Why Cant I Flush Septic Tank? (TOP 5 Tips)

A common indicator of septic tank problems is a toilet that’s slow to flush — or won’t flush at all — and a plunger can’t fix the issue. The tank may be full, or there could be a clog in the pipes. Slow Drains. Watch out for slow-draining sinks, showers, and bathtubs.

• If your toilets are not flushing or your sinks are clogged up, it is time for the tank to be emptied. However, if your tank was recently emptied, there is likely another problem with your septic system, such as a damaged pipe or drain field. If the drain field is compressed, you will need to dig up the line to replace it, which is a laborious job.

What Cannot be flushed down a septic tank?

Don’t Put Anything Non-Biodegradable in Your Septic System Disposable diapers. Paper towels. Plastics. Sanitary napkins or tampons.

What are the signs of a clogged septic tank?

Signs of Septic System Clogging: Water and sewage from toilets, drains and sinks backing up into your home. Bathtubs, showers, and sinks draining slowly. Gurgling sounds present in the plumbing system. Bad odors coming from the septic tank or drain field.

Can you flush a septic system?

Your septic system is not a trash can. An easy rule of thumb: Do not flush anything besides human waste and toilet paper. Never flush: Cooking grease or oil.

Can a septic tank cause a toilet not to flush?

Clogs in septic tank piping can prevent your toilet from flushing away waste as it should. Clogs don’t go away on their own – You can’t just ignore these types of clogs and hope they go away.

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.

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 is the most common cause of septic system failure?

Most septic systems fail because of inappropriate design or poor maintenance. Some soil-based systems (those with a drain field) are installed at sites with inadequate or inappropriate soils, excessive slopes, or high ground water tables.

How do you know your septic tank needs emptying?

Here are some of the signs for which you should look.

1. Water puddling above the septic tank. So you noticed a small pool of water but it didn’t rain?
2. Drains moving slowly. If the drain is moving slowly when you flush the toilet, it could be due to a clog.
3. Bad smells coming from the septic tank.
4. The sewer has backed up.

What can you flush into a septic tank?

Large, slow-to-decompose, solid items can fill up septic tanks quickly, causing clogs and backups. Some products, like diapers, can even cause a clog at the inlet baffle, leading to backups in the main line running to the tank. The only product that is safe to flush into the septic tank is toilet paper.

Why is my septic tank full?

An overfilled septic tank is often a signal that your drain field is malfunctioning. The drain field is the final fixture in the septic system and serves the purpose of returning treated effluent back into the soil.

Can I take a shower if my septic tank is full?

Only the water would get out into the leach field in a proper system unless you run too much water too fast. The thing to do is to run your shower water outside into it’s own drain area, but it may not be allowed where you are. Used to be called gray water system.

Will toilet flush if septic tank is full?

Toilets Flush Slowly When your septic tank is excessively full, your toilet may start acting odd. You might find that your toilet doesn’t fully flush or flushes very slowly and odd noises occur when you flush your toilet. These noises usually sound like gurgling or bubbling.

Why doesn’t my toilet flush all the way?

One of the most common reasons why a toilet doesn’t flush properly is because it’s clogged. You might have to flush the toilet several times to get everything down. They often occur because too much toilet paper was in the bowl. Clogged toilets can usually be resolved with a plunger or a toilet auger.

Do You Have Septic Tank Problems?

20th of February, 2018 Septic tanks aren’t the most enjoyable subject to talk about. In contrast, our plumbers get a large number of calls from homeowners who believe they have a minor problem, but which turn out to be symptoms of more significant septic tank difficulties. There are a plethora of septic systems to choose from! According to the United States Environmental Protection Agency, more than 20 percent of American residences “rely on an individual on-site system or small community cluster to treat their wastewater,” accounting for more than 60 million people nationwide.

Septic systems are used by 55 percent of Vermonters and more than half of Maine and New Hampshire inhabitants.

A faulty septic system seems to have a noxious odor — you may notice what is referred to as “pooled effluent” in your yard, which is exactly what you think it is and may be identified by its stench.

Nitrogen has been linked to birth abnormalities, cancer, and a potentially fatal type of anemia in babies known as ‘baby blue syndrome.'” Septic problems may also cause the death of fish and wildlife, as well as pollute the environment.

1. As late as 2009, there were more than 12,000 traditional septic systems in use in Loudoun County.
2. “Health authorities in Fauquier County have warned of ‘increasing health concerns’ caused by failing systems in the Cattlett-Calverton, New Baltimore, and Midland regions of the county,” according to a report in The Washington Post at the time of the announcement.
3. It is your job as a responsible citizen to see that it is corrected.
4. But first, let’s make certain that everyone understands what we’re talking about when it comes to septic difficulties.

What is a septic system?

Septic systems are made up of several components, including a main sewage pipe, a septic tank, a drain field, and some soil. The wastewater generated by flushing the toilet, taking a shower, or turning on the sink flows from your internal plumbing system to your home’s main sewage line, where it is discharged outside the building. The wastewater is then transported to a septic tank, which is an underground container composed of concrete or polyethylene that holds the effluent. A septic tank serves as a holding mechanism for wastewater, allowing solid items to separate from liquid before the liquid is discharged into a drain field or sewer.

As the water is driven through the soil, unwanted bacteria and viruses are eliminated from the environment.

Despite the fact that septic systems are intended to manage human waste, they are frequently forced to deal with kitchen waste, water from showers and washing machines, and non-biodegradable goods, all of which can cause septic tank failure.

Do I need septic tank service? Signs your septic tank is failing

Is your septic tank in need of repair? In the event that you’re suffering one of these issues and choose to ignore it instead of contacting plumbers in Warrenton or your local Northern Virginia region, you may find yourself in a difficult situation. Problems The toilet has to be flushed. An sign of septic tank troubles is a toilet that is sluggish to flush — or does not flush at all — and for which a plunger is unable to provide a satisfactory solution. It is possible that the tank is full or that there is a blockage in the pipes.

1. Keep an eye out for sinks, showers, and bathtubs that are sluggish to drain.
2. Strange Pipe Noises can be heard.
3. Back-up of water.
4. Grass that is more vibrant.
5. With your own feces, you’re fertilizing your lawn and maybe causing health concerns for your neighbors and the wildlife in your community.
6. Puddles of effluent near your drain field are clear indications that your septic system is failing to function properly.
7. At the first hint of puddles near the drain field, contact a Warrenton plumber for assistance.
8. Walk toward the location where the septic tank is buried to see whether the odor is becoming more intense.
9. It’s possible that your septic system is leaking.

How to Avoid Septic Tank Problems

Blockages are the source of many septic tank problems. When using a septic system, it is important to remember that anything that enters the sewage system eventually ends up in your septic tank, whether you flush something down the toilet, pour something down the sink, or obliterate something with the trash disposal. You should only flush toilet paper down the toilet if you have no other choice in the matter. When you put it like way, it seems so straightforward, doesn’t it? Everything from paper towels to soap to toys to keys, pens, pencils, and whatever else you can think of ends up in the toilet by some miracle.

Keep an eye out for little children near the toilet and tell them that the toilet is not a plaything. Flushing any of the following objects down the toilet is not recommended:

• Paper towels, “flushable” wipes, diapers, dental floss, cotton balls, liquid medicine or tablets, and feminine hygiene items Cigarette butts, band-aids, and other such items

Additionally, you should avoid dumping solids down your sink, keep cooking oil away from your drains, and use your garbage disposal as little as possible to avoid clogging your drains. You should avoid putting the following products down the drain or into the garbage disposal:

• Food waste includes cooking oils/grease, coffee grinds, eggshells, citrus peels, cleaning products, and paint or paint thinner.

Ensure that the drain field is free of large things such as automobiles, motorbikes, tractors, and other heavy equipment. Excess weight exerts strain on the pipes beneath the surface, which can result in damaged pipes and costly repair bills. Never plant trees near a drain field because the roots will seek for moisture and will eventually infiltrate your septic tank or drain pipes, causing extensive damage to your septic system. It may be necessary to remove large trees that are already present near the drain field.

Contact a plumbing professional

According to the degree of usage and upkeep, the typical life of a drain field is around 25 years, with certain exceptions. Even if you follow all of the instructions to the letter, you may still experience septic tank troubles due to the age of your system. You may require the services of a professional to resolve your plumbing issues. One of our 5-Star professionals can get to the bottom of whatever it is that is causing you so much trouble. Give us a call at 1-877-740-6657 or send us an email to get in touch with us right now.

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:

• It is not necessary to spend a lot of money on septic system maintenance because it is not difficult. There are four main components to upkeep:

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.

If additional repairs are recommended, contact a repair professional as soon as possible. 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.

When To Empty Your Septic Tanks

When Should Your Septic Tanks Be Emptied? If your septic system is causing you problems, you may want to consult a professional. Is it interfering with your normal activities? If this is the case, you may be dealing with septic failure, and you don’t want to have to deal with this unpleasant situation for a lengthy period of time. Septic tanks may last for more than 50 years if they are properly maintained and cared for. As a result, many septic tanks are not performing up to their full capacity since most homeowners are unaware of the dos and don’ts of tank maintenance.

It starts in your toilet and kitchen appliances such as sinks, bathtubs, and toilets, and then goes via your sewage line and into your septic tank.

The majority of septic issues may be prevented by performing regular inspections and maintenance on the system.

The experience of dealing with them may be quite distressing.

The moment you get the distinct impression that something is not quite right, or you begin to observe any of the indicators listed below, it is essential to seek expert assistance. Here are some things to keep an eye out for:

6 Signs It’s Time to Empty Your Septic Tank

You will notice a foul odor as the first indication that it is time to hire a professional for cleaning services. The waste in your septic tank emits foul-smelling fumes, which you should avoid at all costs. The presence of these gases will be detected in the air around the tank once the waste level reaches a certain level near the top. As a result, the moment you notice anything foul or unusual coming from your septic tank, act quickly to prevent the situation from becoming worse.

Gurgling in the Plumbing

In the event that you don’t smell anything, you may be able to hear something. As you flush the toilet or wash the dishes, you will hear gurgling within the pipes as the septic system begins to back up and backup. This gurgling is caused by a clog in the air flow, which prevents the correct flow of air. Make an appointment with a professional to get the septic tank drained before any other unpleasant indicators begin to appear.

Toilets Flush Slowly

Perhaps anything is being heard if you are not able to detect any scents. It is normal to hear gurgling within the pipes when flushing the toilet or washing dishes if your septic system is backed up. gurgle is caused by a restriction in the air flow, which prevents the normal passage of oxygen. Make an appointment with a professional to get the septic tank drained before any other unpleasant indicators appear.

Pooling Waters

The presence of standing water in your yard is never a good omen. Your septic tank has reached its full capacity if you notice pooled water or moist areas surrounding it, which indicates that it has surpassed its limit. The solid waste begins to clog the system, and the surplus liquid begins to rise to the top of the system’s capacity. This results in squishy spots that, if not addressed immediately, will rapidly turn into pools.

Faster Growing Grass

Because of the backup of waste in your septic tank, your grass may grow at a faster pace than the rest of your lawn when your septic tank is experiencing problems. Keep an eye on the grass near the septic tank during the growing season as you perform your yard care to observe whether the thickness or growth rate has altered over time.

Backup

Sewage backups are one of the most concerning indicators of a failing septic system since it indicates that wastewater is backing up into your sinks, bathtubs, or even your basement. When a septic system fails and creates significant sewage backup, do not attempt to clean up the mess yourself! Wastewater may be toxic, which means it can be detrimental to you and your family if you drink it. If you notice any of these signs, it is vitally critical that you contact a septic consultant and your water provider right once to get the problem resolved.

There is no such thing as being too cautious when it comes to your aquarium.

If you’re in need of assistance, you can always turn to the professionals at Caccia Plumbing for aid.

There are several expert technicians on our team, all of which are highly qualified and experienced. Get in touch with us at (650) 376-6800 to learn more about how we can assist you or to make an appointment as soon as as. Dev 22021-11-18T14:31:58+00:00 Button for Making a Phone Call

What Can’t Be Flushed Down My Septic Tank?

Having a septic tank on your property rather than utilizing the public sewage system may be unfamiliar territory for you; nonetheless, there are some things you need know in order to maintain your tanks happy and healthy. When you schedule an appointment with Septic Blue of Raleigh, we will spend a significant amount of time teaching you on how to properly care for your septic tanks. As a septic service firm, we’ve seen just about everything there is to see when it comes to septic systems and sewage systems.

We provide a variety of services, including septic tank cleaning and giving you with the knowledge you need to maintain your septic tank maintenance after our visit.

If You Have a Septic Tank, These Are Things You Shouldn’t Flush…

These are the nemesis of septic tanks in the field of septic tank technology. Fatty, oily, or greasy substances that are flushed down the toilet can cause your drains to clog rapidly. The scum that forms in your septic tank as a result of them drying up and thickening as they pass through your drains can cause major problems with your septic tank. An further item that should never be flushed down the toilet and into your sewage system are feminine hygiene products, applicators, wipes or disposable diapers of any sort.

1. You should avoid flushing any cotton products, such as cotton balls, Q-tips, bandaids, bandage wrapping, tissues, and paper towels, down the toilet or into your septic tank at all costs.
2. They just sit in your tank, cluttering it up to a great extent.
3. However, it is not the topic we will be discussing today.
4. Because your septic tank is not a waste disposal system, do not flush them down the toilet.
5. Once again, your septic tank is not a waste disposal system.
6. Things such as vehicle fluids, paint, lawn chemicals, and other chemicals should never be flushed down the toilet or into your septic tank.

We can help. Are you unsure of what to do with your septic tank and in need of a septic service business to help you? Septic tank cleaning and other related septic services may be required. Septic Blue of Raleigh is the company to call for all of your septic servicing requirements!

Can I Flush That? A List of Items You Should and Should Not Flush When You Have a Septic System

It is always vital to be careful of what you are flushing down the toilet in order to avoid clogging it up with foreign objects. Items like as diapers and paper towels, for example, should never be flushed down the toilet. The situation becomes much more critical when you have a septic system in your home or business. This is due to the fact that you may accidentally kill the bacteria in your tank or introduce something into your system that will take a long time to degrade. Both of these factors have the potential to generate blockages and back-ups.

1. Here are a few of the dos and don’ts to keep in mind.
2. If you have a septic system, you will want to use toilet paper that is safe for the system.
3. Do not flush feminine hygiene products into the toilet.
4. Tampons, on the other hand, may be flushed down the toilet in a standard toilet.
5. Because the tampons do not decompose, they might accumulate in your tank and cause it to overflow.
6. Do Not Dispose of Septic-Safe Cleaning Supplies.
7. Products containing harsh chemicals have the potential to harm the beneficial, waste-eating microorganisms in your tank.
8. Check that your cleaning products are safe to use in a septic system as a result.
9. Finally, if your child’s favorite goldfish passes away, you may decide to offer them a proper burial by flushing them down the toilet with their waste.
10. The fish can introduce a variety of germs into your tank, perhaps destroying the beneficial bacteria already there.
11. Items flushed down the toilet can have a direct influence on your septic system.

Avoid flushing these if you have a septic tank

The majority of homeowners believe that their toilet may be used as a garbage disposal, which is simply not true. In order to avoid this, people end up flushing a wide variety of items down the toilets. Some of the items that are flushed down the toilet are truly harmless mistakes made by homeowners who believe that this is the proper method to dispose of the products, while in other situations, it is just a don’t care attitude on the part of the homeowner. Whatever the situation may be, flushing some of these items down the toilet might cause a septic system to collapse, which could result in a significant financial loss.

We’ve compiled a list of some of the most regularly flushed things that you should never flush down the toilet if you have a septic tank.

Flushing Cigarette butts

Putting cigarette butts in the trash bin is something that most smokers are frightened of doing since it might spark a fire. So, they resort to using the toilet, believing that the water contained within the toilet bowl would extinguish the cigarette. While it appears to be a noble endeavor, it actually produces more harm than good. For starters, cigarette butts are constructed of tightly woven plasticized cellulose acetate, which is a nonbiodegradable substance that is used to make cigarettes.

Furthermore, cigarettes frequently include hundreds of chemicals, some of which contain heavy metals such as cadmium, which are poisonous to bacteria in the septic tank, and others which do not.

Flushing condoms

There is a widespread fallacy that condoms are biodegradable and, as a result, that flushing them down the toilet is completely safe. However, even latex condoms are not constructed entirely of latex rubber, as is commonly believed. Synthetic materials, like as polyurethane, are frequently used in an attempt to make them stronger and more flexible. Condoms are nonbiodegradable because of the synthetic components that have been put to them. You may ultimately block the septic system’s pipes if you keep flushing them down the toilet for an extended period of time.

Flushing expired meds

Pharmaceuticals are composed of extremely durable molecules, and as a result, they may easily withstand the liquifying process in the septic tank and end up poisoning the groundwater supply. Furthermore, outdated medications are extremely poisonous and can cause the microorganisms in the septic tank to go extinct. Antibiotics, for example, have been developed specifically to combat and kill germs, and they will do just that in the septic tank. This is why medications that are no longer needed or expired should not be flushed down the toilet.

Antibacterial products

A single fundamental concept underlies the action of antibacterial products such as handwashes, kitchen cleansers, and toilet soaps – the destruction of germs. The presence of these compounds in the septic tank is undesirable, because microorganisms in the tank are responsible for organic waste digestion. As a result, it is recommended that you refrain from using any antibacterial products at all. You may use conventional soaps instead, or you can make your own safe DIY products out of things like lemon juice.

Wet wipes/ face wipes

Wet wipes are becoming increasingly popular, however they are also responsible for blocking sewage systems, resulting in backups of water. Some well-known manufacturers advertise their wet wipes as flushable, but you should avoid flushing them regardless of the labeling.

According to research, wet wipes are responsible for up to 93 percent of the debris that causes sewage clogs. Make sure to throw away your wet wipes to prevent becoming a part of this unfortunate statistic.

Sanitary towels

Sanitary pads and tampons do not decompose in the environment. When you flush them down the toilet, you run the danger of blocking the pipes. Furthermore, because bacteria are unable to degrade them, they will collect in the tank and contribute to the formation of sludge accumulation. This can ultimately lead your tank to fill up more quickly than it should, resulting in you having to book a pumping appointment earlier than you had originally anticipated.

Paints

Paint is made up of several components, including a pigment, a binder, a solvent, and additives. Although there is a widespread belief that water-based paint is suitable for septic tanks, this is not the case. The sole difference between water-based and oil-based paint is the solvent that is used to create it. Oil-based paints contain turpentine as a solvent, whereas water-based paints contain water as a solvent. All of the other components, on the other hand, remain the same, and so all paints are still hazardous.

Cat litter

It is recommended that you avoid flushing cat litter since it can cause serious damage to your septic system. Cat litter adds unwanted solid waste to the tank, which leads to the formation of sludge in the tank. Moreover, it has the potential to jam up pipes in the system, leading to a backup of sewage. Toxoplasma parasites are introduced into the septic tank by cat litter as well as other sources. Because of the parasite’s ability to thrive in septic tanks, it will ultimately pollute drinking water.

This parasite has been shown to cause brain damage and even death in some cases, according to the literature.

Dental floss

Due to the small size of dental floss, you could be tempted to simply flush it down the toilet. However, you should not. Dental floss is commonly constructed of nylon or Teflon, and neither of these materials degrades naturally over time. In addition to adding to sludge buildup, dental floss can become entangled in hair, toilet paper, and other debris, causing blockages in the pipes.

Paper towels

Despite the fact that paper towels appear to be tissue paper to the untrained eye, they are not designed to deteriorate in water. Paper towels are created from hardwood pulp and are more absorbent than they are biodegradable, which is why they are used to dry hands and food items rather than being composted or recycled. Therefore, flushing them down the toilet is not a good idea since they will just settle at the bottom of your toilet tank and contribute to the development of sludge and odors.

Plastics

Band-Aids, toys, and any other plastic items should not be flushed down the toilet, according to EPA guidelines. Considering that certain plastics can disintegrate for up to 1,000 years, flushing them down the toilet is not a good idea.

Beyond the possibility of a blockage, plastics will contribute to the building of sludge in the septic tank, increasing the likelihood of the tank becoming overflowing sooner than usual.

Cosmetics

Do not flush Band-Aids, toys, or any other plastic items down the toilet since they might cause a blockage. Considering that certain plastics can disintegrate over a 1,000 years, flushing them down the toilet is not a good idea. Beyond the possibility of a blockage, plastics will contribute to the building of sludge in the septic tank, increasing the likelihood of the tank becoming overflowing sooner than normal.

Conclusion

When pumping septic tanks, septic tank pumping firms come upon all kinds of bizarre and unbelievable things. If you want your tank to last you for decades without breaking down, you must be careful about the goods you flush down the toilet. As a general rule, only flush toilet paper and human waste down the toilet. Any other type of waste should be disposed of in the garbage. Always remember that it is better to be cautious than to be sorry when it comes to septic systems.

What Not to Flush Down Your Toilet When You Have a Septic Tank

Though you probably don’t spend much time thinking about your septic system, the plumbing in your Colorado house is a delicate balance that requires careful attention. Putting an excessive amount of strain on it will definitely result in problems that will cost hundreds of dollars to rectify in the future. Septic system clogs are caused by people using their toilet as if it were a garbage can, flushing stuff down the toilet without considering the ramifications of their actions. Here are the top five items that you should never flush down the toilet if you want to avoid costly septic system problems in the future.

1. Products Designed for Women Tampons and pads are two of the most common causes of septic system obstructions. When you flush them down the toilet, they do not decompose within your septic tank. It is instead the accumulation of these particles that causes the formation of an obstruction
2. Sanitary Wipes are a type of tissue that is used to clean surfaces. Baby wipes and makeup remover towelettes are two other items that should be avoided when it comes to maintaining the health of your sewage system. Even things that are labeled as “flushable” should be disposed of in the trash rather than flushed down the toilet since they are harmful to the environment. Due to the fact that they do not biodegrade in the same manner that toilet paper does, they build in your septic tank and eventually cause obstructions
3. Diapers Even while diapers contain human waste, this does not imply that they should be flushed at any time. Diapers will expand when exposed to water as a result of their absorbent nature. Even if you are successful in flushing one down the toilet, it will very certainly become lodged someplace in your plumbing system. Kitty Litter is a type of litter that is used for cats. The majority of cat litters contain a clay basis that hardens when exposed to moisture. Wet cat litter has a viscosity that is akin to cement, and it has the potential to harden inside your pipes. In fact, even trash that is promoted as flushable should not be introduced into your septic system. Medications from the past Some people believe that flushing expired medicine down the toilet is the safest option for dealing with medication that has expired. These drugs, on the other hand, might upset the delicate balance of bacteria in your tank, which can impair the ability of your septic system to break down waste. Additionally, when you flush pharmaceuticals down the toilet, you run the danger of releasing them into groundwater, which can create health concerns for people, animals, and even the environment.

Don’t Gamble With Your Septic System, Call Roto-Rooter Today

Contact the pros at Roto-Rooter Western Slope if you have a septic tank and need it maintained. We’ve been providing residential and commercial plumbing services in the Glenwood Springs region for over 40 years, and we’re here to answer your call 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

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.

1. In the event that you are unsure of what to deal with your remaining medication after you have completed taking it, consult your pharmacist.
2. Many things are promoted as flushable, and this is a good thing.
3. In most cases, however, these items are not suitable for use in septic tanks.
4. 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.
5. If members of your family habitually flush other objects down the toilet, you should arrange a family conversation regarding septic tank cleaning and maintenance.
6. 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.
7. 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.

Tips For Keeping Your Septic Tank Running

The septic tank is a septic tank. It’s one of the most important pieces of equipment in your house — yet it’s also one of the most mysterious. Even though it might be tough to comprehend something that cannot be seen, understanding your septic tank and how it works is essential. The septic tank is where all of the wastewater from your house, including that from your kitchen, bathrooms, and even laundry rooms, is dumped. We’ve included a quick description of the operation of your septic system, as well as some suggestions for maintaining it in good operating order.

1. The tank itself, as well as the drain field, are the two primary components of the septic system.
2. Upon entering, solid components are classified as either scum or sludge, depending on how much of them there are in total.
3. Within the tank, bacteria break down scum and sludge, and the separated water is sent through filters before entering the drain field.
4. Tips for keeping your septic system in good working order Reduce your water consumption to a bare minimum.
5. When there is an excessive amount of water flowing into the system, polluted water might escape from the tank and into the drain field.
6. Water use by a single person every day amounts to 70 gallons, which may be surprising, but is an accurate reflection of the situation.

• Toilets: toilets account for 25-30 percent of the total amount of water consumed by a home. Toilets that are more recent in design consume less water than older models. Give us a call right now if your home is equipped with out-of-date toilets! In the long run, your septic system will be grateful to you.

• Sinks: Consider all of the water that goes down your sink every day that isn’t being used. When cleaning dishes, washing their hands, or brushing their teeth, it is usual for homes to leave their water running unattended. Take the initiative and make a change! Make use of the water in your sink just when you need it.

Keep an eye on what you dump down your drains. It is critical to consider what goes down your drains before flushing it. If you find yourself second-guessing an item, it is likely that it is not intended to be flushed down the toilet.

• Grease: While putting grease down your drain may seem like a reasonable choice, it is not recommended. Using grease to clean your pipes and drain field has the potential to clog them! It sounds like something out of a nightmare

• Due to our familiarity with flushing toilet paper down our toilets, we have a propensity to believe that comparable goods such as tissues or wet wipes are also safe to flush. This is because the microorganisms in your septic tank are unable to break down these materials, and they will most likely continue floating in your tank.

Make an appointment for a standard checkup. Septic tanks holding 1,000 gallons or fewer need to be serviced every five years or less. For septic tank maintenance, call us at 804-758-4314 to schedule an appointment with a Miller’s specialist.

Common Septic Tank Problems and How to Fix Them

In the absence of professional plumbing training, it can be difficult to evaluate whether or not you are experiencing problems with your septic tank. If you live in a rural region, your septic tank may be your only means of treating and disposing of the waste generated by your household. The waste from your home is dumped into a septic tank leach field, which is also known as a septic drain field, once it has left your home. An underground facility designed to remove contaminants from the liquid that emerges after passing through the septic tank, the septic tank leach field is also known as a septic tank treatment field.

If you are unsure about the location of your septic tank, consult with a professional. Fortunately, there are various symptoms that suggest that the leach field of an aseptic tank or the septic tank itself is malfunctioning. Some of these warning indicators are as follows:

• There is backup in your home’s drainage system or toilets. Backups and obstructions are most commonly caused by a septic tank that hasn’t been emptied in a long time, according to the EPA. A failed leach field in your septic tank means that the water that leaves your home will not be handled and treated at all. Your drains will become clogged as a result. The toilets in your home are taking a long time to flush — If all of the toilets in your home take a long time to flush, it might be a sign that your septic tank is overflowing. Due to the fact that this sludge is not being handled by your drain field as efficiently as it should be, it is creating delays in your toilet flushing. It takes longer for sinks and baths to drain now than it used to – A clogged septic drain field may be to fault if your sinks or bathtubs aren’t emptying as rapidly as they should be under normal circumstances. A septic drain field replacement may be necessary if you find yourself waiting an excessive amount of time for the tub to drain after a bath or for the sink to empty after cleaning dishes. It is discovered that there is standing water near your drain field or septic tank – The presence of standing water near your drain field or septic tank is the most obvious indication that your septic tank has been flooded and that your septic leach field is failing. Water remains in your septic tank after it has been cleaned and processed, and this is what causes standing water in your yard. Your septic tank and drain field begin to smell foul near your house or business — Both your septic tank and septic drain field should be free of foul odors, both outside and within your home. Carbon dioxide, methane, and hydrogen sulfide, all of which may be present in household garbage, are responsible for the scents you are smelling. In the vicinity of your leach field, you may notice a strong rotten egg stench, which may signal that sewage is seeping. Your health and safety, as well as the health and safety of others, are at risk as a result of this. You should contact a septic drain field replacement company as soon as possible at this point.

Resources:

• What is the best way to determine when to empty a septic tank? How to Unclog a Drain Pipe (with Pictures)

Signs That Indicate you Need an Immediate Drain Field Replacement

So, how can you determine whether you require a septic drain field replacement rather than only a repair? The following are indications that you require an emergency drain field replacement:

• Septic tank failure due to a failure to clean or pump waste out of the tank on a regular basis – If you don’t follow your septic tank cleaning plan, you run the danger of having a septic drain field replacement sooner rather than later. Maintaining your septic tank and having it examined at least once every three to five years helps ensure that your drain field is functioning correctly. The number of people living in your home, whether or not you have a garbage disposal, whether or not you use water softeners, how many guests will be in your home at the same time, how often you do laundry, and whether or not you have a sewerejector pump all influence how often you need to have your septic tank pumped. This one is rather self-explanatory: you have broken pipes in your drain field. If your plumber is checking the pipes leading to and from your leach field and detects a break in the pipes, you will need to have a septic drain field replacement performed immediately. In the event of a septic pipe break that cannot be repaired, new pipes or a complete system may be required. Lack of oxygen in the septic tank as a result of a significant amount of grease – An excessive amount of grease in your septic tank system results in the formation of a “scum” layer. It is possible that your leach field is being replaced. Following an overabundance of grease being dumped into your septic tank, the drain holes and piping leading to your drain field will get clogged, necessitating the replacement of the whole system. Tree roots placing strain on your drain field piping — When tree roots begin to grow into your drain field piping, it might spell doom for your drainage infrastructure. These tree roots have the ability to develop swiftly and will seek out a source of water as soon as they can. If the pipes delivering water to your leach field are large enough, the tree roots will eventually find their way there, perhaps rupturing the piping system. Compaction of soil caused by heavy machinery or automobiles near your septic tank drain field – Drain fields that are close to air pockets in the soil surrounding them. When heavy equipment or automobiles are parked or put on top of or near the leach field, it can cause issues for the system to malfunction. A compacted soil environment encourages water to collect near your septic field.

Common Septic Tank Problems and How to Fix Them

You probably don’t give much thought to what happens to your extra water after it has been flushed down the toilet unless anything starts to go wrong with the plumbing. It is critical that you do thorough septic tank repair on a regular basis in order to minimize costly damage. You must first locate your septic tank before proceeding with any further steps. Due to the complexity of your septic system’s operation, and the fact that much of it is underground, issues with it can often go undiagnosed for extended periods of time.

Most likely, one of these five factors is to blame for any septic tank issues you’re now experiencing.

Clogs in Your Septic System

In order to determine whether or not you have a septic tank problem, remember back to the last time your tank was cleaned. Septic tanks accumulate waste over time, and grey water drains through your septic tank to drain pipes that are buried underground in the earth in your yard. In the event that your tank becomes overflowing, you may begin to notice that your drains are becoming slower and that your toilet is becoming backed up. Each and every source of water in your home passes through your septic system before being used.

1. If you have had your septic tank drained within the last year or two, you will most likely not need to have it pumped out again.
2. If you notice that all of your drains are draining slowly, you most likely have a clog in one of the lines that drain away from your property.
3. Because the diameter of these pipes ranges from 4 to 8 inches, they are likely to be thinner in certain regions than others.
4. You may be experiencing some sewage backup into plumbing fixtures in your house or accumulating near your septic tank if your drains are working properly but you’re not sure what’s causing it.
5. It’s possible that the problem is in your septic tank’s entrance baffle, which you should be able to see if you have access to this area of the tank.

If there is a blockage in this baffle, you should be able to tell immediately. In certain cases, pushing the clog via the access port may be sufficient to clear it out. If you’re unclear of how to access any of this, you should seek the advice of a professional plumber.

Tree Roots are Infiltrating Your Pipes

Tree roots that are in the way of a septic tank’s operation can also be a source of problems. Whether sewage is beginning to back up into your drains, there are inexplicable cracks in your driveway and sidewalk, or you notice persistent puddles and damp spots in your grass even when it hasn’t rained, it is possible that roots have penetrated your plumbing system. Roots may develop fractures in your drain pipes, and if they continue to grow over time, these fissures can expand and cause significant damage.

The installation of modern, plastic pipes that are capable of withstanding root damage can help you avoid the problem of root penetration.

Root growth inhibitors are also recommended if you have trees near to where your pipes are located, since this will prevent them from growing.

You should chop down any trees whose roots are penetrating your pipes and remove the stumps in order to prevent roots from sprouting back after you’ve cleaned out your pipes if you are able to bear the thought of doing so.

Leaks in Sewage Tank or Lines

Many homeowners dream of having lush, green grass, but if your lawn is vibrantly green but the plants around it are dead, it might be an indication of a septic tank leak, according to the American Septic Tank Association. Experiencing unexplained green grass might also be an indication that your septic tank is pumping out an excessive amount of water, soaking your yard. Moreover, there may even be sewage accumulating in your yard in this situation. This is an issue that should be addressed by a plumbing specialist as soon as possible in order to minimize any potential health risks and costly damage to your property.

IncorrectSeptic Tank Installation

The proper installation of a septic system allows the system to operate smoothly. Know if the firm who built your septic system done it in an accurate and timely manner? Most likely, if you bought an older property, you have no idea who built the septic system in the first place. Furthermore, because you can’t look into your septic system, you have no idea what’s going on down there as well. Failure to bury the tank deeply enough, installing the incorrect-size tank, or utilizing the incorrect soil in the drainfield are all examples of installation problems that can result in septic tank failure.

Increased Water Use

Before it overflows, your septic tank can only contain a certain amount of water. Septic tanks can collapse if there is a high number of people who depend on them for their water. If you have a big family, expect a significant number of long-term guests, or often hold parties, you should get your tank examined to ensure that it is the proper size. If this is the case, you may need to consider upgrading to a larger tank. Your septic system is capable of withstanding a lot of abuse, and it should continue to function well for many years provided it is properly maintained.

If you see any indicators of septic tank difficulties, such as clogged pipes, root infiltration, or sewage leaks, act promptly and call The Original Plumber for a septic tank check to ensure that any problems are resolved as soon and efficiently as possible.