1. Foul Smells

Water drained from your sinks, washing machine, dishwashers, bathtubs, and toilets all go to your septic tank. A pipe or tank leak will not only form a pool around your drainage but also discharge unpleasant odors.

Septic tank systems excrete toxic gases such as carbon dioxide and hydrogen sulfide, which can be hazardous to your health. Prevent this by consulting septic tank maintenance experts to determine if your tank or its pipes have leaks.

2. Slow Drains

Items like food scraps and hair strands can clog your pipes and may result in slow drains. Sometimes, this problem can be resolved by using drain cleaning products.

However, if you notice that every drain in your house is simultaneously slow and accompanied by gurgling sounds, you may have a backup.

If pumping doesn’t work, then the pipes that flow to the tank are obstructed. Hire a septic tank maintenance expert, as they have the tools and equipment to detect and remove these blockages.

3. High Nitrate Levels

Leaks in your septic tank can flow to your groundwater and contaminate your well water. This will result in a high nitrate concentration and cause methemoglobinemia, or “blue baby” disease, a condition that prevents the blood from supplying the tissues in the body with oxygen. Have your well water tested regularly for the presence of high nitrate levels.

For more information, contact Morse Engineering and Construction.

Source: connect2local.com

For seasonal homeowners who are closing a septic system for the winter helps prevent the system from freezing, prolongs the life of the system, and keeps it operating at a high level. Below are some tips to consider when preparing your cabin's septic system for the winter months.

Preparing the Drainfield

Stop cutting the grass over the drainfield in mid-September; the extra grass length will capture snow, which provides insulation. Consider placing a snow fence near the drainfield to help capture drifting snow on the drainfield to add to the natural insulating blanket of snow.

Make sure all inspection pipes have covers to keep cold air from flowing into the drainfield pipes.

Winterizing the Water Pipes

Do not add automotive antifreeze, salts, or any other additives to your plumbing.

Even if the heat is left on, it is still a good idea to drain water supply lines. Shut off the water where it enters the house and drain all lines.

Drain the pump and then run it for a couple of seconds to be sure all water is out of the lines. Drain the system by opening all the faucets, and then leave the faucets open.

Completely drain the pressure tank. Flush the toilets and add RV antifreeze to the toilet tanks at the recommended dilution ratio.

Check flexible hoses in sinks and bathtubs to be sure they are drained completely. Remove and drain inlet hoses for the dishwasher and clothes washer. Clear the water valve by starting the machine for a few seconds; then drain the tub. Remove the drain hoses and drain completely. Disconnect the electrical supply to the pump, water heater, softener, washer, and dishwasher.

Drain the water heater and water softener with a hose after power is disconnected. RV antifreeze can be added to traps in sinks, bathtub and shower drains, wash tubs, floor drains, and sump pumps.

If you do not drain the water lines for the winter, be very sure that there are no leaks or drips. This constant, low flow of water can cause septic system freezing.

Cleaning/Pumping the Septic Tank

Consider pumping the tank if closing the cabin for the winter. If a tank is left full but the system is not used during the winter, the sewage will get very cold or possibly freeze. If you live in an area with a high groundwater table, you should only pump the tank if it was designed for such conditions.

In the spring, it will take some time for the frozen sewage in the tank to thaw, meaning the septic tank may not be able to accept fresh sewage until the sewage in the tank thaws.

Source: pineconepresscitizen.com

Your septic system is a vital but often overlooked part of building a home or adding an addition. When you’re planning on building a new home or adding onto your property, it’s easy to get caught up in design touches – but don’t take the septic system for granted. Below are a few reasons you should consult a specialized septic system design company for any home construction project.

1. A Thorough Site Evaluation

Many contractors know how to install a septic tank, but many don’t have the expertise or resources to perform a complete site evaluation first. After examining the soil conditions, the slope of the site, and other factors, a septic system design company can recommend solutions and take steps to prevent serious issues before they ruin your beautiful new home.

2. Getting the Right Design for Your Project

Determining the best septic system for any property depends on a number of factors, including the number of people in your household, area weather conditions, the state of the soil on your property, and local ordinances. Septic professionals will take all elements into account to ensure you get a system of the proper size and type to suit your needs.

3. In-Depth Understanding of Local Regulations

In most areas, septic system installations are strictly regulated, with expensive consequences for those whose tanks aren’t up to standard. Septic system design companies have the necessary training, certification, and experience to satisfy regulatory requirements. They’re also deeply knowledgeable about local government rules. They’ll submit all proper paperwork before excavation begins to ensure you don’t later run afoul of the law.

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

Source: connect2local.com

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