When there’s an issue with your septic system, you need assistance ASAP. Hurrying the hiring process, however, can lead to shoddy and subpar servicing. With a multitude of contractors out there, it can be tricky knowing which company to choose. To ensure you get the best value for what you pay, it helps tremendously to ask the following septic repair questions as part of the vetting process.

1. Are You Licensed?

This is a hugely integral question to ask a potential technician. It’s essential you’re certain the company or contractor is licensed and/or certified. Licensure means the contractor is officially registered at the municipal or state level to perform the industry-specific service.

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Septic system maintenance around Kirkland is about ensuring minor issues don’t exacerbate. That means septic system inspections should be an annual endeavor. There are two areas you need to give extra attention to: the intake and outlet areas. These sections have ports that enable you to see what’s in the tank. There’s a center entryway between these two ports and below a manhole that’s used for pumping solids out.

Proper Septic Tank Pumping Procedures

Pumping needs to go through the central opening because there are baffles, or sanitary tees, situated on both ends of the tank. These regulate the flow of effluent to their designated locations. At the intake, the pipe shuttles wastewater from the home to the central porton of the tank. A wall baffle directs the incoming water downwards. Without the baffle, the effluent would remain above the scum layer and solidify. This keeps wastewater from flowing freely, leading to the drains backing up in your home.

A Baffling Wastewater Problem

At the other end, there are baffles regulating water flow into the drain field. Improperly treated wastewater may be released into the drain field, creating an unsanitary mess and a health concern. The baffles require regular inspections.

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Routine care and well-timed pumping is the best way to maintain the septic system. However, sometimes the problem lies not in the system itself but in the drain field. The field may be ponding; this requires your immediate attention. Drain field rejuvenation may be the appropriate step of action.

What Is Drain Field Ponding?

Ponding occurs due to damaged pipes. This usually stems from tree roots penetrating the pipes, or if the soil becomes overly compact and is unable to allow the effluent to percolate. It may also occur when too much water enters the system, stemming from excess water use in the household. It may also be the case that there is too much organic matter clogging the system.

Solutions Other Than Replacement

An inspector may reveal that the problem may stem from the installation of a new garbage disposal or a new bathroom. This may cause biomat to form beneath the distribution pipes and prevent water from percolating. 

Biomat is the organic matter that aids in the purification process. However, too much biomat can inhibit soil infiltration, causing a backup that eventually leads to ponding water. A technician may install a septic tank filter to keep biomat concentrations at a steady level. Regular maintenance will also limit biomat growth.
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Are you looking to expand your home in some way or another? If so, consider how this may potentially impact the septic system. Adding a garbage disposal, for example, may seem straightforward. However, non-biodegradable solid debris could enter the septic system, leading to damage and accelerated wear. This may lead to more frequent servicing and septic pumping. This is why you should consult with a septic system specialist before proceeding with any major new construction projects on your property.

Expanding your Home and the Septic System

Are you expanding the bathroom or a bedroom? First, be sure the contractor acquires any required permits before beginning. Any expansion of the house may take up space that makes up the drain field. Encroaching on the drain field can stress the septic system. Many municipalities have actually designated the maximum number of bedrooms and bathrooms allowed for a home with a septic system.

When acquiring a permit, some homeowners or their contractors may try to get around this by listing a new bedroom construction, for example, as a different type of room. However, please consider what ramifications this may have on the septic system. This is why it’s important that you familiarize yourself with local building ordinances and have a septic system provider examine the construction beforehand. Continue Reading →

Rain is a good thing as it provides a beneficial and natural water source for the foliage. However, too much of a good thing can have unintended consequences. With the Duvall region prone to the occasional heavy rain spell, This can flood the drain field in homes with a septic system. This can lead to a backup in the home’s drainage system, necessitating a call with your local septic repair provider.

If you’re unable to clear the backup using a typical plumber’s snake or a septic-safe drain cleaner, then you may require a septic system pumping. However, you may have to wait for the ponding water to clear before a technician can clear the tank. Continue Reading →

As you likely know, the EPA has the all-important task of safeguarding the environment. There are various enforced rules with the aim of offsetting water and air contamination. While the EPA doesn’t regulate septic system handling, it does have a few voluntary set of practices. Consider the following septic system EPA guidelines to keep your system and the environment clean.

Voluntary Guidelines

The EPA has five voluntary guidelines listed on their official website’s FAQ page. Two of these are focused on what the homeowner should do.

• System inventory and awareness of maintenance needs
• System care via maintenance contracts

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Your septic system may work without a hitch for years, but there may come a point when you eventually need septic repairs. If your drain field has trees and shrubbery on the surface, the system is at risk of a backup. Roots penetrating through pipes have been an ongoing issue in the industry for years, leading to countless leaks and ruptures. Even if you just have grass over the drain field, which all professional installers recommend, you should still regularly keep an eye on the area.

Look for Puddled Water

Mushy patches of grass may be a sign of a backed-up system. If a section of grass appears very damp and soggy, this may be attributed to a crack in the pipes. You’ll want to look into that right away. The issue with roots is that they’re out of sight, so you need to be on the lookout for telltale signs like soaked grass and contact a septic specialist at the first signs of problems.

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A septic system owner in Snohomish County can typically count on ample rainfall to minimize lawn sprinkler use. That’s one way to promote water conservation. However, septic system owners should also take active steps to direct rainwater away from the drainfield.

Saving Water Adds to Your Septic System’s Life

There have been many innovations to assist homeowners in preserving water. These methods also make it easier for you to maintain your septic system. The greater the care, the less likely you’ll require emergency services for your system down the line. Here are some ways to conserve water around the home:

• Use low-flow showerheads
• Limit your showers to three to five minutes
• Invest in water-saving washers and dishwashers when these appliances need to be replaced
• Only use the washer and dishwasher when they can be filled to capacity
• Arrange to wash the clothes over several days to lessen the water amount flowing into the system
• Repair leaking faucets and toilets right away – the non-stop drips and water flow adds up to a lot of wasted H2O.
• Clear backed up drains with baking soda instead of chemical-based cleaners

On the subject of chemicals, keep them away from the drains. Be careful when using paints and washing brushes. You don’t want paint residues and solvents from the brushes or your hands entering the system. 

Keep grease and oil from entering the kitchen drain. Also, refrain from using store-bought septic cleaners. They’re often not necessary as the natural waste should create all the needed bacteria to break down any solids that enter the septic tank.

Make Water Conservation in Snohomish a Daily Habit

These methods should be enforced long-term to keep the septic system operating smoothly. When issues do arise, you’ll want trustworthy assistance. That’s where The Septic Group comes in. We provide new septic system installations as well as inspections, pumping, backup clearing, and emergency assistance. Call us at (360) 310-4430 and make use of our online $25.00 coupon for an evaluation report on your system today.

Septic System Care and Water Conservation in Snohomish

Serving Snohomish, Arlington, Bellevue, Bothell, Carnation, Duvall, Edmonds, Everett, Fall City, Granite Falls, Issaquah, Kenmore, Kirkland, Lake Forest Park, Lake Stevens, Lynnwood, Marysville, Mill Creek, Monroe, Mountlake Terrace, Mukilteo, Newcastle, Redmond, Sammamish, Seattle, Stanwood & Woodinville

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Posted on February 14, 2021 | Published by Ignite Local | Related Local Business

More than 8,000 restaurants have structure fires each year, totaling over $250 million in property damage. The biggest cause of these fires is the grease traps. Every restaurant owner knows the importance of regular grease trap cleaning. How do you know when, however?

Whether you’re opening a new restaurant or have been in business for years, this question is key to a healthy kitchen. Manufacturers typically recommend that you schedule a cleaning every 30 to 90 days. That’s a pretty large window of time.  Frequency depends greatly upon how busy your restaurant is. Watch for these signs that it’s time to schedule a cleaning appointment with your local septic service company in Monroe.

Strong Smells

A kitchen smelling strongly of grease and rotting food is a good sign that it’s time to clean your grease trap. Food waste that sits too long produces strong, unpleasant odors. If you notice strong smells coming from your sink drains, contact your technician.

Poor Sink Drainage

Your grease trap is designed to catch most food waste, but when it’s full, there’s nowhere for the solids to go. When this happens, you’re likely to experience poor drainage or clogged pipes. Don’t wait to clean your grease trap until a problem has already developed.

Problems with Plumbing

If your grease trap is too full, plumbing throughout your facility can start having problems, too. If you notice issues with low water levels in your bathrooms, it could be a result of a grease trap that’s too full.

Think You Should Schedule a Grease Trap Cleaning in Monroe Today?

The most important thing to you as a restaurant owner is that your business continues running smoothly. With no time for slow drains or clogged kitchen sinks, make sure you schedule regular grease trap cleanings. The Septic Group is here to help. We offer a variety of services, including grease trap cleanings, septic system maintenance, septic tank pumping, septic system installations, and septic inspections.  Contact us today with questions, to schedule a grease trap cleaning appointment, or request a free quote for one of our other services!

Recommended Grease Trap Cleaning Specialists in Monroe

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

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Posted on January 14th, 2021 | Published by Ignite Local | Related Local Business

With the arrival of the coldest months of the year and the holidays, your septic system requires special care. While proper septic tank maintenance is always important, certain elements change this time of year. Be prepared by heeding these winter septic system tips in Marysville.

Insulate Your Tank

Insulate your septic system during the colder months so it doesn’t freeze over. Allow the grass covering your septic tank to grow out for an added layer of protection. You can also lay mulch over the area. This cover helps the system retain heat.

Don’t Put Off Pumping

If you’re tempted to try to make it through the winter without having your tank pumped, think again. It’s better to pump your tank before the new year. It can be hard to located the tank in snow, and it’s harder to dig into frozen ground. You’ll also have additional room in your tank so, if it does freeze, there will be no damage done to your septic system.

Keep Water Moving

Moving water usually doesn’t freeze. If you know a cold front is coming, make sure you keep water moving through your system. Daily activities like showering, doing laundry, and washing dishes should prevent freezing. Be alert for long periods where the water isn’t being used when it’s cold.

Need Winter Septic System Help in Marysville?

When you need professional assistance with your septic system this winter, contact The Septic Group of the greater Snohomish county. We offer all types of septic service, including septic system installation. Visit our website for current promotions or contact us to schedule an appointment. Ask about our free quote offer today!

Winter Septic System Services in Marysville

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

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Posted on November 28, 2020 | Published by Ignite Local | Related Local Business