Category: Home Services

Septic Service Basics Every Homeowner We Should Know

Wastewater from your toilet (called blackwater) and your sinks, tubs, showers, washing machine, dishwasher, and clothes dryer (called greywater) runs into a septic tank. Once in the septic tank, solid materials sink to the bottom and form a layer called sludge. Fats, oils, and greases float to the top and form a layer called scum. The liquid between these layers is called effluent. Anaerobic bacteria in the septic tank treat this wastewater, converting organic materials into gases and liquids. Click Here to learn more.

When the sludge and scum layers get too thick, they must be pumped out. If this isn’t done regularly, the solid waste can clog the drain field, which will interfere with proper wastewater treatment and absorption.

Preparing for Septic Tank Cleaning

The septic system’s drainage field is located in the soil around the home. It’s important not to cover it with a driveway, parking lot, or other impervious surface, as this can prevent wastewater from percolating into the ground.

It’s also important to only flush septic-safe items, like human and kitchen waste, paper products, and toilet tissue. Never flush non-septic-safe materials, like baby wipes, cotton swabs, cigarette butts, cat litter, hair, sanitary products, or cleaning chemicals. These can disrupt the natural breakdown process in the septic tank and clog pipes and pumps.

A septic tank works best when it receives a steady flow of water. Too much at once—multiple people taking showers, for example—can overwork the system and cause a back-up in your drains. This can be dangerous and costly to repair.

Regular septic tank maintenance is also important, including pumping it every 3 to 5 years and inspecting the baffle, tank lid, and vents for cracks or other damage. Keeping the yard free of debris and covering the drain field with a gravel-filled permeable area will also help protect the septic system and keep it functioning well.

Septic tanks that are not properly maintained or pumped out can overflow and cause a health hazard for homeowners, neighbors, and pets. Overflowing septic tanks can pollute surface and groundwater and lead to sewage backups and other wastewater issues.

Drain Field

A drain field (also known as an absorption field or leach field) removes and manages the sewage and waste material that leaves your home. This underground onsite sewage system takes the liquid waste from your septic tank, and slowly and evenly distributes it into the soil. It is important to keep your septic tank and drain field in good working condition, which requires routine maintenance by professionals and your own efforts.

Wastewater from your toilets, showers, tubs, sinks and washing machines flows into your septic tank through one main drainage pipe. Solid materials, such as food waste, feces and toilet paper, settle at the bottom of your septic tank in a thick, viscous layer called sludge. Lighter masses, such as soaps, oils and greases, float to the top of your septic tank in a film of scum. Anaerobic bacteria in your septic tank digest these materials. The resulting mixture of liquid and sludge exits your septic tank through inlet and outlet tees into the drain field.

Your septic tank’s drain field is a network of downward sloped pipes made of porous material, such as gravel, buried in the ground. The perforated pipes allow wastewater to seep into the ground, where the soil is able to filter out the remaining organic waste material.

To help protect your septic tank and drain field, landscape your property with grass and shrubs, instead of hard surfaces such as asphalt. Do not build structures over your septic tank or drain field, and ensure that downspouts are pointing away from your septic system. Trees or woody plants with deep roots may invade your septic tank drain field and cause problems.

If your septic tank and drain field are not properly maintained, it can lead to a complete failure of your septic system. This can result in sewage entering your home through toilets or drains, odors in the yard and runoff into rivers or lakes. To prevent this, have your septic tank inspected by a professional on a regular basis, and ensure that the system is pumped at least every three to five years.

Absorption Chambers

If you live on a property without a municipal sewer line, your wastewater goes into an on-site septic system instead of to a sewage treatment plant. That means you need to know how your septic system works and the best option for your home. One choice is the chamber septic system, which uses a series of buried chambers rather than gravel trenches to treat the wastewater.

In a conventional septic tank, the sludge layer settles on the bottom and the water floats on top. Bacteria in the septic tank do some basic sewage treatment, but the majority of the sewage treatment happens when the effluent enters the drain field and gets absorbed into the soil. Gravel acts as a filter, and it keeps the backfill soil from getting into the absorption area so the effluent can get absorbed more easily.

A septic tank is a concrete, fiberglass, or plastic underground structure through which domestic wastewater (sewage) flows for basic sewage treatment. The septic tanks contain a combination of solids and liquids for basic sewage treatment by settling and anaerobic digestion processes. The septic tanks also contain a lid, vents, and a pump to prevent septic tank odor.

After septic tank floats and sludge layers are separated, the liquid in the septic tank is discharged into the drainfield via an outlet pipe. The drainfield is designed to disperse the wastewater over a large area. This allows the septic system to absorb more of the wastewater than would be possible with a smaller leach field.

Some septic tank manufacturers offer products such as the Prinsco Pro4 36 chamber absorption field system that use a series of buried trenches that are designed to provide sewage treatment for up to four homes. A chamber system provides more space for a leach field than does a traditional pipe and gravel type septic system, which can save homeowners money in installation.

However, a chamber septic system is only recommended for sites where the soil is permeable enough to allow rapid seepage of wastewater. This is because the chambers store wastewater for longer than does a pipe and gravel system, and this may lead to a buildup of sludge in the leach field that causes the system to fail sooner than it would with a pipe and gravel system.

Vents

A septic tank needs to be vented to allow for air movement in and out of the system. The venting also helps to control unpleasant odors that occur when the waste decomposes anaerobiotically in the septic tank. The odors are a natural byproduct of this process, and the septic tank vent keeps them from reaching living areas of a home.

The septic tank vent is usually a 3 or 4 inch pipe that sticks out of the roof. The pipe is a part of the house plumbing, which means it’s also connected to the main vent stack for the whole house. It’s important to know where this pipe is so you can keep it clear of blockages or other issues that could affect the health and safety of your family.

The main reason for this ventilation is that the septic tank and leach field need oxygen to break down waste properly. If the bacteria in the septic tank don’t have enough oxygen, they won’t be able to get rid of waste quickly or completely. The vent keeps pressure stable in the septic system and lets gases like methane and hydrogen sulfide escape into the atmosphere.

In addition, the vent lets air enter the leach field to prevent a vacuum from building up and causing problems with the absorption system or the waste in the leach field. If a septic tank isn’t properly vented, it can be dangerous for the homeowner and neighbors as well.

Keeping your septic tank vent clear of blockages and other problems is essential for proper function. If you think there might be a problem with your septic tank vent, contact a professional right away. They can come out and take a look, clean the vent, and make sure that everything is working as it should.

Keeping your septic tank system healthy and functioning properly is good for your family, your neighbors, and your community. The best way to do this is to have regular maintenance from a certified septic technician. They’ll check your septic tank, drain fields, and other parts of the system for signs of problems and make any necessary repairs.

The Benefits of Being a Plumber

Plumbers install and repair pipes that supply water, gas or waste to-and-from homes and businesses. They use specialized equipment like video cameras and pressure gauges to inspect plumbing systems and identify issues.

They may also collaborate with construction teams and architects on new building projects. Because plumbing emergencies can occur at any time, they’re on-call 24/7. Contact Gateway Plumbers of Aurora now!

How Long Does it Take to Become a Plumber? - GoodBee Plumbing

Plumbing is often seen as an invisible job, but the impact of a plumber’s work can be felt in many ways. Whether it’s a shower, bath, or sink that doesn’t drain properly, or a pipe bursts causing water to flood a kitchen or bathroom, the work of a licensed plumber can directly impact people’s health and well-being.

For example, if there’s a crack or hole in the pipes that carry fresh drinking water, it could lead to contamination of the water supply and potential illness or death from diseases like cholera and typhoid. It’s estimated that 88 percent of diarrhea cases around the world can be traced back to poor water and sanitation systems. Licensed plumbers ensure that the water we drink is safe and clean, helping protect us from serious illnesses and disease.

A plumber’s work also contributes to the overall health and wellbeing of a nation by ensuring that public buildings, including hospitals, schools, and offices, have sanitary plumbing. Without the services of licensed plumbers, these structures would have dangerous and unhealthy conditions that put the people inside them at risk.

Plumbers are often called upon to inspect existing pipe work to identify issues and ensure that building codes are being met. These inspections can involve using specialized equipment to view the interior of a pipe, testing for leaks, and locating blockages. They may also be required to install new fixtures or pipes, such as toilets, basins, showers, and waste disposal units, as well as repair or replace old ones.

In addition, plumbers must be able to work safely and follow plumbing codes that are set by their state or municipality. This can include wearing appropriate clothing, gloves, and masks to protect themselves from inhaling hazardous fumes or working with toxic materials.

Plumbers can find a lot of satisfaction in their jobs, especially since they play such a vital role in keeping water flowing smoothly and preventing potential safety hazards. If you’re interested in becoming a plumber, the first step is getting your license and enrolling in an apprenticeship program where you can learn the trade while earning money.

They Make Hot Water Available

The plumbing system takes away waste water, provides hot and cold water, and regulates indoor climate through pipes, valves, fixtures, and appliances. Plumbers install these components and repair them when necessary. The job also involves identifying and preventing problems like leaks, clogs, and floods.

A career as a plumber is ideal for people who enjoy hands-on work and problem-solving. It’s also a stable and rewarding occupation. The demand for plumbers is consistent, regardless of economic conditions. This makes it a good choice for people who want to build a long-term career.

Plumbers typically work in homes, businesses, and construction sites. They may have to enter crawl spaces and other confined areas to access pipes. They also need to wear safety equipment and follow strict health protocols when working with chemicals and other dangerous substances.

When installing a new plumbing system, plumbers follow blueprints and building codes to ensure the proper placement and connections of pipes and fixtures. They also use specialized tools to unclog drains and identify and repair broken pipes and fixtures. They often work with electrical systems as well, so they must be familiar with the hazards involved in working with electricity.

The job requires physical strength and agility to navigate cluttered work areas while lifting heavy objects. It also demands excellent hand-eye coordination and manual dexterity to handle tools and parts. Plumbers need strong communication skills to listen to customers’ concerns and explain their repair options clearly. They must be able to work well under pressure and in inclement weather.

Plumbing jobs can be stressful and physically demanding, especially when dealing with emergency situations. Plumbers frequently work late hours and weekends to respond to calls for help. This can lead to burnout and stress, so it’s important for plumbers to seek out a healthy work-life balance.

Plumbers are also required to maintain their own tools and keep up with industry changes and regulations. They must attend continuing education classes to stay up-to-date on the latest technologies, tools, and procedures. They must also pass an examination to become licensed. If they are not licensed, plumbers may be vulnerable to fines and other legal actions.

They Impact Lives

From the comfort of hot showers to the ease of boiling water in kettles on a cold winter morning, the conveniences we enjoy every day are made possible by plumbing. But the skills and expertise of plumbers go beyond just fitting pipes. They play a critical role in enhancing and maintaining public health, directly impacting our lives and preventing deadly diseases.

A significant part of plumbers’ work involves ensuring safe and reliable water supply, sewage systems, and waste disposal. They are trained to spot potential hazards in these systems, such as leaks, blockages, and other issues that can cause water damage, promote the growth of harmful bacteria, and negatively impact the quality of drinking water. By addressing these problems before they cause major damage, plumbers prevent the spread of waterborne diseases and ensure that we have access to clean drinking water.

Plumbers are also involved in disaster response efforts to help communities recover after natural calamities. For instance, they are responsible for assessing and repairing plumbing systems in emergency shelters, hospitals, and other critical facilities. This way, these people have access to clean drinking water and proper sanitation to protect their health and safety.

Plumbing professionals are constantly advancing their techniques and tools to improve the efficiency of plumbing systems. This allows households to conserve water and energy, reducing their carbon footprint and contributing to sustainability. Furthermore, many plumbers have adopted eco-friendly practices in their businesses to further reduce the environmental impact of their services.

Unlike other professions, the plumbing industry isn’t just about making money and getting paid. Plumbers are also actively involved in the community, promoting and championing valuable causes that can help create stronger communities and a sustainable planet. The contributions of these plumbers make them more than just ‘fixers’ — they are true heroes in their own right.

They Don’t Work Behind a Desk

Plumbing is a hands-on profession, and plumbers spend most of their time in the field. This means that they get to work around people all day long and constantly meet new people. They can also develop business relationships that can help them generate more income in the future. If you’re a people person and enjoy working with your hands, this may be the perfect job for you.

One of the main stereotypes that surround plumbers is that they don’t need to have a bachelor’s degree, but this couldn’t be further from the truth. Most plumbers go through apprenticeship and trade school to learn the skills that they need for their jobs. Then, they go through additional training and certification to make sure that they’re up to date with the latest technology in their field.

As a plumber, you will work on residential and commercial plumbing systems. You’ll install and repair bathroom and kitchen fixtures, unclog drains, and maintain water heaters. You might also have to install or repair other appliances, like dishwashers and washing machines. This can be challenging because you’ll have to think about how these different systems connect to each other. It’s also important to have strong problem-solving skills because if something goes wrong with a plumbing system, it could be a health hazard or even lead to extensive damage to the building.

The piping that brings fresh water into buildings and removes waste needs to be able to coordinate with the other systems, such as heating and cooling. This is why it’s so important for plumbers to have good problem-solving skills. They also need to be able to communicate with customers and explain complex plumbing issues in an easy-to-understand way.

Plumbers often have to be creative to come up with solutions for difficult problems. They might need to cut through walls or ceilings to access pipes, so they’ll have to be physically fit and able to work with their hands. They might also have to climb on ladders or use power tools, so they need to be able to handle physical demands and high-pressure situations.