Septic tanks play a crucial role in managing household wastewater, but heavy rain can pose significant challenges, potentially leading to overflow, backups, or system failure. Fortunately, with proactive maintenance and some simple precautions, you can minimize the risk of septic tank issues during periods of heavy rainfall. In this article, we'll explore five essential tips to help you safeguard your septic system when the skies open up.

Regular Maintenance:
Regular maintenance is key to keeping your septic system functioning optimally, especially before the rainy season hits. Give us a call at (903) 643.7585 to learn how you can be set up for regular inspections to check for any signs of damage, leaks, or blockages. This proactive approach allows you to address minor issues before they escalate into major problems during heavy rain events.

Monitor Water Usage:
During periods of heavy rain, your septic system may already be working overtime to manage increased water infiltration into the soil. To lighten the load on your system, monitor and reduce water usage wherever possible. Fix leaking faucets, install low-flow fixtures, and spread out laundry and dishwasher loads over several days to avoid overwhelming your septic tank with excessive water flow.

Maintain Proper Drainage:
Ensure that your property's drainage system is in good condition to prevent rainwater from pooling around the septic tank and drain field area. Proper grading, gutter maintenance, and the installation of French drains or surface drainage channels can help divert rainwater away from these critical components of your septic system. By preventing excess water from saturating the soil, you reduce the risk of hydraulic overload and potential system failure.

Avoid Heavy Machinery:
During heavy rain, the soil around your septic tank and drain field becomes saturated and prone to compaction. Avoid driving heavy machinery or vehicles over these areas, as the additional weight can compress the soil and damage the underground pipes and components of your septic system. Even foot traffic should be minimized to prevent soil compaction, which can impede drainage and compromise system performance.

When in doubt, we are here to help! Don't hesitate to call us at (903) 643.7585 if you are concerned about the state of your septic system.

Maintaining a household involves a myriad of tasks, from mowing the lawn to fixing leaky faucets. Yet, amidst the hustle and bustle of daily life, there's one crucial aspect of home upkeep that often gets overlooked: septic tank maintenance. While it might not be the most glamorous chore, regular cleaning and maintenance of your septic tank are paramount for the health of both your home and the environment. Let's delve into why this often forgotten task deserves our attention.

Avoid Costly Repairs
A well-functioning septic system is essential for the smooth operation of your household plumbing. Neglecting regular maintenance can lead to costly repairs down the line. Over time, solids build up in the tank, which can cause blockages and backups in your plumbing system. These issues often result in unpleasant odors, slow drains, and in severe cases, sewage backups into your home. The expense of repairing these problems far outweighs the cost of routine maintenance.

Protect the Environment
Septic tanks play a crucial role in treating household wastewater before it is released into the environment. When properly maintained, septic systems effectively filter out harmful pathogens and pollutants, preventing them from contaminating groundwater and nearby water bodies. However, if neglected, a failing septic system can leak raw sewage into the soil, posing serious health risks to humans and wildlife, as well as polluting water sources. By regularly cleaning your septic tank, you're not only safeguarding your property but also doing your part to preserve the environment.

Prolong the Lifespan of Your System
Just like any other mechanical system, septic tanks require regular upkeep to ensure they function efficiently. Routine maintenance, including pumping out solids and inspecting for leaks or damage, helps prolong the lifespan of your septic system. Neglecting this essential task can lead to premature failure of your septic system, necessitating costly repairs or even replacement. By investing in regular maintenance, you can extend the life of your septic tank and avoid the headache of unexpected breakdowns.

Maintain Property Value
A well-maintained septic system is an essential component of a functional home. When it comes time to sell your property, potential buyers will likely conduct a thorough inspection, including an assessment of the septic system. A neglected septic tank can be a major red flag for prospective buyers, potentially lowering the value of your property or even derailing a sale altogether. On the other hand, a clean and well-maintained septic system can boost your property's appeal and value, giving you a competitive edge in the real estate market.

Conclusion
Regular septic tank maintenance and cleaning may not be the most glamorous aspect of homeownership, but it's undeniably crucial for the health of your home and the environment. By investing in routine maintenance, you can avoid costly repairs, protect the environment, prolong the lifespan of your septic system, and maintain the value of your property. So, next time you're drafting your home maintenance checklist, don't forget to include a reminder for septic tank cleaning – your home and the planet will thank you for it.

Here's a simple homeowner checklist for septic tank maintenance:

• Schedule Regular Pumping: Arrange for your septic tank to be pumped out by a professional every 3 to 5 years, or as recommended by a qualified septic service provider. Regular pumping prevents solids from accumulating and clogging the system.
• Monitor Water Usage: Be mindful of your household's water consumption. Excessive water usage can overload the septic system and lead to problems. Consider installing water-saving fixtures and appliances to reduce water usage.
• Dispose of Waste Properly: Avoid flushing non-biodegradable items, such as diapers, sanitary products, wipes, grease, and chemicals, down the drain. These items can clog pipes and disrupt the septic system's function.
  
• Keep Drain Fields Clear: Do not plant trees or shrubs near the drain field to prevent roots from invading and damaging the pipes. Additionally, avoid parking vehicles or placing heavy objects on the drain field, as this can compact the soil and impair drainage.
  
• Inspect Regularly: Periodically inspect your septic tank and drain field for signs of damage or leakage. Look for soggy or foul-smelling areas in the yard, slow drains, gurgling noises in plumbing fixtures, or sewage backups. If you notice any issues, contact a professional for inspection and repair.
  
• Conserve Water: Implement water conservation practices in your household, such as fixing leaks promptly, using water-efficient appliances, taking shorter showers, and running full loads of laundry and dishes. Conserving water reduces the strain on your septic system.
  
• Avoid Harsh Chemicals: Refrain from using harsh chemicals, such as bleach, drain cleaners, or antibacterial soaps, as they can disrupt the natural balance of bacteria in the septic tank. Opt for septic-safe cleaning products instead.
  
• Maintain Records: Keep detailed records of septic tank maintenance, including pumping dates, inspection reports, repairs, and any other relevant information. This documentation can help you track the health of your septic system and provide valuable information for future maintenance.
  
• Educate Household Members: Ensure that everyone in your household understands the importance of proper septic system maintenance and follows best practices for waste disposal and water usage.
  
• Schedule Professional Inspections: In addition to routine maintenance tasks, schedule periodic inspections by a licensed septic service provider. Professional inspections can identify potential issues early on and prevent costly repairs.

Hey there! If you're living in a place with a septic tank, you might have heard conflicting advice about whether it's okay to use a garbage disposal. It's a common debate, but let's dive into why it's generally not the best idea to pair these two together.

Strain on Your Septic System:
You know how a garbage disposal grinds up food waste into tiny bits? Well, those bits end up in your septic tank along with all the other wastewater. Sounds harmless, right? Not quite. The solid waste from the garbage disposal can pile up in your tank, leading to clogs and making it less efficient. That means more frequent pumping and maintenance, which can hit your wallet hard.

Too Much of a Good Thing:
Your septic system has its limits. When you toss a bunch of food scraps down the disposal, you're basically overloading it. The system's natural bacteria and enzymes that break down waste can get overwhelmed. This can mess with how well your tank treats wastewater, causing funky smells, backups, and potentially even system failure. No one wants that mess!

Risky Business for Your Pipes:
All that food waste going down the drain? It's a recipe for clogs and pipe damage. Clogs can mess with the flow of wastewater and might even damage your pipes and other parts of the system. Fixing or replacing septic pipes isn't cheap, so it's best to avoid anything that could increase the chances of that happening.

Environmental No-No:
Using a garbage disposal with a septic tank isn't just bad for your system—it's bad for the environment too. The solid waste from the disposal ends up in the soil and groundwater, which can mess with the balance of nutrients and harm the environment. Plus, it adds to water pollution, which isn't good for anyone.

What You Can Do Instead:

• Try composting your food scraps. It's a win-win: less strain on your septic system and nutrient-rich compost for your garden.
• Cut down on food waste by planning meals and storing leftovers properly.
• Use sink strainers to catch solid particles before they go down the drain. It'll help prevent clogs and keep your system happy.

​Conclusion:
Using a garbage disposal with a septic tank might seem convenient, but it's not worth the hassle and potential damage. By adopting alternative waste management practices and being mindful of what goes down the drain, you can keep your septic system—and the environment—happy and healthy.

It's not fun to step outside and hear the alarm on your septic tank blaring for the entire world to hear. There are a few reasons this could be happening, so be prepared whenever it inevitably happens.

1. Electrical Issues
Your septic system is powered by electricity. If you've recently had a power outage or if the alarm system is not getting proper electricity, this could trigger the alarm when there is no real problem with the septic system itself. A disconnect between the tank and the alarm system can also cause a false alarm. When you hear the alarm going off, it's never a bad idea to ensure that there are no electrical mishaps taking place.

2. Weather and/or Groundwater
If it's been particularly rainy or if inclement weather has caused groundwater to seep into your drainfield, this will prevent actual wastewater from being properly removed from the tank. Look for signs of standing water around your septic system. If you see that it's more saturated than usual, avoid watering your grass, doing multiple loads of laundry, or other activities that use a lot of water. Give your system time to catch up.

3. Faulty Component
There are several functioning parts within your septic system that keep it operating properly. If a pump, timer, or float stops working, this can typically lead to elevated water levels inside the tank, which will lead to an alarm.

4. Have your Septic System inspected regularly
We always recommend having your septic system inspected regularly so you can have peace of mind knowing that it's in full operation. Sometimes issues left untreated can result in costly repairs or even replacement of the system. Give us a call and we can get you on a service maintenance plan to save you time, money, and the hassle of those annoying alarms.