Valley Springs, California septic inspections services? First we need to explain the reason for pumping the septic tank or tanks. The normal riding level of waste water in a tank is approximately 4 feet deep, with a floating scum layer and a bottom solids layer. If a tank is not pumped prior to inspection, a proper visual inspection cannot be performed as no one can see through 4 feet of waste water. The tank floor & sidewalls, the tank center seam/seal, the tank baffle and the complete inlet/outlet sanitary tees are not visible for inspection and system evaluation without pumping the tank first.

Never drain your pool or hot tub water into your septic tank system. Chlorine from your pool or hot tub can break down the important solid-busting bacteria in your system, just like household chemicals can. Additionally, adding a large influx of water into your septic tank can cause your drain field to flood. Perform an inspection of your septic tank on a regular basis. The frequency of a septic tank inspection depends on the manufacturer – it can range from three months to three years. Some septic tanks can be inspected by the consumer while others need to be inspected by a technician. In any case, be sure to have your septic tank system evaluated on a frequent basis to catch any minor repairs before they become costly ones.

The most common cause of a failed system is overloading it. This can be caused by the consecutive use of high-volume activities such as laundry, showering, and running the dishwasher. Space out their usage as well as follow water conservation efforts year round. This is particularly important during heavy rain, which can quickly overwhelm a drainfield on its own. Also common are blockages, which can cause pipes to be clogged and the drainfield to overflow. To prevent this, avoid flushing anything besides the three Ps (pee, poop, and toilet paper). “Flushable” wipes and FOG (fats, oils, grease) clog pipes so should be thrown in the trash. Avoid the use of a garbage disposal which can improperly break down debris.

Aerobic Treatment Systems (ATS) or Areobic Treatment Units (ATU) are often incorrectly called an “Aerobic Septic System”. An Aerobic Treatment System is actually a small sewage treatment plant which uses an aerobic process for digestion. Septic tank systems utilize an anaerobic process. To put it in simple terms: Aerobic bacteria requires oxygen to thrive and remain alive while anaerobic bacteria does not rely on oxygen for metabolic processes and survival. The Aerobic Treatment Systems/Units are typically comprised of 3 chambers. The first chamber, (commonly called the pre-treatment or storage tank) collects the solids and paper products. The second chamber is called the aeration chamber. Air is forced into the chamber and mixed with the waste water. The oxygen breaks down the organic matter rather quickly. The third chamber is the pumping or dosing chamber that removes the treated liquid for dispersal to the soil. ATUs require electricity 24/7 to power the aeration system (typically air pump). Discover more info on more info.

Lush vegetation in the drain field area or wet spots in your lawn are often signs of an overloaded septic system. If there are gurgling sounds in the plumbing, slow draining fixtures or the plumbing backs up, call for service immediately. The quicker a problem is diagnosed and resolved, the more likely you are to avoid a complete system failure. Even with good maintenance, no septic system lasts forever. If your tank is 20 years old or older, you can anticipate needing repairs, if not a complete replacement. If you don’t know the age of your septic tank, schedule an inspection. This assessment can give you information about what to expect from the tank’s performance during the next few years.

We at Foothill Sanitary and Foothill Portable’s “Stand” for our Flag and kneel for our fallen. My family has a very strong military background with family members serving in every branch of the military. This is why we at Foothill Sanitary and Foothill Portable’s offer a 5% Military discount to all of our vet’s as a small way to say Thank you for “your” service. My motto is from the branch that I served in “Semper Fidelis” meaning always faithful, a motto that we will bring to you.

Local building code dictates the equation used to calculate how many square feet of leach field is required based upon the speed of percolation, composition of the soil, and LTAR. The Georgia Co-Op Extension Service’s classic conventional septic system manual is recommended reading for understanding the basics of septic systems. A general rule-of-thumb to use when estimating is one square foot of leach field, per gallon of effluent, per day, in normal soils that percolate relatively well. Save money by renting a backhoe and installing your own plastic septic tank for your home sewage system. Should local code dictate installing a concrete septic tank, have it seal-coated well and try to avoid rectangular vaults. The rounded end, hockey rink shape, is much stronger. See more details at this website.