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Rainy Weather and Your Septic System

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rainRain, Rain Go Away!

 It’s been a long, strange winter.   We’ve had some snow, a warm spell in February, and more snow, and now a cold and wet spring.  Winter does not seem to want to let go.  How does all this rain affect your septic system?

Heavy rains can cause septic issues.   Significant rainfall can quickly flood the ground around the leach field or drainfield leaving it saturated and making it impossible for water to flow out of your septic system. When the water has nowhere to go, it can eventually travels backward through the plumbing system and back into drains and toilets and into your home.   When the  drainfield becomes flooded, it  can also lead to untreated sewage flowing into the groundwater and local streams.   This can lead to environmental contamination.

There are things you can do to help minimize any damage to the way your septic system functions and keep everything functioning smoothly.

Before it starts to rain:

  • Prevention is always the best bet.  Make sure your septic system is properly maintained, and is regularly pumped.  Septic problems can be worse if your tank needs to be pumped or the system has not been properly maintained.
  • Keeping water away from the home and the drain field is key.   Rain gutters are important. Make sure all gutters drain away from the drainfield area so as not to saturate the area, and make sure you clean the gutters in the fall and spring to help the water drain properly.
  • Maintenance of your drain field is essential.  Do not drive any heavy equipment or other vehicles that could compact the soil over the drainfield. This can compromise the soil absorption field’s ability to treat wastewater. Also, plant only grass above the drainfield or groundcover with shallow roots.  Do not plant any trees or vegetation with deep roots which could harm the leach field.

During the rainstorm:

  • If  you begin to notice that your drainfield is flooded, be alert to drains that are not draining quickly, toilets that flush slower or make strange sounds, or water that is backing up into your basement.   To take pressure off your system and allow it to recoup, use it less.  If possible, reduce or eliminate water going down the drains until the drainfield dries out.  Hold off on laundry until the water recedes.  Try to cut back on showers, and dishwashing and flush the toilet only when necessary.  It should only be a day or two until the rain stops and the sun dries up some of the excess water.

After the Storm

  • If the water does not recede and you suspect that your septic system is still not working properly, it’s time to call in a professional.  Septic Preservation is able to quickly come out and check your system and offer a solution.  It may include pumping the system or repairs may be needed.   Do not wait to have your system checked.  This could greatly increase your chances of major septic repairs or septic system failure.
  • Septic Preservation also has a great septic maintenance program.  Take the worry out of your septic system and call Septic Preservation at 877-378-4279 and let them put you on their maintenance program.  This can help you extend the life of your system.  Visit www.septicpreservation.com for more information.
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Septic System Usage Tips by Septic Preservation

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Septic Preservation ServicesSeptic Preservation Services provides services and maintenance for septic system owners, however, we also provide information to septic system owners. We want to help ensure that septic system owners are using their septic system correctly, which will often mean that they will not need as many unscheduled maintenance and repairs. Conventional septic systems can function very well with minimal care. In fact, most septic tanks will only require an inspection and pumping out every three to five years if they are used properly.  A few good things to remember are:

 

  • Have your septic system inspected and pumped every 3 to 5 years.  If the tank fills up with an excess of solids, the wastewater will not have enough time to settle in the tank.  These excess solids will then pass on to the leach field, where they will clog the drain lines and soil.
  • Know the location of your septic system and drain field, and keep a record of all inspections, pumpings, repairs, contract or engineering work for future references.  Keep a sketch of it handy for service visits.
  • Take leftover hazardous chemicals to your approved hazardous waste collection center for disposal.   Use bleach, disinfectants, and drain and toilet bowl cleaners sparingly and in accordance with product labels.
  • Your toilet or sink is not a trash can  so don’t dump non-biodegradables (cigarette butts, diapers, feminine products, etc.) or grease down your sink or toilet.  Non-biodegradables can clog the pipes, while grease can thicken and clog the pipes.  Store cooking oils, fats, and grease in a can for disposal in the garbage.
  • Do not put paint thinner, polyurethane, anti-freeze, pesticides, some dyes, disinfectants, water softeners, and other strong chemicals into the system.  These can cause major upsets in the septic tank by killing the biological part of your septic system and polluting the groundwater. Small amounts of standard household cleaners, drain cleansers, detergents, etc. will be diluted in the tank and should cause no damage to the system.
  • Excessive laundry loads with your washing machine does not allow your septic tank time to adequately treat wastes and overwhelms the entire system with excess wastewater.
  • Do not use chemical solvents to clean the plumbing or septic system. “Miracle” chemicals will kill microorganisms that consume harmful wastes.  These products can also cause groundwater contamination

We have septic pumping and septic cleaning scheduled today in Plymouth, Sandwich, East Bridgewater, Hingham, Canton, Hanson, and Middleborough, MA.  If you need to schedule septic pumping or have other concerns regarding your septic system maintenance please do contact our office at 877-378-4279 or visit www.septicpreservation.com

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Tips for Septic System Maintenance

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Tips  for Your Septic System

It’s important to keep your septic system running smoothly.  There are many things you can change in your household habits to prolong the life of your septic system and keep repairs at bay.

Conserve water whenever possible as a means of reducing the volume of wastewater that will need to be treated and disposed.  Take shorter showers and turn off the faucet while brushing your teeth and doing dishes.  Turn it back on to rinse.

Make repairs to any faucets or toilets that are leaking.  That is simply wasting water and putting extra water into the septic tank and leachfield.

Make sure that you are only discharging biodegradable wastes into your system.  Avoid using cleaners with bleach and harsh chemicals.  Choose natural ingredients or make your own homemade cleaners with household ingredients.

Use 1 ply toilet paper and avoid using too much.  Do not flush, diapers, feminine hygiene products, tissues, wipes or paper towels.

Restrict or avoid use of your garbage disposal.  They can wreak havoc with septic systems.

Avoid putting grease, oils, fats, paint or excess food down your drains. Throw them away or wash outside.

Take the time to ensure that any down spouts or other surface water is diverted away from your drainfield.

It’s a good idea to keep the cover to your septic tank accessible by installing covers and risers for easier inspections and pumping.

Get your septic tank pumped regularly and have it checked for any cracks or leaks.

You can also have an effluent filter installed to prevent debris from entering your drainfield.

You can also add a laundry filter to your washing machine.  Space out your loads of laundry and dishwashing loads to keep your leachfield from getting flooded.

Call  Septic Preservation Services for  a Voluntary Assessment of your septic system.  You can also inquire about becoming part of a preventative maintenance service plan to take all the guess work out of maintaining your septic system and can help you prevent problems before they even occur!

Call 877-378-4279 or visit www.septicpreservation.com

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Septic System Services in Rhode Island Today

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Septic Preservation ServicesSeptic Preservation Services has septic services including Singulair Service, FAST Service, Advanced Treatment Service and Sand Filter Services scheduled today in North Smithfield, Cumberland, Lincoln, Foster, Scituate, Coventry, Johnston, and Cranston, RI.  We have experience working with, and servicing, many types of septic systems and can ensure that your system continues to operate correctly and efficiently. If you need to schedule a septic system service or if you have any questions about septic services please do contact our office at 877-378-4279 or visit 

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Septic Cleaning by Septic Preservation Services

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Septic Preservation Services Septic Preservation Services has septic cleaning scheduled in Burrillville, Glocester, Smithfield, Johnston, Coventry, East Greenwich, and Cranston, RI. To ensure that your septic system continues to work correctly and to increase the lifespan of your septic system, it is advisable to maintain your septic system.  This includes cleaning and pumping to flush out sludge and scum, which don’t drain like effluent.  If you need to schedule a septic cleaning or have any questions please do contact our office at 877-378-4279  or visit www.septicpreservation.com

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Septic System Odors

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septic system

Septic system odors can have many causes.  Some can be minor, others more serious.  In cold weather, the causes can vary.  Pinpointing the source of the smell is usually the first step.  Downdrafts from the vent pipe on the roof may cause odor, but would vary with weather conditions and wind and subside as the day warms.

There could be a problem with a frozen drainfield, blocked tank inlet or outlet, or other blocked pipes.   Backup may occur in the home if this is the case.  Check the lowest drain in the system first.  Call a professional right away if you suspect this is the problem.

Long, persistent odors and wet spots over the tank and drainfield could mean septic system failure.  Check for effluent outside and wet spots where the grass may be particularly lush.

Does it smell right near the house?   Broken pipes or leaky pipes could account for this.  Effluent could be leaking out of the pipe and running along the pipe trench rather than through the pipe itself.  Blocked pipes could also be the problem forcing the sewage back toward the home.

The best course of action is to call a professional right away.  Septic Preservation Services have 24 hour emergency services as well as trained septic professionals to evaluate the problem and make any necessary repairs, which could save money down the road and prevent septic failure.

Call them at 877-378-4279 or visit www.septicpreservation.com

 

 

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Septic System Maintenance with Septic Preservation

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Septic Preservation Services Septic Preservation Services have septic system maintenance scheduled today in Foxboro, Mansfield, Lakeville, North Attleboro, Sharon, Seekonk, Swansea, and Rehoboth, MA.  We have regular service and maintenance appointments with many clients in Massachusetts on a quarterly, biannual or annual basis, dependent on the system and clients’ requirements.  If you would like to feel confident that your septic system is going to be maintained on a regular basis, it may be a good idea to contact Septic Preservation Services to discuss our services.  For more information or to schedule an appointment please do contact our office at 877-378-4279 or visit www.septicpreservation.com