Septic tank maintenance

Septic tank maintenance

Putting Yeast in a Septic Tank

Sep 19th, 2011
by Service.
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The proper management and maintenance of the septic tanks are vital to avoid problems regarding it. The lack of proper maintenance will result in clogs and such other problems and will make you spend huge sums for the repairs of it. Putting yeast in the septic tanks is considered as an easy and less expensive method to prevent the clogs and to maintain the level of decomposing bacteria in the tank. The yeast could also help in increasing the speed of decomposition as it could work as a catalyst to the chemical reactions happening in the septic tank. This should be done as a periodic measure to avoid future problems.

Therefore, it is always better to conduct periodic maintenance rather than spending big amount at a later stage. In some cases, the maintenance issues have rendered the septic tank unusable and the people will have to find other ways for wastewater management like that of constructing a completely new septic tank that could prove really costly. The inconvenience that is caused due to the repairs is another big problem, which is even more problematic at times than that of the amount spent for it.

There are so many things that can be done to make the septic tanks work properly and efficiently. The main aim of the processes is to prevent the clogs that could occur due to the excess solid waste particles entering the wastewater stream. There are some chemicals that are available in the market that could be used to prevent clogs. The main thing that you should take care while option to use some chemicals for the septic tank is about the effect of these chemicals on the amount of decomposing bacteria in the tank. Yeast is the best option to treat the clogs, as it is not affecting the bacteria population. It is so easy to use too. It can also keep the bad odor from the septic tanks.

It is easy to make a yeast solution for the septic tank. Boil 4 cups of water and add 2 cups of sugar and 2 cups of oatmeal in to it. After allowing that solution to cool down to the normal room temperature, add two packs of dry yeast in to the solution. Allow it to stand for about 20 minutes and then put it in your closet and flush. This is the easiest way for putting yeast in a septic tank.

Since yeast is simply a fuel source for bacteria, you will want to include monthly bacteria and enzyme treatments to complete your maintenance regimen. NT-MAX septic tank maintenance packets are packed with hungry digesters designed to eat sludge and keep your entire system flowing properly.

How to Locate Your Septic Tank

Sep 15th, 2011
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We all know that a septic tank is a module of the drainage system in a home that is not connected to the normal sewer network usually provided by the authorities. Septic tanks are basically found in rural areas where houses are far apart from each other or as mentioned above do not have a drainage system connect to a main sewer line. It is common for people residing at these locations to install their own private sewerage system in order to live without restraint. A normal septic tank is designed by using non-corrosive material which would not corrode, rust or leak, so that it processes the drainage and not just dumps it in the tank.

When people happen to move into a home which was built earlier they would need to know the whereabouts of the septic tank in their property. This information is very vital for the new owners to know especially in times when the septic tank happens to overflow, provide a foul smell or falls apart. In cases like this people often wonder how to locate their septic tank so that they are able to have it put right in times of emergency. There are many ways in knowing how to locate your septic tank by either looking at the original plans of the property, checking with the housing approving authority or by contacting the local drain cleaning service agency.

 The best and most reliable means of knowing how to locate your septic tank would be in engaging the local drain cleaning agency that would bring in the necessary equipment and rod in sticks or other tools through your main outlet from the house to the sewer processing location.  These drain cleaning agencies are well versed in their jobs, as they are dealing with homes on a daily basis and have the through knowledge of how the sewer septic tank design is established in all homes.

It is common to find the septic tank at a distance around 20 feet from the main house which could be easily identified by a manhole cover which normally sits at the center of the septic tank. These on site drainage system chambers could be found in different shapes like square, rectangle and even round that all depend on the volume it is built to accommodate. When locating the septic tank do not go digging away on the property or else the connecting pipe to the septic tank would get damaged causing a major disaster.

Sand Mound Maintenance

Aug 19th, 2011
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 Sand mound (also known as a raised mound or mound system) maintenance is required to assure prolonged functionality of any mound type system design. Maintaining a sand mound is similar to the care of a septic tank system since both types of systems generally rely on high counts of bacteria to function optimally.

Signs of a failing or clogging mound system may include odors in or outside of the home, slow flushing toilets, slow drains, shower stalls or sinks. Gurgling sounds or odd noises are also typical of a weakened or sluggish system in need of attention. With sand mounds, high bacteria and enzyme colonies are a necessity to keep organics and other waste broken down into liquid. This liquid passes through the gravel bed, soils and deeper into the subsoil areas where it is reintroduced back into the water table. The mechanisms in place for these simple but effective systems are more than capable of providing years of trouble free service, however, modern cleaner play a major role in the premature failure of many septic systems.

With so many cleaners on the market today, it is often difficult to determine which are regarded as safe or which brands will destroy healthy bacteria. Many so called “green” brands pack a potent punch when it comes to septic safety. Do your own research when selecting cleaners. Visit internet forums and message boards to gain information from other people, universities and public websites as to which cleaners are both effective and safe for your sand mound system

To combat premature failure, introduce high quality bacteria to the system regularly. NT-MAX septic tank maintenance contains higher bacteria per gram counts than any other industrial grade seepage restoration product. Containing hundreds of trillions of lab cultivated, patented strains of bacteria and enzymes, NT-MAX will guard your system against failure while fighting back at the devastating effects of many common cleaners.

Septic Maintenance Schedule Guide

Jul 29th, 2011
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A guide to septic tank maintenance designed to prolong the life of septic tank, cesspit, sand mound, leach field, lateral line and raised mound septic systems. Adjust this schedule to suit your own needs and remember to maintain your system with monthy doses of bacteria and enzymes.

Weekly:

1) Keep alert for smells or odors permeating from your yard or within the home. Pressures within the septic system can allow gases to escape through drainage areas or past pea traps under sinks.

2) Keep alert for leaks within the property. Slow leaks can destroy the drainage permeability within just a few months if not corrected. A slow leaking toilet or faucet and add several gallons per day to your system which will cause undue stress on the drainage capability.

3) Visually note any subtle changes in foliage color or density surrounding your drainage areas and septic tank. Greener grass does not mean that the system is malfunctioning but what is important is what changes are occurring abnormally.

Monthly:

1) Walk the entire septic system area. Inspect for erosion, odors, wet spots or any changes in foliage growth or coloring. Check for depressed or lower areas where soil compaction may have created a valley effect. Correct any issues per code with the addition of soil to reestablish proper drainage area terrain.

2) Perform a thorough inspection for leakage within the property. When it is certain that no water is flowing within the property, listen closely at the cleanout or mainline for trickling sounds. Water movement during times of non-use may mean that a leak is present somewhere upstream of the septic system or you may have backflow coming into the tank from the filed or lateral line area. Make any repairs as quickly as possible to avoid undue stress on the system.

Yearly:

1) Have the system internally inspected by a septic professional. This inspection will check the structural integrity of the tank or pit system and will provide useful flow feedback. The inspector will check all mechanical components of the system include aeration units, floats, baffles and pumps to assure all are functioning properly. The inspector will concur with your regular maintenance findings and a better understanding of pump-out frequency requirement can be achieved.

Routinely:

Utilize low flow faucets and shower fixtures. Conserve water and limit laundry and dishwasher use to full loads only. Be conscientious of your household water use and actively conserve where possible. Be aware that certain household cleaners can be devastating to the healthy bacteria so crucial to your systems performance. Try using green type products that are less offensive to the colony life which you system depends on to effectively break down and process waste. Utilize the world’s strongest septic additive to maintain and clean your entire system as an ongoing maintenance.

Septic Tank Maintenance

Jul 29th, 2011
by Service.
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As with any technology, phasing out the older septic tank maintenance techniques to make way for the new always takes a bit of time. The technology of septic systems has improved drastically over the last century still many of us rely on the older design septic system to eliminate our ongoing waste. Luckily, maintaining your septic system is a lot easier that you may think and it does not have to put a drain on your finances.

Correct installation, overall system design and ongoing maintenance performed on your septic system will greatly extend the life and functionality of your homes onsite wastewater treatment center. Following theses prudent maintenance guidelines will be your first line of defense against overall system failure, odors, wet spots, gurgling sounds and early component breakage. Regular and frequent septic tank maintenance will help reduce the risk of well water contamination and can save you tens of thousands of dollars in potential repair costs.

In most septic systems, wastewater from toilets, sinks, tubs, showers, floor drains and basins flows through a maze of piping out to your tank or pit. The tank is usually constructed of cement or plastic in newer systems with either perforations within the tank itself or in lateral or field lines on the outflow side of the septic. As solids enter the system, they settle to the bottom of the septic while bacteria and enzymes decompose the material into water and gases. Fats, oils and grease float to the top of the tank and form a scum layer which generally breaks down more slowly. Restrictors or baffles prevent the scum layer from leaving the tank and clogging the drainage areas. The tank or pit will normally have access ports consisting of covers or clean out lines. Septic system pumpers remove undigested solids through these access lines and can perform a visual inspection through larger openings as part of a regular septic tank maintenance.

There are many septic system designs ranging from single unit perforated tanks to multi compartment pre treatment reservoirs. All of the systems generally rely on bacteria and enzymes to break down waste into a more manageable byproduct that the drainage area can more easily dispense of. With simple, bacteria rich waste entering the system, most skeptics’ provide many years of service and remain trouble free provided routine maintenance is adhered to. This optimal functionality may be idea but is often not the case in a real world environment. Most household cleaners comprising of laundry detergents, bleach, bath cleaners, kitchen cleaners, anti bacterial soaps and other common cleaners contain ingredients that are for the most part detrimental to the healthy bacteria life within the system itself. Newer, more bacteria friendly products are arriving on shelves regularly but are often times hard to find or simply do not perform as efficiently as their more harmful counterparts. While some systems allow this tainted or grey water to flow into a separate leaching area, many systems are designed so as to allow these harsh chemicals to enter directly into the septic system, killing off massive amounts of bacteria along the way.

If you are like many people, diverting your laundry and other grey water flow can pose a problem and is dependant upon whether or not you have a suitable location to do so and this rerouting is allowed by your local municipality. If you are in a position to reroute your grey water, typically a French drain or drywell system is employed to handle the waste. For the rest of us, working to increase the bacteria and enzyme counts within your system is the optimal approach to ensure system longevity and functionality. Cutting back on the use of, or trading out, harsh chemical cleaners is the first step to helping healthy bacteria flourish. Major retailers are now beginning to carry suitable lines of products that will effectively perform their function without killing off as much bacteria as their standard counterparts. Adding concentrated bacteria to your system is the premier method of assuring that bacteria colonies ado not be reduced to a non-performing state. Luckily, bacteria additives designed for septic tank maintenance and complete restoration from failure are readily available. Bacteria, added directly to the system in a stabilized form, can offset the destructive power of most chemicals and keep your bacteria life healthy and readily available to digest the waste within your system. Choosing a maintenance bacteria that is chemical resistant and contain a very high colony count is of the utmost importance since many over the counter products contain minimal amounts compared to commercial brands.

If you have a septic system and would like to assure that the entire system will perform at maximum capacity for the longest period of time possible, consider greening up your chemical use and utilize a regular septic tank maintenance product designed to maximize your colony counts. These two methods are the most important factors in maintaining any septic tank or pit type system.

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