Posts Tagged ‘septic’

What Are The Different Kinds Of Alternative Septic Systems?

Monday, June 7th, 2010

Septic tank systems are required for every home and building that requires plumbing. These systems safely remove and treat waste water before returning the clean water to the water table. There are different types of septic systems available, including alternative septic systems. Alternative septic systems are usually installed in ‘difficult’ sites with conventional methods. The type of alternative chosen depends on the type of drain field, climate, and soil conditions.

The following are the different kinds of alternative septic systems:

Sand Filter Septic System: This septic system is used in an area that lacks enough soil for waste water treatment. The sand is used to treat the wastewater before it enters the drain field. The system consists of the septic tank, pump and pump chamber, sand filter, and drain field. The sand separates the pump tank from the drain field. As well, the sand is used replace the shortage of soil in the area where the tank is installed. The system can be installed above the ground or below the ground.

Aerobic Treatment Unit (ATU): This system uses oxygen as part of the break down process. The result is cleaner treated wastewater. The unit has an aeration chamber where bacteria reside. These vegetative microbes will break down and digest the waste. Aerobic treatment units will generate clean wastewater.

Mound Septic System: For the Mound Septic System, there is a particular type of drainage system that is elevated above ground level or directly on the ground surface. There is specific sand that is placed over the ground. Treatment of the wastewater involves the use of the sand. It is composed of a gravel bed that contains a network of pressurized pipes. The wastewater is delivered to a dosing tank. After it goes to the dosing tank, the water goes to the soil absorption field.

Gravity Septic System: This system utilizes gravity as the main part of the wastewater treatment process. By doing so, the wastewater travels through the septic tank into the drainage field. The drainage field consists of a group of trenches. The final treatment of the waste matter is done by the soil. A Gravity Septic System works best when there is dry soil. It is the most widely used alternative septic tank system.

Pressure Distribution System: This system is powered by dosing chambers and a series of small pipes. It provides dosing and resting cycles to ensure uniform wastewater is dispersed in the drainage field.

The first sign that a homeowner may need to switch from a conventional septic system to an alternative septic system is if they experience flooding or unusual water gathering in a backyard or field or if plumbers recommend it to them. Because there are a variety of different septic systems available, including alternative septic systems, it is important to understand the benefits of each system and determine which type of system is best for your property and home. When installing any type of septic system, the installation should only be performed by a professional to ensure it is done properly and safely.

Looking for a local plumber to fix your plumbing problems? Then contact the plumbing experts at Mr.Rooter, offering plumbers in Toronto and plumbers in Vancouver as well as plumbing services all across Canada. Visit mrrooter.ca to find a plumbing franchise in your city.

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Be Sure To Schedule Regular Septic Preventative Maintenance Service

Saturday, March 20th, 2010

Most folks do not realize just how common septic system failures and sewage backups are but they can be prevented with a regular septic maintenance schedule. As a home-owner you’re responsible for maintaining your septic system and when it fails it not only causes problems in your own residence or property but it can contaminate the ground water that you and your neighbors drink and pollute nearby rivers, lakes and coastal waters. Therefore it’s vital that you perform regular septic preventative maintenance inspections.

Most people forget about their septic tank and drain field until there are odors, slow drains or sewage backups, all of which indicate a problem with your septic system. But by the time you notice these smaller problems you might already have a much larger problem somewhere inside the system that could cause you to have to replace the whole thing. A regular septic maintenance inspection can detect minor problems before they turn into expensive repair jobs. Considering that it could cost you tens of thousands of dollars to replace your entire system, the cost of an annual inspection is much more affordable.

The most vital step in your maintenance program is to have your tank pumped on schedule. While this may seem like an additional expense it actually saves you money in the long run because you do not have to use those pricey chemicals and additives which usually do not work anyway and will be harmful to the environment.

The second most important step you can take is to keep household items like dental floss, feminine hygiene products, condoms, diapers and cat litter out of your system. These products don’t break down in your tank and not only cause your sludge level to build up faster than normal but they can also cause clogging that can eventually cause your entire system to fail.

A homeowner should know where the drainfield is located and be sure to plant only grass over top of it. Tree roots and the roots from large shrubbery search out water and aim directly for your septic lines and can break right through the pipes. It’s also important that you don’t drive or park over top of the drainfield to avoid pipe damage or compacting the soil.

Most people don’t realize that standing water over the drainfield indicates a problem. They assume that after that water goes down everything is fine. But septic systems and drainfields do not heal themselves and if left alone the problem will only get worse to the point where your drainfield could become completely clogged beyond repair. At that point you’re looking at a terribly expensive replacement bill.

By using your septic system properly and scheduling annual septic preventative maintenance inspections you’ll extend the life of your system, keep it running smoothly for a much longer time and save yourself a lot of money in pricey repair bills.

Learn more about septic maintenance. Stop by Mark Repstein’s site where you can find out all about septic maintenance and what it can do for you.

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What Size Septic Tank Do You Need?

Saturday, September 12th, 2009

The septic system is an astounding and innovative piece of technology. The device is natural and energy efficient. If you are planning on installing a septic tank, you will need septic lines, a septic tank, permit from your local government, and choose the appropriate location for installing the tank.

A septic tank operates by sewage being carried from the house to the tank using gravity instead of using motors and fossil fuel energy. The sewage moves by means of gravity from the tank to the drain field. Microbes in the ground digest and sanitize the bacteria, viruses, and other harmful substances. When the soil is healthy, clean water returns to the water table. The location of the tank and lines will depend on the percolation test. Another important feature is the size of the septic tank.

There are a few ways you can determine the size of the septic tank for your home. The size of the septic tank can be determined by basing it on the water usage or home size. The most productive and efficient way to calculate the size of the tank is through water usage. The size of the septic tank that will be required is based on the amount of water it will conduct through the field lines.

Calculations by Water Tank

Based on the total water usage of a home, the following is the expert and local government recommended tank size:

Up to 500 gallons per day: 900 gallon tank Up to 700 gallons per day: 1,200 gallon tank Up to 900 gallons per day: 1,500 gallon tank Up to 1,240 gallons per day: 1,900 gallon tank

It is important to be aware that the minimum size tank normally permitted for use in a residential home is 1,000 gallons. Make sure you check with your local governmental official to obtain their regulations of size.

Calculations by House Size

This type of calculation assumes that all rooms in the home will be used. The following is the expert and local government recommended tank size based on calculating the house size:

One or two bedrooms: 750 gallon tank Three bedrooms: 1,000 gallon tank Four bedrooms: 1,200 gallon tank Five or six bedrooms: 1,500 gallon tank

Make sure you check with your local governmental official to obtain their regulations of size.

For single-family homes, tanks normally vary in size from 500 to 1500 gallons of sewer storage capability. For a one or two bedroom house, a 1000 or 1200 gallon tank is used most often.

The costs of septic tanks will vary. The average 1,000 gallon septic tank will cost between $500 and $700. If you want to install a 1,250 gallon tank, the price can range from $600 – $800. One can install a tank in either the front yard or the backyard. The area must be able to hold the tank and drain field. The cost of installing a standard septic tank can be anywhere from $1,000 to $2,500

Septic tanks are a necessity and required by law for residential houses. When installing a septic tank, make sure you are aware of all of the local governmental regulations.

Wastewater treatment services offer environmentally friendly best septic tank systems for commercial, residential or mobile use.

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