Septic systems are underground wastewater treatment structures for areas without centralized sewers. These structures allow safe wastewater treatment to prevent contamination of drinking water and crops. Although it has the same purpose, knowing the types of septic systems and how they work helps determine which suits your household. Here are a few to consider.

What Are Different Septic Systems

1. Septic Tank

A septic tank is a buried, water-tight container commonly made of concrete, fiberglass, or polyethylene. Its design keeps water inside the tank for a day to filter out the solids by allowing it to settle down. Then, partially treats sanitary wastewater and discharges it into the soil for complete treatment. It relies on the soil’s natural filter capabilities to remove the remaining bacteria. This mechanism replenishes the water table for the healthy growth of vegetation. Consider installing septic tanks if you have a property larger than an acre to avoid additional costs of new pipes for the public sewage system.

2. Conventional System

Unlike septic tanks that rely on soil, conventional decentralized systems consist of a tank and a drainfield to treat wastewater. The drainfield uses gravel or stone to filter effluent. Additionally, it has a fabric on top of the stones to prevent contaminants from entering the clean gravel. Then, the wastewater flows out to the soil for further treatment. This system can be suitable for single-family homes or small businesses.

3. Aerobic Treatment Unit

ATUs (Aerobic treatment units) have an air pump that injects oxygen into the treatment tank to break down organic matter. This is an alternative system for unsuitable locations for conventional systems. For example, homes with smaller lots, inadequate soil conditions, and areas with high water tables. Additionally, it offers a higher level of treatment due to the natural bacterial activity of the injected oxygen. However, this system requires electricity and more maintenance to keep it operational.

If you’re in need of septic installation, contact Morse Engineering and Construction.

Source: connect2local.com

Septic installation will manage wastewater and should be planned well in advance when you’re constructing a new home. If you’re ready to begin land clearing and excavating to install your septic tank, familiarize yourself with these do’s and don’ts to avoid costly and hazardous issues in the future.

Do:

Acquire appropriate permits.

Different cities and areas have different rules and regulations regarding construction restrictions. Get your project approved and avoid costly fines by talking to an experienced contractor to understand what permits are required before breaking ground.

Hire septic installation & excavating experts.

While it may be tempting to complete your septic installation yourself to save money, you’ll likely need a team of contractors to operate heavy equipment for excavating and land clearing. Find a reputable company in your area that’s licensed, insured, and familiar with the type of project you’re doing. You should also ask for references that can confirm they can complete your project safely and on schedule.

Don’t:

Build over your drainage field.

The drain field contains a system of pipes where water is filtered and reabsorbed into the ground. To protect your system and keep it running smoothly, don’t plant trees or shrubbery on the drain field as roots could grow into the pipes. You should also avoid using this area for parking or covering it with a hard surface, like asphalt or brick.

Forget to factor expansions or renovations into your plan.

Septic systems are available in a variety of sizes based on the size and capacity of the property it’s serving. If you’re planning an addition to your structure, don’t forget to update your septic system accordingly to prevent backups and issues filtering a higher volume of wastewater.

If you’re in need of septic installation, contact Morse Engineering and Construction.

Source: connect2local.com

A septic system keeps the waste from your household safely contained so it can be disposed of by a technician. Before that can happen, the septic system installation is performed by a team of highly trained engineers and trenching contractors. It’s essential to hire professionals to ensure the work is handled properly and follows the local regulations and building codes. Below are some frequently asked questions homeowners have about the installation process.

What Is a Septic System?

The septic system is an underground wastewater treatment system that consists of the septic tank, drain field, and piping. It is connected to your home and moves the wastewater or effluent from it to the septic tank where the waste is treated and separated into three layers. From there, it is further filtered until it reaches the drain field. The tank will need to be pumped every one to two years to remove sludge and prevent backups. How Is the Installation Performed?

The installation process can vary depending on the size of the system, but typically it takes up to seven days to complete. The excavation team will dig a large hole in your yard. Contractors will install the necessary components, such as the tank, piping, and drain field, before re-filling the area with soil. After the installation process, the technicians will perform a rigorous inspection to ensure the system is working properly. How Long Will the System Last?

A septic system is designed to provide many decades of reliable and efficient wastewater treatment. If properly installed, a concrete model can last for 40 years. To keep it working, it will require regular maintenance and pumping. Plumbing issues can result due to blocked pipes and other problems. A clogged drain field is typically the most serious problem that can occur, and will need to be replaced as needed. How Can I Keep the Septic System Healthy?

Avoid putting anything down the drain or toilet that will destroy the natural flora and healthy bacteria that the system needs to filter waste. Bleach and harsh chemical cleaners should be avoided. Regular pumping and maintenance from a certified septic technician will ensure your system provides many years of performance.

If you’re in need of septic installation, contact Morse Engineering and Construction.

Source: connect2local.com

Why It’s Best to Schedule a Septic Inspection

It’s common for home buyers to inspect a home before committing to a sale. When problems arise, such as issues with a home’s plumbing and septic system, the buyer may choose to walk away from the sale altogether, which deprives you of time and money.

You may also need to pay for septic repairs for the sale to go through. In either case, it’s best to be fully aware of any problems with your home’s septic system before a sale is in motion, and inspections provide ample information.

What to Expect During the Inspection

Septic inspections have multiple steps:

• Sewer Line Inspection: The sewer line runs from the plumbing in your house to the septic tank. Along with investigating how indoor plumbing functions, the inspector may also use a sewer line camera to look for damage and blocks in the pipes.
• Tank Inspection: The tank is where wastewater is distributed. The inspector will most likely open your tank to look for cracks, leaks, and other issues that could impact its function.
• Leach Field Inspection: The leach field is the area that surrounds the septic tank that helps with processing contaminants out of the wastewater. Inspectors insert a probe into the soil, which provides information on moisture levels.

How to Ensure the Inspection Is a Success

If you take care of your septic system while in the home, you’ll experience fewer issues when it’s time to sell. Regular septic pumping is a crucial aspect of proper maintenance. While pumping schedules depend on how many people live in your home and how often a system is used, once every three years is usually the average.

If you’re planning to sell your home within the next year, and you pumped the system over three years ago, it’s best to schedule a pumping now. In the meantime, only flush toilet paper.

If you’re in need of a septic inspection, contact Morse Engineering and Construction.

Source: connect2local.com

Your home’s septic system gives you the ability to live in a clean environment. When it malfunctions or when building a home, you need to consider what type of septic system you should get as a replacement. Below are the main differences between a conventional system and a mound system installation so that you can choose the one that fits best with your home.

Mound Septic Systems

A mound septic system installation involves creating an above-ground pile of sand or gravel to hide the components of the system. The system’s absorption area is above ground, so it uses an electric pump to bring the waste to the mound where it can be treated.

Mound system installations are suitable in areas where there is a high water table, bedrock, or a lack of soil to store the entire septic system below ground. However, due to the additional work required to build a mound, these systems are more expensive. They can also be an eyesore since they can’t be hidden by any trees; roots could damage the system. They require annual cleaning to make sure they are working efficiently.

Conventional Septic Systems

If the soil is deep enough and there isn’t a high water level, a conventional septic system can be installed beneath the surface, so there’s no need for a mound. Like the mound system, a conventional septic system installation involves a tank and a drain field. However, unlike the mound system, there’s no need for a pump since all components are underground. The septic tank holds waste as it removes the solids from the liquids. The drain field treats the wastewater and then drains it.

Conventional septic systems are preferred because they cost less to install. Inspections also occur every three years, less frequently than mound systems.

If you’re in need of a new septic tank, contact Morse Engineering and Construction.

Source: connect2local.com

1. Disgusting Odors

If your nose is telling you something is wrong, it probably is. The more full a septic tank gets, the worse it will smell inside and outside your home. If you smell something foul, you should call a professional to have your tank cleaned before it causes a bigger problem.

2. Slow Drainage

A properly functioning septic system will allow water to flow effortlessly through the drains, but septic system repairs could be necessary if your water begins draining slowly. If your toilet, tub, and sinks are slow to refill or drain, your system needs servicing.

3. Pooling Water

If your yard is full of water and it hasn’t rained in days, either your septic tank is overflowing or your drain field’s pipes are clogged with sewage. Either way, a professional needs to be called to determine the type of septic system repairs needed.

4. Backed-Up Sewage

If a septic tank gets too full, it will flow back through your pipes and into your home, causing a smelly, unsightly mess. You’ll begin to see black sludge coming up into your toilets, sinks, and drains. Regularly cleaning your tank is the best way to avoid this problem.

5. The Grass Dies Unexpectedly

If the grass you planted over your septic tank begins to turn extra green, becomes brown, or dies, you should have an inspection. This is usually a sign water is leaking into the drain field, a problem that needs to be corrected right away.

The best way to avoid serious septic system repairs is to have your septic system serviced regularly and on a set schedule.

Source: connect2local

If you’re looking to install a new septic tank while building a home or need to replace a damaged system, early fall is the best season.

1. Better Weather

Though the days are getting shorter, the weather is more predictable in late summer and early autumn. This means that your technicians will be able to get more work done each day without having to take time away from the project due to heavy snowstorms. Remember, the better the weather, the faster installation will go.

2. Drier Soil

New septic systems are best installed in dry soil. Late summer and early fall are ideal because much of the summer rain has passed and conditions are not quite ripe for heavy snowfall. Since the chance of storms is minimal, the installation crew will be able to work faster without waiting for the soil to dry out before continuing work on the project. During dry conditions, most average-sized systems can be installed in as little as two days.

3. Faster Digging

Cold temperatures can quickly freeze the ground, making digging harder. The warmer the soil, the easier digging will be and the faster work will be complete. Though the number of appointments ahead of your installation may be fewer during winter, the process may take far longer overall. It’s best to schedule an appointment as soon as possible to take full advantage of the better weather.

If you’re in need of a new septic tank, contact Morse Engineering and Construction.

Source: connect2local.com

Although it’s vital to care for the system year-round, several issues can affect its integrity in the fall. Here’s what you should know so you can handle them efficiently.

1. Potential System Blockages

It’s crucial to schedule septic tank pumping at least once every three years, or more often depending on your household’s usage. A qualified contractor can provide you with a schedule, but you should consider emptying it in the fall if it’s been a while. Once it gets colder outside, it’s more difficult for contractors to access the septic tank, particularly if the ground is frozen. Addressing it now will also help you avoid potential flood concerns during the coldest months of the year.

2. Excessive Water Usage

It’s not unusual for homeowners to use more water than usual during the holidays. With the influx of guests visiting during Thanksgiving and Christmas, along with all of the cooking you’re likely doing, your septic system will work overtime to keep up with your usage. You can take steps to minimize strain by limiting your consumption as much as possible. Avoid using dishwashers and washing machines while the shower is running, for example, and take shorter baths if possible. Even small changes can make a difference.

3. Cold Ground Temperatures

As the season progresses, you’ll encounter more uncomfortable temperatures that risk the integrity of your system. When the ground freezes, the tank is also susceptible to frost. By growing extra grass around the tank, you can create a layer of much-needed insulation that puts a barrier between the elements and system.

Source: connect2local

Are you managing a rental with a septic tank? If your property runs on a septic system, it’s important that you as the landlord thoroughly understand how it works and how to set your tenants up for success with it.

What Are Some of the Common Issues in Rentals with Septic Tanks?

Septic systems are generally much smaller than city-run sewer systems as they’re designed to serve only a single home. Their small scope and delicate piping, combined with the fact that most landlords aren’t plumbing or wastewater experts, can result in certain issues for rentals with septic tanks.

Toilet Backups and Overflows

Two of the most common problems that rentals with septic tanks can face are toilet overflowing and backups. Both problems can cause a massive inconvenience for tenants, and both are indicative of an issue with the septic tank. Usually, a toilet will overflow or back up if the septic tank hasn’t been properly maintained.

Every septic system has a septic tank as well as a drain field, which is a predetermined area of soil on your property where the contents of the septic tank are drained. If the tank isn’t leeching the water properly into the drain field, its contents could travel back through your pipes to cause a toilet overflow or a backup.

Septic Tank Smells

Tenants in rentals with septic tanks will sometimes complain of bad smells around the property. When the septic system is working properly, the residents of the property shouldn’t be bothered by the smell. This means that if a bad odor is present, there must be an issue with the septic system.

Usually, a noticeable odor is caused by an overflowing septic system that needs repair.

This can happen because of a period of excessive rain, a broken septic pump, frozen pipes, or a plumbing leak. If you’re not sure what the issue could be, it’s important to call a professional to make sure you don’t create additional damage while trying to fix the problem.

Septic Additives: What Are They and Should You Use Them?

If you’ve owned and rented a property with a septic system for a long time, you may have heard of septic additives or even tried them before. Septic additives are meant to maintain good bacteria in your septic tank that allows the system to efficiently break down solids within the wastewater.

Though septic additives can be useful in rentals with septic tanks, overusing them can cause additional issues in your system. Better ways to care for your septic system include avoiding drain cleaners that aren’t septic-safe, avoiding bleach, and never disposing of items like medications, non-biodegradable items, oil, or fat in your pipes.

How to Prevent Septic Tank Issues for Your Tenants

When it comes to managing septic function in rentals with septic tanks, it’s crucial to get your tenants on board with helping to keep the system working properly. Give your tenants detailed descriptions of what not to do to prevent septic issues and simple ways that they can support septic system health.

If any issues do arise, make sure you respond to them quickly, as a septic malfunction left unattended could get worse quickly.

For more information on inspecting, replacing, or repairing a septic system, contact Morse Engineering and Construction.

pageepa.gov

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For owners of rental properties with a septic system, outreach materials can be used to help educate your rental guests that your home is on a septic system, and tips on what to put (or not put) down the sink and/or drain.

Click here for a rental property flyer that you can post in your rental home!

For more information on replacing or repairing a septic system, contact Morse Engineering and Construction.

Source: pageepa.gov