching properly.

Puddles in the Drain Field - If waste water continues to rise, it will eventually puddle on the surface of the landscaping, creating a mess that is best resolved by a professional. For prompt, expert service in Santa Cruz, Watsonville and Soquel, call Pete’s Outflow Technicians at 831-475-0959 today.

FOUR IMPORTANT REASONS TO GET A REAL ESTATE SEPTIC INSPECTION

Thu, 02 Mar 2017 00:00:00 GMT

Buyers of new homes should always have a thorough real estate septic inspection before purchasing a home to ensure the health and longevity of the wastewater system. Just like a tight roof and a working furnace, the septic system is an essential component of any home’s value. Consider these four important reasons to invest in a professional examination.

DIAGNOSE SYSTEM HEALTH

When purchasing a new residence, you must take into account the condition of many major systems in order to determine a reasonable offer price. Replacing the septic system is a major expense, so you want to make sure you understand the health of the current system and how soon it may need to be replaced.

UNDERSTAND TANK CAPACITY

A professional septic inspection is also helpful in determining how much waste the tank can hold and approximately how many people it can serve. When the size is determined, you will also be able to better estimate how often to schedule professional pumping service.

PINPOINT LONGEVITY OF THE TANK

Tanks are constructed of several types of materials. Older versions are almost exclusively metal, which can eventually rust or corrode. When this occurs, the receptacle must be replaced for proper function and to ensure a healthy environment. A septic tank inspection can ascertain approximately how many years the reservoir should last.

IDENTIFY DRAIN FIELD CONDITION

During traditional wastewater processing, liquid drains from the tank into the surrounding subsoil. A thorough inspection will examine this entire area for signs of system overload (overly green grass, pooling) or tree root infiltration. In either case, costly major repairs would be required. A professional can use a special dye test to identify problems with the drain field.

If you are purchasing real estate, Pete's Outflow Technicians is the trusted name for septic tank inspections in Santa Cruz, Watsonville and Soquel. Call today at 831-475-0959 to schedule an examination.

SIMPLE TIPS FOR GREASE TRAP MAINTENANCE

Thu, 02 Mar 2017 00:00:00 GMT

Grease traps are a necessary component in a healthy waste water system and a hygienic food establishment. With proper maintenance and servicing, they can offer years of convenient operation. Make regular checks, proper waste disposal and scheduled service part of your upkeep plan for the best results.

REMOVE WASTE BEFORE YOU WASH

The easiest way to prolong the life of your trap and to increase the length of time necessary between service calls is to train your staff to dispose of solid waste and oils properly. Removing scraps and food particles prior to washing keeps the trap free of debris and prevents it from filling prematurely.

STICK TO A SCHEDULE

Many municipalities have codes that dictate the maximum amount of time that can pass between professional cleaning visits. While you certainly should adhere to these guidelines, many establishments actually require more frequent service to maintain a healthy oil-to-water ratio. Once the volume of grease reaches 25 percent of the total, service is necessary. Scheduling timely visits helps you avoid having to replace your trap prematurely.

AVOID UNNECESSARY TREATMENTS

Many quick fix methods can actually damage your grease trap or cause expensive sewage backups. While biological agents will break up grease and emulsify it, this increases the chances that it will adhere to your downstream sewage pipes, which can cause slow drainage and blockages. You should also avoid pouring boiling water through your trap, which flushes grease past the trap where it can adhere to the surface of your pipes. Serious problems are costly to repair and often cause unwanted emergencies for restaurant owners.

At Pete’s Outflow Technicians, we have over 62 years of experience maintaining grease traps and working with business owners throughout Santa Cruz, Watsonville and Soquel. We also work on septic tank maintenance for your home or business. Give us a call today at 831-475-0959 to schedule a checkup or routine service.

BLACKWATER AND GRAYWATER: SAFE DISPOSAL OPTIONS FOR SEPTIC SYSTEM OWNERS

Wed, 01 Feb 2017 00:00:00 GMT

Graywater is also wastewater, but it doesn't contain a substantial amount of human waste; instead, graywater consists of mostly water with a variety of household waste in lesser concentrations. These waste products include soaps, detergents, oils and fats, food, cleaning chemicals, and hair. While graywater is not safe for human consumption, it is not considered to be a biological vector for disease.

PRINCIPLES FOR THE PROPER DISPOSAL OF BLACKWATER AND GRAYWATER

Since blackwater and graywater are both waste products, a key concern is how to properly dispose of these substances. Blackwater must be treated to remove harmful bacterial or viral organisms before it can be released into the general environment. Fortunately, the proper disposal of blackwater is fairly straightforward, and sewer and septic systems are designed to break down human waste into safe byproducts.

Graywater, however, does not demand the same level of biological breakdown before being rendered safe. In fact, graywater may be used directly in certain applications without undergoing a cleanup process. That is why graywater is often wasted by homeowners who either send it into the sewer or their septic tank. In addition, graywater often interferes with the normal functioning of septic systems, making it less desirable to route it into that particular waste stream.

ALTERNATIVES TO SENDING GRAYWATER INTO A SEPTIC SYSTEM

Septic systems depend on the accumulation of helpful bacteria to break down waste, but this balance can be disrupted by introducing too much water or chemicals into the stream. Since graywater comprises over half of the wastewater in the average household, this enormous volume of liquids can create a strain on septic systems. The end result for some homeowners is premature failure of their septic systems.

That is why it is wise for homeowners with septic systems to pursue alternatives for graywater disposal. Below are a couple of suggestions to consider.

Route Graywater into Irrigation

Since most graywater may be safely distributed into landscaping, it makes sense to drain water from showers, sinks, and washing machines directly into irrigation lines. These lines are permanently installed and routed strategically throughout the landscape where they can release water into root zones.

However, before using graywater for irrigation purposes, it is important to remove products from the waste stream that can kill landscaping plants. Such products include laundry bleach, for example.

If direct irrigation lines are impractical to install, then another option is to dump graywater into a nearby above-ground holding tank. These tanks can then be drained at an attached spigot and the water directed wherever it is needed via a hose and nozzle.

Install a Graywater Drywell

For some homeowners, the use of graywater for irrigation is not necessary or desirable, especially if it contains substances harmful to plants and if there are no practical means to remove the substances. In these instances, a drywell can be installed in an area safely away from the septic drain field so as to not interfere with its function.

Drywells are frequently constructed out of large plastic drums buried in the ground, which are then filled with angular gravel and punctured to permit water percolation into the surrounding soil. Keep in mind that drywells may eventually become clogged with grease and other particles and require periodic overhaul.

If you need expert advice on how to handle the disposal of graywater, then contact a qualified septic system professional for guidance. They can answer questions about the best options in your circumstances and guide you as move forward with a graywater disposal plan.

HOUSEHOLD APPLIANCES AND SEPTIC SYSTEMS: LEARN HOW TO AVOID DAMAGE

Mon, 09 Jan 2017 00:00:00 GMT

Life is a lot easier these days than it was decades ago. In terms of home functions, much of this added convenience is attributed to technological advancements in the area of home appliances.

Garbage Disposals

You won't harm your system if you place these types of foods in the disposal on occasion. But don't make it a regular habit and rely on your waste bin more often.

Hot Tubs

The safer draining option is to release the water onto a landscaped area that is away from the drain field, such as your lawn. Just ensure there is ample slope for the water to drain away.

Washing Machines

If you have an older septic system and are planning to install multiple new appliances, it might be a good idea to have a technician examine your system to ensure it's equipped to handle the demand.

WHAT IS LIKELY CAUSING YOUR SEPTIC SYSTEM TO PRODUCE UNPLEASANT ODORS

Sun, 01 Jan 2017 00:00:00 GMT

A well-functioning septic system seldom produces odors, but there are instances when smells can become problematic for homeowners. Much of the time, these smells are not due to problems with the underground components of the system. Instead, they are caused by other problems that lie outside of the tank and drain field.

Here are some causes of odors as well as some possible fixes that might help eliminate these smells.

PLUMBING PROBLEMS INSIDE THE HOME

If you catch a whiff of something unpleasant inside your home, such as the odor of rotten eggs, then you are probably smelling sewer gases leaking into your home. The most likely sources of these leaks are your plumbing fixtures, such as your toilets, sinks, tubs and showers.

Ordinarily, plumbing fixtures are designed to prevent sewer gases from intruding into your home, but occasional problems will allow sewer gases to penetrate your living space. There are a couple of common causes to keep in mind when evaluating these fixture failures such as the trap not forming inside fixture drain.

EMPTY PIPE TRAPS

If you open the cabinet door beneath your kitchen sink, you will notice the S or P shape of the drain pipe as it leaves the sink basin. This design is purposeful, as it permits a small amount of water to remain inside the curved portion of the drain and act as a barrier against gas intrusion.

Much like the kitchen drain, your other plumbing fixtures will also contain S- or P-shaped traps that serve the same purpose. These plumbing components are often hidden beneath the home or even buried in the concrete slab of the home.

Though traps are simple and work well most of the time to prevent odor intrusion, they are prone to failure if the water is permitted to fully evaporate. In addition, older traps may require removal and replacement because these obsolete traps don't seal properly against sewer gases. You definitely want malfunctioning sewer traps taken out of your home.

FAILED TOILET RINGS

Toilet wax rings seal the gap between the toilet and the drain opening. Most plumbers use wax rings that are designed to conform to openings, but while wax rings are inexpensive and reliable, they can also become brittle as they age. A brittle wax ring will crack and break, thus allowing sewer gas to vent through the opening.

The fix for bad toilet wax rings is simple, as replacement is the only viable option. Unfortunately, this can be a nasty, tough job that involves moving the toilet out of its current location to access the ring. The job is best suited for professionals who have the tools, training, and time to replace the toilet ring for you.

There are other potential causes of plumbing-related sewer gas odors such as broken fixtures and unknown penetrations into the vent system, but these are somewhat rare.

VENT STACK PROBLEMS

If you don't detect the presence of sewer gas odors inside your home, but are instead noticing these smells outside of the house, then you are likely experiencing a problem with the dispersion of the gas and possibly your vent stack. Vent stacks are vertical pipes which connect to the septic pipes inside your home and vent sewer gasses through your roof.

If your vent stack is failing or the vent system is becoming overwhelmed, then odors from the septic system can find their way into your living spaces. Much of the time, sewer gas dispersion into and around your home occurs from a blockage on the roof.

If you are experiencing sewer odors in or around your home, it is important to call a professional to evaluate your situation and determine where the exact source of the odor is located. Expert plumbers can also provide solutions such as fitting existing vent structures with carbon-based filter boxes or even redirecting the exterior flow of air to uplift gases out of range.

SEPTIC-TANK DRAIN FIELDS: WHAT YOU SHOULD KNOW ABOUT PROTECTING THEM FROM HARM

Thu, 01 Dec 2016 00:00:00 GMT

While a septic system may seem bulletproof, the reality is that neglect can do significant damage up to and including causing a permanent shutdown. Your home's septic system can provide many years of faithful service if treated well, but it can also be quickly destroyed by careless acts. One particularly vulnerable part of your septic system is the drain field. Below is more information about this critical component as well as several important practices that will keep your drain field intact.

WHAT IS A SEPTIC DRAIN FIELD?

A septic drain field is the area where effluents, which are liquid waste products inside the system, are distributed into the soil, after which the liquids percolate through surrounding soils. This percolating process strips the effluent of harmful microorganisms and leaves relatively clean water behind as a result.

Design-wise, drain fields consist of multiple parallel pipes that empty into a special substrate buried several feet beneath the surface. If anything should disrupt this draining process, then the entire septic system will grind to a halt. That is why being diligent to protect the septic drain field is of such great importance.

WHAT CAN BE DONE TO PROTECT THE DRAIN FIELD?

Since drain fields are so important to the overall health of a septic system, you must take a proactive stance to guard them from destruction. Some of the actions below can help you meet this objective.

Keep out contaminants that clog

Drain fields depend on consistent, uninterrupted flow of effluent into the surrounding soil, and any contaminant in the effluent that causes clogs is serious. To prevent this from occurring, never dump grease, oil, or other scum-forming substances into the septic system.

In addition, avoid dumping gray water into your septic system, if possible, as soaps and dissolved lipids found in dish and laundry wastewater can ultimately contribute to the problem. Instead, route gray water toward a dedicated sump pump for disposal.

Protect the drain field’s physical components

Drain-field components are usually only a few feet beneath ground level, and this can make them vulnerable to objects that might cause disruption. For example, heavy vehicles, parked cars, and traffic are all causes of potential damage to drain-field infrastructure.

Other possible destructive elements include storage sheds or paving installed too close to the drain field; anything that places long-term weight loads upon drain fields is to be avoided. That is why you should guard this space from anything at ground level that may cause pipes to shift or break.

Maintain biological activity

As with any part of your septic system, healthy biological activity within the drain field is necessary to maintain the process. Interrupting this activity by killing helpful microorganisms can permit an imbalance to occur, and that may result in a shutdown of filtering and cleansing of effluent.

That is why it is necessary to avoid permitting bactericidal agents to gain direct access to the effluent or trickle down through the soil. Such agents can include detergents, pesticides, insecticides, fertilizers, and other harmful substances. In some instances, even medicines consumed by persons in the household can be passed into the septic system and exert a strong antibacterial influence on the "good" microbes.

Perform appropriate "upstream" maintenance on a regular basis

As you have seen, drain-field problems are often a side-effect of "upstream" neglect. However, even when harmful substances are not introduced into the effluent, the normal processes within a septic system can cause an eventual shutdown of drain fields. The good news is that drain fields can be kept viable for many years if proper maintenance is conducted on a system. One of these maintenance activities include the periodic cleaning and replacement of effluent filters; these simple components are effective at capturing debris in the effluent stream, but if they aren't kept clear, problems can develop at both the tank end and with drain fields.

Another vital maintenance task is the pumping of accumulated sludge at the bottom of the tank. Tanks should be pumped on a regular basis, which may be as often as once per year, to prevent this sludge from exiting the tank and entering the drain-field lines.