What Can Gum Do To A Septic Tank? (Solution found)

Chewing Gum Just throw it in the trash when you are done with it. Chewing gum, even after you are done with it, is still sticky. It can easily get stuck in your pipes on the way down the drain to your septic tank. Once inside your septic tank, it can get stuck to the inside of your tank.

Can you put cleaning products in a septic tank?

• Only chemicals used for cleaning and in their limited, recommended amounts should enter septic tanks. Approved examples include cleaners for toilets, showers and surfaces. Excessive amounts and disposal can seriously damage the septic’s microbiological system.

What will ruin a septic system?

Any paper products like tissues, paper towels, tampons, or sanitary products, even some heavier toilet paper, will clog your system if you flush enough of it. Wet wipes are another product that you should never flush into a septic system.

What happens if you flush gum?

Flushing gum down the toilet is a big mistake, as it’s sticky and insoluble. Being sticky, this leads to increased risk of clogging your pipes. Since it’s insoluble, gum will never disintegrate causing major risk for potential issues to your system down the line.

What kills a septic tank?

The most common septic tank failures happen when septic bacteria and enzymes are killed off by harsh household cleaning chemicals. The bacteria can be destroyed by large doses of toxic substances like liquid bleach, disinfectant cleaners, or drain cleaners.

What should you avoid with a septic tank?

You should not put these items into your commode:

• Cat litter.
• Coffee grounds.
• Cigarette butts.
• Dental floss.
• Disposable diapers.
• Earplugs.
• Sanitary napkins or tampons.

How do you know if your septic is full?

Here are some of the most common warning signs that you have a full septic tank:

1. Your Drains Are Taking Forever.
2. Standing Water Over Your Septic Tank.
3. Bad Smells Coming From Your Yard.
4. You Hear Gurgling Water.
5. You Have A Sewage Backup.
6. How often should you empty your septic tank?

How do I increase bacteria in my septic tank?

Flush a packet of brewer’s dry yeast down one toilet on the bottom floor of your house once a month. The yeast will help add “good” bacteria to your septic tank and break down waste.

Can you flush condoms down the toilet?

Unfortunately, flushing condoms is also one of the most dangerous things you can do to your plumbing and septic system. Constantly flushing condoms down your toilet will most likely cause a buildup of latex in your pipes and septic tank, which may lead to clogs and a failing septic system.

Can you flush pubes down the toilet?

Do I do it in the sink, or the bath, or over the toilet? No. Do not run the risk of blockage. If you are going to risk it, over the toilet is probably your best bet, but depending on the mass of hair you’re getting rid of, there’s chance of the flush backfiring.

What should I do if I accidentally flushed down the toilet?

HOW TO RETRIEVE ITEMS FLUSHED DOWN THE TOILET

1. Safety first. You’ll want to turn off the water supply to the toilet.
2. Close the flapper (the toilet component on the chain). Then Jay Mechanical in Essex recommends that you put on rubber gloves.
3. Reach into the toilet trap.
4. Next, try a plunger.

Does Salt harm a septic system?

In terms of hurting the physical tank itself, putting salt in it, will hurt it little. In terms of your pocketbook, it will. The purpose of a septic tank, is to collect the solids from your waste. Your urine is practically sterile, but your feces, contains lots of bacteria.

How do you dissolve sludge in a septic tank?

How to Reduce Sludge in a Septic Tank Without Pumping

1. Install an aeration system with diffused air in your septic tank.
2. Break up any compacted sludge.
3. Add a bio-activator or microbe blend.
4. Maintain the aeration system.
5. Add additional Microbes as required.

How do I clean my septic tank naturally?

You can mix about a 1/4 cup of baking soda with 1/2 cup of vinegar and 2 tablespoons lemon to make your own natural cleaning agent. The baking soda will fizz up to help get the dirt and grime in your tub and drains. It’s a great cleaner and your septic system will thank you!

What happens to poop in a septic tank?

The inlet pipe collects the water waste in the septic tank, long enough that the solid and liquid waste is separated from each other. Inside the tank bacteria from the wastewater breaks down the solid waste. These bacteria decompose the solid waste rapidly allowing the liquids to separate and drain away more easily.

Does hair break down in a septic tank?

Why Hair is a Such a Problem It’s composed of tough strands of proteins similar to those in your fingernails, and it’s not easily broken down by bacteria. Even if it doesn’t for years in your septic tank, it’ll almost certainly last for longer than the 24-48 hours that it sits in your septic tank.

Can you pour milk down the drain if you have a septic tank?

If not the trash. A man who has a septic tank service told us to buy a gallon of whole milk and let it go bad a few days and flush it into the septic tank to feed the bacteria. He said to do this about once a month.

14 Things You Should Never Flush Down the Toilet

On a daily basis, there are a variety of items that people flush down the toilet that should never have been flushed in the first place. Don’t just flush it down the toilet and forget about it! These practices not only have the potential to result in a blocked toilet, but they may also have a severe influence on public sewer systems and environmental quality as well. Just because something is labeled as disposable or flushable doesn’t imply it should be flushed down the toilet with the rest of the garbage.

Cotton balls and Q-tips appear to be completely innocuous, don’t they?

Dental floss: Your dental hygienist instructs you to “floss your teeth on a regular basis.” It contributes to the overall health of your teeth and gums.

It is non-biodegradable and has the ability to wrap itself around other things in the sewage line, causing little blockages to become larger and creating a spiderweb of issues in the process.

1. It is customary for individuals who are unwell to blow their congested noses into Kleenex tissues, which are comprised of strong fibers that do not break apart.
2. Wipes that can be flushed: The word “flushable” is in the product’s name!
3. These pests are causing widespread plumbing problems across the country.
4. The sewer industry spends tens of millions of dollars each year screening wipes out of its piping systems.
5. For additional information, please visit their website: Band-aids: Band-Aids are designed to adhere to a person’s scrape or wound, not to the toilet seat or the toilet bowl.
6. Take them out to the curb!
7. Not in the toilet, but in the trash: disposable diapers are designed to be thrown away.

Diapers have the ability to block pipes at any point in the system, from your toilet to your incoming sewer line to sewer connections and wastewater treatment facilities.

According to the California State Board of Pharmacy, our city’s waste treatment plants are not meant to filter medications out of the water, as is the case in other states.

In aquatic creatures such as fish, frogs, and other aquatic animals, this might result in a rise in bacterial resistance to antibiotics as well as interference with their development and reproductive processes.

It is simple to properly dispose of your unused medications.

Visit the Sacramento Regional County Sanitation District’s website for information on local disposal facilities as well as other useful resources.

Non-biodegradable feminine hygiene items will quickly block your local septic system, and most likely your home’s septic tank as well as the sewage system.

Tampons do not degrade like toilet paper; instead, they expand in size, and if one becomes lodged in your sewage line, it is likely to trap the next one that comes down the pipe.

Simply inquire with the Brawny Man, and he will provide you with the answer.

The movement of paper towels down the sewage system after they’ve been flushed down the toilet is extremely difficult to achieve successfully.

Hair: Although most people are aware of the need of keeping hair out of shower drains, they do not hesitate to flush large clumps of hair down the toilet.

Always wipe your hairbrush or comb over a garbage can before putting it away.

Hair will ultimately make its way down the toilet drain and form part of the sludge that clogs things up in the sewer system.

Kitty litter is a type of litter that is used for cats.

The excrement includes parasites that will not be effectively broken down in treatment plants, and this may cause harm to marine life in the process.

Cigarette butts: Toilets are solely intended for one type of butt: the cigarette butt.

It is not possible to decompose cigarette butts since they are packed with chemicals that can leach into the water system.

In the ocean, cigarette butts are one of the most prevalent types of trash to be found.

Flushing anything that is essentially an adhesive down the toilet, on the other hand, is not recommended.

Keep the temptation to use your toilet as a garbage can at bay.

The Three P’s are the only items that should be flushed down the toilet, and nothing else.

It’s simply that straightforward. Otherwise, throw everything away in the garbage pail. Don’t be concerned if you have a clogged toilet, drain, or sewage line; we’ll take care of it! Call Bonney Plumbing, Heating, Air, and Sewer at 800-444-0551 to schedule an appointment.

5 Easy Ways to Avoid Septic Tank Problems

Your septic tank is most likely something that you don’t pay much consideration to. However, it is important. For the most part, your septic tank is self-contained and requires little to no oversight. It also requires little maintenance. However, whether as a consequence of improper maintenance or natural degradation, your septic tank will eventually need to be cleaned and repaired or replaced. Fortunately, there are simple solutions to minimize septic tank problems that need little to no work on your part.

1. Watch What You Flush

The only things that should be flushed down the toilet are body waste and toilet paper. Within the septic tank, these two substances may be readily broken down and will gradually decline in concentration over time. Non-biodegradable goods, on the other hand, can cause serious difficulties with your septic tank if they are flushed down the toilet. Items such as gum, q-tips, and paper towels should never be flushed down the toilet because they might block the drainage system and cause it to overflow.

2. Monitor Your Kitchen Drain

What you drop down your kitchen sink drain should also be taken into consideration. While it may seem rational to flush items like oil, grease, and scraps of food down the kitchen sink, doing so can have a detrimental impact on the efficiency of your septic tank. Putting just water and biodegradable goods down your kitchen drain will make it much easier for your septic tank to complete its function, which is to remove waste from your home.

3. Avoid Using Excess Water

Whatever your situation, whether you’re living alone or with your family, it’s crucial to keep track of how much water you’re consuming on a daily basis. Excess water consumption will reduce the amount of time your septic tank has to break down solid wastes. If your septic tank is overflowing with water before all of the solid waste has been broken down, the solid matter will flow into your distribution system and cause a backup. Solid matter being introduced into your distribution pumps, which are designed to handle only liquid matter, might cause them to get blocked.

4. Properly Cover Your Drain Field

Taking the proper steps to maintain your septic tank is not restricted to your actions within your house. To guarantee that your septic tank and drain field work properly, it is critical to grow grass over the top of the tanks and the drain field. In addition to providing a beautiful, lush grass over your drain field, it will allow oxygen to permeate the soil above your septic tank, which will aid in the breakdown of solid waste. Having concrete or asphalt over your drain field, on the other hand, will effectively seal off your septic tank from the rest of the world, making it more difficult for solid waste to decompose.

5. Have Your Septic Tank Inspected

One of the most reliable ways to ensure that your septic tank isn’t on the verge of failing is to have it examined by a qualified expert. It’s probable that you aren’t very familiar with the inner workings of your septic tank, despite the fact that you can do the examination yourself. By doing the check yourself, you run the risk of being exposed to potentially dangerous substances.

The best course of action is to entrust the examination to licensed and skilled specialists who will be able to tell you whether or not your septic tank is in proper working order or needs to be repaired. OUR EXPERT PLUMBERS ARE AVAILABLE TO HELP YOU.

Caring for Your Clermont Home Septic System

Preparing Your Clermont Home Septic System for Use

Caring for Your Clermont Home Septic System

Maintaining your home’s septic system does not have to be difficult; in fact, by following a few easy maintenance guidelines, you may be able to save yourself a significant amount of money on future repair costs. The key to appropriate septic tank care boils down to four (4) components: regular inspection and pumping of the system, efficient water usage, correct waste disposal, and adequate maintenance of the drain-field. In order to help you take a more proactive approach to septic tank maintenance, we have included a full analysis of these elements:

1. Inspecting and Pumping the Home Septic System

The fact that the majority of residential septic systems require a checkup at least once every three years by a qualified septic specialist may come as a surprise. It is recommended that a Clermont homeowner have their septic tank pumped once every three to five years. Talking with your local septic firm about a service contract might save you a significant amount of money each year on your sewage disposal. When it comes to inspecting and pumping your septic tank, how often you do it is determined by the quantity of waste you create, how many people live in your home, how big your septic tank is, and how much solids are in your wastewater.

Make careful to update your maintenance records every time a professional performs maintenance on your system.

A T-shaped outlet is used in the septic tank to prevent scum or sludge from exiting the tank and entering the environment.

2. The Efficient Use of Water in the Home

The average family consumes 70 gallons of water per person every day, according to the Water Conservation Society. When you factor in the fact that a leaking toilet wastes 200 gallons of water in a single day, it becomes clear that all of the extra water may make a significant impact. As a result of taking a more proactive approach to water efficiency, it has been possible to minimize the quantity of water treated by the tank. As a result, the likelihood of septic issues is reduced, and your water cost is reduced at the same time as well.

A big household with many loads of laundry per week might result in significant water waste due to the prolonged washing and rinse cycles required.

The reservoirs have been reduced from five gallons to 1.6 gallons; this represents a significant reduction in the quantity of water used on a single flush, much alone over the course of a year.

Due to the fact that water travels via smaller holes in high-efficiency shower heads, they cut water consumption while maintaining the same level of water pressure. Despite the fact that you may not perceive a change, your septic tank will be under less strain to operate throughout the year.

3. Follow The “Do Not Flush Rules” To Properly Dispose Of Waste

Whether you flush anything down the toilet, pour something into the sink, grind something up in the trash disposal, or clean something up in the bathtub, everything will ultimately end up in the septic tank at some point. Certain substances that you allow to flow down the drain on a daily basis might do serious damage to the system. Keep your pipes out of the garbage if you don’t want to be caught. Here is a list of things that should never, ever be flushed down the toilet, in any circumstances:

• Items such as feminine hygiene products, paper towels, diapers, baby wipes or any other “flushable” wipes, dental floss, cleaning chemicals, sponges, Q-Tips, cotton balls, liquid or tablet medication, cigarette butts, band-aids, cat litter, hair clippings, chewing gum, and chewing gum sticks are prohibited.

Among the items that should not be disposed of down the sink or garbage disposal are:

• Cleaning solutions
• Paint/paint thinner
• Pills or liquid medication
• Cooking oils/grease
• Coffee grounds/egg shells
• Other household waste

Please keep in mind that there are live creatures in the septic tank that are treating and digesting the waste, and anything you flush or pour down the sink or flush down the toilet may kill the beneficial bacteria and cause damage to the entire septic system. You could make sure your guests are aware of the rules by posting a humorousseptic sign or poem in the bathroom if they are regular visitors.

4. Maintaining the Septic Drain Field

The drain field is an important component of the septic tank system since it is responsible for removing impurities from liquids that emerge from the tank. Take a proactive approach to managing this region and you will reduce the risk of having to bring in an expensive septic specialist to do expensive repairs. Determine the location of your tank and drain field on your land, and then avoid driving over that area at all costs, since this might cause difficulties later on. It is best not to park any vehicles or yard equipment over the drain-fields.

The presence of developing roots in their hunt for water today may not cause concern today, but in the future, those roots will puncture and infiltrate even the most robust systems, causing significant harm.

The buildup of surplus water will cause the septic tank’s wastewater treatment process to become inefficient and cease working altogether.

Not only will you save money on septic repair, but you will also save money on water consumption, which will help to maintain Lake County’s natural resources as a result of your actions.

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Trees With Roots That Will Infiltrate Your Septic Tank

A septic system is made up of three parts: a main exit, a holding tank, and a drainage area, often known as a leach bed or leach field. The tank takes sewage from the building’s plumbing system, where it accumulates over a period of time until it is full enough to be discharged through an outlet onto the drainage field below.

While the tank itself is typically resilient to tree root damage, the roots of some kinds of trees can represent a major danger to the proper functioning of the leach field, particularly in areas where the tank is located.

Tree Blacklist

However, while contractors and arborists generally feel that it is unsafe to plant any tree too close to a septic system, several species have been identified as being particularly undesirable. Among the most hazardous trees to septic tanks and sewer systems are elms (Ulmus sp.), gum trees (Eucalyptus sp.), cypress trees (Cupressus), maple trees, particularly silver maple (Acer saccharinium), birches (Betula sp.), walnut trees (Juglans), poplars (Populus sp.), and willows (Salix sp. Apart from seeking for the nearest and most abundant supply of water, the roots of these trees are also drawn to the vast stores of nutrients present in the soil around a septic system, as well as the oxygen found in the drainage lines.

Planting species such as weeping willows, Monterey pines, and walnut trees at least 100 feet away from the system may prevent them from becoming a problem.

Tree Root Facts

The root system of any tree is responsible for the majority of the tree’s water and nutrient absorption from the soil. Not all tree roots develop in the same manner, and the manner in which they do so is influenced by a variety of variables, including the kind of tree, the environment in which it grows, the quantity of yearly rainfall received, and the availability of water. In order to find the most plentiful supply of water, tree roots naturally seek for the nearest and most abundant source of water.

Septic System Facts

Modern septic systems are likely to have little more than 2 feet of soil cover, which makes trees with extremely deep taproot systems, such as oaks (Quercus sp. ), less of a hazard because their main roots naturally travel in a fairly vertical direction straight down into the soil. One element that leads to the invasion of tree roots into drainage systems is the presence of numerous holes in the pipes used to build leach fields, which allow any form of root to gain access with relative ease. It doesn’t take long for the strain from spreading roots to build up to the point when the pipes shatter and split open, which is usually constructed of PVC plastic.

Finally, as the obstruction increases, sewage begins to back up into the tank, and eventually the tank itself ceases to drain at all.

Safe Tree List

Generally speaking, the larger the tree, the more complicated its root system will be, and the reverse is true as well. Certain smaller types of trees, such as the Japanese maple (Acer palmatum) and the Amur maple (Acer ginnala), may not represent a significant hazard to a septic system. These are two of numerous trees that grow to no more than 25 feet in height, and they include the Japanese maple and the Amur maple. The University of Tennessee Extension also offers flowering dogwood (Cornus florida) as an excellent alternative, as well as smoke tree (Cotinus spp.) and Eastern redbud (Cercis canadensis), which are both low-growing species with limited root systems, according to the university.

It is normal for the roots of any type of plant to seek out and take advantage of the rich environment provided by the system when certain unanticipated situations exist. This is because it is what plant roots do in their natural habitat.

Grease Is Bad – Septic Tank Cleaning Fort Worth

How often have you found yourself pouring oil down the sink? Hopefully not on a frequent basis, especially if your home is equipped with a septic system. Septic systems can not tolerate grease for a variety of reasons, and today we will discuss what might happen to your septic system if it becomes clogged with substances such as grease and fat. More than two decades have passed since Septic One Septic Tank Service first began pumping out the septic tanks of Fort Worth residents. Our experience has shown us that no matter how bad your septic system is or how long has passed since it was cleaned, we have probably seen something worse.

1. Grease, on the other hand, will cause far more difficulties than neglecting your monthly septic system cleaning.
2. Grease and oil are not only the sludge left over after you fry up a load of bacon; they are also residue from a variety of other sources, including food.
3. Grease-Clogged PipesGrease is well-known for fouling up pipes.
4. It’s hard to imagine what kind of havoc grease may cause on a large open network such as a city sewer system, let alone on your own private closed sewage treatment system.
5. This means that if the blockage is severe enough, we will have to dig up the pipes to dislodge the impediment.
6. This is referred to as the biological process.
7. Similarly to small folks at a food truck carnival, the bacteria in your sewage tank are savoring everything they can get their hands on.

It is this sludge that we are responsible for cleaning out of the tank’s bottom.

Solid waste will not be broken down properly and will have a higher chance of clogging the drain field.

As you may recall, oil floats on top of water, and when grease and oil are injected into the septic tank, they have the potential to find their way to the drainage field.

The pipes might become blocked if grease and oil make their way into the drain field; there is no way to fix this type of barrier without replacing it.

It is not necessary to be concerned about the small amount of grease that will find its way into the septic tank as long as you keep up with a regular cleaning plan.

In the event that you can’t recall the last time you had your septic tank cleaned, it is time to contact Septic One to schedule a cleaning and inspection.

Please don’t hesitate to contact us if you have any queries or concerns.

Safe Plants to Grow Over Septic Tanks & Drain Fields

When some trees and bushes are planted near septic tanks and drain fields, their vigorous roots can cause harm to the tanks and drain fields. Find out which plants are the most dangerous to cultivate near a septic system and which ones are the safest.

Plants Safe to Grow Over Septic Tanks and Drain Fields

Keep in mind that you should not become so concerned about the possibility of root damage to septic systems that you avoid planting in these places completely. It is not only permissible, but really desirable, to cultivate the appropriate kind of plants in this location. Plants will help to prevent erosion and will also help to absorb some of the surplus rainwater from the drainage system. Growing tall fescue grass, Kentucky bluegrass, or other lawn grass over that section of earth should be the bare minimum solution to the problem.

Plants such as creeping Charlie, stonecrop, and jewelweed will proliferate and cover a septic area effectively.

Because of their thin root systems, they are less prone to infiltrate and destroy the subsurface infrastructure.

It goes without saying that there are several instances of such plants, so you will want to limit down your options.

• If the location is sunny, try planting one of these 10 great perennials for sunny locations: However, if the location does not receive much sunlight, you will most likely be pleased with these shadow garden plants. Septic tank drain fields have soil that is sometimes wetter than usual, sometimes saltier than average, and sometimes a combination of the two. Make sure to cover both bases with perennials that can withstand both damp soils and salt, such as bee balm, hollyhocks, and wild violets. When it comes to plants growing over septic systems, deer will not turn their noses up at them
• Therefore, if you have a problem with this large pest eating your plants in your area, you will want to consider deer-resistant perennials and deer-resistant ground covers, as well as spring bulbs and ornamental grasses that deer do not eat

It is not safe to consume food crops that have been planted in the ground near a drain field since doing so may result in the consumption of hazardous microorganisms. It is preferable to plant shallow-rooted trees and bushes around septic tank drain fields if you must plant trees and plants. The Spruce is an example of a shallow-rooted tree or shrub. K. Dave’s / K. Dave

The Worst Plants to Grow Over Septic Systems

Planting huge, fast-growing trees is often discouraged. However, some of the greatest offenders are trees and shrubs with root systems that are aggressively seeking out sources of water, which makes them particularly difficult to control. They are not picky about the water source from which they draw their water, which means the pipes in your septic tank drain field are completely fair game. Weeping willow trees are a well-known example of this. There are several trees and bushes to avoid, however the following are only a few examples: If you have avoided planting any of the most dangerous plants right over your septic tank drain field, you should still be concerned about the consequences.

Any huge, mature trees that may be growing in close proximity to your septic system continue to pose a threat.

As a result, a mature specimen 50 feet tall should be at least 50 feet distant from the viewer.

In the event that this is not practicable, root barriers can be installed to try to prevent tree roots from accessing your septic drain field (similar to the bamboo barriers used incontrolling invasive bamboo). The Spruce Tree K. Dave’s / K. Dave

The Basics of How Septic Systems Work

Septic systems are used to treat wastewater in rural regions that do not have access to sewer systems. An underground, waterproof container, the septic tank is where wastewater from your toilets, showers, sinks, and clothes washer is stored after it has been removed from your home via a pipe. Solids (sludge) and scum are separated from liquids in a septic tank, which is intended to do this. Solids sink to the bottom of the container. The slime rises to the top of the heap. The liquids create an intermediate layer between the scum and the sludge, separating them from the other two layers.

1. The introduction of more wastewater from the residence serves as a stimulus for their expulsion.
2. Upon discharge, liquids are channeled into a much bigger portion of the septic system known as the “drain field,” “leach field,” or “leach pit.” Typically, a drain field is composed of a number of perforated PVC pipes that are installed in subterranean trenches.
3. Drain field cloth can be used to protect dirt from getting into the holes.
4. “Percolation” is the term used to describe how wastewater moves through the earth.
5. The evaporation of excess moisture from the soil will take care of any excess moisture unless you (inadvertently) do something to hinder it.
6. The Spruce / written by K.

Planning a Septic Field Garden

When it comes to planting near septic tanks, the drain field pipes are the most important thing to consider. If roots penetrate the perforations and clog the system, it is best to remove them immediately. All of the components of this meticulously calibrated system must be in good working order, or else the consequence is a complete disaster (and a costly one). While annual flowers such as impatiens are shallow-rooted enough to be used as septic-field plants, the fact that they must be replanted every year makes them less than ideal for this purpose.

If you are digging in a drain field, you should always wear gloves to protect your hands.

All of the following are terrible ideas because they may interfere with the regular evaporation process, which is responsible for removing excess moisture from the environment:

• Increasing the amount of soil in the region Using excessive amounts of mulch
• Providing more water to the plants than is strictly necessary

Landscaping Around a Septic System: Do’s and Don’ts

Increasing the amount of soil available; Excessive use of mulching exceeding the very minimum watering requirements for the plants

Landscaping Do’s and Don’ts

• Plants that do not require a lot of water should be used. This stops plant roots from looking for water and interfering with your system’s functionality. Make use of herbaceous plants with shallow roots, such as flowers and ground cover. When planting quarts, gallons, or plugs, make sure to keep your plants somewhat near to one another to prevent erosion. This will help restrict the growth of weeds. If you have any trees or shrubs growing in your yard in the future, consider how their development may impede access to the septic tank lids, leach field, and sprinkler system. Using a potted plant, riser cover, or lawn ornament just above your access hatch, you may mark the position of your access hatch. When it comes time to dig it up, it will be much simpler to do so. Allow tall Kentucky bluegrass or another type of lawn to grow over the plot of ground that serves as a septic tank cover. Consider the benefits of growing perennials. Because both grasses and perennials have a shallow root structure, they should have no negative impact on your tank or drain field. Make use of tiny, non-woody groundcovers to disguise weeds. Think about planting shallow-rooted trees and vegetation (such as cherry trees, dogwood trees, holly bushes, azalea shrubs, and boxwood shrubs) in the area around your septic system, but make sure they are at least 10-15 feet away from the tank.

• Get so concerned about plants and grasses hurting your septic tank that you completely demolish the surrounding region. Some grasses and plants are particularly effective at collecting excess rainwater surrounding the drain field, hence reducing the likelihood of drainage problems. Overwatering your lawn may encourage freshly planted plants to flourish more quickly. Overwatering can cause soil to contract over your leach field, which can cause your septic system to get clogged. Root vegetables can be grown in the vicinity of your system. If these nutrient-absorbing plants are planted too near together, they may cause problems with microorganisms.

• Take such extreme precautions to avoid destroying your septic tank that you completely demolish the surrounding landscape. A few types of grasses and plants are particularly effective in absorbing excess moisture around the drain field, hence reducing the likelihood of drainage problems. Overwatering your lawn will encourage the growth of freshly planted plants. It is possible to overwater your leach field, causing it to get compacted and clogging up your septic system. In the region where your system is located, you may grow any root veggies that you choose. If these nutrient-absorbing plants are planted too close together, they may cause problems with germs.

Plants Safe to Grow Over Septic Tanks and Drain Fields

As long as you choose the landscaping for the region around your septic system with care, you won’t have to be so concerned about the possibility of septic system damage caused by roots that you refrain from planting in these places entirely. It is not only permissible, but really desirable, to cultivate the appropriate kind of plants in this location. Plants will help to prevent erosion and will also help to absorb some of the surplus rainwater from the drainage system. The ideal plants to use around your septic tank and drain field are perennials and grasses (including decorative grasses).

Small, non-woody ground coverings are a wonderful choice for the same reason: they are low maintenance.

It is not safe to consume food crops that have been planted in the ground near a drain field since doing so may result in the consumption of hazardous microorganisms.

The following are examples of shallow-rooted plants and shrubs:

• Dogwood trees, Japanese maple trees, Eastern redbud trees, cherry trees, azalea shrubs, boxwood shrubs, and holly shrubs are examples of ornamental trees and shrubs.

The Worst Plants to Grow Over Septic Systems

Planting huge, rapidly growing trees is often discouraged. However, some of the greatest offenders are trees and shrubs with root systems that are aggressively seeking out sources of water, which makes them particularly difficult to control. They are not picky about the water source from which they draw their water, which means the pipes in your septic tank drain field are completely fair game. Weeping willow trees are a well-known example of this. There are several trees and bushes to avoid, however the following are only a few examples:

• The following are examples of plants and trees: Pussywillow bushes, Japanese willow shrubs, Weeping willow trees, Aspen trees, Lombardy poplar trees, Birch trees, Beech trees, and Elm trees The majority of maple trees, with the exception of Japanese maples
• American sweetgum trees
• Ash trees
• Tulip trees

It is advised that a layer of vegetation, such as a lawn, be placed over the drain field to help hold the dirt in place and boost the effectiveness of the system. Certain principles, on the other hand, should be followed in order to avoid costly and unpleasant situations. Perhaps the greatest piece of advise would be to keep trees and bushes out of the landscaping surrounding this location. The most important factor should be the best possible functioning of your septic system, but each homeowner will need to do a cost/benefit analysis of the plants they choose on an individual basis.

If you suspect that encroaching tree roots are causing damage to your system, please contact us at (951) 780-5922 as soon as possible.

Avoid Flushing These Items Down Your Toilet

It is inevitable that you will require septic system repair if you utilize your home toilets as garbage receptacles. This is a situation that might have been avoided. It is recommended that you only flush pee, feces, and toilet paper down the toilet while dealing with waste and toilets. Not to worry if you’re thinking to yourself, “But I thought flushable wipes were acceptable to flush down the toilet?” and the answer is no, it’s not one of the three products previously listed that are safe to flush down the toilet.

Please continue reading to find out why flushing these objects down the toilet might result in pricey plumbing issues down the road.

1.Flushable Wipes

There has never been a more misleading marketing term than “flushable” wipes. These wipes should never be flushed into the toilet. They don’t decompose rapidly and can easily become lodged in drains, causing obstructions and sewage backups in a short period of time.

2.Dental Floss

Dental floss should not be flushed since it is often constructed of Teflon or nylon, which are synthetic materials that do not degrade in water. In the event that dental floss is flushed down the toilet, it can wrap around other things, resulting in massive clogs that can choke pipes and sewage systems, making the situation worse.

3.Hair

Similarly to dental floss, dumping hair down the toilet, whether it is from people or dogs, may frequently result in more serious problems down the road. Hair adheres to pipes in addition to wrapping around other objects and causing obstructions in your pipes and sewers.

4.Feminine Products

Tampons, sanitary pads, and other feminine goods should never be flushed down the toilet. As a result of their tendency to absorb fluids and, in certain circumstances, to increase in size, they can become clogged in your pipes very quickly.

5.Nail Clippings

You should avoid flushing nail clippings down the toilet even if you don’t notice the same effect as you would with, for example, flushable wipes. This organic compound does not decompose when exposed to water.

6.Cat Litter

Animal waste is not the same as human waste, and it should not be disposed of in the same manner as human garbage. Furthermore, cat excrement has the potential to transmit parasites into the water system, such as Toxoplasma gondii, which is harmful to humans. The trash itself can also absorb toilet water and clog pipes, which is a problem.

7.Food

Animal waste is not the same as human waste, and it should not be disposed of in the same way as human garbage. On top of that, cat feces has the potential to transmit parasites into the water system, such as Toxoplasma gondii, which can be fatal. The trash itself may also absorb toilet water and clog pipes, which is a serious problem.

8.Contact Lenses

Despite the fact that many contact lenses are disposable, this does not imply that they are biodegradable. Tiny plastic particles have no place in our water systems. Disposing of used glasses down the sink or toilet adds to the creation of billions of microplastics, which pollute rivers and pollute the environment.

9.Paper Towels

You should never use paper towels (or face tissues) in place of toilet paper when you’ve run out of toilet paper. It is true that they have the appearance and feel of toilet paper, however they do not decompose quickly in your septic tank.

10. Makeup Wipes

Regardless of whether the wipes are labeled as flushable, dispose of them in the trash. When placed in water, cosmetic wipes do not dissolve and cause damage to the sewage treatment process.

11. Cotton Products

Cotton goods, such as swabs, balls, and pads, should not be flushed since they contain bacteria.

Cotton goods do not decompose in the same manner that toilet paper does, and all they do is bond together in a single piece. This results in difficulties with your pipes further down the road.

12. Chewing Gum

The flushing of chewing gum into the toilet is strictly prohibited. Gum is similar to glue in that it is a sticky, insoluble material that cannot be removed. Gum will never decompose and will only cause possible pipe obstructions in the future.

13. Bleach

Despite the fact that it may come as a surprise to you, you should not be flushing bleach down your toilet drain. Bleach is extremely corrosive and can cause serious damage to your toilet and septic system. When bleach mixes with other chemicals in your plumbing system, it has the potential to release poisonous vapors into the air.

14. Cooking Grease

Grease from cooking is a lipid that, when it hardens, becomes as hard as a rock, which has the potential to do serious damage to your plumbing system. Never throw frying grease down the toilet or down any other drains to save yourself the bother.

15. PaintOther Chemicals

Don’t flush any type of paint, undesirable solvents, or other chemicals that have been utilized around the house down the drain. Paint has the potential to harden and restrict plumbing pipes, and these compounds have no place in the drinking water system.

16. Tobacco Products

Many people are under the impression that it is OK to flush cigarette butts or other tobacco products down the toilet. It is not the case. Using cigarette butts and other tobacco products might cause your pipes to become clogged. Hazardous chemicals, poisons, and carcinogens are found in tobacco products, which leak into and pollute the water supply as they break down.

17. MedicinePharmaceuticals

While flushing your prescription down the toilet may appear to be a safe and simple method of disposing of your medication, this is not the case. Expired medications and drugs that have been recently used dissolve in the water from your plumbing system and pollute groundwater.

Have you been accidentally flushing the wrong items down your toilet?

The professionals at Biros SepticDrain Cleaning can assist you with any blockage or backlog you may be experiencing when you require 24-hour septic service. Are you seeking for emergency residential septic tank service, septic system installation service, or septic tank pumping in Scranton, Pennsylvania? If so, you have come to the right place. Our septic tank cleaning services are provided by Biros, and we use the latest, most technologically advanced equipment. Rooters, high-pressure water jets, and cameras are some of the cutting-edge equipment we employ to unclog any obstructions in your septic systems and to guarantee that your drain lines are open and operating at optimal efficiency.

If you have any more septic tank inquiries, would want to learn more about our expert septic service, or would like to arrange your septic system servicing, please call us right now.

A quick and easy guide to septic systems

BIORS SepticDrain Cleaning is available 24 hours a day to assist you with a blockage or backlog, and we offer emergency septic service. Is it necessary for you to have emergency residential septic tank service or septic system installation service in Scranton, PA, or do you require septic tank pumping? Our septic tank cleaning services are provided by Biros, and we use the latest, most technologically advanced equipment to complete the job. The equipment we employ to unclog clogs in your septic systems includes rooters, high-pressure water jets, and cameras, which we utilize to guarantee that your drain lines are open and operating at their greatest efficiency.

It won’t take long for us to get your system back up! To ask any further septic tank inquiries, to learn more about our expert septic service, or to make a septic system service appointment, please call us right now!

What is a septic tank?

In the United States, a septic tank is a plastic or concrete container that is placed underground and connected to an individual’s house or company via a drainpipe. It is dependent on the place where the septic tank is located that the size of the tank is determined. All of them, however, serve as a temporary holding and treatment tank for sewage. Septic tanks must be understood and handled properly, and they must be pumped (physical removal of waste) on a regular basis as part of a thorough preventative maintenance program.

What does a septic tank do?

As wastewater fills a tank, it naturally separates into three layers: scum, bulk liquid, and sludge. Scum is the thickest layer, followed by bulk liquid and sludge. The sludge layer is located at the bottom of the structure. It is made up of heavy, insoluble materials such as fecal waste and toilet paper, among other things. Fats, oils, and greases float to the surface of the water, forming the scum layer at the top of the water column. The bulk liquid layer in the centre of the tank normally occupies the majority of the tank’s total capacity.

The septic tank’s construction helps to keep the sludge and scum layers from escaping the tank.

What is a drain field?

A drain field, also known as a leach field, is an area outside of a residence or structure where waste water is collected. Perforated pipes buried in the ground are used to transmit wastewater from the septic tank to the drain field. The wastewater draining from the septic tank is dispersed in the drain field. For drainage purposes, the pipes are generally surrounded by loose gravel or crushed rock to prevent clogging. The wastewater is filtered by the soil and then cleansed by naturally occurring microorganisms as it travels down the drain field and into a water table (the level below the surface of the ground where water can be found).

How does the septic system work?

Septic tank microorganisms, both naturally occurring and those introduced through bioaugmentation, operate to break down organic waste and consume inorganic components in order to maintain the “health” of the system and keep it running efficiently. Bacteria and microorganisms can assist in controlling the thickness of the scum layer, reducing the depth of the sludge layer, and cleaning up the bulk liquid section of the sewage system. After they have finished their work, the waste is allowed to flow out of the tank and onto a drain field, where it is further treated by the soil itself.

In the case of a blocked tank, sewage can back up into the house or facility, while a clogged drain field might cause septic waste to pool in the yard or in the field.

Understanding what a septic system is and how it operates – as well as how bioaugmentation may assist in maintaining the general “health” of the system between regular pumpings – can help avoid problems from arising in the future.

To Flush, or Not to Flush: The Do’s and Don’ts for You Septic System

Posted on a regular basis You might be wondering what kinds of things are safe to flush down the toilet and into your septic system. When it comes to flushable products, those that are safe to flush outweigh those that are not. Here’s a simple list that you may refer to the next time you’re in doubt. Always flush the toilet: Never flush a toilet:

• Disinfecting wipes of any sort (even if the package says they are flushable)
• Q-tips, paper towels, tissues, dental floss, feminine products, condoms, tobacco products, needles, candy or gum wrappers, and any other type of rubbish are all acceptable items.

Disinfectant wipes of any sort (even if the package says they are flushable); Q-tips, paper towels, tissues, dental floss, feminine items, condoms, tobacco products, needles, candy or gum wrappers, and any other type of rubbish are all acceptable.

• Cooking oil, bath oil, grease, garbage disposal, excessive bleach, harsh chemicals, antifreeze, and paint are all examples of things to avoid.

Following the above-mentioned rules will not only help to avoid septic system problems, but it will also help to avoid plumbing clogs. Approximately half of the calls we receive for backup in the home are not related to the septic system, but rather to obstructions in the plumbing system. So keep an eye out for both! Exercise caution while flushing items down the toilet that are not meant for use in the toilet’s original application. In the event that you’ve been allowing objects into your septic system that shouldn’t have been there, contact us right away for a free quote to pump and clean your septic tank.

Over the course of 80 years, Van Delden Wastewater Systems has proven itself to be the premier Wastewater System provider, supplying San Antonio, Boerne, and the surrounding Texas Hill Country with services you can rely on today and in the future.

(Boerne).

Could Your Septic Job Make You Sick?

Norweco provided the image used here.

Interested in Safety?

Receive safety articles, news, and videos delivered directly to your email! Now is the time to sign up. Safety+ Receive Notifications It is inevitable that wastewater will include fecal coliforms. These bacteria may be found in the intestines of all warm-blooded animals, including humans, and they are a source of infection. Despite the fact that they are necessary for digestion, they are also markers of the presence of infections. Pathogens such as Giardia, Cryptosporidia, Salmonella, Shigella, Vibrio cholerae, and other pathogens will only be present if persons who use the wastewater treatment system are infected with the pathogen.

Viruses and pathogens are abundant in wastewater, and they may be found almost anyplace and on anything that comes into touch with the wastewater.

The highest concentrations of bacteria are found in the septic tank, and their numbers decrease as wastewater is treated as it travels down the drainage system. Exposure to wastewater has been linked to a variety of ailments, some of which are as follows:

• The bacteria E. coli and other bacteria, protozoans such as Giardia and Cryptosporidia, and certain viruses are responsible for gastroenteritis (cramping stomach cramps, diarrhea, and vomiting). It is caused by the bacterium Vibrio cholerae and results in acute diarrhea and dehydration. Infection with the bacterium Leptospira causes leptospirosis (flu-like symptoms that are accompanied by a persistent and severe headache). Hepatosplenomegaly, renal failure, and blood poisoning are all possible consequences of leptospirosis. Hepatitis A is an infectious hepatitis characterized by jaundice and fever caused by the virus hepatitis A. It is known to cause liver inflammation. The hepatitis A virus (HAV) is characterized by jaundice, which is characterized by yellowing of the skin or whites of the eyes. Tiredness, stomach discomfort, nausea, and diarrhea are some of the other symptoms. Approximately 15% of those infected with HAV will experience protracted or recurrent symptoms over a period of six to nine months. A bacterial infection that causes Legionellosis (lung inflammation accompanied by fever, dry cough, and sore muscles and joints)
• Infections of the skin and eyes

Pathogens may enter the body through four basic methods, which are described here. These are some examples:

1. Ingestion via the mouth is caused by direct contact with the mouth when eating, drinking, and smoking as well as cleaning your face with infected hands or gloves. The most common route of infection is by ingestion. Skin – Contact with the skin caused by wastewater splashes. The presence of cuts, scrapes, and wounds increases the likelihood of infection. Disease-causing pathogens can enter your body through your eyes. Airborne germs delivered by dust, mist, or fumes enter the lungs and cause infection. Aerosols, including viruses (polioviruses, coxsackieviruses, echoviruses, rotaviruses, adenoviruses, Norwalk virus), bacteria, and other microorganisms have been shown to impair the immune system and have the potential to cause allergies in susceptible individuals (Leptospira, Salmonella spp., Shigella spp.,Campylobacter jejuni, Yersinia enterocolitica, Legionella pneumophila, Helicobacter pylori, Listeria monocytogenes, Mycobacterium xenopi). Another potential danger identified by the study was the presence of microbial allergens and endotoxins. According to the findings of the study, endotoxins, which are created by bacteria, can induce respiratory and intestinal inflammation, diarrhea, weariness, and nasal irritation among sewer workers.

There are several places that are polluted with microorganisms that are associated with septic systems. Inhalation of contaminated air in the proximity of wastewater might cause respiratory exposure. Dermal exposure is caused by objects such as tools, automobile door handles, radio knobs, and gear shifters. Oral pathogen intake can occur as a result of eating lunch on the job site, smoking cigarettes, chewing gum, and other activities.

How to protect yourself and your employees

Pathogens cannot be eradicated from wastewater since they are naturally occurring in the environment. When you practice proper personal hygiene and use personal protection equipment while on the job, your chances of catching an illness are reduced. The following are some recommended practices and other considerations to bear in mind:

• Make sure you understand the dangers these microorganisms represent to your health, as well as the methods in which you might become infected. Keep a first-aid kit on hand at all times. All exposed wounds should be cleaned and disinfected before being covered with a sterile, waterproof dressing. Any injuries sustained on the job site should be reported to your supervisor as soon as possible. On the workplace, use waterless hand cleansers, antibacterial soaps, and antibacterial hand wipes to keep your hands healthy. It is not permissible to eat or drink at a wastewater treatment facility. Touching your nose, mouth, eyes, or ears with your hands is not recommended unless your hands have recently been cleaned. Hands should be thoroughly washed with soap and hot water before eating or smoking, as well as at regular intervals during the day and at the conclusion of your job. Assume that anything that comes into contact with wastewater is polluted. It is recommended that you wear a respirator if you are likely to be exposed to airborne infections, such as spray from a treatment device or a humid environment. It is suggested by the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health that you use a N95 respirator. It is always crucial to ensure that your respirator is properly fitted. Check to see that the seal between the face and the mask is as tight as possible. The intake of tainted air would ensue if there was a leak. The growth of facial hair is avoided because it can interfere with the appropriate fit of a respirator. To ensure that respirators are correctly fitted, worn, and used, it is strongly recommended that a respiratory protection program be implemented.

Norweco provided the image used here.

• Norway-based Norweco provided the image.

Norweco provided the image.