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

Did you Know Cold Weather Can Result In Septic Repairs Being Necessary?

Septic Preservation Services know that septic problems arise whatever the weather is doing and septic breakdowns or concerns sometimes require septic repairs. However cold weather brings its own set of problems for example:

  • If you have a ‘summer home’ or go away and leave your property for periods of time or just use it part of the week wastewater does not enter the system regularly enough and can freeze
  • If you drive over your septic leach field or drainfield you compact your soil. Compacted soil freezes more easily which can result in damage and possibly a failing septic system. If it is snowy and you drive over the snow on your system the snow will then provide less insulation for your septic system than snow which has been left untouched
  • If you don’t have enough vegetative cover over your septic system you have less insulation from the cold
  • Leaks in your plumbing release water into the septic which can then freeze
  • Poor pipe drainage can be caused by deteriorated pipes, if they are full or back filled with soil or poorly installed. Liquid will pool on one side and can then freeze

Essentially the cold can lead to your septic system freezing which leads to problems, possible repairs and even septic failures. Ironically snow falling is a good thing. Fresh snow is an excellent insulator. As it gets compacted it becomes less effective but it is better than a complete lack of snow cover, dry soil conditions or very cold air temperatures for an extended period of time which will all contribute to septic problems. Today we have appointments in Canton, Stoughton, Sharon, Hingham, Scituate and Hanover MA for septic repairs, some of which are caused by septic system owners not planning for the cold weather. If you have any questions about septic system or need to have a septic repair please do contact our Norton Office on 877 378 4279 or visit Septic Preservation Services

Avoid Septic Repairs This Thanksgiving By Not Pouring Grease, Oil and Fat Down Your Sink

Septic Preservation Services are all looking forward to Thanksgiving and the great food and time with our family and friends that goes alongside this holiday. We know our customers are also looking forward to Thanksgiving and food preparation is well underway for Thanksgiving Meals. We would like to remind our customers that it is not a good idea to put any type of cooking oil, fat or grease down the sink where it can enter your septic system. Whilst a well maintained septic system can cope with small amounts of fat, oil and grease, such as natural body oils that go into your septic system when you shower, if you regularly introduce cooking fats, oils and grease into your septic system it could result in a septic system failure if left. Just remember when you are making your beautifully juicy turkey dinner do not pour the fat, oil or grease down your sink. We have been conducting septic repairs in Yarmouth, Falmouth, Mashpee, Barnstable, Chatham, Sandwich and Bourne MA that could have been easily avoided with a little knowledge and preventative measures. If you have a question about your septic system or you need to schedule a septic repair please contact us on 877 378 4279 or visit Septic Preservation Services

Septic Repairs To Correct Large and Small Septic Problems

Septic Preservation Services have the equipment for large and small septic repairs on residential and commercial septic systems which sometimes require excavation if the components are not easily accessible without. However if we do need to excavate to carry out a septic repair we will always ensure that we do the work safely and to all required standards. This includes contacting Dig Safe, a nonprofit organization that will notify your utility company of our plans. Your utility company (s) will then mark its underground facilities so we can be sure to safely conduct your septic repairs.  We have extensive experience investigating the cause of a septic problem and then repairing your system in the most cost effective and efficient way possible while ensuring our work is environmentally conscious. We know that most property owners will not know the cause of their septic problem so we will initially assess the condition of your septic system and we will then be able to present you with a range of options designed to correct any identified issues. These may include one or more of the following:

  • Replacement of damaged or missing baffle
  • Installation of effluent filter and service riser
  • Installation of pumping access riser and cover
  • Installation of curtain drains
  • Replacement of deteriorated components
  • Repair or replacement of damaged components
  • Removal of accumulated solids in leach field piping
  • Removal of plant and tree roots in leach field piping
  • Installation and service of the White Knight™ Microbial Inoculator/Generator
  • Diversion of water softener/conditioner backwash discharges
  • Detailed explanation of our Septic Use Guidelines

Today we have septic repairs scheduled in Berkley, Dighton, Freetown, Swansea, Rehoboth, Attleboro and Norton MA. If you suspect you need a septic repair or if you have any septic concerns or questions about your septic system please do contact our Norton office on 877 378 4279 or visit Septic Preservation Services

Septic Preservation Services Provide Septic Repairs And Advise

Septic Preservation Services are always happy to use our extensive knowledge in the septic industry gained over 25 years working with septic systems in the region to educate property owners with septic systems. If we can help someone avoid a septic breakdown by following some easy to follow suggestions we count that as a success. “Preservation” is in our name for a reason and we take the preservation of our environment seriously. A septic problem for one home can result in large problems that can affect the local environment including:

· Hazardous sewage surfacing in yard
· Health hazards to children and pets
· Noxious orders over large areas
· Polluted streams and ponds
· Sewage back-up in buildings
· Contaminated wells
· Breeding areas for mosquitoes

One problem is often created by property owners being unaware of the location of their leach field or drain field or not understanding the importance of its part in their septic system. They then park or drive vehicles over it causing damage. Your drain field and its associated piping are not built to sustain weight and can become easily damaged by vehicles parking on them. Even if the vehicle does not collapse the system, it can compact the soil causing drain field problems. Today we are providing a leach field septic repair for a property owner in Rochester who unknowingly damaged their system by allowing parking on their leach field during a party. We have other septic repairs today in Carver, Marion, Bourne, Middleboro and Plymouth MA. If you are concerned that your septic system is not operating as it should 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

Septic Repair Appointments Scheduled Today In Maine

Septic Preservation Services know that although there are many types of septic systems in use today they are all designed for each site and mostly work on the same principles. A conventional septic system consists of a septic tank, a distribution box and a drainfield, all connected by pipes, called conveyance lines. Your home’s wastewater flows into your septic tank where it is held and solids sink to the bottom and lighter scum floats to the top. The solids and scum are decomposed by bacteria and periodically pumped. The treated wastewater or effluent flows through the distribution box into your drainfield or leach field where it then slowly seeps into the subsurface soil where it is further treated and purified (secondary treatment). A properly functioning septic system does not pollute the groundwater. However a failing septic system can have many unpleasant repercussions such as:

  • cause a serious health threat to your family and neighbors,
  • degrade the environment, especially lakes, streams and groundwater,
  • reduce the value of your property,
  • be very expensive to repair,
  • put thousands of water supply users at risk if you live in a public water supply watershed and fail to maintain your system.”

Therefore if you suspect your septic system is not operating correctly or you have concerns about your system do not put off contacting a professional. Today we have septic repair appointments in Kennebunk, Cape Elizabeth, Biddeford, Arundel, Kennebunk Port and Old Orchard Beach ME. You you need to schedule a septic repair or if you have any questions or concerns about your septic system please do contact us 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

When Returning To Your ‘Normal’ Routine After Summer Break Don’t Forget Your Septic Also Requires Routine Septic Pump Out

Septic Preservation Services know that for many families things are going back to ‘normal’ with children returning to school and routines and schedules getting back on track. Strangely enough your septic system also has a routine that should be followed with it needing a regular septic pump out. Septic pumping is essential septic maintenance that you should not neglect and even if you have no signs of a septic problem your system should always be pumped, usually every 3-5 years but this does vary on a variety of factors. The following good septic maintenance practices and advice will also help ensure that you don’t need additional septic repairs or maintenance as well as your expected pumping.

Septic System Do’s and Don’ts

Things you should do

  • DO get your have septic pump out as necessary and have it checked for any cracks or leaks.
  • 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 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.

Following the above advice will help ensure that you do not do anything that will result in needing a septic repair however it will not stop essential septic maintenance being necessary. Today we have septic pump outs scheduled for customers in Carver, Middleboro, Sharon, Lakeville, Freetown, Taunton and Norton MA. If you wish to schedule a septic system pump out or if you have any septic maintenance or septic system questions please do contact our Norton office on 877-378-4279 or visit Septic Preservation Services

safety

Septic Repairs Can Often Be Avoided By Using Your System Correctly

Septic Preservation Services know that septic systems have to be used correctly for them to continue to work efficiently and function as they should. A large part of this is is just knowing what is being introduced to your septic system and making sure that anything that goes into it is appropriate and wont adversely affect your system. All wastewater makes its way to your septic system and everything that goes into your sink, toilet, washing machine and shower/bath will also get introduced into your septic system. Keep the following items out of your septic system to prevent problems:

  • paper towels
  • kitty litter
  • plastics
  • cooking oils or grease
  • disposable diapers
  • feminine hygiene products
  • any/all latex products
  • hazardous chemicals, pesticides and latex-based paints
  • water purification back flush

It is important to note, however, that each system is unique. Check with your septic system installer or manufacturer for a complete list of items that should not make their way into your system for maximum efficiency. There are also many other things that should stay out of your system and there is no way that we can list all of the items. We have found toys, dead fish, clothing and jewelry in septic systems and all of these items were causing a problem that led to us investigating the cause. Simply put if you are not sure do not put it in your wastewater. We have septic repairs scheduled today in Carver, Middleboro, Bourne, Marion and Rochester today. One of these repairs is necessary because the homeowner was unaware of the large volume of sand that was being introduced to their septic system via the washing machine and shower by their teenage children. It is wise to make sure that your entire family and visitors know that you have a septic system and there are certain, easily followed guidelines to follow to make sure you do not require a septic repair from our talented technicians. If however you do suspect that 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 the Septic Preservation Services website.