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septic tank pumping

How Often to Pump Out Your Septic System in Southcoast MA

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Septic Pumping TruckMost homeowners don’t think about their septic systems each and every day. Plumbing and sewage are those types of things that tend to be out of sight and out of mind for most people. The only time we really think about them is when there’s a problem: a drain that won’t go down, a toilet that won’t flush, a septic system that suddenly smells.

When a septic system emergency occurs, most homeowners think that they need to simply get the tank pumped so they call out the local septic system pumping company. In reality, septic system maintenance should be something that happens on a regular basis, not just as a band-aid or a quick fix when something goes wrong. Another thing that many homeowners don’t realize is that there are some services that will be more than happy to charge a couple hundred dollars or so to pump your system – even if you don’t need it.

How Often Should Your Septic System Get Pumped?

Your system should be checked by a licensed septic and wastewater technician who can help you to overcome any small issues and concerns before they become big, costly problems. Local services, such as Septic Preservation Services  in the Southcoast Massachusetts area, offer year-round maintenance programs designed to save you money and help you protect your investment.

Depending on the size of your tank, the “health” of your system and the number of people living in your home, required septic tank pumping should be approximately every two to three years. This may surprise homeowners who are paying for pumping services on a more frequent basis or, for that matter, for homeowners who just ignore their system completely until they have a septic system emergency on their hands.

According to data from the EPA, your tank should be pumped when the bottom of the floating layer of scum gets to within six inches of the outlet or if the sunken sludge layer is within twelve inches of the outlet. Getting regular check-ups by an experienced, professional septic system repair company – not just a pumping service – can help you know when you need to get your tank pumped or if your system needs a different type of service. At bare minimum, annual inspections by a qualified septic system service provider will help you keep tabs on your system.

Making a Small Problem Worse

Some homeowners may tell you that you can use commercial products to increase the amount of time between required septic tank pumping. The products they are talking about contain chemicals that are designed to aid in the break down of the sludge within the tank. Your septic system already has tons of naturally-occurring microbes working within your drain field and in your tank to help break down solid wastes and purify wastewater.

Unfortunately, some of these products can throw off the delicate ecosystem that has developed within your tank and disrupt the ability of the enzymes to break waste down. The EPA even strongly recommends that homeowners do not substitute these chemical products for regular maintenance through a preventative maintenance program, inspections and pumping, when required.

Why is Pumping Necessary?

You might be thinking that if all those enzymes are doing such a great job, why should an efficiently-running septic system ever need to be pumped in the first place? While the natural process of the system is the best way to break down sewage waste from your home, eventually the tank will need to be pumped to remove excess solids. Again, depending on your usage and size of the system itself, this needs to happen approximately once every two to three years, as needed.

If your tank needs to be pumped and isn’t, the entire septic system can overflow. Septic overflow of wastewater can often lead back to the source, pumping sewage back up through toilets and drains throughout the home. A failed septic system can also lead to a flooding of your drain field, which doesn’t just mean a stinky. flooded yard, but could also mean wastewater seeping into nearby creeks and rivers, tainting the local groundwater.

Once this happens, the waste from your failed septic system can contaminate the local drinking water that is used by your family and your neighbors. Once this waste enters the local water supply, harmful bacteria and other diseases are likely to spread, such as E.Coli or even hepatitis. This is why it is so important to contract a professional service company for a preventative maintenance program and inspections, and why you will ultimately need to plan on having your septic system pumped every two to three years.

Sign Up for Septic System Preventative Maintenance Program Today

For homeowners living in the Southcoast region such as Barnstable, Brockton, Monponsett, Attleboro, Nonquitt, Rochester and even customers located in Rhode Island, Septic Preservation Services is your best bet for professional septic system maintenance services and inspections. Certified to conduct Title V Inspections in Massachusetts and Rhode Island Town Inspections in the State of Rhode Island,  SPS can help you stay on top of your septic system and ensure that it continues to work effectively and efficiently for years to come. Call Septic Preservation Services  at 877-378-4279 or visit www.septicpreservation.com for more information about our Preventative Maintenance Program, septic repair, rejuvenation, inspections, assessments and other available services.

septic services

Ten Important Facts About Your Septic System

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septic systemWhile most people who live in an area where septic systems are used are familiar with how they work and the type of care and maintenance required, those who are new to this type of on-site sewage processing have a lot to learn. This article features the top ten things that you need to know about septic systems in Rhode Island or anywhere in New England in order to keep your system running properly.

#1 – What Kind of Septic System Do You Have?

While there are standard systems that consist of a basic septic tank that empties out into a leachfield, there are several variations on that standard set-up that can make a difference in how your septic system operates and the type of maintenance required. If you aren’t sure what kind of septic system you have, set up an appointment with a licensed and certified septic system inspection and maintenance service, such as Septic Preservation Services, to find out for sure.

#2 – Where Is Your Septic System Located?

The only way you can protect your septic system from accidental damage is to know where it is located. The septic tank is buried underground and your leachfield should be somewhere near the tank. There are a couple of important rules regarding leachfield care and damage prevention that will be discussed later, so knowing where yours is located should be at the top of your list. Following your septic system inspection, speak with the technician to find out where everything is on your property.

#3 – Are You Required to Get Professional Inspections?

Whenever you buy or sell a home that has a septic system, you are required by law to get a professional inspection by a licensed inspector. That being said, you may also be required to get a Rhode Island town inspection, depending on where you live. Many towns throughout the state require these inspections as part of the local ordinance, which includes both residential and commercial property owners alike. Towns such as North Kingstown, South Kingstown, Jamestown and Charlestown. Septic Preservation Services is licensed to perform Rhode Island town inspections and Massachusetts Title V inspections.

#4 – Is Your Septic System Working Properly?

Again, a visit from a licensed septic system inspection company will help you determine a lot about your system. You should consider getting a preventative septic system maintenance in Barrington or anywhere in the state that will help you stay on top of your system to make sure it is running effectively. Regular check-ups can help you avoid major costs associated with repairs or replacement of septic systems in Rhode Island.

#5 – What Are Some Signs of Septic System Failure?

If your septic system fails it can quickly become a health hazard. Signs that your system is failing or has failed include sewage or untreated wastewater pooling over the leachfield, backups happening in the bathroom, kitchen or other plumbing areas inside your home, and a horrible odor wafting up from your drains or in your backyard. If this happens, make sure to contact a licensed septic system technician out to your property right away.

#6 – What Maintenance Has Been Done on My System Before?

Before you purchase a home, it is important to speak with the seller about the septic system. Questions to ask include the age of the system, the last date that the system was pumped, the frequency of pumping, if there have been any signs of potential failure and whether or not any additions have been made to the house since the septic system was installed. Septic systems are designed based upon the number of bedrooms, which indicate the possible number of persons living in the home. It is important to ensure that the system has been properly maintained and that it can accommodate the usage of the home.

#7 – What Type of Care is Required for a Septic System?

Septic maintenance in Barrington is the same as it is anywhere else. The first rule of thumb is to watch your water use so you don’t flood the leachfield. Daily water use per person should be around 50 gallons. A leachfield is designed for each home based upon a maximum use of 120 gallons per bedroom. This figure includes laundry, showers, toilet flushes – anything that puts water into the septic tank. Don’t put items into your system such as tissues, cigarettes, cotton swabs, kitty litter, coffee grounds or sanitary napkins. Do not use a garbage disposal and never put cooking oil or grease down the drain. Chemicals and cleaning products should not go down the drain either, including pesticides, paints, thinners, poisons an even disinfectants. These chemicals will kill the good bacteria in your system that helps to purify the sewage.

#8 – What Type of Care is Required for a Leachfield?

It is important that to keep an eye on your leachfield to make sure it is safe from damage. The soil over your leachfield should be covered with grass or another safe type of vegetation that won’t create deep roots and damage the system. Grass works to prevent the soil from eroding over time. Never drive or park a vehicle over top your leachfield or septic tank. Avoid doing any type of construction over or near the area and never ever cover your tank or leachfield with concrete or asphalt.

#9 – Are There Any Preventative Maintenance That Can Be Done?

Septic systems in Rhode Island will run better if you keep an eye on a few simple things. Check your home regularly for leaks or dripping faucets to cut down on wastewater in the septic tank. If you have any trees near your system or leachfield, cut them own or move them to another area of your property. Make sure to treat any remaining stumps to prevent continued root growth and spread underground. Make sure none of your gutters are pointing toward your leachfield or your system will quickly become flooded when it rains. When you hire a licensed septic system inspection technician to review your system, ask about preventative maintenance programs that are designed to help you stay on top of your system to keep it running effectively and efficiently.

#10 – Can I Do Repairs Myself?

Even if you are completely familiar with your septic tank system setup and have experience working with septic systems in the past, it is in your best interest to hire professional septic maintenance in Barrington or anywhere else in New England to repair your septic system. The same ordinances an local laws that require Rhode Island town inspections also require that repairs and other professional services be conducted by professional technicians that are licensed and certified to do the work at hand. Septic systems can be very dangerous and it is in your best interest and safety to hire a professional to get the job done.

Get Started on the Right Track

Whether you need a septic system inspection or maintenance for your septic systems in Rhode Island, contact Septic Preservation Services to evaluate, maintain and repair your system. SPS offers a preventative maintenance program that is designed to help you save money over the lifetime of your septic system by making sure that everything is in proper working order on a regular basis.

If you need Rhode Island town inspections, SPS is licensed to conduct these septic system inspections and file the necessary reports according to your town ordinance. For more information on Septic Preservation Services, call 877-378-4279 or visit www.septicpreservation.com

rainy weather

Water Flow and Your Septic System

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rainy weatherMassachusetts is known for its wide range of seasonal weather and as far as this year is concerned, we’ve already gotten our share of spring storms. There are a lot of things that homeowners need to be aware of during wet weather to protect their homes from damage. One of those things is the septic system, which can easily be overrun with the increased water flow, leading to a failed septic system.

Take Control of the Water Flow
While back-ups that occur inside the drains in your home are an obvious sign that will require an immediate call for septic maintenance, there are other areas to watch and other signs to look out for as well. Keep an eye on your drainfield to make sure it isn’t flooding. Make sure that the water that runs off your home in a rain storm is being diverted away from your drainfield, taking advantage of your home’s gutter system and neighborhood sewer drains.

When wet weather hits, you’ll want to keep close watch on your drainfield and your plumbing to make sure everything is still working the way that it should. Excess water can accumulate in the area around your septic tank, preventing wastewater from moving out of the system and out into the soil. If the wastewater is unable to move out of the tank effectively, the tank may become overfull causing a backup into the house.

While you are unable to control the wet weather itself, you can control the direction of the water runoff from your home’s gutters and downspouts. Reducing the amount of water you use in your home during wet weather, will also play a part in reducing your chances of needing to call for septic maintenance service.

When to Call for Septic Service 
Many homeowners aren’t sure when to call for septic maintenance if they suspect they are having problems with their septic system. If your drainfield is boggy, don’t start worrying right away. Pay attention and see if the water in that area recedes naturally when the rest of the storm water begins to go away. What you don’t want is water just sitting there, staying stagnant and not draining off or away.

Consistent boggy drainfields are a sign of more severe septic problems, including a failed septic system. You should contact a technician for septic service in Dartmouth, New Bedford, Fall River or anywhere else in Southeastern Massachusetts and Rhode Island, as soon as you detect that there’s a problem. Odor is another sign of needing to call for septic maintenance. If anything smells strange on your property or inside your house, call for septic maintenance and repair right away.

Preventative Maintenance Program
The best solution to problems with a septic system is to prevent the issues from ever occurring in the first place. All-Clear Septic & Wastewater offers a preventative maintenance program that will help you get your septic system running effectively and efficiently. The technicians at All-Clear are licensed and certified to do Title V Inspections in Massachusetts and Rhode Island Town Inspections, serving customers throughout the Southcoast region.

It pays to get an expert analysis of your current situation and to evaluate the effectiveness of your septic system in relation to the number of people living in your home and your average daily usage habits. A preventative maintenance program can make the difference between taking care of small repairs today and having to spend thousands of dollars replacing your septic tank tomorrow.

Where to Call for Septic Service in Dartmouth
If you suspect that you might have a failed septic system, or would like to get started with a preventative maintenance program, call Septic Preservation Services  at 877-378-4279.  Whether you need septic service in Dartmouth, New Bedford, Fall River or out on the Cape, All-Clear can help get your system running more effectively and give you tips on how to keep it running efficiently throughout the life of the equipment.

Call for septic maintenance and services the moment you realize that you have a problem to avoid costly repairs or replacements caused by user neglect. There are a lot of things that you can do as a homeowner to improve the efficiency of your on-site septic system and All-Clear can help provide you with solutions, advice and a full range of preventative maintenance programs to help it stay that way.  Visit www.septicpreservation.com  for more information.

Septic Preservation Services

Septic Preservation Services Ready for Summer Team Outing

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               Septic Preservation Services5/27/16 Septic Preservation Services is getting ready for our summer team outing. We are looking for a location west of Boston in the Acton, Stow, Southboro, Marlboro, or Belin area. We would prefer someplace easily accessible to a main highway and whether you are a routine septic customer, title 5 septic inspection customer or a customer that we installed a new septic system for we would like your input for a good location. We also encourage our customers to spend time with us during our outing. Please contact our office if you can suggest a location or would like to join us.  Call us at 877-378-4279 or visit www.septicpreservation.com

Septic Preservation Services

Septic Preservation Services Looking for New Team Member

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        Septic Preservation Services   5/26/16 Septic Preservation Services is looking for a new team member to expand our team. This team member will perform title 5 septic inspections, septic repairs, septic installations, and routine septic services throughout Massachusetts and Rhode Island. While based in Norton we do service customers in Dennis, Plymouth, Rochester, Dartmouth, Seekonk, Swansea, Attleboro, Raynham, Taunton, Halifax, Marshfield, Franklin, Charlestown, Chepachet, Cranston, Smithfield, Jamestown, and all other towns throughout this region.  Call us at 877-378-4279 or visit www.septicpreservation.com

clean

Low-flow Toilets

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septic system, All Clear SepticLow-flow toilets are a great way to reduce the amount of wastewater that ends up in a residential sewage 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 an overflow of wastewater.

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.

All-Clear Septic & Wastewater 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

Septic Preservation Services

Septic Preservation Services Working with Breweries

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        Septic Preservation Services 5/25/16 Septic Preservation Services is working with bico breweries to resolve their wastewater issues. During the process of brewing beer wastewater is produced. This wastewater is very strong and can quickly cause a septic system to fail. For breweries that are on city sewer the wastewater typically exceeds the permissible limits of their discharge permit, exposing the brewery to potential fines. With proper treatment the waste strength can be reduced avoiding these costly problems.   For more information call 877-378-4279 or visit www.septicpreservation.com

Septic Preservation Services

Septic Preservation Services Revising Informational Brochures

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       Septic Preservation Services  5/24/16 Septic Preservation Services in conjunction with our sister companies All Clear Septic and Wastewater and Down to Earth Construction are revising our informational brochures. We would like to better convey all of the services that we provide including title 5 septic inspections, septic designs, septic repairs, septic tank pumping, and septic system installations. We also want to communicate that we are a full service septic company from Wellfleet, Plymouth, Dartmouth, Attleboro, Franklin, Halifax, the entire north shore, all of Rhode Island as well as Maine. If you have any suggestions how we can better communicate this information please call our office at 877-379-4279 or visit www.septicpreservation.com

Septic Preservation Services

Septic Preservation Services Accommodating Customers

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     Septic Preservation Services  5/23/16 Septic Preservation Services recently had an employee injured resulting in an extended absence from work. We are reworking our schedule to accommodate all of our customers. If you have an appointment for a septic inspection, septic repair, or we are just scheduled for a routine septic service, we will do our best to meet your needs. Please understand that whether you are in Easton, Rochester, Plymouth, Taunton, Norton, or Attleboro we will complete your title 5 septic inspection or routine septic service on time.  Any questions, call us at 877-378-4279 or visit www.septicpreservation.com

septic functional inspections

Biological Remediation

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Septic System CareWe could all use a little change.  Sometimes just a little change can make a big difference.  Your septic system is the same way. New technology makes it possible to provide biological remediation to your septic system and improve its effectiveness, by increasing its hydraulic capacity, and adding years of additional life.

What is Biological  Remediation

Many homeowners don’t realize that there is a process that can remediate septic systems that are considered to be severely failed.  There are lots of products out there on the market that promise to rejuvenate septic systems by aerating the wastewater. There are limits to aerating wastewater because water itself can only be infused with a limited amount of oxygen before it just bubbles up and floats back into the atmostphere.

The process used by All-Clear Septic & Wastewater, which services customers all throughout Southeastern Massachusetts and Rhode Island, introduces oxygen into the system as well as biologically augments the system.  By introducing air into the system, the process of biological  remediation is faster and much more thorough.  All-Clear has successfully applied this process to septic systems that tried every other method of rejuvenation,  and found it to be superior.

How Does It Work?

When the air is added to the surrounding soil and the clogging biomat of your septic system, the hydraulic capacity of your septic treatment can get boosted by as much as two or five times what it was before. By increasing efficiency, homeowners are able to reduce the size of their drainfield or leachfield and keep that extra area in reserve for future use.

In addition to residential properties, this technique can even be used for commercial purposes, including laundry facilities, healthcare services, restaurants and other businesses that typically process a lot of waste and use a lot of water. Biological remediation can be used on any type of septic system including drop, chambers, stone and pipe.

Oxygen is Key to an Efficient Septic System

In addition to using this treatment technique to revive failed septic systems, it can also be used with systems that haven’t failed – yet. Older systems, systems that get a lot of use, or customers that live in areas that are known to have soil issues due to environment or location, can all benefit from  biological remediation. By adding oxygen to the surrounding soil, you return your septic system to a natural, ideal state of filtration, allowing it to renovate and clean the wastewater of suspended matter and waste solids through the use of micro organisms and nutrients.

Oxygen also helps the soil to maintain a consistent moderate temperature, which is ideal for the treatment of wastewater. When your system gets overloaded with wastewater, due to increased use or changes in the texture and ability of the soil to transfer oxygen, your septic system is at risk of failure. The lower the availability of oxygen, the less micro organisms and nutrients available to assist in proper filtration, which ultimately reduces the hydraulic performance and treatment abilities of your septic system.

Increasing Efficiency and Effectiveness

 Biological remediation helps to maintain the optimal levels of oxygen required for proper filtration in and around the drainfield and leaching system to assure the best possible performance. Because the oxygen levels are increased, as well as the ability of the drainfield to effectively filter solid wastes from the wastewater, property owners are able to reduce the space needed to properly treat their sewage waste. This is extremely helpful in areas that have limited space, as well as naturally wet areas including property that is near lakes, watersheds, wetlands and other bodies of water.

Compared to water, air contains 21,000 times more oxygen. Wastewater can be difficult to full aerate to its maximum capacity, even with pre-treatment systems, due to high levels of total suspended solids. Biological remediation tackles this problem as well, helping to reduce the biological oxygen demand and remove suspended solids. It has also been proven to increase the pathogen removal rate, which is important for the overall health and safety of the system.  By increasing oxygenation in the soil, nitrogen is also removed through treatment by as much as 75%. 

Are You Ready for Biological Remediation?

Give your Septic Preservation representative a call at 877-378-4279 or visit www.septicpreservation.com for more detailed information about our biological remediation treatment program and for other tips that you can use to increase the effectiveness and longevity of your septic system. Whether your property is located in Southeastern Massachusetts or Rhode Island, All-Clear can help you get your septic system running clean and clear.