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

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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

Independence Day!

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Septic Preservation Services wishes all of its customers Happy July 4th! As we celebrate Independence Day with our families and friends we know that no one wants to be concerned with septic problems. However septic problems do happen and if you have a septic system you need to know what may indicate a septic problem.

Some signs of a septic issue are:

  • Muddy soil or pools of wastewater around your septic tank or soil absorption system.
  • Very green or lush grass a vegetation on your leach field or near your septic tank.
  • Sewage smells around your system or inside your house.
  • Backups when you do laundry, take showers, or flush the toilet.

If you see these signs it is never a good idea to wait to have them looked at. A small septic problem with an easy and inexpensive repair can become a much larger, more expensive and more disruptive problem if left unaddressed. We have extensive experience locating and repairing septic septic problems. We have recently repaired septic systems in Berlin, Southborough, Upton, Marshfield and North Attleboro MA.

If you need a septic repair or if you have any questions 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’

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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

Extend The Life Of Your Maine OBD

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

Septic Repairs in Southern Massachussetts Towns Including Blackstone, Bellingham, Franklin and Wrentham Today

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Septic Preservation Services has over 25 years experience in the septic industry in this region. That is extremely important because septic rules and regulations not only vary state to state but also town to town. You want to be confident that you are using a septic company that knows and follows the requirements for your town or you may have unexpected costs and delays. Clearly septic knowledge of many types of septic system and many years of experience working with those septic systems is also beneficial particularly if you have a septic problem that you need to be located and then repaired. When you call Septic Preservation Services out for septic repairs we will initially assess the condition of your septic system and then we will endeavour 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 for customers in Blackstone, Bellingham, Uxbridge, Upton, Franklin and Wrentham MA. If you require a septic repair or are concerned that your septic system may have a problem please do contact our Norton office and talk to our knowledgeable staff on 877-378-4279 or visit https://www.septicpreservation.com

Septic System Services Provided On A Quarterly, Biannual Or Annual Basis

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Septic Preservation Services endeavour to educate property owners with septic systems, who are not on town sewer, that having your septic system serviced on a regular basis helps ensure that you will not have any unexpected septic system breakdowns. This is especially important for our commercial customers with restaurants because a problem with their septic system can have large financial repercussions to their business. You will also be increasing the longevity of your septic system which can be an expensive item to replace if it fails. We service our septic system clients on a quarterly, biannual or annual basis depending to the septic system and usage. For example a busy restaurant will require more frequent services that a customer with a summer property on Cape Cod. Today we have septic system services in Plymouth, Bourne, Acushnet, Lakeville, Middleboro and Taunton MA. If you are interested in septic services or have any questions please do contact our Norton office on 877-378-4279 or or visit https://www.septicpreservation.com