Month: January 2019

Need a Septic Tank Inspection or Tank Pumped? This checklist will help.

Posted on by Shankster Bros

Need a Septic Tank Inspection or Tank Pumped? This checklist will help.

We’ve talked about septic tank pumping, cleaning, and routine maintenance quite a bit on this blog, but what are the things you should check when getting a septic tank inspection or your septic tank pumped? Here’s our checklist for your septic pumping professional. Whether it’s a routine pumping, a new-home purchase septic tank inspection or an emergency septic rescue, these are the essential pieces of your system:

Septic tank lid

Having an old or damaged septic tank lid is extremely dangerous for both pets and people, and it can also lead to yard debris, trash, or other foreign materials getting inside the tank and creating flow problems. Your septic tank pumping company should be able to check your lid and replace it if necessary.

Inlet and outlet baffles or tees

Sometimes pieces of the tank can go missing, or become broken or clogged. When baffles or tees are compromised on either side of the septic tank, this can cause serious complications to your septic system performance.

Leaks

If your tank is not full before pumping, it’s likely you have a septic tank leak. Also, watch out for over-saturated soil around the tank, or a tank that refills while being pumped – not a good sign.

Sludge in the outlet, and high liquid

If there is sludge or solids in the outlet pipe, and a liquid level in the tank that is over the top of the outlet pipe, you either have a clog in the outlet or a problem in your drain field. It might also mean that your tank is not breaking down the solids effectively, which might mean other septic tank problems.

Roots

Root systems are a major cause of septic backup, so ask your septic tank company to check around the tank for excess roots. Sometimes it’s necessary to remove trees or vegetation to ensure adequate drainage, but we try to create an environment in which both your septic system and your landscaping can thrive.

As always, if you have questions or concerns about your septic tank, if you need to get it pumped, cleaned or need a septic tank inspection, please give us a call at (260)-982-7111. We’re happy to help with any routine or emergency maintenance, and we pride ourselves in efficient, knowledgeable, and friendly service.

 

Septic Tank Best Practices – What to Do and Why

Posted on by Shankster Bros

Septic System Best Practices – What to Do and Why

As a full-service septic pumping and excavation company, we get a lot of questions about how to maintain a septic system, particularly after a home or business owner has had a septic tank or drain field emergency. Like most things around your home, it’s normal to not think about how it works until it doesn’t, but keeping your septic system running is actually simple, just follow these septic best practices.

Get your tank pumped regularly

Firstly, it is important to get your septic tank pumped regularly. Most tanks need to be pumped every 2-5 years, depending on the size of the tank and the number of people using the septic system regularly. 

Don’t flush specific materials down the drain

Avoid flushing or disposal of an inorganic material such as lint from laundry machines, sanitary products, diapers, cigarettes, etc. The bacteria in your septic tank will not be able to degrade these materials effectively and they can make their way into the drain field, causing permanent clogs and expensive repairs.

Use caution and try to avoid overuse

Modern conveniences like garbage disposals and automatic toilet bowl cleaners are great inventions but can cause serious problems for your septic system. Even organic material through the garbage disposal can clog your drain field or overload your tank, so use caution and try to avoid overuse. Most flush-activated toilet cleaners contain bleach, which kills the beneficial bacteria you want in your septic system.

Be aware of any household leaks

While no one likes leaks, dripping faucets or running toilets can be very damaging to your septic system. Septic systems are designed to “rest” when you do and give the land an opportunity to “recharge” and avoid over-saturation. Therefore, keep your appliances and fixtures well-maintained, and avoid running appliances such as dishwashers and laundry machines overnight.

Avoid strong chemicals and cleaners

Avoid bleach and antibacterial soaps for cleaning or hand-washing, if possible. These strong chemicals can kill important bacteria in your septic tank, which keeps the tank from performing as it should. This can cause solid waste to flow into the drain field, and create excessive biomass growth.

Water conservation

Finally, conserve water. It’s not only good for the planet, but it’s good for your septic system, too. Be mindful of how much you use your shower, dishwasher, and other fixtures, and try to cut back when and where you can. The less you tax your septic system, the better it will perform for you and will stay in good shape for many years to come.

We’re happy to help with any septic services

If you have any questions about these septic tank best practices or want to know if you need your septic tank pumped, please don’t hesitate to call us at (260)-982-7111. We’re happy to answer any questions and we want you and your family to be happy and satisfied with your septic service for years to come.

Septic Emergency Hotline