Silvia is a mom of three pre-teen kids and is passionate about living a more sustainable family life. She feels she has only just begun her journey towards environmentally friendly living, and hopes that EnviroMom can be a resource to help other families on their own journeys!
can handle. You can avoid such a problem by spacing out such activities to
One of the most important ingredients in your septic tank system is the microorganisms that live in the tank. These naturally-occurring microorganisms work to break down waste solids and process the sludge and wastewater in your system. Unfortunately, many of the chemicals and cleaning agents used in our everyday lives are harmful to the microorganisms. Homeowners that have a septic system, should refrain from using dangerous products that could potentially make their way into the septic tank and kill off these helpful microorganisms. Here are some tips that will help you to choose the best possible products for your home that are also safe for septic systems.
trapped into the actual septic tank.
,Pump your tank every three to five years, per the maker's instructions. Just flush appropriate products down the drains and bathroom and steer clear of non-septic-safe things. Some things like wipes or pet litter may say they are flushable, nevertheless should work out care and dispose of them into the trash become safe.
My house has a septic system and there is a bad odor somewhere outsideIf there is a bad smell wafting around but doesn't seem to be coming up from the toilet or from the septic tank, it may be something else on your property that smells. Most properties that have a septic tank also have a grease trap which receives waste from the kitchen sink and greywater tank which receives waste from the laundry and showers. Either of these tanks could be causing a bad odor and the stench from a greywater tank is often mistaken for a stinky septic tank. If you think one of these tanks may be causing the smell, please see our pages Why Does My Grease Trap Smell and Why Does My Greywater Tank Smell.

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Some of factors that may play a role in septic tank odors near the tank are ineffective digestion inside tank, a septic tank that is full and due for pumping, or loose septic tank covers being evoking the leaking of septic odor. Sulfate-reducing germs are also associated with septic odors, particularly hydrogen sulfide. Sulfate-reducing germs are obviously present in most septic tanks. These bacteria get energy through oxidation of natural compounds as well as try this because they reduce sulfate to hydrogen sulfide ergo their name, sulfate-reducing germs.

pools of water near your septic system's drainfield, make sure nobody gets into


Clearing away your pipelines and achieving your septic tank pumped are only a short-term fix. Ensure you follow through with any repairs being suggested. In the event your sewer line is clogged, it could be because of damaged or warped pipe that needs to be replaced. If for example the leach field isn't accepting water then you will need to have a new leach field created.

you almost certainly never truly desire to consider carefully your septic tank, nevertheless when your property starts to smell less-than-fresh, it can be the foundation of this problem. A regularly serviced septic tank system can last consistently, but a poor smell at home could be an indicator of trouble.
While most commercial products are safe for septic systems when used in recommended quantities (always read the labels), the better choices are "green" cleaners that do not contain petroleum-based solvents and have received the United States Environmental Protection Agency's Safer Choice designation. You can also make your products with distilled white vinegar, lemon juice, and baking soda to clean and disinfect your home. his response
For sizing a septic tank, most guidelines recommend 150 gallons per bedroom [5]. The minimum capacity for a septic tank should be two days' worth of effluent. In case your septic tank is full beyond this capacity, then consider not taking a shower until it is pumped.

trapped into the actual septic tank.


works properly, these foul smells aren't a problem because they are trapped
If sewage is backing up at home or bubbling up around the tank's exterior, then your obstruction might be inside septic tank's effluent filter or outlet baffle. These problems will make you imagine your septic system is complete again when you may indeed need some pipes cleared.
It's here long enough for the liquid and solid waste to be separated. The exit pipe is connected to the first pipe on either side. The drain field is another option. This line transports the septic tank's pre-processed wastewater and distributes it evenly throughout the soil and waterways.
You should pump your septic tank at least every three to five years. This is a good rule for anyone who has just bought a septic tank and lives with a moderately sized family. While this rule does not apply to all septic tanks, it provides a guideline to help measure how much the tank has been used. Pumping frequency normally depends on a number of factors such as the septic tank size, sludge and scum levels of your septic tank, the number of people in the house, and their habits. When you have a septic system installed, wastewater from your house goes to the tank where it separates the waste into sludge (solids), effluent (liquid waste), and scum. Sludge as they are heavier goes to the bottom of the tank where microorganisms and other bacterias live. They will consume and dissolve the sludge. Scum is lighter and is made up of fats, grease, and oil, which floats at the top. whereas, the watery effluent middle layer goes to the drainage or leach field where soil works as a filtration system to treat the liquid waste. The problem occurs when too much sludge build-up at the bottom of the tank and bacterias are not able to break it down. Resulting in an overflow to the drain field. That's why tank pumping is important.

If the sludge level rises to dangerous levels and/or the scum level develops to a large thickness, then the sludge or scum will be forced out into the drain field along with the watery effluent. Forcing solids and grease through the drain field can clog the underground system of perforated pipes and lead to slow drains and even wastewater backups into your home. This can lead to dangerous bacteria in your home and a very expensive repair.


Gravelless drainfields have been widely used for over 30 years in many states and have become a conventional technology replacing gravel systems. They take many forms, including open-bottom chambers, fabric-wrapped pipe, and synthetic materials such as expanded polystyrene media. The gravelless systems can be manufactured with recycled materials and offer a significant savings in carbon footprint.

Minor septic system issues can turn into big costly problems. Fixing minor problems and paying maintenance fees of a few hundred dollars every few years is a bargain compared to the cost of repairing or replacing a malfunctioning system, which can cost thousands of dollars. Don't avoid the signs of septic system failure. septic repair t3 r12 wells septic pumping Windham


If you need any septic services, you can count on our team at Express Septic Pumping to get the job done right. We specialize in septic tank pumping as well as septic repairs, installation, and preventative maintenance. We can also inspect your septic tank and the entire system to ensure everything is working as it should. Our crew can help with drain field installation, enzyme treatments, sewer line cleaning and hydro jetting, and drain field soil decompaction. Give us a call today if you need any septic services in Boise, Nampa, Caldwell or the surrounding areas.
In most cases, the hose on a septic tank pumper truck is three inches in diameter, and the pumps on septic tank pumper trucks are powerful enough to suck up tiny boulders as well as remove the floating scum layer and settled sludge layer from a septic tank. In reality, while researching and producing the septic pump vacuum pump article I referenced above, we discovered that the word "hair" did not appear in any of the septic pumper truck pump specs or descriptions. See the website for further information.
A septic tank is a large underground tank that's capable of holding hundreds of gallons of waste water. Septic tanks come in standard sizes like 1,000 gallons, 1,200 gallons, 1,500 gallons and so on. The septic tank is connected to the house via the plumbing main line. All waste water in the home, which drains from sinks, toilets, showers and bathtubs, feeds into the septic tank via this line.
Generally, we have been made to believe septic systems last forever, but in reality, almost 10-30per cent of systems fail annually. Among the major reason septic tanks have to be emptied over and over is overload, and simply because there hasn't been any significant problem does not mean that one should neglect the obligation of maintaining it correctly. septic treatment 044241912 septic system 04082009


Maintaining your septic tank is an important part of keeping your home or property running smoothly. Whether you are checking to see if your tank is getting full or scheduling regular pumping services, taking these steps can help you avoid costly repairs and ensure that your system works effectively for years to come.
A septic tank must first remove floatable substances (such as oils and fats) from solids in the effluent to handle organic materials. A septic tank and two pipes will be linked (for inlet and outlet). Using the input pipe, water waste from the residence is sent to the septic tank.
Technically speaking, you can shower even if your septic tank is full. However, the major issue you'll almost certainly encounter is slow seepage. As the septic tank fills up, the water in the bathtub, sinks, and other fixtures will drain at a much slower rate.

How Septic System Works


Most people want to use the most effective cleaning products to keep their homes sparkling and germ-free. But some of the same ingredients that protect people from illness-causing bacteria are not good for the bacteria that keep a septic system working properly. Bacteria are necessary for a septic system to break down the solid waste and kill pathogens that will flow into the leach field and, eventually, groundwater.
There have been several cases, such as this one, where those involved in the negligent disposal of waste have been fined up to $25,000. The figure could rise, depending on the gravity of the offense. There have even been cases that have attracted a jail time of up to 12 months.

As an effect, the anaerobic bacteria populace could decrease dramatically. Without enough bacteria to break straight down the solid waste, your tank could fill much faster since the untreated solid waste occupies more room. Quickly, incoming waste will have nowhere to get and can rather move back up your system.

If your septic tank isn't working the way it should, that leads to bad smells. That's because the bacteria inside your tank makes gas as it breaks down the waste. If this gas can't be contained because of a problem with your septic tank or how you're using it, it may create a foul septic tank odor.


Clogs: A common source of clogs is non-flushable solids. Only ever flush waste and toilet paper. Facial tissues, feminine hygiene products, paper towels, and baby wipes are not safe for septic tanks. If you're unsure if it is flushable, check if the packaging says "septic safe," otherwise -- throw it in the trash! septic bacteria Garfield Plt septic products 04861


Sand filter systems work above or below ground. Effluent flows from the septic tank to a pump chamber, which pumps it onto the top of a sand filter. The filter is a sand-filled box lined with PVC or concrete. Effluent is filtered as it flows down through the sand and then discharged to a drain field.

Carly ended up being expert and addressed me like an old friend whenever we talked. She helped me diagnosis my issues on the telephone and demand the desired service to clear my issue. Carly scheduled my solution and kept me personally apprised associated with the arrival time of my plumber. Nick arrived by 4PM. He was expert and pleasant. He treated both me and my home with respect. He inspected the specific situation, and kept me personally encouraged of solution. He finished the mandatory repairs, tested the systems, washed up [taking the broken parts] and left about 5 PM. He failed to HURRY, though he worked efficiently. I'm pleased with the standard and care of customer support We received from this group.


Pumping out your septic tank is not only expensive, but it also gets rid of the good with the bad- the microorganisms you need will have to be re-established after a pumping. A well-maintained septic tank can function smoothly for years-saving you time and money.
If you are wondering whether or not you can shower if your septic tank is full, the trick is to be prepared. It is preferable to get your system pumped well before the rainy season, or a storm begins if it is already full. To allow water to move around your leach field and avoid puddles, ensure the rain gutter drains are clean and clear.

Eventually, sludge accumulation in your septic tank as wastewater is handled will need the removal of the sludge. Even though some people feel that their septic systems don't require any care, the fact is that in order for your septic system to work effectively, your septic tank has to be checked for damage and pumped on an ongoing basis. The Environmental Protection Agency recommends that septic tanks be drained every three years. Pumping out a septic tank can cost anywhere between $250 and $500. septic t1 r10 welsummer
Toilet use accounts for 25 to 30 percent of household water use. Many older homes have toilets with 3.5- to 5-gallon reservoirs, while newer, high-efficiency toilets use 1.6 gallons of water or less per flush. Replacing existing toilets with high-efficiency models is an easy way to reduce the amount of household water entering your septic system. septic repair 04974 weather septic tablets t1 r13 welsummer


There are always three different layers inside the tank. At the bottom of the tank is a sludge layer that is formed by all the broken-down solid waste. Whenever any toilet paper and solid waste enters the tank, it settles down on top of the sludge layer. Bacteria then break down the solids into a sludge so that they take up less space inside the tank. All of the water inside the tank always stays toward the top. septic flush t1 r6 wells septic tablets 04051700


Your septic tank will always have a certain amount of liquid, usually about 8" - 12" from the top of the tank. If the level is below the outlet pipe leading to the drainfield, that is generally normal. If the liquid level is above the outlet pipe, however, the tank is overfull.
Pump your tank every 3 to 5 years, per the manufacturer's instructions. Only flush appropriate items down the drains and toilet and avoid non-septic-safe things. Some items like wipes or cat litter may say they are flushable, but you should exercise caution and dispose of them in the trash to be safe.
Drains can become blocked between the house and the tank or treatment plant. In such cases, you can experience slow drainage or air pressure build-ups, resulting in the air in the drains pushing back up through u-bends and waste traps, along with septic odours. Checking the tank levels will help identify whether that is the case. Of course, if the tank is full to overflowing, it's more likely that you have a soakaway issue. If so, it's not just time to pump out, you need to have your drains and soakaway rodded or jet washed to clear any debris.
2. Accumulation of Sludge: this really is a common problem faced by septic tank owners. Overtime sludge can build up and be trapped. This sludge wont disappear on its own and certainly will have to be removed.Waste water continues to move down on drainage area.
When to pump your septic tank is usually discovered in one of two ways. With the first, your chosen septic service professional checks the septic tank during a routine maintenance. With the second, you simply note your water usage. According to the Journal of Environmental Engineering, pumping frequency is as follows: