Do I have proper grasses and ground cover?
The heart of your septic system is your tank, usually a concrete box measuring about 8 feet by 4 feet and around 4 feet deep, depending on the size of your home and waste needs. This tank is buried in your yard and acts as a holding and separating tank for all the wastewater that leaves your home. It’s important to protect your tank through strategic ground cover. It is highly recommended that you plant quality grass and low-root ground cover plants above and around your tank. This adds a layer of insulation against cold weather and helps identify where your tank is, aiding in avoiding driving or digging over it.
Do I have any broken pipes?
Often, projects around the house are done in the summer and fall. Sometimes this comes with trucks on our lawns, larger lawn-maintenance equipment, or holes and ditches dug in or around our septic system. Unknowingly, these can wreak havoc on your septic system, breaking pipes or causing cave-ins of your drain field. Do a walk-through inspection after projects are completed to ensure there has been no disturbance to your septic system, paying special attention to your pipes, tank, and drainfield.
Are my downspouts pointing in the right direction?
The average 2200 sq ft home in Ga gets more than 1300 gallons of water from its roof for every 1 inch of rain. That’s a lot of water! It’s important that you have directed that water away from your septic tank. The best way to do this is to be sure the downspouts aren’t running water into the septic tank. When the rains come, and the snow melts, houses are built to direct that rain off the roof, through your gutters, and down to the ground through a downspout. As a homeowner with a septic system, it’s important that you direct your downspout away from your septic tank, as the excess water can create hydraulic overflow and throw off your septic system by introducing an inordinate amount of water into the system and either overflowing the tank or saturating your drainfield, potentially causing a backup.
Is anything going on in my tank that shouldn’t?
During the winter, all kinds of items can be put down your drains that shouldn’t be – from candy wrappers to feminine hygiene items to random objects, all of which wreck your system. It’s important to communicate the need for everyone to be vigilant about what goes down your drain. Often, those without septic knowledge will treat your septic like a sewer, causing issues down the line. Let your guests know, often through a sign and a strategically placed waste can, what should and shouldn’t go into your tank.
Does my system need hot water?
The unusual winter storm this year in Georgia reminds us just how vulnerable our septic systems can be during freezing weather. When cold pipes lead to freezing, get a dose of grease or other items; this is a recipe for a major clog! During freezes, if possible, run hot water through your pipes once in the evening to help melt ice buildup.
Do I have active, living bacteria?
The science rockstar behind a perfectly functioning septic system is bacteria! It’s the bacteria that break down the solids that are put into your septic tank. It’s important to have active, living bacteria in your tank. Unfortunately, many of today’s home cleaning products are toxic to our bacteria, killing both good and bad bacteria and inadvertently bringing our septic system to a halt. It’s key to remember not to pour harsh chemicals down the drain! Sometimes, with all the cleaning that happens this time of year, lots of harsh chemicals can make their way into your system and disrupt the biological processes that keep a well-working septic system functioning.
Is my water bill at the right level for my system?
In Georgia, the average water bill for a 3-bedroom house should be no more than $20- $30 per month. At that velocity, most septic systems can function properly. However, during winter, many water bills can rise significantly, putting strain on their septic systems. The three most common contributors that overload septic systems are: Doing more laundry (All the snow and muddy outer layers and jackets that needs to be washed), because of more guests using your facilities (which create an cadence of septic usage that can outpace the perculation rate of your drain field) and because of more long hot showers and baths taken in the winter – these can really tax your system. Review your water bill to see if you are at the right usage.
Do I have trees that are too close?
Many green-thumbed lawn enthusiasts don’t take their septic tank into consideration when laying out their spring plantings and planting trees around their yard that are on or near their septic tank, and over time, the roots from those trees make their way through their tank lids or into their pipes, creating clogs and issues. Take a visual assessment of your yard, and consider whether the system may be battling against unwatered roots.
Do I have leaking toilets or sinks?
This is a relatively silent invader of septic services. A leaking toilet can allow 3000 gallons a month into your system! A leaking faucet can add over 400 gallons to your system in a month! That extra water, over time, can create levels of saturation of your septic system that can lead to system failure. Take time to review the seals and operation of your toilets and tanks. It’s always better to fix a small problem before it turns into a larger issue.
Does my tank need to be pumped out?
The Department of Health recommends that septic tanks in Georgia be pumped out every 3-5 years. However, that number can be significantly reduced through overusage or the items discussed above. Having a professional septic company inspect and pump your tank regularly helps homeowners avoid costly repairs through proper maintenance.
At Guardian Septic Services, our passion is to empower homeowners with the education and resources they need to protect one of their most hidden investments, their septic system. If we can be of service to you, please check out our website, www.GuardianSepticServices.com, or call us today at 706-247-6500.