Why septic systems fail

Most septic systems fail because of inappropriate design or poor maintenance. Some soil-based systems (those with a drain field) are installed at sites with inadequate or inappropriate soils, excessive slopes, or high ground water tables. These conditions can cause hydraulic failures and contamination of nearby water sources.

Failure to perform routine maintenance, such as pumping the septic tank generally at least every three to five years, can cause solids in the tank to migrate into the drain field and clog the system.

Whom to contact if you have problems with your septic system

Contact a local septic system service provider, your local health department, or onsite wastewater treatment regulatory agency.

What to do if your home floods

If sewage from your plumbing fixtures or onsite system backs up into your home, avoid contact with the sewage as it may contain harmful pathogens. Contact your local health department or regulatory agency for guidance.

After cleanup is complete, thoroughly wash all equipment, tools, and clothing used during cleaning as well as the flooded area. Disinfect all items or areas exposed with a mixture of 90 percent water and 10 percent household bleach. The area should be dried out thoroughly and not used until it has been completely dry for at least 24 hours.

For more information, contact Morse Engineering and Construction.

Source: EPA.gov

Pipes that are tattered with leakage or clogging will mostly lead to inadequate drainage and preventable damage to the septic system’s area. In other words, faulty pipes can worsen the possibility of damage in the winter season.

Leaks during the cold weather will also increase the chances of freezing, which will further weaken the device. Clogs will end up causing the wastewater to accumulate in the pipes. Frozen drainage can end up causing damage to the septic tank, which can also contaminate drinking water.

How to deal with it?

These problems can be solved by replacing or fixing leaky pipes before the winter arrives. Also, both clogs and leaks should be taken care of as soon as they are spotted in order to avoid escalating these problems into severity.

All in all, dealing with septic system issues during the winter season can be a lot of work and also brings trouble for most of us. It may also interfere with our fun times during this period. The best way to avoid these is by taking precautions and preparations before the cold season comes. Homeowners need to ensure that their septics systems are fault-free and not prone to freezing. By following the recommendations, your septic system will operate efficiently. You won’t have to worry about the inconvenience or dealing with frozen or damaged systems in the winter.

For more information, contact Morse Engineering and Construction.

Source: build-review.com

Did you know that the process of digesting organic waste by anaerobic bacteria tends to maintain the septic tank warm? That is why irregular use of water in a household during cold seasons can affect the septic system.

Using warm water on a daily basis will also help keep pipes from freezing. When septic tanks are not used frequently, they are more prone to freeze. In houses and other unoccupied properties for a long time, the system is unable to sustain a constant temperature due to the low level of water and sewage that flow through the system. This causes damage to the septic system.

How to deal with it?

If you or your family are planning to be away during the winter period, it is suggested that you empty your septic tank. You should schedule a pumping first before traveling to help keep the septic tank parts from freezing and bursting.

For more information, contact Morse Engineering and Construction for more information.

The Winter season is also a Holiday season. It means there are more celebrations and parties, as well as more meal planning and increased visitors. Your septic system could be overworked with additional shower and toilet use, laundry, and food preparation.

Moreover, we cannot avoid guests who always misuse the bathroom and sinks. Some are unfamiliar with septic systems and continuously flushing objects in the toilet, and that causes further damages to your septic. As seen on the septictank.com site, there is a lot of information about different things that can impair your septic system. Make sure to maximize the use of the internet to learn more about septic systems.

How to deal with it?

The best way to prevent further complications is you can try arranging a scheduled time for showers and dishes. Besides that, remind your visitors of the proper use of the bathroom and kitchen sinks when staying with you. These may make you sound like a party-spoiler, but it is better than going through a mess because of a damaged septic system.

For more information, contact Morse Engineering and Construction for more information.

Source: build-review.com

Be careful where you park your vehicle as it can cause compacted soil and snow. Ensure that there are no heavy objects in the area above where the septic system is installed. The compacted soil and snow above could reduce the insulation of your septic system. It will build pressure and solidify the septic tanks. These will impede the proper treatment and drainage of the wastewater in the draining fields.

How to deal with it?

To prevent these issues, aerate the soil around your system before the winter season arrives. Aside from that, it would be best if you cleared the snow from your septic system, but stop moving around where your system is installed.

For more information, contact Morse Engineering and Construction for more information.

Source: build-review.com

During the winter season, frozen tanks and pipes are the most common problem for septic systems. Once snow or frost falls around the septic tanks and surrounding areas, problems may arise. As a matter of fact, when the components of a septic system freeze, it slows down or stops natural bacteria from breaking down waste in the tank. If the wastewater is not sufficiently broken down, the system can be overloaded and may cause clogging. In addition to that, if the wastewater accumulates in a frozen line and ruptures, this poses a significant health hazard.

How to deal with it?

• Setting up a cover on a septic tank or simply covering it with a blanket during the wintertime to insulate, particularly at night.
• Running the water and using your septic tank every day will also reduce the possibility of freezing.
• It is also recommended to put mulch, leaves, or plant cover on your pipes.
• Avoid cutting grass in the soil treatment area by mid-September or so. The extra grass length would help trap the snow, providing insulation over the field.

For more information, contact Morse Engineering and Construction for more information.

Source: build-review.com

Generally speaking – melted snow over your septic tank is probably not a cause for concern. Depending on the depth of your septic tank and if there has been hot water released into it from your home (baths, washing machine, or the dishwasher) – it is most likely just heat. The settling chamber will be full of warm water which causes the ground above your tank to melt the snow.

It’s actually a good sign that there is heat rising to the ground level – it shows that your tank is working right and it’s breaking down the solids. If you have an aerobic septic tank you actually might have to keep a close eye on it because they can freeze up on you.

Check the area in and around the leech field and septic tank for any soft, mushy ground or foul odors. If there are no odors or mushy areas in the yard and your drains and toilets are working properly, the snowmelt is probably normal.

If you find any wet, mushy areas or puddles in the yard around the septic tank or leech field, notice any odors, have slow or backed up drains and toilets, or just want to be certain, you should have your septic system inspected by a sewer-septic professional with experience.

For more information, contact Morse Engineering and Construction for more information.

Source: mrooter

If you have a septic system, it’s important to know what you should and shouldn’t do around that area of the yard and indoors. There is a possibility of a septic system freezing, especially in cold areas with little snowfall. Follow these tips to reduce the chance of frustrating and costly damage to your septic system this winter.

Repair leaky fixtures. Dripping sinks, showers, and toilets can result in ice forming in the pipeline between your house and septic tank.

Use hot water. Having warm water flow into the tank regularly will help prevent ice buildup. Pamper yourself with a long bath or shower with the knowledge that you’re helping the septic system!

Keep up the lawn. A healthy, thick lawn of grass or other foliage will help insulate the soil that contains the septic system.

Spread mulch. Place an 8-12 inch layer of straw mulch on top of and around the pipes, tanks, and drain field of the septic system. This will further insulate the ground and help prevent the soil from freezing.

Secure the system. Make sure the tank and pipes don’t have any cracks in them and any caps are still securely in place. Any openings can let cold air into the system.

Keep cars away. Never park any vehicles on top of your drain field. Cars will compact the soil above the septic system, which makes it easier to transfer cold below. They will also prevent insulating snow from covering the area.

If you’ve had troubles with your septic system freezing or other issues in the past, you should get the system checked out by a professional. They can help with problems such as:

Sagging pipes. Pipes that have settled into the ground unevenly will cause water to pool and possibly freeze.

Insulation installation. A sewer professional can install more extensive insulation around the tank and pipes.

Draining the system. A septic tank and pipes periodically need to be pumped and cleaned out. You should leave this task to a professional.

Waterlogged drain field. Older septic systems can cause the drain field to become flooded. In this case, consult with a professional to see what can be done in your particular situation.

Keep your septic system in good shape by getting it checked regularly. In the meantime, keep these tips in mind to help prevent freezing and damage.

Source: completehomewarranty.com

Our warmest New Year’s wishes from the entire team here at Morse Engineering and Construction Industries. Calendar year 2021 and these ever-challenging global events placed heavy burdens upon us all. But in many ways, and supported by family, friends, and all of you, 2021 was a uniquely remarkable year, reminding us of hope, family, gatherings and more. This time of year reminds us to recognize the joy that each and every one of you has brought to our lives. We recognize that our business exists because of your friendship, fellowship, trust, and loyalty.

Our New Year’s resolution is to nurture our ever strengthening partnership with you and to deliver value to you, your business, and your family through the entirety of 2022.

Throughout this Holiday season may you be blessed with health and surrounded by friends and family. We hope that the new year brings all of you uninterrupted good health, happiness, and prosperity. Happy New Year from Morse Engineering and Construction Industries. As Anne Frank said, “What a wonderful thought it is that some of the best days of our lives haven’t even happened yet.”

Winter brings festive holiday parties and cozy nights by the fire. However, due to the dropping temperatures and harsh conditions, it also involves some home maintenance responsibilities. Your septic system may be particularly vulnerable to the elements.

Septic Maintenance Tips for Winter

1. Avoid Snow Compaction

Before the snowstorms, spread a thick layer of mulch over the grass above your septic components. Eight to 12 inches of organic mulch will insulate the soil around the tank and drain field, preventing it from freezing and reducing drainage.

You don't have to remove snow from the lawn to keep the septic system running properly. In fact, snowfall can insulate the area, preventing wastewater from freezing. However, compacted snow can cause temperatures to drop quickly, resulting in frozen pipes. Avoid walking over or parking heavy vehicles in a snow-covered yard.

2. Use Hot Water

When water freezes, it expands, resulting in burst pipes and a failing septic system. Since standing liquid is more vulnerable to freezing than flowing water, use your home's fixtures frequently to avoid plumbing disasters this winter. A hot shower or cycle of laundry will keep the septic system's pipes warm.

If there are certain fixtures that you don't use often, like guest bathroom toilets and sinks, run them occasionally to keep the water flowing. However, avoid overloading the system by staggering these routine flushes. For example, use the guest room sink and toilet on one day and the powder room's fixtures on the next.

3. Insulate Vulnerable Pipes

Since you can't always be home to use the plumbing, protect any vulnerable septic components with insulation. Exterior fixtures, exposed pipes, and the underground tank should be surrounded with foam insulation to avoid freezing.

A plumbing professional can ensure these areas are properly protected from the elements. They'll also address any cracks or corrosion to prevent existing problems from worsening in the winter's harsh conditions. Preparing your septic and plumbing components this season is particularly important if you plan to take a family vacation and won't be home for an extended period.

For more information on septic system inspections and repair, contact Morse Engineering and Construction for more information.

Source: connect2local.com