Septic Drain Fields, also known as leach fields, serve a vital purpose in every septic system. They’re responsible for removing impurities and contaminants from the water that emerges from a septic tank. In a sense, they operate like a filter. The mechanics are different, but the end idea is similar. The drain field consists of a series of perforated pipes installed in trenches one to three feet below ground level.  Basically, the septic tank separates solid wastes from the water. The resulting wastewater (also known as the effluent) is transferred to the drain field where the soil acts as a natural filter by removing bacteria and other microscopic particles. The newly purified water then joins with the groundwater or is evaporated from the soil.

Symptoms of a Failing Drain Field

While generally maintenance-free, your Snohomish drainfield and septic system as a whole does need to be inspected periodically by a professional. This is especially the case if you notice any of the following symptoms:

• Water puddles forming above the drain field
• Soil collapsing on or near the drain field area
• Sewage backup
• Gurgling sounds in the plumbing

It is crucial that you contact a septic tank pumping and repair service as soon as you notice any of these telltale signs. Depending on the extent of the damage, an entirely new septic system installation may be necessary. However, if the symptoms are diagnosed and treated early, most drain field failures can be addressed with an affordable repair.

Tips on How to Preserve Your Snohomish Drain Field

The following tidbits of advice will help protect and prolong the life and functionality of septic drain fields:

• Avoid using the ground above the drain field as a parking spot and refrain from placing heavy equipment or machinery over the area.
• Do not plant trees or shrubs in your drain field. Overgrown roots can find their way into the pipes.
• Do not pave over your drain field area with a hard surface, such as asphalt or concrete. Doing so will inhibit the soil’s ability to evaporate excess water.
• Divert runoff water, such rain gutter runoff, away from the drain field.

Contact a Professional About Septic Drain Fields

Even if everything appears to be working fine, it’s recommended that you have the solids pumped out of your septic system every one to five years. At The Septic Group, we also provide special offers for select services. Contact us to have one of our professionals examine your drain field in Snohomish.

Snohomish Septic Drain Fields Explained

Serving Snohomish, Lake Stevens, Granite Falls, Everett, Arlington, Marysville, Monroe, Mill Creek, Lynnwood, & greater Snohomish county

Posted on May 27, 2020 | Published by Ignite Local | Related Local Business

Most people don’t understand the benefits of regular septic tank cleaning. For homeowners with a septic system the health of their family and on their wallet is impacted by how clean–or dirty–their septic tank is.

A septic tank requires a whole different plan of attack when it comes to maintenance and operation than city sewage.  Homeowners with septic tanks on their properties need to be mindful of water usage and what goes down the drain.  They should also have the septic system cleaned regularly.  Homeowners minimize health risks for their family and community by taking this step.

The Importance of Regular Septic Tank Cleanings

Having a professional perform septic tank cleaning puts a set of well trained eyes on your entire septic system.  During the septic tank cleaning or pumping process, the service technician will evaluate the system as a whole to identify potential problems so they can be addressed before they become serious.

Identifying problems with a filter or baffle early on can allow for a quick and inexpensive repair. This step restores proper operation of your septic system.  If these problems go unnoticed, they can create back-ups, leaks or cracks in the system.  These might require a complete septic system replacement which may cost thousands of dollars.

Regular septic tank cleanings also remove excess buildup inside the tank.  This allows solids and sludge to break down, preventing potentially hazardous materials from passing into the drain field.  When the sludge and solids are kept in the tank for proper breakdown, the surrounding environment and water sources are clean and safe.

Signs You Need Septic Tank Cleaning

Depending on the size of your tank and the number of people in your home, you may need a cleaning every one to three years.  Even if you’ve had a cleaning recently, there are some signs that indicate maintenance is necessary.

If your toilets and drains are running slow or you notice unusual odors around toilets, drains or sinks it could be a sign of buildup or a clog in your system.  The professionals at The Septic Group have the training and tools necessary to diagnose and repair your septic system issue.  Our field techs are well versed in cleanings, inspections, complete pump outs and even septic system replacement.  So whatever the issue with your tank, we’ve got the equipment and skills to get your home’s plumbing running safely again. Call us today

When You Need Regular Septic Tank Cleaning in Snohomish

Serving Snohomish, Lake Stevens, Granite Falls, Everett, Arlington, Marysville, Monroe, Mill Creek, Lynnwood, & greater Snohomish county

Posted on April 27, 2020 | Published by Ignite Local | Related Local Business

Septic Tank Care in Snohomish

Your septic system is hidden well out of sight and mind, and that’s where you want it to remain. Unfortunately, ignoring septic tank care and maintenance will result in a backup or other preventable issue. If you let maintenance slide, expensive damage can incur that a simple septic pumping won’t resolve. Taking a few simple actions can help your septic tank do it’s job dependably for years to come.

1. Limit Garbage Disposal Use

Food by-products add a significant source of rot and biomass to the septic tank. In addition to regular waste, the addition of foodstuffs from the garbage disposal will necessitate a more frequent pumping schedule. Discard food waste in the garbage bin or use them as compost.

2. Don’t Empty Your RV’s Black Water Tank Into the Septic Tank

Your septic tank isn’t designed to handle high volumes of waste at one time; dumping your RV wastewater tank into your septic system is wildly outside what most systems are designed to accommodate. If doing so doesn’t cause back-ups immediately, it will significantly strain the components of your septic system and drastically accelerating wear.

3. Keep Trash Out of Your Septic System

Flushing anything that won’t naturally biodegrade in your septic system not only risks clogging it, but it never breaks down in your septic tank the way regular waste does. Cigarette butts, disposable razor caps, tampons, and anything plastic or metal don’t belong in a septic tank. If it can’t be broken down by the tank’s natural bacterial processes, it will cause a serious backup.

4. Be Careful With Additives and Grease

It’s not just solid waste that can clog up your system; additives and fats can severely interfere with its regular operations. Septic system additives don’t always work as advertised and can even cause problems in an otherwise balanced system – especially in the drain field. Grease and fats are much more likely to clog your pipes and the pre-tank parts of your septic system than other wastes. Discard grease by storing it in a container before disposing it in the garbage.

5. Know Your Septic Tank’s Pumping Schedule

Typically, septic tanks require a pumping every three to four years. If you’ve purchased a new property without knowing when a septic pumping last occurred, a septic inspection by a licensed inspector can determine the next pumping interval. Knowing when to have your septic tank pumped can save you hundreds to thousands of dollars in septic tank repair down the road.

Entrust Your Septic Tank Care to Us

For a licensed and bonded septic service and repair in Snohomish County, call The Septic Group. We are a long-standing member of the Washington On-Site Sewage Association, with well-trained crews performing regularly scheduled septic pumping, emergency septic repair, septic system installation or reinstallation, and septic system inspection.

Fifty Years’ Experience in Septic Pumping and Repair

Serving Snohomish, Lake Stevens, Granite Falls, Everett, Arlington, Marysville, Monroe, Mill Creek,
Lynnwood, and greater Snohomish county

Posted on March 27, 2020 | Published by Ignite Local | Related Local Business

Have you recently experienced flooding on your property in Snohomish, Washington? Even significant ground saturation after long periods of rain can cause problems with your septic system. It’s important to establish a flood protocol with your septic specialist. This can save you a lot of worries if disaster does strike. Keeping the following septic system flood tips in mind can be helpful when dealing with this type of situation.

Never Drive Over the Drainfield

It’s vital that you never drive over your drainfield, especially after heavy rain or flooding. Wet soil is easily compacted, which means the weight of your vehicle could do significant damage to your tank and piping.

Avoid Using Your System

Avoid using your system if there is standing water in your drainfield. It’s important to wait until the water levels have lowered. It’s also impossible to perform any septic system repairs when excess water is present.

Schedule an Inspection

Flooding doesn’t usually damage septic tanks, but it’s important to schedule an inspection anyway. Ask your contractor if it’s a good idea to perform septic tank pumping as well.

Need Help from a Septic System Professional in Snohomish?

Do you need to schedule an appointment with a septic system professional in Snohomish, Washington? If your property has been impacted by flooding, it’s important to ensure that your system has sustained no damage. The Septic Group in Snohomish offers a variety of superior septic services, including septic system installation. Our highly-trained technicians have established a reputation for providing expert advice, quality workmanship and unbeatable customer care on every job. With so many years of experience in the industry, we have the knowledge, skills and equipment to address all your septic needs quickly and efficiently. Contact us today with questions or to request a free quote. We regularly run promotions for new clients.

Septic System Experts in Snohomish

Serving Snohomish, Lake Stevens, Granite Falls, Everett, Arlington, Marysville, Monroe, Mill Creek, Lynnwood & the greater Snohomish County.

Are you planning to buy a new home in Lynnwood, Washington? If you’ve never had a house that utilizes a septic system before, it may be tempting to avoid one now. This may be a mistake, however. Don’t shy away from a great buy without first talking to a septic specialist. Septic systems have several beneficial features to offer you as a homeowner.

Self-Sufficiency

One of the best features a septic system offers is self-sufficiency. You won’t be affected by any major malfunctions. No longer being connected to public sewage also means you have more control over repairs.

Longevity

It’s also worth noting that a septic system can last a really long time. When properly maintained, a good system will remain functional for 20 to 40 years before it needs to be replaced. Continue Reading →

Are you planning for a septic system installation on your property in Mill Creek, Washington? While a septic specialist will help you through the entire process, there are several things you will need to do prior to starting work. Taking steps now can help ensure that your installation goes smoothly. Spend time now completing the following:

Designate a Location

Before your septic system installation can begin, you’ll need to designate a location for your tank and drainfield. This will probably require a survey of your land. A professional can help identify the best spot on your property.

Clear the Land

If the designated area hasn’t already been cleared, you’ll need to remove trees, brush and roots before the septic system installation. At the very least, you’ll need to prepare the space with sand and gravel. Ask a professional for specific guidelines. Continue Reading →

Would you like to extend the lifespan of your home’s septic system in Monroe, Washington? The best way to save money on unexpected septic system repairs is to be proactive. By taking certain steps now, you can greatly impact the effectiveness of your system. It doesn’t take much! The following tips can have a great impact on your septic system’s lifespan.

Schedule Septic Pumping Regularly

To extend a septic system’s lifespan it’s absolutely imperative that you schedule regular septic tank pumping services. In most cases, this means making an appointment every two to three years, but it could vary based on tank size and household usage.

Monitor What Goes In

You should also be careful about what items you flush into your system. Non-biodegradable materials, such as hair, feminine products, diapers and cigarettes, do not belong in your tank. Ask a septic specialist for a list of problem items. Continue Reading →

Are you facing a septic tank emergency in Marysville, Washington? As a homeowner, you already know just how important properly caring for your system is. When issues arise, scheduling septic system repairs in a timely manner is absolutely essential. Postponing repairs can have expensive and hazardous consequences. However, some problems require more immediate attention than others. Contact a professional during emergency hours if you notice any of the following:

Strange Drainage

Strange drainage can indicate an emerging problem with your septic system. Unfamiliar sounds are also concerning and should be examined by a professional as soon as possible.

Standing Water in the Drainfield

You’ll also want to contact a septic specialist if you notice standing water in your drainfield. This septic tank emergency may also be accompanied by foul odors. You need to address this situation right away because leaking sewage is dangerous for your health and the environment. Continue Reading →

When was the last time you scheduled a septic tank inspection in Arlington, Washington? How frequently you need this service will depend on the number of people in your household, the size of your tank and the amount of water you use. Regular inspections can help you spot issues early and prevent expensive septic system repairs. Keep the following tips in mind as you prepare for your next appointment.

Have System Plans Available

If able, it’s a really good idea to have a copy of your septic system plans. Your contractor can use this document as a reference during the septic tank inspection. It’ll make the process smoother and more efficient.

Make the Tank Easily Accessible

Many companies charge an additional fee to locate and uncover a septic tank. Take whatever steps are necessary to ensure your septic specialist can easily access your tank and drainfield.

Create a List of Potential Issues

Your septic tank inspection is the perfect time to discuss issues you’ve noticed. Take time to write down questions or problems to discuss with your contractor. A professional can also estimate how long it will be until you need to schedule septic tank pumping services.

Time to Schedule a Septic Tank Inspection in Arlington?

Is it time to schedule a septic tank inspection in Arlington, Washington? Now that you how know to prepare for this important service, it’s time to make an appointment with a specialist. Contact The Septic Group in Snohomish to request a free quote today! We’ve served the Arlington area for years. Our technicians provide expert advice, quality results and unbeatable customer care. With years of experience, you can trust us to have the knowledge, skills and equipment to address all your septic needs. From septic system installation to septic system repairs, we’ll complete the work quickly and efficiently. Also make sure you check our website for current updates and promotions.

Septic Tank Inspection Services in Arlington

Serving Snohomish, Lake Stevens, Granite Falls, Everett, Arlington, Marysville, Monroe, Mill Creek, Lynnwood & the greater Snohomish County.