What type of septic tank system do I Need?
- The location and soil conditions of the home or business property will generally determine the type of septic tank system that is required for installation. Conventional Systems can either be Gravity System which is the basic or standard system, or Pressure Distribution System.
How do you secure a septic tank?
In many cases, homeowners fail to cover their septic tanks properly and instead use unsecured lids and covers, which can be easily moved by children. Lids should tightly cover the tank opening and secured to prevent displacement by a child. Locking lids are the most secure and require a key or combination to open them.
How much field line do I need for a septic tank?
A typical septic drainfield trench is 18 to 30 inches in depth, with a maximum soil cover over the disposal field of 36″; or per the USDA, 2 feet to 5 feet in depth.
Do septic tank blankets work?
When to Use Frost Blankets Your septic tank will be sufficiently insulated. An added feature of frost blankets is that they are waterproof and snowproof. They can hold snow, which will create an added layer of insulation over the tank. No matter what conditions are above ground, your septic tank is covered!
How many lids do septic tanks have?
A septic tank installed before 1975 will have a single 24-inch concrete lid in the center of the rectangle. A two-compartment tank installed after 1975 will have two lids of either fiberglass or polyethylene, centered at opposite ends of the rectangle.
Should a septic tank be exposed?
If You Have An Aerobic Septic System This type of system should be checked by a professional technician every 4 months, so the lids must be kept exposed and easily accessible.
Can you add dirt on top of leach field?
Never add additional soil over the drain field unless it is a minimal amount used to restore an area that may have been eroded or pulled up by removing another plant. Try not to be overly zealous when tilling the soil for planting. Remember that the drain lines may be as close as 6 inches from the soil surface.
How far down is a leach field?
A typical drainfield trench is 18 to 30 inches in depth, with a maximum soil cover over the disposal field of 36 inches.
What can you put on top of a septic field?
Put plastic sheets, bark, gravel or other fill over the drainfield. Reshape or fill the ground surface over the drainfield and reserve area. However, just adding topsoil is generally OK if it isn’t more than a couple of inches. Make ponds on or near the septic system and the reserve area.
How do you winterize a septic system?
Winterize the pipes Shut off the water main and open all faucets to let them drain. Flush the toilets a few times until the water no longer fills the tank and bowl. Drain all appliances, including your water heater. Completely empty your septic system’s pressure tank.
Can septic tanks freeze up?
Water holds a great deal of heat, and with daily use, septic tanks rarely freeze, even in the coldest weather. If you have a septic system that is used infrequently during the winter, place a layer of insulating material at least a foot deep over the tank and extend the layer at least 5 feet past the edges of the tank.
Should I cover my septic tank in the winter?
“If you have a septic system that is used infrequently during the winter, protect the system from freezing by placing a layer of mulch at least a foot deep over the tank and extend it at least 5 feet past the edges of the tank.
How many lids should a concrete septic tank have?
Two or three lids may be included in your system. The average size of a sewage tank is approximately 5 feet by 8 feet. The lid is buried between 4 inches and 4 feet underground in most cases.
Should septic tank lid be sealed?
Like wells, septic systems have problems if they are not sealed from outside surface water. Most septic systems rely on buried pipes to get rid of the fluids. The lid covers should fit tightly — if they don’t, a company that specializes in septic repairs should be called to fix them.
Should septic tank riser be above ground?
Landscaping Around Septic Tank Risers However, septic tank risers should never be buried. Instead, they should be 2 inches above final grade to prevent groundwater from entering the system.
Frequently Asked Questions about Septic and Mound and Sewer
(Please note that any specifics are based on Wisconsin statute and regulations.) What is wastewater, and how does it differ from other waste? Wastewater includes all of the water that is utilized in a building but has to be disposed of after it is used, such as water from toilets, sinks, floor drains, dishwashers, clothes washers, showers, and other similar devices. EVERY drop of water that is utilized within a structure has to go somewhere and be treated. What is the process of wastewater treatment?
If there isn’t a municipal wastewater treatment facility in the vicinity of where I reside, what should I do?
Any sort of onsite wastewater treatment system, including mound systems, in-ground systems, holding tanks, and highly pretreated systems, that treats wastewater on-site is referred to as a POWTS (Private Onsite Wastewater Treatment System).
Septic tank effluent is wastewater that has been partially cleaned by passing through a septic tank system.
- What is the best way to determine if I will require a mound or a traditional (in-ground) septic system?
- A soil test on your property will reveal to you the type, size, and placement of the irrigation system that you will require on your property.
- When comparing a mound system to an in-ground system, what is the main difference?
- In order to ensure that wastewater is treated through three feet of suitable soil before coming into touch with shallow soil constraints, mounds are constructed (see limiting factor).
- In-ground systems may treat water through three feet of dirt in the ground and still have room to spare before reaching the limits of the groundwater table.
- A professional soil tester evaluates the site and the soil in order to identify the depth to which the soil constraints exist (among many other things).
- Groundwater levels that are too high, bedrock, restricted slowly permeable soils such as huge clay, and groundwater levels that fluctuate seasonally are all examples of limiting forces.
Do both types of systems need the use of a pump?
Unless a tank has collected solids to a depth of one-third the tank depth, the state mandates that all systems be flushed every three years if the tank has done so.
All systems must be pumped or examined at least once every three years, according to state regulations.
Some older systems are normally pumped once a year as a means of attempting to maintain the system operational.
Pumping a septic system may be compared to changing the oil in a car in that it eliminates particulate matter that might cause serious problems with the system in the future.
The water going through the tank has shorter retention time as a result of the reduced volume, and consequently carries more waterborne solids out of the tank and into the distribution cell, resulting in clogging and eventual failure of the tank and distribution cell.
Will the addition of additives benefit my system?
We like to suggest that if you just dump the money down the toilet instead of purchasing chemicals, you’ll receive exactly the same effects.
How long will a septic system or mound endure before it breaks completely and permanently?
Before deteriorating and needing to be replaced, the product has a usable life of 20 to 25 years.
What causes a septic system or a mound to collapse is not well understood.
The wastewater will follow the route of least resistance once the soil has been totally sealed off and is no longer accepting water. This might result in the wastewater reaching the ground surface (failure) or returning to the home or structure (also failure).
What are ways to maximize the life of a septic or mound system?
- WIPES SHOULD NOT BE FLUSHED. Toilet paper should be the only paper product flushed down a toilet or into any other form of system. WIPES will cause significant problems and will necessitate the need for expensive repairs. The use of a water softener and an iron filter Recharge water should be directed away from the septic system in order to prevent it from entering it. This is a code-compliant method of making a significant impact in the overall lifespan of your system. Most of the time, water softener recharge drains into a sink or a floor drain, both of which empty into the septic system or mound. Reduce or reduce the usage of a waste disposal as much as possible. It is certain that garbage disposal will shorten the life of the equipment. It is NOT OK to throw cooking oils or grease down the sink. Make sure your system is pumped on a regular basis. Surface water (storm water) should not be directed towards your septic tank manhole covers. Your manhole covers should be six inches above the surrounding grade in order to achieve the optimum benefits.
Is it possible to bury my manhole covers? You are permitted to have buried coverings in Wisconsin as long as they are within 6 inches of the surface of the ground. Covers that have a filter or pump beneath them are unable to be buried for safety reasons. What is the difference between manhole covers that have chains and locks and those that do not? A manhole that is going to be exposed (i.e. not hidden) must be secured according to Wisconsin code, which states that it must be locked. My system is equipped with an alarm.
- The majority of systems that have an alarm feature a pump tank.
- It might indicate that the breaker for the pump has tripped, that the pump is faulty, that the float switch is faulty, or that there is a problem with the electrical junction box on the side of the riser.
- What kinds of plants can I grow on my mound system?
- Also, please keep in mind that the pipe that runs through the mound is only about one foot deep from the top of the mound.
- What should I do if my system fails?
- In the event that you have a mound, many mounds may simply be constructed inside the same (or larger) footprint that it now occupies.
- If the county does not have a soil test on file, you will need to conduct one prior to replacing a system in order to identify what you will require.
How often should I clean my effluent filter?
There are several different types of effluent filters, some of which are excellent and others which are only marginally better. If you have a septic tank, it is advised that you check the level in the tank twice a year, depending on the sort of effluent filter you have. If everything is normal both times, at the very least clean the filter once a year. If you have a high quantity of ammonia in the tank, you should absolutely clean the filter. What is the best way to tell if the level of my septic tank is normal?
- This is the most accurate technique to assess the level in the tank.
- The normal level in a septic tank is found at the very bottom of the line that leads out of the filter chamber.
- What are the reasons of a high amount of nitrate in a septic tank’s wastewater?
- If I don’t have an effluent filter in my septic tank, what may be causing the high level to occur?
- What are some of the other symptoms that my system is having a problem?
- When it comes to septic tanks versus holding tanks, there is a big difference.
- When water enters the septic tank, a part of the waterborne solids settle out and are transferred to a secondary or soil treatment component before the water is released.
When the soil or location does not pass the tests for any form of system, a holding tank is utilized.
The average frequency of pumping a holding tank is once a month, according to industry standards.
Does this imply that I have an issue with my septic system?
The majority of the time, sewer gas troubles within a house are caused by a sanitary sump crock that has been incorrectly sealed.
Check the top of the crock for a gasket or a bolt that holds it together.
Have you checked to see whether the cables and pipes that pass through the top of the crock are protected with a rubber grommet and caulk?
It’s possible that sewage gas odours are coming from somewhere else.
Consider the following scenarios: a floor drain that never receives water, a sink, tub, or shower drain in a ‘extra’ bathroom that is never used, etc.
Another possible source might be pipes that have been stubbed up out of the lowest level floor as ‘future plumbing’ in the building.
Other origins of sewage gas odor include a compromise in the vent system (a broken, cracked, or loose pipe), as well as a toilet wax ring that needs to be replaced or repaired.
How To Tell If Your Septic System Needs Repair Or Replacement
In most cases, homeowners and business owners who utilize a septic system do not consider about their system until there is a problem. Jones PlumbingSeptic Tank Service specializes in the installation, maintenance, and repair of septic systems of the highest quality. In order to discover whether or not you will need to replace your current system, contact us immediately to arrange septic tank services.
Common Indicators Of Septic System Repair
It is inevitable that a septic system will require repairs, and it is critical to schedule these repairs as soon as the problem first manifests itself. Hopefully, by taking preventive measures, you will be able to extend the life of your sewage treatment system.
Slow Drains
A septic system will eventually require repairs, and it is critical to schedule these repairs as soon as the problem manifests itself. You may increase the lifespan of your septic system if you take the necessary precautions.
Sewage Backups
Because the goal of drains is to transport waste away, if the waste returns in the form of backed-up sewage, you will want emergency septic service. Even while frequent tank pump-outs are normally helpful in avoiding this predicament, a sudden backup indicates that there is an issue.
Putrid Odors
When there is an accumulation of waste — both solid and liquid — in the septic tank, the scents associated with it become more obvious. However, if the scents suddenly arise, it is possible that there is a blockage in the plumbing system, which will impact the entire plumbing system.
Common Types Of Septic Tank Repairs
The distribution box is the name given to the location where the drain field pipes link to the tank in most septic systems. The distribution box is responsible for uniformly spreading liquid waste into the pipes. If it collapses or is somehow damaged, too much or too little liquid might reach the drain field, resulting in clogging of the pipes. Depending on the age of the system, the box may be constructed of concrete, which is susceptible to deterioration by the gases that circulate inside the septic tank during operation.
Defective Septic Tank Seal
In order to prevent the escape of waste and byproducts, such as hazardous gases, all septic tanks are completely sealed. However, the seal may begin to fracture over time, whether as a result of physical damage to the tank or natural weathering damage to the tank. Every septic system maintenance check-up should involve a comprehensive assessment of the seal and, if necessary, the implementation of suitable repairs.
Damaged Pipes
An animal burrowing deep enough to reach and destroy septic tank pipes, or a vehicle driving or parking over a septic tank system, can both cause damage to septic tank pipes. Additional harm to a septic system might result from tree roots growing too close to the system.
Warning Signs Of Septic Tank Replacement
Septic tank businesses such as Jones PlumbingSeptic Tank Service know how to detect when it is time to replace a system, despite the fact that most systems endure for several decades on average. The following are the most prevalent signals that a system needs to be replaced that we encounter.
Puddles Form In The Yard Overnight
Overnight appearances of puddles or marshy spots in the yard are classic indicators that it is time to rebuild the septic system. The most fundamental duty of any system is to transport wastewater via the drain field, where it subsequently percolates into the surrounding soil to be treated.
Clogs or cracks in the pipe, as well as a damaged tank, prevent water from passing through and instead cause it to slowly rise to the top of the water.
Household Size Has Increased
The size of the tank is determined by the number of persons that routinely contribute to the septic system. If the size of your household has changed — or if you’re purchasing a property with a tank that is smaller than suggested — your system should be modified to accommodate the increasing needs.
System Needs Frequent Repairs
Just as with any other type of maintenance, there comes a point at which the expense of regular repairs outweighs the cost of replacing the system. Furthermore, a system that requires recurrent maintenance is likely to be a deteriorating system that will require replacement in the near future.
Well Water Is Contaminated
Water quality testing for wells and other potable water sources is included in the majority of septic system examinations. It is likely that if impurities such as bacteria and/or nitrates are discovered and a septic system is close, the attention would move to inspecting the system for leaks and repairing any damage. It is critical to address any pollution as soon as possible in order to minimize or lessen environmental and health consequences.
Inspection Reveals An Incorrect Tank
An examination is the only method to determine whether or not your present septic tank is acceptable for your location. Unless the tank is situated at a sufficient soil depth, gravity will be unable to properly transfer waste in the majority of situations. According to other parameters such as soil structure, our professionals can decide which type of septic tank would be most appropriate for the site and your requirements. A commitment to providing high-quality service is shared by Jones PlumbingSeptic Tank Services.
We can help you restore the functionality of your septic system if it has stopped working.
Preventing Unauthorized Septic Tank Access
For example, if the chain and padlock are just tied to the handle of a septic lid, they won’t do anything to keep the lid secure.
Interested in Pumps?
Get the latest Pumps articles, news, and videos delivered directly to your email! Now is the time to sign up. Pumps+ Receive Notifications Periodic maintenance is required for all systems and system components in order to keep them operational and working well. As an industry, we have made the transition to offering access to systems in a number of ways in order to make maintenance easier. Our systems are generally deeper than in the past, and we raise access points to the surface so that they may be easily discovered, identified and accessible.
- Every few months, we read of children or householders who have fallen into tanks, sustaining major injuries or even death.
- When I first started working in the business, our advice was that the manhole access to tanks be brought to within 6 to 12 inches of the surface, with the access being concealed by the surrounding dirt.
- Installers placed a metal plate on the access lid, which could be detected by a metal detector, to aid in the process of identifying the device.
- Of course, more time, effort, and expenditures are still required, thus providing access to the surface is still beneficial.
- Depending on whether gravity is being utilized to distribute effluent through the system, it may not be possible to hide the tank entrance without generating a mound of dirt in the yard, which is something that residents do not appreciate.
- Access has been made possible as a result of all that has transpired.
- Of course, this means that, as a service provider, you must be aware of the location of the key.
Each of these lids is secured to the riser with a set of screws, including a “safety screw” that has a different type of head than the other screws.
I just went on a walk around my area to take a closer look at tank restraints.
There is a concrete tank lid with a padlock and chain in one of the photos below, but the lid is not actually fastening anything.
Both the service provider and the homeowner are responsible for addressing these concerns.
Follow the links below to learn about various secondary protection items.
The safety net is secured to the inside of the riser so that it remains in place at all times during the ride.
The interior supports or ledges of Tuf-Tite tank risers serve to reinforce the plastic safety lids on the inside of the tank.
Pumpout may be accomplished without removing the safety lid, thanks to an access hole in the lid.
PolyLok is a child safety screen.
Everything you need, from self-tapping screws to concrete anchors and a carbide bit to go with them, is included in the package.
Security net with Sim/Tech Filter Riser security nets are available from Sim/Tech Filter for risers up to 30 inches.
Pump hoses can be put into the web using this method.
Riser safety grates from Orenco Riser safety grates from Orenco are designed to sit on the flange at the bottom of an access riser to assist prevent persons or tools from falling into a tank.
System for securing the infiltrator’s safety cover Infiltrator Water Technologies provides a riser safety lid system with a 24-inch riser.
Both the TW and EZset 24-by-12-inch and 24-by-18-inch risers are compatible with the safety lid system, which is installed in the topmost riser stack of the risers to prevent unintentional entrance into the tank.
Strange Things Found In Septic Tanks – Septic Tank Pumping – B&B Pumping – Top Rated Septic Cleaning Services
Every now and again, when you spend as much time in and around septic tanks as we do, it is inevitable that you may come across some unusual things in them. After all, when you keep your hands as active as BB Pumping does, you start to come across weird objects on a fairly frequent basis. During today’s blog post, we’ll go through some of the weird items that we commonly discover in folks’ septic tank systems.
Precious Metals
Despite the fact that we aren’t talking about treasure chests brimming with gold doubloons, we do discover our fair share of gold and silver at sewage treatment plants. Watches, rings, earrings, and necklaces are frequently found in the drains of persons who have had them unintentionally flushed down the toilet. It is estimated that every year, cities with a population of one million or more people flush over $13 million dollars’ worth of precious metals into their sewage tanks, according to experts at Arizona State University.
Cell Phones
While we understand that sometimes you just have to send that text or answer that phone call, please be cautious about where you do so! A surprising amount of cell phones have been discovered in our clients’ septic tanks, which has taken us by surprise. We’re curious whether those cell phones get better reception in your sewage tank. Is it possible for you to hear me now?
Kitty Litter
No matter how well you clean the litter box, it always appears to have a distinct stench about it. The need to flush excrement down the toilet is normal, but be careful not to dump any kitty litter down the drain as well. Kitty litter is one of the most effective ways to block your septic tank and cause it to back up into your home. Some brands of kitty litter, on the other hand, can be flushed down the toilet, so be sure to read the label on the side of the box.
Animals
In addition, we’ve discovered a large number of spiders and other creepy crawlers in a large number of septic tanks. Although some of these critters may thrive in the dark, wet environment of your septic tank, we haven’t come across much more than a few bugs and the occasional frog or toad in one of these underground caverns. There was that one occasion when we discovered something, but we weren’t sure what was staring back at us from behind it.
Toys
When it comes to curious youngsters, the drain has a fascination that is unsurpassed by any other domestic feature. When we go to the houses of families with small children, we expect to see at least one or two toy vehicles, an action figure, marbles, or maybe a few tennis balls. Make sure your children understand that only garbage should be flushed down the toilet and not their toy astronauts.
Keeping Your Septic Tank Clean
Is it frustrating to spend hours scrolling through pages of septic tank pumping businesses without finding the ideal one for your home? Give BB Pumping a call right away! Since 1958, we have been family owned and run. We have decades of expertise and only utilize the best septic pump systems to keep your tank clean and working correctly.
Contact us today to set up an appointment for septic tank cleaning! We provide pumping and cleaning services in the cities of Fort Worth, Decatur, Azle, Haslet, and Weatherford – please see our service area map for more information. OUR PRODUCTS AND SERVICES GET IN TOUCH WITH US
Darrell’s Septic
What is the location of my septic tank cover? Do you know how often you should get your septic tank pumped? What is the best way to determine what sort of septic system I have? Who is responsible for digging up the septic cover? Is it possible for me to have the cover flush with the ground? How much does it cost to have a septic system serviced? What kind of toilet paper is the most suitable for my septic system? When the septic alarm goes off, what exactly does it mean? In the mail, I received a letter from the county; what should I do with it?
- The most accurate method of determining the placement of your septic tank cover is to stand next to the pipe that is closest to your home, gaze towards the home, and measure four to six feet towards the home from that point.
- Homeowners are required to pump and/or have their septic tank maintained every three years, according to state laws.
- What is the best way to determine what sort of septic system I have?
- The system that is installed is determined by the year that the system is installed as well as the kind of soil in which the system is installed.
- This system has a raised absorption mound above ground level, together with venting pipes that are above ground.
- Septic effluent, such as that discharged from a septic tank, is channeled into a drywell that is dug into the earth and covered with soil.
- The responsibility for exposing the cover is with the property owner.
If the service technician is required to find and dig up the cover, this might take a significant amount of time and will result in a charge for the service.
We provide 6″ and 12″ cement rings to raise the cover off the ground and closer to the ground surface.
What kind of toilet paper is the most suitable for my septic system?
One-ply toilet paper is the best choice for septic systems because it is less likely to clog pipes.
When the septic alarm goes off, what exactly does it mean?
In the mail, I received a letter from the county; what should I do with it?
We will complete the remaining sections of the form and submit them to the appropriate county on your behalf.
What size of septic tank do I need?
Probably one of the last things on your mind when you are constructing a new house is the location of your septic system. After all, shopping for tanks isn’t nearly as entertaining as shopping for cabinetry, appliances, and floor coverings. Although you would never brag about it, your guests will be aware if you do not have the proper septic tank placed in your home or business.
septic tanks for new home construction
The exact size of the septic tank is determined mostly by the square footage of the house and the number of people who will be living in it. The majority of home septic tanks have capacities ranging from 750 to 1,250 gallons. A 1000 gallon tank will most likely be required for a typical 3-bedroom home that is smaller than 2500 square feet in size. Of course, all of this is dependent on the number of people who live in the house as well as the amount of water and waste that will be disposed of through the plumbing system.
For the most accurate assessment of your septic tank needs, you should speak with an experienced and trustworthy sewer business representative.
planning your drainfield
Here are some helpful hints for deciding where to locate your drainfield when you’re designing it.
- Vehicles should not be allowed on or around the drainfield. Planting trees or anything else with deep roots along the bed of the drain field is not recommended. The roots jam the pipes on a regular basis. Downspouts and sump pumps should not be discharged into the septic system. Do not tamper with or change natural drainage features without first researching and evaluating the consequences of your actions on the drainage field. Do not construct extensions on top of the drain field or cover it with concrete, asphalt, or other materials. Create easy access to your septic tank cover by placing it near the entrance. Easy maintenance and inspection are made possible as a result. To aid with evaporation and erosion prevention, plant grass in the area.
a home addition may mean a new septic tank
Do not make any big additions or renovations to your house or company until you have had the size of your septic system assessed. If you want to build a house addition that is more than 10% of your total floor space, increases the number of rooms, or necessitates the installation of new plumbing, you will almost certainly need to expand your septic tank.
- For a home addition that will result in increased use of your septic system, your local health department will require a letter from you that has been signed and authorized by a representative of your local health department confirming that your new septic system is capable of accommodating the increase in wastewater. It is not recommended that you replace your septic system without the assistance of a certified and competent contractor.
how to maintain your new septic system
Septic tank cleaning and septic tank pumping services are provided by Norway Septic Inc., a service-oriented company devoted to delivering outstanding septic tank cleaning and septic tank pumping services to households and business owners throughout the Michiana area. “We take great delight in finishing the task that others have left unfinished.” “They pump, we clean!” says our company’s motto. Septic systems are something we are familiar with from our 40 years of expertise, and we propose the following:
- Make use of the services of a qualified specialist to develop a maintenance strategy. Make an appointment for an annual examination of your septic system. Utilize the services of an effluent filter to limit the amount of particles that exit the tank, so extending the life of your septic system. Waste items should be disposed of properly, and energy-efficient appliances should be used. Make sure you get your septic system professionally cleaned every 2 to 3 years, or more frequently if necessary, by an experienced and qualified expert
- If you have any reason to believe that there is an issue with your system, contact a professional. It is far preferable to catch anything early than than pay the price later. Maintain a record of all septic system repairs, inspections, and other activities
common septic questions
Here are some of the most frequently asked questions by our septic customers.
How do I determine the size of my septic tank?
If you have a rectangular tank, multiply the inner height by the length to get the overall height of the tank. In order to find out how many gallons your septic tank contains, divide the number by.1337.1337
How many bedrooms does a 500-gallon septic tank support?
The exact size of the septic tank is determined mostly by the square footage of the house and the number of people who will be living in it. The majority of home septic tanks have capacities ranging from 750 to 1,250 gallons. A 1000 gallon tank will most likely be required for a typical 3-bedroom home that is smaller than 2500 square feet in size.
How deep in the ground is a septic tank?
Your septic system is normally buried between four inches and four feet underground, depending on the climate.
