Low-Flow Toilets Archives - Septic Preservation Services

Overboard Discharge Services In Maine Today

/in Bob Silva, leachfield, Low-Flow Toilets, Maine, OBD, overboard discharge, overboard discharge repairs, overboard discharge services, sand filter services, Septic Preservation Services, septic pumping /by

Septic Preservation Services has Overboard Discharge Services and Repairs scheduled today in Tenants Harbor, Friendship, Bremen, Owl’s Head, Islesboro and Union ME. For more information regarding OBDs see Maine Gov

These are a few general tips that will help to extend the life of your OBD and promote high quality effluent.

Some household chemicals kill the microorganisms that digest the wastes in your treatment system and may pass through to the receiving waterbody. Toxic chemicals, harsh cleaners, paint, pharmaceuticals, and non-biodegradable materials should not be disposed of by dumping or pouring down the drain.
Using low-flow toilets and water-saving showerheads will prolong the life of your system.
Septic tanks should be pumped at least once every three years. Depending on how much the OBD facility is used, you may want to increase the septic pumping frequency or decrease it to once every five years if it receives very little use.
Trees, shrubs and woody perennials should be cleared away from system components. Sandfilter surfaces should be mowed at least once per year. If a wet spot appears on or near the sandfilter bed notify the DEP inspector.
Mechanical systems operate best if they are used at a consistent rate and may malfunction or produce poor quality effluent if overloaded on the weekend and “starved” during the week. Try to manage laundry, cleaning, and showers so that the load is spread out as evenly as possible. Leave a mechanical OBD operating as recommended by your service contractor at all times during the season of use.
Check the chlorine level at least every two weeks and keep fresh chlorine in contact with the treated wastewater. Don’t overfill the chlorinator tubes; only the bottom two or three inches of the tubes should have chlorine. Old, brown or mushy chlorine does not properly disinfect and must be replaced. Take care to remove old chlorine from your chlorinator rather than washing it out to the waterbody.
Ensure that the outfall pipe extends to below the low water mark of the receiving waterbody. In extenuating circumstances a specific waiver to this requirement may be granted by the Department.
Treated wastewater should be clear and without a strong septic or chlorine odor. If wastewater in the disinfection unit is not nearly clear, smells like rotten eggs, raw sewage, or smells strongly of chlorine, call your service contractor or notify the DEP inspector.

If you require an Overboard Discharge Service or Repair you will need to contact a certified maintenance contractor. Septic Preservation Services is the only Statewide contractor on the Maine Department of Environmental Protection Wastewater Treatment Plants certified maintenance contractors list. If you wish to make an appointment or if you have any questions about our Overboard Discharge Services please do contact our office on 877-378-4279 or visit Septic Preservation Services

Septic Advice To Help Prevent Septic Problems

/in Bob Silva, education, Low-Flow Toilets, marion, Massachusetts, Mattapoisett, Septic Preservation Services, septic repairs, septic system education, septic system repairs /by

Septic Preservation Services has many years of experience working in the septic industry in this region. This means that we can use our accumulated knowledge and the skills that we have developed to repair the septic problems that our customers have. What is sometimes even more important is that we can locate the cause of the issue and this sometimes means that we have to educate septic system owners in the best way to use their system to prevent septic problems happening in the future. For example today we have been to a customer property in Westport MA and the mistake that they were making is that they were putting too much water into their system. The decomposition process can become strained if there is too much excess water in the septic system, resulting in a variety of problems. Ideally, septic owners should only be using a maximum of 50 gallons of water per day, per person. The following averages for common household activities can help you keep track:

Dishwasher Cycle – 7 gallons
Washing Machine – 40 gallons per load (less with front-loader machines)
Toilet – 2 gallons per flush, 1.6 gallons for newer standard toilets
Shower – 2.5 gallons per minute (a 10 minute shower = 25 gallons)

It can be difficult to stay on top of usage, particularly for large families, but laying down some basic guidelines can help everyone to work together. New environmentally-friendly appliances, toilets and shower heads can help reduce usage without a lot of extra effort. Trying to spread laundry loads out over a week rather than doing it all on one day helps and not running many water using appliances all at once. A water meter can be helpful for households that feed off of a well. The Energy Star website also has a lot of helpful ideas and tips for reducing water usage. It is always a good idea to remember that a septic system is installed based upon the number of people that are anticipated to be using it. If your base number increases, you might need to upgrade to a larger system. We have other septic repairs scheduled today in Marion, Mattapoisett, Fall River and Fairhaven MA. If you have questions about your septic system or if you need to schedule a septic repair please do contact our Norton Office on 877 378 4279 or visit Septic Preservation Services
where we will be happy to help you.

Septic Pumping Is Necessary For Your Septic System

/in Bob Silva, cleaning and pumping, Low-Flow Toilets, marion, Massachusetts, Mattapoisett, norton, Septic Preservation Services, septic pumping, septic system cleaning and pumping, septic system pumping /by

Septic Preservation Services are available to provide your essential septic system maintenance. Septic pumping is necessary for every septic system and if left your septic system will eventually fail. A septic tank is designed to have the capacity for 3-5 years waste. Obviously the volume of waste entering your septic system will affect the regularity that your system needs septic pumping. If your own a small cottage but have a lot of people visiting your septic tank will fill up much quicker. Property owners need to be aware that all wastewater enters the septic system so it is not just toilets but also baths, showers, washing machine, dishwasher etc that will fill up your system. The septic system is designed to match the number of bedrooms in a property so if you have a two bedroom home but have extended family visiting you are potentially straining the ability of your septic system to process the extra demand. Not only will your septic system fill up faster but also the decomposition process can become strained if there is too much excess water in the system, resulting in a variety of problems. Ideally, septic owners should only be using a maximum of 50 gallons of water per day, per person, assuming the number of people using the system corresponds to the size of the septic system as determined by the number of bedrooms in the home. The following averages for common household activities can help you keep track:

· Dishwasher Cycle – 7 gallons
· Washing Machine – 40 gallons per load (less with front-loader machines)
· Toilet – 2 gallons per flush, 1.6 gallons for newer standard toilets
· Shower – 2.5 gallons per minute (a 10 minute shower = 25 gallons)

It can be difficult to stay on top of usage, particularly for large families, but laying down some basic guidelines can help everyone to work together. New environmentally-friendly appliances, toilets and shower heads can help reduce usage without a lot of extra effort. The government Energy Star Website also has a lot of helpful ideas and tips for reducing water usage. It is also important, to be aware of when you need to schedule septic pumping. Today we have septic pumping scheduled for customers in New Bedford, Mattapoisett, Marion, Westport, Freetown and Fairhaven MA. If you are unsure if you need a septic pump out or if you need to schedule septic pumping or have other questions about your septic system please do contact our Norton office on 877 378 4279 or visit Septic Preservation Services

Excess Water In Your Septic System Can Result In Septic Problems

/in Bob Silva, education, Low-Flow Toilets, Massachusetts, norton, Septic Preservation Services, septic repairs, septic system education, septic system repairs /by

Septic Preservation Services regularly attend septic problems that could have been avoided if the property owner had better information and knowledge about how to ‘live’ in a home which has its own septic system and is not on town sewer. A mistake that many septic system owners make is to put too much water into the system. The decomposition process can become strained if there is too much excess water in the system, resulting in a variety of septic problems. Ideally, septic owners should only be using a maximum of 50 gallons of water per day, per person. The following averages for common household activities can help you keep track:

Dishwasher Cycle – 7 gallons
Washing Machine – 40 gallons per load (less with front-loader machines)
Toilet – 2 gallons per flush, 1.6 gallons for newer standard toilets
Shower – 2.5 gallons per minute (a 10 minute shower = 25 gallons)

It can be difficult to stay on top of usage, particularly for large families, but laying down some basic guidelines can help everyone to work together. New environmentally-friendly appliances, toilets and shower heads can help reduce usage without a lot of extra effort. A water meter can be helpful for households that feed off of a well. The government website http://energystar.gov also has a lot of helpful ideas and tips for reducing water usage.

Always remember that a septic system is installed based upon the number of people that are anticipated to be using it. If your base number increases, you might need to upgrade to a larger system.

We are providing a septic repair for a large family with a home in Hingham MA today and the root cause of their septic problems was that they were having a large laundry day once a week instead of spreading loads out over an entire week. This strained their system too much and has resulted in a repair being necessary. We have other septic repairs today in Marshfield, Plymouth, Carver, West Bridgewater and Stoughton MA. If you require a septic repair or if you have any questions about your septic system please do contact our Norton Office on 877-378-4279 or visit Septic Preservation Services

How To Extend The Life Of Your Maine OBD

/in Bob Silva, Low-Flow Toilets, Maine, overboard discharge, overboard discharge repairs, overboard discharge services, Portland, Septic Preservation Services, Wells /by

Septic Preservation Services has OBD (Overboard Discharge) Services and Repairs scheduled today in West Kennebunk, Biddeford, Old Orchard Beach, Cape Elizabeth, Portland and Wells ME. For more information regarding OBDs see:

https://www1.maine.gov/dep/water/wd/OBD/ip_obd.pdf

These are a few general tips that will help to extend the life of your OBD and promote high quality effluent.

Some household chemicals kill the microorganisms that digest the wastes in your treatment system and may pass through to the receiving waterbody. Toxic chemicals, harsh cleaners, paint, pharmaceuticals, and non-biodegradable materials should not be disposed of by dumping or pouring down the drain.
Using low-flow toilets and water-saving showerheads will prolong the life of your system.
Septic tanks should be pumped at least once every three years. Depending on how much the OBD facility is used, you may want to increase the septic pumping frequency or decrease it to once every five years if it receives very little use.
Trees, shrubs and woody perennials should be cleared away from system components. Sandfilter surfaces should be mowed at least once per year. If a wet spot appears on or near the sandfilter bed notify the DEP inspector.
Mechanical systems operate best if they are used at a consistent rate and may malfunction or produce poor quality effluent if overloaded on the weekend and “starved” during the week. Try to manage laundry, cleaning, and showers so that the load is spread out as evenly as possible. Leave a mechanical OBD operating as recommended by your service contractor at all times during the season of use.
Check the chlorine level at least every two weeks and keep fresh chlorine in contact with the treated wastewater. Don’t overfill the chlorinator tubes; only the bottom two or three inches of the tubes should have chlorine. Old, brown or mushy chlorine does not properly disinfect and must be replaced. Take care to remove old chlorine from your chlorinator rather than washing it out to the waterbody.
Ensure that the outfall pipe extends to below the low water mark of the receiving waterbody. In extenuating circumstances a specific waiver to this requirement may be granted by the Department.
Treated wastewater should be clear and without a strong septic or chlorine odor. If wastewater in the disinfection unit is not nearly clear, smells like rotten eggs, raw sewage, or smells strongly of chlorine, call your service contractor or notify the DEP inspector.

If you require an Overboard Discharge Service or repair you will need to contact a certified maintenance contractor. Septic Preservation Services is the only Statewide contractor on the Maine Department of Environmental Protection Wastewater Treatment Plants certified maintenance contractors list. If you wish to make an appointment or if you have any questions please do contact our office on 877-378-4279 or visit https://www.septicpreservation.com

Extend The Life Of Your Maine OBD

/in Bob Silva, Kittery, Low-Flow Toilets, Maine, overboard discharge, overboard discharge repairs, overboard discharge services, Septic Preservation Services, septic repairs, septic services, septic system education /by

Septic Preservation Services has Overboard Discharge Services and Repairs scheduled today in Kittery Point, Cape Neddick, Wells, Kennebunk Port, Biddeford and Old Orchard Beach ME. For more information regarding OBDs see:

https://www1.maine.gov/dep/water/wd/OBD/ip_obd.pdf

These are a few general tips that will help to extend the life of your OBD and promote high quality effluent.

Some household chemicals kill the microorganisms that digest the wastes in your treatment system and may pass through to the receiving waterbody. Toxic chemicals, harsh cleaners, paint, pharmaceuticals, and non-biodegradable materials should not be disposed of by dumping or pouring down the drain.
Using low-flow toilets and water-saving showerheads will prolong the life of your system.
Septic tanks should be pumped at least once every three years. Depending on how much the OBD facility is used, you may want to increase the septic pumping frequency or decrease it to once every five years if it receives very little use.
Trees, shrubs and woody perennials should be cleared away from system components. Sandfilter surfaces should be mowed at least once per year. If a wet spot appears on or near the sandfilter bed notify the DEP inspector.
Mechanical systems operate best if they are used at a consistent rate and may malfunction or produce poor quality effluent if overloaded on the weekend and “starved” during the week. Try to manage laundry, cleaning, and showers so that the load is spread out as evenly as possible. Leave a mechanical OBD operating as recommended by your service contractor at all times during the season of use.
Check the chlorine level at least every two weeks and keep fresh chlorine in contact with the treated wastewater. Don’t overfill the chlorinator tubes; only the bottom two or three inches of the tubes should have chlorine. Old, brown or mushy chlorine does not properly disinfect and must be replaced. Take care to remove old chlorine from your chlorinator rather than washing it out to the waterbody.
Ensure that the outfall pipe extends to below the low water mark of the receiving waterbody. In extenuating circumstances a specific waiver to this requirement may be granted by the Department.
Treated wastewater should be clear and without a strong septic or chlorine odor. If wastewater in the disinfection unit is not nearly clear, smells like rotten eggs, raw sewage, or smells strongly of chlorine, call your service contractor or notify the DEP inspector.

If you require an Overboard Discharge Service or repair you will need to contact a certified maintenance contractor. Septic Preservation Services is the only Statewide contractor on the Maine Department of Environmental Protection Wastewater Treatment Plants certified maintenance contractors list. If you wish to make an appointment or if you have any questions please do contact our office on 877-378-4279 or visit https://www.septicpreservation.com

It’s May 1st Already And We Are Busy With Septic Repairs

/in Bob Silva, education, garbage disposals, leach field, Low-Flow Toilets, Massachusetts, norton, Septic Preservation Services, septic repairs, septic system education, septic system repairs /by

Septic Preservation Services can’t believe that it’s May 1st already. This year seems to be flying by and our technicians are busier than ever. Unfortunately a lot of our call outs are for septic repairs for homeowners who have unknowingly caused their septic system problem. Where possible we try to educate home owners in the best way to use their septic system to try to prevent future problems while also finding the cause of the septic problem and fixing it. A few suggestions to keep your septic system working correctly are:

Pumping. Septic tanks generally should be pumped out every three to five years, depending on how regularly the system is used and/or how many people are using it. Regular pumping ensures that solids will not flow from the septic tank into the drainfield.
Use less water. Reducing the amount of wastewater entering your on-site sewage system may increase its lifespan. Excessive water use is a main cause of system failure. Use water-saving bathroom and kitchen fixtures (faucets, showers, toilets). Run and drain appliances, such as dishwashers and washing machines, one at a time. Spread laundry over the entire week and avoid partial loads. Fix all faucet and toilet leaks promptly.
Limit garbage disposal use. A garbage disposal adds solids and grease to your system, which could lead to drainfield failure.
Direct water from downspouts and roofs away from the drainfield. Additional water from these sources may prevent your drainfield from working properly.
Install risers for easier access. Risers from the tank lids to the soil surface make maintenance easier.
Don’t use septic tank additives or “miracle” system cleaners. Some of these chemicals can actually harm your system by allowing solids to flow into and clog the drainfield. The chemicals can also contaminate ground and surface water.
Don’t dispose of water from hot tubs into your septic system. Large volumes of water are harmful to the system, and the chlorine can destroy important bacteria in the system.
Don’t flush solid wastes into the system. These include diapers, cigarette butts, coffee grounds, tampons, condoms, and grease.
Don’t put strong chemicals, such as cleaning products, down the drain. Household chemicals — such as drain cleaners, paint thinners and floor cleaners — can destroy important bacteria in your septic tank and contaminate ground and surface water. Laundry additives like bleach and fabric softener can also have a negative effect on the bacteria in your tank.
Don’t construct patios, carports or use landscape plastic over the drainfield. Grass is the best cover for your septic tank and drainfield. Soil compaction and paving prevent oxygen from getting into the soil. This oxygen is needed by bacteria to break down and treat sewage.
Don’t park cars, trucks or heavy machinery on the septic tank and drainfield areas. The weight can lead to crushed or broken pipes and soil compaction. Compacted soils cannot absorb water from the drainfield. A broken underground pipe can lead to an expensive repair.

Today we have septic repair appointments scheduled for customers in Wayland, Northborough, Hudson, Maynard, Clinton and Upton MA. If you require a septic repair or if you have any questions about septic systems please do contact our Norton Office on 877-378-4279 or visit www.septicpreservation.com

Tips To Help Extend The Life Of Your OBD

/in Bob Silva, Low-Flow Toilets, Maine, overboard discharge, overboard discharge repairs, overboard discharge services, Septic Preservation Services, septic repairs, septic services /by

Septic Preservation Services has Overboard Discharge Services (OBD) and Repairs scheduled today in Tenants Harbor, Friendship, Bremen, Owl’s Head, Islesboro and Union ME. For more information regarding OBDs see:

https://www1.maine.gov/dep/water/wd/OBD/ip_obd.pdf

These are a few general tips that will help to extend the life of your OBD and promote high quality effluent.

Some household chemicals kill the microorganisms that digest the wastes in your treatment system and may pass through to the receiving waterbody. Toxic chemicals, harsh cleaners, paint, pharmaceuticals, and non-biodegradable materials should not be disposed of by dumping or pouring down the drain.
Using low-flow toilets and water-saving showerheads will prolong the life of your system.
Septic tanks should be pumped at least once every three years. Depending on how much the OBD facility is used, you may want to increase the septic pumping frequency or decrease it to once every five years if it receives very little use.
Trees, shrubs and woody perennials should be cleared away from system components. Sand filter surfaces should be mowed at least once per year. If a wet spot appears on or near the sand filter bed notify the DEP inspector.
Mechanical systems operate best if they are used at a consistent rate and may malfunction or produce poor quality effluent if overloaded on the weekend and “starved” during the week. Try to manage laundry, cleaning, and showers so that the load is spread out as evenly as possible. Leave a mechanical OBD operating as recommended by your service contractor at all times during the season of use.
Check the chlorine level at least every two weeks and keep fresh chlorine in contact with the treated wastewater. Don’t overfill the chlorinator tubes; only the bottom two or three inches of the tubes should have chlorine. Old, brown or mushy chlorine does not properly disinfect and must be replaced. Take care to remove old chlorine from your chlorinator rather than washing it out to the waterbody.
Ensure that the outfall pipe extends to below the low water mark of the receiving waterbody. In extenuating circumstances a specific waiver to this requirement may be granted by the Department.
Treated wastewater should be clear and without a strong septic or chlorine odor. If wastewater in the disinfection unit is not nearly clear, smells like rotten eggs, raw sewage, or smells strongly of chlorine, call your service contractor or notify the DEP inspector.

If you require an Overboard Discharge Service or repair you will need to contact a certified maintenance contractor. Septic Preservation Services is the only Statewide contractor on the Maine Department of Environmental Protection Wastewater Treatment Plants certified maintenance contractors list. If you wish to make an appointment or if you have any questions please do contact our office on 877-378-4279 or visit https://www.septicpreservation.com

OBD Services In Maine And Tips For Property Owners To Maintain Their OBDs

/in Bob Silva, Freeport, Low-Flow Toilets, Maine, Portland, Septic Preservation Services /by

Septic Preservation Services have many years experience working with the Maine government’s overboard discharge (OBD) program. As stated on the Maine Gov website:

“The Maine DEP’s Overboard Discharge (OBD) Program is responsible for regulating discharges of sanitary and household wastewater generated at residential or commercial locations to streams, rivers, bays, and the ocean. All OBDs must be approved by the DEP through a licensing process.” For more information see:

http://www.maine.gov/dep/water/wd/OBD/index.html

Septic Preservation Services are the only statewide company on the certified maintenance contractor list provided by the Maine Department of Environmental Protection.

In addition to having your OBD serviced and maintained by a certified contractor you can ensure that your OBD is maintained by following these tips that will help to extend the life of your OBD and promote high quality effluent.

Some household chemicals kill the microorganisms that digest the wastes in your treatment system and may pass through to the receiving waterbody. Toxic chemicals, harsh cleaners, paint, pharmaceuticals, and non-biodegradable materials should not be disposed of by dumping or pouring down the drain.
Using low-flow toilets and water-saving showerheads will prolong the life of your system.
Septic tanks should be pumped at least once every three years. Depending on how much the OBD facility is used, you may want to increase the septic pumping frequency or decrease it to once every five years if it receives very little use.
Trees, shrubs and woody perennials should be cleared away from system components. Sandfilter surfaces should be mowed at least once per year. If a wet spot appears on or near the sandfilter bed notify the DEP inspector.
Mechanical systems operate best if they are used at a consistent rate and may malfunction or produce poor quality effluent if overloaded on the weekend and “starved” during the week. Try to manage laundry, cleaning, and showers so that the load is spread out as evenly as possible. Leave a mechanical OBD operating as recommended by your service contractor at all times during the season of use.
Check the chlorine level at least every two weeks and keep fresh chlorine in contact with the treated wastewater. Don’t overfill the chlorinator tubes; only the bottom two or three inches of the tubes should have chlorine. Old, brown or mushy chlorine does not properly disinfect and must be replaced. Take care to remove old chlorine from your chlorinator rather than washing it out to the waterbody.
Ensure that the outfall pipe extends to below the low water mark of the receiving waterbody. In extenuating circumstances a specific waiver to this requirement may be granted by the Department.
Treated wastewater should be clear and without a strong septic or chlorine odor. If wastewater in the disinfection unit is not nearly clear, smells like rotten eggs, raw sewage, or smells strongly of chlorine, call your service contractor or notify the DEP inspector.

Today we have OBD maintenance and services scheduled in Portland, Falmouth, Orr’s Island, Cape Elizabeth, Freeport and Harpswell Maine. If you have an OBD and require a service or you have question or concern about your OBD please do contact our office on 877-378-4279 or visit https://www.septicpreservation.com

Benefits of Low-Flow Toilets

/in Bob Silva, Low-Flow Toilets, Maine, Mattapoisett, New Hampshire, norton, rhode island, Septic Preservation Services /by

Low-flow toilets are a great way to reduce the amount of wastewater that ends up in a septic system. If you live in an area that relies on private septic systems, as opposed to a municipal sewer system, it is important to do everything you can to reduce water usage to prevent expensive damage to the septic system.

Septic systems are typically used in locations that aren’t connected to the city sewage system. A septic tank is a large tank, usually made out of concrete, that holds waste materials that are flushed through the residential sewage system. Inside the tank, bacteria works to break down the solid wastes, which are then released via wastewater into a drainage system.

Because low-flow toilets reduce water usage, they are ideal for cutting down on the amount of water that enters septic systems. Low-flow toilets are also used by homeowners that do not have a residential sewage system, as a means of reducing overall water consumption.

How Low-Flow Toilets Work
Low-flow toilets are designed to use less water than a standard toilet. The average residential toilet uses three to four gallons per flush, while low-flow toilets use around one-and-a-half gallons per flush. Recently, newer low-flow toilets have been produced that use even less water per flush by using a dual-flush system.

Much like septic tank systems, homeowners need to be aware of what gets flushed down low-flow toilets. The only thing that should ever be flushed down low-flow toilets that are connected to a septic tank system is toilet paper and organic waste. That means absolutely no paper towels, feminine products, diapers, newspapers or other paper materials.

The chemicals used to clean low-flow toilets that are hooked up to a residential septic system must also be chosen carefully. Bleach, abrasives, anti-bacterial cleansers and other bathroom cleaners should never be flushed into septic tank systems or washed down the drain. Use natural cleaners, such as baking soda or vinegar, to protect the good bacteria inside the septic tank that works to breakdown solid waste.

Part of a Healthy Septic Tank System
All of the parts of your residential septic system work together to effectively and efficiently process all the waste from your home. Low-flow toilets can be an important part of a well-run septic system. The best way to care for your system is to hire a professional septic system maintenance and inspection service.

A low-flow toilet is very easy to maintain and helps to reduce water usage in the bathroom. The fixture that helps to reduce water usage inside low-flow toilets may need to be adjusted every now and again. This fixture is the fill valve. It is used to maintain a proper level of water inside the toilet tank.

Septic Preservation Services offers a preventative maintenance program, which can be used to keep tabs on the effectiveness of your system, catch potential problems before they get out of control and keep your residential sewage system running properly. Learning about your system and how it should be used and cared for, is another important part of good home ownership. Proper care and preventative maintenance, when used together, can prevent costly repairs and replacements. Call Septic Preservation Services at 877-378-4279 or visit www.septicpreservation.com