Septic Advice To Help Prevent Septic Problems

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. HalloweenFor 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.

Some Septic System Advice For The Holiday Party Season

Septic Preservation Services wish you Happy Christmas Eve! We know that it is almost Christmas and many people have Christmas parties planned with their friends and family and people visiting from out of town. Of course nobody wants to be concerned about their septic system over the holidays but it’s a good idea to be conscious of your water usage, especially when you have large parties or people staying at your home for an extended period of time. For example when you have a septic system and are not on town sewer it is recommended to spread laundry loads out over a week rather than do multiple loads on one day which can overload your system. In the same vein try to spread out bath and showers, especially if you have a lot of visitors. We know one family who have large parties but only have a small home rent an outdoor toilet for their events to avoid overloading their home’s septic system. If your septic system is designed and sized for a small family but the number of people using it multiplies over the holidays just try to be aware of your water usage to prevent problems occurring. If you have any questions about your septic system or if you have any concerns please do check our education page on our website Septic Preservation Services

Septic Repair in Acushnet MA

Septic Preservation Services have a septic repair scheduled today for a customer in Acushnet MA. We are replacing their distribution Box (D-Box). A D-Box is exactly as it sounds it’s a box that moves, or distributes treated wastewater from your septic tank into your leach field or drain field. It must be level and installed correctly or your watewater will not distribute evenly across your leach field and this can lead to over saturation and clogging which is not desirable. The d-box we are replacing was damaged when heavy equipment was mistakenly parked on top of it which broke and moved it. We have found that many property owners with septic systems while they know they have a septic tank sometimes forget that the leachfield and d-box are also essential parts of their septic system and must also be maintained. Here are a few simple tips to help you look after all parts of your septic system:

  • Minimize the use of the garbage disposal
  • Do not put grease down your drains
  • Spread loads of laundry out over time rather than doing multiple loads in a short period of time, and use liquid detergents rather than powdered detergents
  • Avoid excessively long showers
  • Avoid leaving tap water running when shaving, brushing teeth or doing other personal or household tasks
  • Do not flush medications, harmful chemicals, excessive amounts of bleach, harsh drain cleaners or degreasers
  • Have the septic tank pumped at least every three years
  • Do not add any septic systems cleaners, enzymes or additives
  • Remove water conditioning backwash discharges from the septic system
  • Do not plant trees and shrubs over leach fields
  • Do not flush personal products, paper towels, wipes or diapers
  • Do not clean or rinse paint brushes in the sinks
  • Equip all hot tubs, spas, whirlpool baths, etcetera with drain limiting valves that will only allow five gallons per minute to drain from fixture
  • Do not drive vehicles over leach fields

We also have septic repairs scheduled in Norton, Stoughton, Canton and Taunton MA and some of these repairs could have been avoided by following the above advice. If you have any questions about your septic system or if you need a septic repair 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

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

We Provide Septic Education and Information In Addition To Septic Inspections And Other Septic Services

Septic Preservation Services helps many property owners who are selling their home or commercial property with septic inspections which are usually required if you have a septic system and are selling your property. We are also always willing to provide information and support to the new property owners who may not have had a septic system previously. There are definitely some dos’ and don’ts’ that apply when you own a septic system that are not generally too difficult to follow but if you don’t you might end up needing a septic repair to fix a problem that you have unknowingly created.

For example if you have just bought a new house a lot of people want to then start decorating and putting their own stamp on their new home. When you are cleaning up after decorating you must always remember to clean your brushes and paint trays in a bucket and not to dispose of that water down your drain and definitely don’t dispose of paint down your drain. We know that one of the benefits of latex paint is the ease of its cleanup with soap and water. This might cause you to think that it is okay to pour latex paint down the drain or your clean up water. This is not true. While your septic system can usually handle small amounts of latex paint, it should be avoided when possible. Septic systems use naturally occurring, living organisms to break down, digest and treat solid and liquid waste that is introduced into the septic tank. Toxic household chemicals can kill these organisms, resulting in a failure of your septic system. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) notes that while common culprits include oil-based paints, solvents and cleaning products that are labeled as poison or hazardous, even latex paint cleanup should be minimized. Latex paints may contain toxic substances, including ethylene glycol or acetate, according to the National Drinking Water Clearinghouse. So be cautious when you clean your brushes because even small amounts of latex paint may be detrimental to your septic system. Your septic system is primarily designed to break down, digest and treat organic materials. The organisms that live in your septic system typically cannot digest the solid materials present in latex paint. These solids will settle to the bottom of your septic tank, where they can result in a thick, gray putty-like material.

Here is a list of septic system dos and dont’s:

Things you should do

DO conserve water whenever possible as a means of reducing the volume of wastewater that will need to be treated and disposed.
DO make repairs to any faucets or toilets that are leaking.
DO make sure that you are only discharging biodegradable wastes into your system.
DO restrict or avoid use of your garbage disposal.
DO take the time to ensure that any down spouts or other surface water is diverted away from your drainfield.
DO keep the cover to your septic tank accessible by installing covers and risers for easier inspections and pumping.
DO get your septic tank pumped regularly and have it checked for any cracks or leaks.
DO have an effluent filter installed to prevent debris from entering your drainfield.
DO add a laundry filter to your washing machine.
DO put kitchen trash into a compost or throw it into the garbage – not down your drains.

Things you should NOT do
DON’T flush products such as tampons, sanitary napkins, condoms, disposable diapers or wipes into your system.
DON’T empty oils or other types of kitchen grease down your drain.
DON’T dump any items that can disrupt the treatment process or contaminate groundwater, such as: paints, oils, thinners, pesticides, poisons or disinfectants.
DON’T build anything over your drainfield or dig in it for any reason.
DON’T plant any landscaping over your drainfield – except grass.
DON’T drive a vehicle over your drainfield or compact the soil in ANY way.
DON’T run purification back flush into the septic tank.

Today we have septic inspections for property owners who are selling their homes and one for a new home buyer in Plymouth, Marshfield, Carver, Bourne, Halifax, Rochester and Marion MA. If you have any questions about septic inspections or septic systems please do contact our Norton office on 877-378-4279 or visit https://www.septicpreservation.com

Septic Repairs Are Often Required Because Poor Choices Are Made When ‘Flushing’

Septic Preservation Services would prefer to provide education to its customers, where possible, to prevent them from having to call us out for unnecessary septic repairs which could have been avoided if the property owner knew more about how to use their septic system. One of the main things that homeowners need to consider is what not to introduce to their septic system. Somethings seem clear – do not flush clothing, cat litter, toys, tools, diapers. These are all items that can clog your system which can possibly lead to a breakdown and will certainly result in your needing to have your system pumped more regularly than usual. However what may not seem as obvious are other items that should not be flushed either such as ‘flushable’ wipes, feminine hygiene products, fats, oils and grease. These are also items that can clog your system and fill it up too quickly. Also household cleaners, bleach, paint and some medications like acne lotions should not be introduced to your septic system because they can harm the biological activity that is essential for your septic system to operate correctly. We have septic repairs scheduled today, some of which could have been avoided following the above advice, in Fairhaven, Fall River, Westport, New Bedford, Seekonk and Swansea MA. If you require a septic repair or if you have any questions about your septic system please do contact us on 877-378-4279 or visit https://www.septicpreservation.com

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

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

Suggestions To Avoid A Septic Repair

Septic Preservation Services are glad we weren’t working on April Fools day. It is never a good idea to be foolish around septic systems but luckily most property owners seem to know that. However septic education and knowledge can always be expand upon and we would always recommend knowing how to work with your septic system to ensure that you get the best out of it. Here are a few suggestions to follow to help ensure your system continues to work correctly:

Things you should do:

DO conserve water whenever possible as a means of reducing the volume of wastewater that will need to be treated and disposed.
DO make repairs to any faucets or toilets that are leaking.
DO make sure that you are only discharging biodegradable wastes into your system.
DO restrict or avoid use of your garbage disposal.
DO take the time to ensure that any down spouts or other surface water is diverted away from your drainfield.
DO keep the cover to your septic tank accessible by installing covers and risers for easier inspections and pumping.
DO get your septic tank pumped regularly and have it checked for any cracks or leaks.
DO have an effluent filter installed to prevent debris from entering your drainfield.
DO add a laundry filter to your washing machine.
DO put kitchen trash into a compost or throw it into the garbage – not down your drains.

Things you should NOT do

DON’T flush products such as tampons, sanitary napkins, condoms, disposable diapers or wipes into your system.
DON’T empty oils or other types of kitchen grease down your drain.
DON’T dump any items that can disrupt the treatment process or contaminate groundwater, such as: paints, oils, thinners, pesticides, poisons or disinfectants.
DON’T build anything over your drainfield or dig in it for any reason.
DON’T plant any landscaping over your drainfield – except grass.
DON’T drive a vehicle over your drainfield or compact the soil in ANY way.
DON’T run purification back flush into the septic tank.

Unfortunately for some of our customers this information comes too late and we have septic repairs scheduled for customers today who could, in some instances, have avoided their septic breakdown by following the above advice. Today we are at customer properties in Hingham, Marshfield, Hanover, Hanson, Halifax and East Bridgewater MA for septic repairs. If you require a septic repair or if you have any questions or concerns about septic systems please do contact our Norton Office on 877-378-4279 or visit www.septicpreservation.com

Signs of a Septic Problem

Septic Preservation Services are very regularly called by customers who suspect that they have a septic problem but do not know the cause of the problem or how to repair it. Typical signs of a septic problem could be:

  • All of the drains from the house are slow
  • There is a sewage smell coming from your plumbing
  • There is a persistent wet area over the leach field
  • Sewage is surfacing in the area of the septic tank or distribution box
  • There is sewage seeping through the foundation
  • The liquid level in the leach field is at the top of the crushed rock layer, the chambers or other underground structures
  • The vegetation over the leach field is greener and more lush than over adjacent areas in the yard
  • There is sewage odor in the yard at times or constantly
  • There is flow back from the leach field when the septic tank is pumped
  • The septic tank needs to be pumped frequently
  • The septic tank discharge baffle is damaged or missing
  • Rain water seems to take longer to disappear over the leach field than over adjacent areas in the yard
  • Well water is contaminated

If you have any of these signs of a septic problem please do call us to discuss your concerns. We will be happy to speak to you and schedule an on site visit if necessary. Today we have appointments for customers who suspect that they have a septic problem in Mashpee, Falmouth, Sandwich, Bourne, Barnstable, Plymouth and Carver MA. If you need to schedule an appointment or need advice please do contact our Norton Office on 877-378-4279 or visit https://www.septicpreservation.com

Septic Inspections Including Septic Education and Septic Checks

Septic Preservation Services has septic inspections scheduled today in Foxboro, Franklin, Wrentham, North Attleboro, Bellingham, Upton and Holliston MA. Our septic inspections are very thorough and are conducted using state of the art color sewer camera equipment. Not only do we inspect the septic system, we also educate you about the proper care and use of the system. We will check the following conditions:

  • Condition of septic tank
  • Effluent level in tank
  • Need for pumping
  • Condition of tank baffles
  • Condition of effluent lift pump (non-gravity systems)
  • Condition of effluent pump chamber
  • Condition of pipe from tank to field
  • Condition of the distribution box
  • Soil clogging in drainfield
  • Tree or plant root intrusion
  • Accumulation of solids in leach field

We will check for the following symptoms of a failing septic system:

  • Slow draining pipes from your house
  • Persistent wet areas over the drainfield
  • Sewage surfacing in the area of the septic tank of the D-box
  • Sewage seeping through the foundation
  • Elevated liquid level in drainfield
  • Vegetation over leach field being greener or more lush than rest of yard
  • Sewage odor in yard
  • Effluent flowing back from leach field to septic tank

We will provide you with guidelines to help you maximize the life of your septic system. If you require a septic inspection or if you have any questions about septic inspections please do contact our Norton office on 877-378-4279 or visit https://www.septicpreservation.com