How Much Grease Can Go Into A Septic Tank? (Perfect answer)

Three-inch rule – you should pump the septic tank if you notice that the bottom of the outlet baffle is three inches away from the bottom of the scum layer. To measure the scum depth, use a 3-inch piece of wood that is attached to a long stick. Push the stick through the scum layer until you feel the liquid beneath it.

Can you put grease down a septic tank?

• Pouring liquid grease down the drain may not seem like it would cause much damage but it could affect the chemistry of the whole septic system. As many septic owners learn too late, nearly half of all Sewer Backups are connected to FOG (fats, oils and grease) in plumbing and septic components.

Can you pour grease into septic tank?

It can cause serious damage to your septic system. Grease. Clogged pipes may lead to your septic system backing up and, in turn, cause serious damage to it. Simply pour all grease in a can to solidify and then it throw away.

How do I get grease out of my septic tank?

Using a grease trap additive, such as the liquid or powder form of Bio-Secure Grease Trap Concentrate, can help prevent septic tanks, grease tanks, and sewer lines from clogging. It is relatively easy to use. Just mix the power or liquid additive with warm water and rinse it down the drain.

Can you put bacon grease in a septic system?

3. Keep kitchen grease, such as bacon fat and deep fryer oil, out of your septic system. It is not broken down easily by your system, can clog your drain field, and cannot be dissolved by any readily available solvent that is legal to introduce to groundwater.

What happens if food gets into septic tank?

The fine particulates present in ground food can easily float in the effluent layer of the tank and exit into the drainfield, which clogs the pores that help to filter the wastewater.

Can you put cooking oil in a septic tank?

It’s important to remember that you should never dispose of used cooking oil by pouring it down the drain or by putting it into a septic system. The oil can clog up the pipes and can even clog or damage your kitchen’s connection to the city’s sewer mains.

What eats grease in a septic tank?

Pour baking soda into your drain on a monthly basis. Baking soda is slightly caustic and will eat away grease particles that are stuck to the side of your sewer line. Add white vinegar to baking soda for a bubbly sewer line cleaner.

Where is the grease trap on a septic tank?

So, if grease traps are vital for commercial establishments, what about grease traps for residential septic systems? Placed ahead of the kitchen sink(s) and in front of the septic tank, they could be effective at prolonging the life of households with septic systems that see high levels of FOG.

What is a septic grease trap?

Grease traps are used as an additional treatment component and are placed before septic tanks. A grease trap works by slowing down the flow of warm/hot greasy water and allowing it to cool. As the water cools, the fat, grease, and oil separate and float to the top of the grease trap.

Can olive oil go in septic tank?

Pouring Olive Oil Down the Drain If the organic oils found in washing detergents do not harm the septic system, the same cannot be said about olive oil. Just like all cooking oils, olive oil can solidify and clog your drains once you allow it to go down the kitchen sink.

How do you ruin a septic tank?

9 Ways You’re Destroying Your Septic Tank

1. Flushing Paper Products.
2. Pouring Grease Down the Drain.
3. Using Too Much Drain Cleaner.
4. Introducing Additives to Your System.
5. Flushing Cat Litter.
6. Neglecting to Pump Your Tank Regularly.
7. Planting Trees and Shrubs on Your Drain Field.
8. Washer Lint Overload.

What causes grease buildup in septic tanks?

The main reason FOG buildup occurs in a septic tank is because you are in the habit of disposing of cooking oil or grease in your home’s plumbing drain system. When the scum layer becomes too thick, it will begin to push down on the liquid waste layer, which is where the exit drains are located.

Can you put food down the drain with a septic tank?

Don’t put food down your sink. Septic systems are not intended to dispose of food waste, coffee grounds, grease, or fat, and, in fact, they will harm the septic tank.

Do I need to add enzymes to my septic tank?

But septic tanks don’t really need help from extra additives. As long as you are only putting wastewater and toilet paper down the pipes, the tank can take care of its job on its own. Putting anything extra in can cause more harm than good and it’s best to stick to the tanks natural ecosystem when possible.

Does the kitchen sink drain into the septic tank?

All drains in the home converge to a single pipe that leads to the septic tank buried outside. When the waste water from your toilet, shower, sinks and washing machine leave your house, it’s combined. When it hits the septic tank, however, it begins to separate.

Fat, oil and grease are really bad for your plumbing and septic system

Fats, oils, and grease (FOG) are derived from a variety of sources, including cooking oil, lard, beef fats, salad dressing, mayonnaise, gravy, margarine, butter, sour dressing, and other condiments. If FOG is dumped down the drain, it may build up in the pipes and create a variety of issues. As FOG accumulates in plumbing, it interferes with the flow of water through the system, which can result in the backup of untreated wastewater into the system. Manholes that are blocked with FOG have the potential to overflow onto yards, parks, storm drains, and roadways, resulting in the pollution of both surface and groundwater sources.

How FOG affects the septic system

Septic systems are intended to break down just tissue and waste; they are not intended to break down anything else. This is one of the primary reasons why fat, oil, and grease (FOG) should be kept out of the food supply chain. Most of the time, FOGs are not degraded by the bacteria in the septic tank, but rather float to the top of it and create the scum layer. The scum will climb to the outlet and begin to force some of the FOG out of the tank if the scum builds up too much in the tank. It is extremely damaging to the aerobic stage of wastewater treatment, which is found in the leach field, when it is present.

Scum is also associated with the gases that are discharged into the system, since some of the sludge particles may be transported up into the scum layer by the gas bubbles as they rise through the system.

1. Having airspace enables vegetative molds to speed the entrapment of rising sludge particles, resulting in the formation of a leathery scum layer that is difficult to remove by pumping.
2. The wastewater must be allowed to sit in the septic tank for a period of time in order for the suspended particles to settle into the sludge layer and the FOG to float in the scum layer.
3. However, if the scum layer becomes too thick, the amount of time that wastewater may be retained in the septic tank is significantly reduced.
4. As a result, if this wastewater ends up reaching the soil before it has been thoroughly cleaned, the pathogens contained within it may cause pollution.

Measuring the scum depth

In addition to following the manufacturer’s suggested septic tank cleaning interval, you should evaluate the depth of your scum on a regular basis to verify that it hasn’t gotten too thick. Actually, the depth of the scum is extremely essential information since it may help you determine how healthy your system is and whether or not it is being pumped on a regular basis as it should be. The following principles will assist you in determining when you should plan the pumping of the tank depending on the measurements of scum depth in the tank.

• Whenever the overall depth of the scum and sludge layer is equal to one-third of the total depth of the entire tank, it is recommended that you pump the septic tank.
• To determine the depth of the scum, place a 3-inch piece of wood to the end of a long stick and measure it.
• Make a slow, gentle movement across the layer until you notice a difference in resistance.
• When you reach the bottom, place a marker at the top of the septic tank’s opening and note the length of your measuring stick from there.

The distance between the two marks you create should be the same as the distance between the bottom of the scum layer and the bottom of the output baffle (see illustration below).

Grease traps

Restaurants generate a significant amount of grease in their kitchens, which can result in a significant number of clogs and other associated concerns. Thousands of dollars are spent yearly by restaurants and other food facilities to deal with plumbing difficulties that are directly connected to FOG, according to industry estimates. The installation of grease traps in all restaurants is mandated by the government as one of the techniques for combating this problem. Grease traps are designed to catch grease before it exits the kitchen and are often positioned directly below the sink in the kitchen or on the exterior of the kitchen.

In-kitchen passive grease trap

As wastewater from the kitchen passes through the unit, these interceptors capture the grease that rises to the top of a tiny baffled tank where it is collected. The grease that has accumulated in passive grease traps in the kitchen will have to be physically cleared from the area. As a result, they should be cleaned on a regular basis (daily or weekly depending on their size and amount of FOG generated). If they are not cleaned on a regular basis, FOG will build up in the traps and be driven into the septic system.

Pre-cast in-ground concrete grease traps

Pre-cast concrete grease traps function in the same way as in-kitchen interceptors, with the exception that they operate on a much larger scale. Pre-cast in-ground grease traps with capacities ranging from 750 to 2000 gallons are the most prevalent. As a result of their size, they are capable of withstanding more FOG, but this also means that they are more expensive to acquire and install. These grease traps are great for large restaurants and are often cleaned on a regular basis by grease pumping firms.

Automatic grease trap

The primary distinction between automated grease traps and the other two types of traps is that automatic grease traps are meant to automatically remove FOG on a timetable that is specified. Because of the automated cleaning mechanism, these traps are quite effective. They are successful at removing at least 98 percent of the FOG present in the wastewater. Because they have the characteristic of automatically eliminating FOG, they are often smaller in size and may thus be readily accommodated in the kitchen space available.

Conclusion

It is not recommended to dump oil or grease down the sink. When cleaning the dishes, scrape away any fat and oil from the plates before starting to wash them. Instead of putting cooled leftover fats down the drain, you may place them in a plastic container and keep them in the freezer until they are ready to be disposed of. Once the container is completely filled, close the lid and throw it away in the garbage.

Effects of Cooking Oils in Septic Tank

Oil and grease should not be poured down the drain. Prior to cleaning the dishes, scrape off any grease or oil from the surface of the plates.

Instead of putting cooled excess fats down the drain, you may place them in a plastic container and keep them in the freezer until they are ready to be disposed of as garbage. Close and dispose of the container in the garbage once it is completely filled.

Clogged Pipes | Septic Tank Scum | Soil Clogging

The fact that everything that goes down your kitchen drain will end up in your septic tank should not be overlooked. During the course of your dish-washing routine, some grease, oil, and other fats are likely to wind up in your plumbing pipes and sewer system. A good septic system is capable of dealing with a limited amount of foul odor gas (FOG). It is possible that someone will spill a pan of bacon grease down the sink, which will have negative consequences such as clogged pipes, septic tank scum, and soil clogging in the drainfield.

Source of FOG in Septic Systems

• Vegetable oil, olive oil, peanut oil, canola oil, and deep-frying oils are examples of oils. Grease or lard from the kitchen
• Bacon, hamburgers, steak, chicken skin, sausage, pork chops, hotdogs, bratwurst, lunchmeats, and other fatty foods are examples of fats. Dairy products include milk, butter, cheese, ice cream, sour cream, yogurt, and creams, among other things. Processed foods, such as chips, crackers, and the like

How Fat | Grease | Oil Damage Septic Tanks

Pouring liquid grease down the drain may not appear to do much harm, but it can have a negative impact on the chemistry of the entire septic system. As many septic owners learn the hard way too late, approximately half of allSewer Backups are caused by FOG (fats, oils, and grease) in plumbing and septic component components. The damage produced by lipids that harden in a septic tank might result in significant repair expenditures if not addressed immediately. Some of the ways that fat, grease, and oils can cause damage to septic tank systems are as follows :

• When chilled, fog that is in a liquid form in hot water can congeal to produce a more solid condition. It frequently adheres to the sidewalls of plumbing and sewage lines, where other forms of debris can become entangled and cause a clog to occur.

• FOG accumulates on the surface of the septic tank’s top layer, forming a layer of scum. The biological treatment that takes place inside the septic tank is dependent on bacteria to digest and breakdown the sewage that is being processed. Due to the fact that FOG is not easily digested by bacterial activity, it will need to be pushed away.

• Untreated septic tank FOG that is not removed from the tank before it grows too thick has the potential to become trapped in the septic tank outlet valve or migrate through the partly treated wastewater to the drainfield. Scum accumulating in the soil underneath the drainage pipes has the potential to bring the entire system to a grinding halt.

Minnesota Septic Repair Company

Drainfield or Septic Tank FailureIs not pleasant, and it can result in a large, messed-up situation. At CSI Custom Septic, Inc., a Minnesota septic repair company, we provide fair, honest, and cost-effective solutions for damaged septic systems, including septic repairs and drainfield replacements, as well as drainfield repair and replacement. For a Free Estimate on Quality Septic System Repairs in Clearwater and Clear Lake, MN, call CSI Custom Septic, Inc. at 763-218-4769 or complete our online form.

How Grease Can Affect Your Septic System – Septic Maxx

The fact that septic systems are not built to break down fats, oils and grease is something that few people are completely aware of (FOGs). Fats, oils, and grease will build up in your septic system over time due to the fact that they cannot be broken down. This can cause difficulties. That’s why it’s so critical to never throw grease down the drain and to constantly ensure that your grease traps are clean and in excellent operating condition. FOGs can have a negative impact on your plumbing as well as your septic tank.

What Makes FOGs So Bad?

Because fats, oils, and greases are less thick than water, they float to the surface of the water and accumulate at the top. For example, you are probably aware that if you fill a cup halfway with oil and halfway with water, the oil will always rise to the top of the water. In the event that this occurs in your plumbing or septic system and you do nothing, the grease will mix to form a hard coating. It is possible that the grease will combine with other things in your septic system, such as soap residue and some particles, in the worst case scenario.

What Happens If My System Accumulates Too Many FOGs?

The hard crust in your septic tank can collect to the point where it spills into your drain field and produces backups, clogs, and overflows if you don’t act quickly to remove the FOG accumulation.

In terms of your plumbing, this crust has the potential to clog pipes and prevent grease traps from functioning correctly, which will only serve to aggravate and expedite the situation.

Fine, So What Can Be Done?

Always remember that prevention is the first line of defense! Never dump FOGs down the drain on purpose, and always check to see that your grease traps are clean and functioning correctly before cooking. Unfortunately, for many of people who are reading this, it may already be too late to prevent the situation from getting worse. Perhaps one of ourSeptic Maxx enzyme products would be appropriate in this situation. When you pour enzymes down the drain, they will assist in cutting through the FOGs and correcting the problem before it becomes worse.

Septic System Dangers: Grease and Fat

Grease and fat pose a threat to the septic system. Grease and fat are two of the worst things that you can send down your drains and into your septic system because they attract bacteria. A residential septic system is intended to manage the normal sewage and household waste generated in a home or apartment. How much garbage can be managed successfully and efficiently depends on the number of people who live in your home, the quantity of water that is used, and the products and chemicals that are flushed down your drains, among other factors.

• Using a complete preventive maintenance program, homeowners can keep track of how much grease is accumulating in their heating and air conditioning system.
• Grease and fat accumulate in your septic system in several ways.
• The bottom layer is referred to as “sludge,” and it is made up of sewage waste that has not yet been broken down by the system as it should.
• The middle layer is composed primarily of liquids.
• When oil and fat are introduced into your home septic system, they end up in this section of the system.
• If this layer grows too thick, the wastewater will be unable to drain from the septic tank and proceed on to the leach field for the last step of treatment in the sewage treatment system.
• Following their passage through these pipes, grease and fat will enter the leach field, clogging up the drain holes and pipelines that lead to the leach field on their route.

In an ideal situation, it should be removed before it becomes too thick and reaches the leach field.

It is strongly suggested that you hire a professional septic system servicing firm to take care of this for you instead.

Never use any chemical additions in your septic system that claim to break down or remove grease, as this will harm the system.

If you want to maintain your home septic system operating clean and clear, your best chance is to prevent oil and fat from entering it in the first place.

Enlisting the help of a professional service provider and enrolling in an ongoing preventative maintenance program can also help to reduce the likelihood of grease and fat build-up occurring at all in the first place.

Household septic systems are intended to manage an average volume and kind of grease and fat in the tank.

In addition to the concerns that might arise as a result of grease and fat reaching the leach field, the following issues and damage can occur:

• Grain buildup in your home’s pipes is similar to the health concerns about oil and fat in the human body. Grain may solidify inside of your home’s pipes, causing a blockage even before it reaches the septic system. This is similar to what happens when you have an obstruction in your heart: the grease makes it more difficult for the water to flow out of your home and into your domestic septic system. Despite the fact that a clog in this location will not cause harm to the septic tank at this time, it will cause the pipes to backup on a regular basis. In the event that you make extensive use of grease and oil in your house, you should consider installing a grease trap to capture some of the grease before it reaches your pipes or septic system. Solids are not properly broken down, and they are not eliminated from the tank and into the leach field as is required by design. But, a modest amount of grease, oil, or fat will not hinder the natural breakdown process inside the home septic system
• However, an excessive amount might create a great deal of trouble. Solids from other sources in the tank, such as normal household trash and toilet paper, can form bonds with the grease and fat, making it more difficult for it to breakdown and biodegrade. A hard shell of grease can form in a tank, preventing wastewater and other elements contained within the tank from being able to escape the system effectively.

Maintaining Your Residential Septic System is Important. To avoid problems with grease and fat, as well as other problems that can lead to septic system failure, it is important to get your system tested on a regular basis. A preventative maintenance program administered by a competent septic system repair and inspection firm is essential to ensuring that the system operates correctly. In addition to Massachusetts Title V inspections and Rhode Island Town inspections, All-Clear SepticWastewater provides preventive maintenance program services, repairs, assessments, and more to clients throughout Southeastern Massachusetts and Rhode Island.

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Kitchen and Cooking Practices Harmful to Your Septic System

There are certain distinctions in care, usage, and budgeting that you should be aware of, whether you’re a new homeowner with an existing septic system or considering about purchasing or building a home without sewer hookups. This document outlines three ways in which your budget will be affected if your wastewater is treated using a septic system. 1. You will not be required to budget for municipal sewer service. Because the municipal wastewater system normally processes all of the water, the cost of city sewage service is sometimes determined by how much water you purchase from the city.

• A large number of homes with septic systems also rely on wells for fresh water rather than municipal water, which means you’ll likely save money in that department as well.
• It is necessary to include septic maintenance in your budget.
• Although you are not required to pay the city for the usage of your septic system, you will be responsible for the costs of maintenance if you want the system to continue to function properly.
• It is possible that these maintenance and repair expenditures will build up over time, so you may want to consider setting up an emergency fund to cover any unforeseen repair bills.
• You’ll also need to budget for the cost of a single inspection and begin saving for the cost of a tank pump.
• Spreading the expenditures out over several months is the most effective budgeting strategy, even for an expense such as tank pumping that does not occur every year, because it allows you to better estimate the costs ahead of time.
• You may need to set aside money for septic tank replacement.

The tank and leach field may not need to be replaced if you have a reasonably recent septic system and plan to sell your home within a few years.

If, on the other hand, your home’s septic system is more than a decade old, you’ll want to start looking into how much a new system would cost you as soon as possible.

For example, if the previous owners did not do routine maintenance or if the system was installed on clay soil, the system may need to be replaced.

It is a prudent decision to begin putting money aside in anticipation of this eventuality.

When you have a septic system, you may use these three strategies to budget differently.

Make an appointment with us right away if you’re searching for someone to pump out your septic tank or to complete an annual examination of your septic system. Our experts at C.E. Taylor and Son Inc. would be happy to assist you with any septic system assessment, maintenance, or repair needs.

How to Clean Grease From a Septic Tank

There are certain changes in maintenance, usage, and budgeting that you should be aware of, whether you’re a new homeowner with an existing septic system or planning to buy or build a home without sewer hookups. Here’s what you should expect. Three ways in which your budget may be affected when your wastewater is handled by a septic system are detailed in this guide: No need to budget for city sewer service in the first place! As a result, since the municipal wastewater system often processes all of the water, the cost of city sewage service is frequently determined by how much water you purchase from the municipality.

• A large number of homes with septic systems also rely on wells for fresh water rather than municipal water, which means you’ll likely save money in that area as well, as well.
• It is necessary to budget for septic maintenance as well.
• Annual inspections and frequent tank pumping are included in these charges, as is the possibility of an occasional repair such as a baffle replacement or tree root extraction.
• For example, you might create a separate budget category for septic repair and maintenance, or you could include these charges in your existing home maintenance category.
• Saving around one-third of the cost each year will allow you to save enough money to have your tank pumped once every few years, which is a small investment considering the frequency with which you will need to do this.
• 3.
• An average septic system may endure for up to 25 years, and in some cases considerably longer.
• When selling your home after the septic system has been in place for a few decades, you should be aware that the market value of your home may be significantly reduced.
• Despite the fact that a well maintained system can endure for 25 years or more, the operational life may be significantly decreased.
• If you have to replace the entire system (or at least key sections of it) because of these and other circumstances, you should be prepared to do so.
• If you don’t have adequate emergency cash, a septic system replacement, like any other unexpected significant cost, might leave you in debt.

Make an appointment with us right away if you’re searching for someone to pump out your septic tank or to do an annual septic check. Whether you need help assessing, maintaining, or repairing a septic system, our staff at C.E. Taylor and Son Inc. is happy to assist you.

In This Article

• The Removal of FOG from Septic Tanks and the Proper Disposal of FOG are all topics covered in this course.

Sewage treatment systems are a very vital part of your property and of your house. In order to have a fully operating septic system, it is critical to properly care for and maintain the tank and plumbing lines. FOG (fat, oil, and grease) buildup in your septic tank may have a significant impact on its function and, over time, may prohibit it from effectively breaking down solid waste.

Grease Buildup in a Septic Tank

Because you are in the habit of disposing of cooking oil or grease in your home’s plumbing drain system, FOG accumulation in an aseptic tank is the most common reason for this occurrence. Cooking garbage may appear to be the most convenient method of disposal, but what you may not understand is that once it settles in your septic tank, it will harden, forming a barrier on top of the waste already in the tank. It is common for your septic tank to have a FOG layer present. This is referred to as the scum layer in your septic tank, and it includes fats and oils.

The scum layer is only a problem if it grows so thick that it interferes with the proper operation of your septic system, which is rare.

When the scum layer grows excessively thick, it will begin to press down on the liquid waste layer, which is where the exit drains are located, causing the liquid waste layer to collapse.

FOG Removal From a Septic Tank

To ensure that your tank remains in good working order, have it pumped on a regular basis by a professional sewage removal firm. The business will remove all of the trash and scum accumulation from your tank, leaving you with a completely clean and new one. Waiting too long to have the tank emptied might result in foul gas entering the leach field, which may need the excavation of your complete sewage system in order to repair clogged pipes. If you want to break down any oil and grease accumulation, do not flush harsh chemicals that promise to break down scum down the toilet or down the drain.

If you use chemical additives, you will be able to repair the problem temporarily, but you will be generating worse difficulties in the long run.

Rather than just pouring cooking oil or grease down the drain, the most effective approach of preventing FOG accumulation in your septic tank is to properly dispose of any cooking oil or grease.

Once the bottle is completely empty, you can dispose of it in your garbage can.

In the event that you solely prepare plant-based dishes, you can dispose of your cooking oil in your own compost pile.

How to Care for Your Septic System

Septic system maintenance is neither difficult or expensive, and it does not have to be done frequently. The maintenance of a vehicle is comprised of four major components:

• Inspect and pump your drainfield on a regular basis
• Conserve water
• Dispose of waste properly
• And keep your drainfield in good condition.

Inspect and Pump Frequently

Inspection of the ordinary residential septic system should be performed by a septic service specialist at least once every three years. Household septic tanks are normally pumped every three to five years, depending on how often they are used. Alternative systems that use electrical float switches, pumps, or mechanical components should be examined more frequently, typically once a year, to ensure that they are in proper working order. Because alternative systems contain mechanical components, it is essential to have a service contract.

• The size of the household
• The total amount of wastewater produced
• The amount of solids present in wastewater
• The size of the septic tank

Service provider coming? Here is what you need to know.

When you contact a septic service provider, he or she will inspect your septic tank for leaks as well as the scum and sludge layers that have built up over time. Maintain detailed records of any maintenance work conducted on your septic system. Because of the T-shaped outlet on the side of your tank, sludge and scum will not be able to escape from the tank and travel to the drainfield region. A pumping is required when the bottom of the scum layer or the top of the sludge layer is within six inches of the bottom of the outlet, or if the top of the sludge layer is within 12 inches of the bottom of the outlet.

In the service report for your system, the service provider should mention the completion of repairs as well as the condition of the tank.

An online septic finder from the National Onsite Wastewater Recycling Association (NOWRA) makes it simple to identify service specialists in your region.

Use Water Efficiently

In a normal single-family house, the average indoor water consumption is about 70 gallons per person, per day, on average. A single leaking or running toilet can waste as much as 200 gallons of water each day, depending on the situation. The septic system is responsible for disposing of all of the water that a residence sends down its pipes. The more water that is conserved in a household, the less water that enters the sewage system. A septic system that is operated efficiently will operate more efficiently and will have a lower chance of failure.

• Toilets with a high level of efficiency. The usage of toilets accounts for 25 to 30% of total home water use. Many older homes have toilets with reservoirs that hold 3.5 to 5 gallons of water, but contemporary, high-efficiency toilets consume 1.6 gallons or less of water for each flush. Changing out your old toilets for high-efficiency versions is a simple approach to lessen the amount of household water that gets into your septic system. Aerators for faucets and high-efficiency showerheads are also available. Reduce water use and the volume of water entering your septic system by using faucet aerators, high-efficiency showerheads, and shower flow restriction devices. Machines for washing clothes. Water and energy are wasted when little loads of laundry are washed on the large-load cycle of your washing machine. By selecting the appropriate load size, you may limit the amount of water wasted. If you are unable to specify a load size, only complete loads of washing should be performed. Washing machine use should be spread throughout the week if at all possible. Doing all of your household laundry in one day may appear to be a time-saving strategy
• Nevertheless, it can cause damage to your septic system by denying your septic tank adequate time to handle waste and may even cause your drainfield to overflow. Machines that have earned theENERGY STARlabel consume 35 percent less energy and 50 percent less water than ordinary ones, according to the Environmental Protection Agency. Other Energy Star appliances can save you a lot of money on your energy and water bills.

Properly Dispose of Waste

Everything that goes down your drains, whether it’s flushed down the toilet, ground up in the trash disposal, or poured down the sink, shower, or bath, ends up in your septic system, which is where it belongs. What you flush down the toilet has an impact on how effectively your septic system functions.

Toilets aren’t trash cans!

Your septic system is not a garbage disposal system.

A simple rule of thumb is to never flush anything other than human waste and toilet paper down the toilet. Never flush a toilet:

• Cooking grease or oil
• Wipes that are not flushable, such as baby wipes or other wet wipes
• Photographic solutions
• Feminine hygiene items Condoms
• Medical supplies such as dental floss and disposable diapers, cigarette butts and coffee grounds, cat litter and paper towels, pharmaceuticals, and household chemicals such as gasoline and oil, insecticides, antifreeze, and paint or paint thinners

Toilet Paper Needs to Be Flushed! Check out this video, which demonstrates why the only item you should flush down your toilet are toilet paper rolls.

Think at the sink!

Your septic system is made up of a collection of living organisms that digest and treat the waste generated by your household. Pouring pollutants down your drain can kill these organisms and cause damage to your septic system as well as other things. Whether you’re at the kitchen sink, the bathtub, or the utility sink, remember the following:

• If you have a clogged drain, avoid using chemical drain openers. To prevent this from happening, use hot water or a drain snake
• Never dump cooking oil or grease down the sink or toilet. It is never a good idea to flush oil-based paints, solvents, or huge quantities of harmful cleansers down the toilet. Even latex paint waste should be kept to a bare minimum. Disposal of rubbish should be avoided or limited to a minimum. Fats, grease, and particles will be considerably reduced in your septic tank, reducing the likelihood of your drainfield being clogged.

Own a recreational vehicle (RV), boat or mobile home?

If you have ever spent any time in an RV or boat, you are undoubtedly familiar with the issue of aromas emanating from sewage holding tanks.

• The National Small Flows Clearinghouse’s Septic System Care hotline, which may be reached toll-free at 800-624-8301, has a factsheet on safe wastewater disposal for RV, boat, and mobile home owners and operators.

Maintain Your Drainfield

It is critical that you maintain the integrity of your drainfield, which is a component of your septic system that filters impurities from the liquid that emerges from your septic tank once it has been installed. Here are some things you should do to keep it in good condition:

• Parking: Do not park or drive on your drainfield at any time. Plan your tree plantings so that their roots do not grow into your drainfield or septic system. An experienced septic service provider can recommend the appropriate distance for your septic tank and surrounding landscaping, based on your specific situation. Locating Your Drainfield: Keep any roof drains, sump pumps, and other rainfall drainage systems away from the drainfield area. Excess water causes the wastewater treatment process to slow down or halt completely.

Disposing of Fats, Oils, and Greases (FOGs) in Your Home

Even though we’ve talked about how to properly dispose of fats, oils, and grease (FOGs) in a commercial context, many of the septic (and sewage) problems that result from improper FOG disposal are caused by the disposal of food waste that is poured down residential drains. There are numerous fallacies surrounding the practice of dumping oil down the kitchen sink, but the reality is that it is never acceptable! However, with a few simple modifications in behavior, it is possible to reduce household FOG drain discharge.

Residential FOG Disposal Myth1

“It’s fine to dump fats, oils, and greases down the sink as long as I utilize the trash disposal,” says the author. While the trash disposal performs an excellent job of grinding up solids before sending them through to the sewage pipes, it does nothing more than mix up FOGs before they travel through to the drainage system in your kitchen. The FOGs will cool and attach to the interior of your trash disposal pipes, ultimately causing a blockage deep inside your home’s drainage system once they have passed through.

According to statistics, households with trash disposals would flush 30-40 percent more FOGs down the kitchen sink than those without.

Residential FOG Disposal Myth2

“As long as I’m running hot water, it’s fine to dump fats, oils, and greases down the drain.” The illusion of dissolving FOGs is created exclusively by hot water. However, after the FOGs have cooled, they will return to their solid condition and cause a blockage in the pipes beneath your sink that is deeper in the drainage system of your home. The greater the depth of the blockage, the more difficult it is to clear it. And to make matters worse, FOGs are particularly tough for your septic system to decompose in.

Residential FOG Disposal Myth3

Fats, oils, and greases that are liquid at room temperature can be flushed down the toilet without causing a blockage.

Proper Disposal of Residential FOGs

The belief that FOGs that are liquid at room temperature would not block drainage pipes is common because they will not be able to solidify is debunked by scientific evidence. FOGs, on the other hand, are able to float on wastewater and gather in drainage pipes, where they accumulate like cholesterol and eventually cause blockages and restricted channels. Having established that FOGs should never be poured down the kitchen sink (or flushed down the toilet), what is the best way for safely disposing of FOGs in a domestic setting is now in question.

FOGs such as bacon fat, duck grease, vegetable, peanut, or olive oil, among others, can be re-used in the kitchen.

Oils, such as vegetable, peanut, or olive oil, can be kept in an airtight, non-corrosive container in a cool, dry location for up to a year at room temperature.

Our second favorite approach involves pouring the oil into a smaller container, such as a cup or small dish, before storing it in the refrigerator to harden.

Have you ever dumped FOGs down your kitchen sink and noticed a reduction in the effectiveness of your drainage system as a result? You should consider giving Supeck Septic a call to see whether or not your septic system is in need of a service visit.

9 Ways You’re Destroying Your Septic Tank

Unlike those of us who live on municipal sewer systems, those who live on septic tanks need pay closer attention to what happens when they flush the toilet or where all of the dishwater goes. If they do not, they may find themselves in trouble later on down the road. Listed here are the most typical mistakes that homeowners do when it comes to abusing their septic tank, in order to assist you in protecting your house from damage. These should be avoided at all costs, or else you will be forced to pay the price (literally).

1. Flushing Paper Products

Not everything that is made of paper is acceptable for flushing down the bathroom toilet. Paper goods such as tissues, paper towels, tampons or sanitary products, as well as certain thicker toilet paper, may clog your system if you flush an excessive amount of them down the toilet. Wet wipes are yet another product that should never be flushed down the toilet or into a septic system. Even the “flushable” wipes have been demonstrated to not break down as they should, resulting in serious consequences.

Keep the paper goods that you flush down the toilet as basic as possible.

Everything else should be disposed of properly.

2. Pouring Grease Down the Drain

You might believe that dumping grease down the kitchen sink or flushing it down the toilet is totally OK while the grease is still hot. This is just incorrect, people. Grease is one of the most detrimental substances to your septic system. After cooling, it congeals and clogs the pipes almost immediately. As with the arteries leading to the heart, fatty diets cause them to become blocked with fatty deposits. Flooding is caused by clogged drains, which results in a lot of money being spent. The most effective technique to deal with grease is to allow it to cool and harden before scraping it into a container or sealable bag that can be thrown away immediately after.

3. Using Too Much Drain Cleaner

Even if grease is still hot, you could believe that pouring or flushing a hot pan of fat is a perfectly acceptable method of disposal. Those who believe this are deluded. When it comes to septic systems, grease is one of the most detrimental. Upon cooling, the substance solidifies, blocking the pipes almost immediately. As with the arteries leading to the heart, fatty diets cause them to become blocked with fatty substances. In the event of floods, backed-up drains will cost you a fortune in repairs.

Cooking oil should be disposed of by pouring it into a sealable bag and delivering it to a restaurant if at all feasible, or by throwing the bag in the garbage.

4. Introducing Additives to Your System

Those advertisements for a septic tank enzyme supplement that you see on TV every now and then? It asserts that natural enzymes aid in the breakdown of waste, increasing the efficiency of your system and boosting its overall performance. Make no mistake: septic tank additives can potentially do more harm than help to your septic system. The enzymes break down materials too quickly, causing the smaller particles to float to the surface and then spill out into your drain field, clogging it up even worse.

What is the solution?

Allow your tank to operate in its natural state, as it was intended.

5. Flushing Cat Litter

You might believe that because kitty litter includes waste, it is okay to flush it down the toilet. That is not true, and many individuals continue to flush it down the toilet, causing damage to their septic system. Cat litter can be extremely destructive to plumbing, and if it is flushed down the toilet, it can cause a severe blockage. Cat litter is often composed of clay, and pouring it through your pipes or, more critically, into your septic tank can cause difficulties since, unlike garbage, clay does not decompose.

When it comes to litter removal, it is preferable to keep it away from your plumbing and dispose of it in the garbage.

6. Neglecting to Pump Your Tank Regularly

If you don’t get your septic tank drained on a regular basis, you’re increasing the likelihood of it failing. This is one of the disadvantages of using a septic system rather than a municipal water connection. tanks have a limited capacity and must be emptied every 3 to 5 years, or even more frequently if you use your system frequently. If you don’t drain your tank eventually, it will back up and overflow into your home through your plumbing fittings, causing damage. Nobody wants to be responsible for that shambles!

7. Planting Trees and Shrubs on Your Drain Field

Many homeowners like the aesthetics of having trees in their yards. Additionally, having a lovely lawn with well-kept trees and bushes increases the curb appeal of a property, which is especially important for older or historic homes. In contrast, planting them right on top of your septic system (also known as the drain field) might result in serious and expensive difficulties down the line. The restricting roots of those towering trees and shrubs, once they begin to dip their roots deeper and deeper into the earth, have the potential to infiltrate a drain field.

When this occurs, they have the potential to grow directly in the path of your drain pipes, preventing wastewater flow. The moral of the tale is to be aware of the specific location of your drain field and septic tank, and to avoid planting huge trees or shrubs in that area.

8. Washer Lint Overload

However, if you wash a lot of synthetic clothing, the lint and fibers in the unclean washing water can seep into your septic system and cause it to overflow. If you have a septic system that is overflowing, call a professional. The beneficial bacteria and enzymes that work so hard to break down solids are unable to digest synthetic fibers, and as a result, the system becomes overburdened, resulting in costly system repairs. Installing a lint filter on your washer’s drain is one option. Alternatively, The Family Handyman provides a wonderful instruction on how to build one for yourself on their website.

9. Installing a Garbage Disposal

Unless you have a tank-based septic system in place, it is not suggested that you install a garbage disposal in your house. The food in your tank does not drop to the bottom, despite the fact that the bacteria are grinding it up into minute particles. As a result, solids pile up quicker than the bacteria can break them down. If you do have a disposal, exercise extreme caution while putting things down it. Non-food objects may find their way into your garbage disposal, even if you are extremely careful.

• One option for dealing with food waste is to compost it, which can then be used in your garden later on.
• Septic systems require special attention and maintenance to ensure that they continue to perform properly.
• If you take proper care of your septic tank, it will last you for years with little maintenance required.
• Submit Your Email Address Now to Receive Your FREE eBook!
• Everything can be taught if you just give it the opportunity to do so.

5 THINGS YOU MAY NOT KNOW ABOUT YOUR RESTAURANT GREASE TRAP

Restaurant owners and managers are sometimes too busy to pay attention to their grease traps until an issue emerges. Regular pumping and maintenance are far more cost-effective and professional than waiting for an unpleasant odor to dominate a restaurant or for a sewage backlog to develop, which may take several hours. If you do not understand the significance of the grease trap, it is possible that you do not know everything there is to know about it. 1. Tanks are quickly refilled. The rate at which grease traps are filled varies from restaurant to restaurant.

1. Every restaurant should consult with a cleaning service in order to set a timetable that is appropriate for their specific requirements.
2. Issues Are Discussed and Resolved Municipalities, companies, and homes all suffer as a result of sewer line obstructions.
3. Boiling water is used by restaurants to flush grease down their drains, causing it to liquefy and go into the sewage.
4. Eventually, the liquid oil and fat cools and solidifies, returning to its solid state.
5. The condition grew so widespread in England that the name “fatberg” was coined to describe it.
6. Accidents Can and Do Occur.
7. A cleaning service will assist their clients in maintaining the appropriate and safe operation of their disposal system, ensuring that no one is harmed in the process.

The Sadie Grace Andrews Act was enacted by the state of Alabama in reaction to the death of a little girl who was accidentally drowned in a restaurant grease trap.

Although the rules differ from state to state in South Carolina, all restaurants should aim to provide a safe environment for everyone who enters their establishment.

Damage is minimized as a result of preparation.

Do not flush any grease or other spilled material down the drain if it has gotten into the establishment.

Allow the material to absorb the whole amount of oil and grease that has accumulated.

Always contact a pumping provider as soon as possible to avoid a repeat overflow situation.

Pumping helps you save money.

Pumping on a regular basis shortens the amount of time the gas remains in the tank and decreases the amount of damage it causes.

The grease solids sink to the bottom of the container and will remain there.

Skimming removes the liquids from the mixture while leaving the remaining solids behind.

Bad odors, sewer blockages, and faulty tank lids that cause accidents will cause restaurants to fail if consumers identify them with these issues.

Tank cleaning on a regular basis can alleviate all of these issues. We at Upstate Septic Tank, LLC can assist you in determining the most appropriate schedule for your requirements. Get in touch with us right now.

SIGNS YOUR GREASE TRAP NEEDS CLEANING

Often, busy restaurant owners and managers are not aware of the importance of their grease trap until there is an issue. Regular pumping and maintenance are far more cost-effective and professional than waiting for an unpleasant stench to dominate a restaurant or for a sewer backlog to develop, which can be quite costly. If you are unaware of the significance of the grease trap, it is possible that you do not know everything there is to know about this important piece of equipment. 1. Tanks are quickly re-filled.

• The size of the tank, the amount of traffic in the restaurant, and the amount of grease and oil used in their dishes all influence how often the trap needs to be serviced.
• 2.
• Most sewer backups are caused by grease thrown into drains around the country.
• Although it appeared that the grease problem had been resolved, this was not the case.
• As a result of their accumulation with other waste materials, solids can choke municipal sewer systems and cause problems at wastewater treatment plants.
• Although fatbergs are most commonly associated with England, they have also been observed in the United States, where they have caused comparable trash backlog.
• On-going professional cleaning ensures the structural integrity of the entire building.

Lids on grease trap tanks that were either missing or deteriorated were responsible for a number of serious injuries and fatalities.

In order to avoid a $100 daily charge, eateries are required to monitor and adhere to safety standards.

The preparation process lowers the risk of injury.

Do not flush any grease or other spilled material down the drain if it has gotten into the kitchen.

Allow the material to absorb all of the oil and grease that has accumulated on the material.

Always contact a pumping provider as soon as possible to avoid a second overflow situation.

Pumping saves money on electricity.

Pumping on a regular basis shortens the length of time the gas remains in the tank and decreases the amount of damage the gas does to the vehicle.

Gravity will cause the grease solids to drop to the bottom and remain there.

By skimming, you may extract the liquids from a mixture while leaving the remaining solids in place.

Bad odors, sewer blockages, and faulty tank lids that cause accidents will cause restaurants to fail if consumers identify them with them.

With frequent tank cleaning, you may avoid all of these issues. We at Upstate Septic Tank, LLC can assist you in determining the most appropriate schedule for your requirements. Contact us now. Don’t hesitate to get in touch with us!

4 Things to Stop Flushing Into Your Septic Tank

Did you have obstructions in your septic tank or require repairs this year? What you flush down your toilet might be a contributing factor to the issue. Being aware of what should be flushed and what should not be flushed might assist you in maintaining your septic system. These suggestions will assist you in changing your behaviors and preventing septic tank blockages in the future. In order for solids to be broken down and turned into liquids in septic tanks, bacteria must be present. Antibiotics, for example, might kill off beneficial bacteria, causing the breakdown of sediments to be slower than it should be and requiring your tank to be pumped more frequently than necessary.

In the event that you are unsure of what to deal with your remaining medication after you have completed taking it, consult your pharmacist.

Many things are promoted as flushable, and this is a good thing.

In most cases, however, these items are not suitable for use in septic tanks.

A blockage at the input baffle caused by certain goods, such as diapers, might result in back-ups in the main line going to the tank.

If members of your family habitually flush other objects down the toilet, you should arrange a family conversation regarding septic tank cleaning and maintenance.

Food is readily flushed down kitchen sink drains, whereas trash disposals flush microscopic fragments of food down drain lines as well as down the sink.

Keep a drain strainer in your kitchen sink (or sinks) to capture any food that washes off your dishes in order to avoid any difficulties in the future.

Otherwise, get it replaced or discontinue use of it entirely.

As a build-up of cooking oil accumulates in the input baffle, other particles of debris may become trapped in the sticky trap.

After frying, let the oil to cool before pouring it into a trash bag and tossing it in the garbage.

It is a sensible approach to save money while also preserving your septic system when you repurpose leftover cooking oil.

Fats and grease can readily pass down drains, but they can ultimately block the septic system and cause it to overflow.

If your property is serviced by a septic system, follow the procedures outlined above to modify your behaviors and prevent unnecessary damage to your system from occurring.

Contact your local septic tank specialist, Al’s Septic Tank Service, if you have any questions about what more you can do to keep your septic tank protected and prevent clogging.