What Is a Septic Tank?

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Everything that goes down your toilets, sinks, bathtub and washing machine drains into a septic tank. The solid waste sinks to the bottom, forming a layer known as sludge. The lighter waste, such as fats, oils and greases, floats to the top.

Bacteria break down the sludge. The wastewater then leaves the septic tank through a pipe into the absorption field, or drain field. Contact Septic Tank Armadale now!

A septic tank is a buried, water-tight container that collects wastewater from a home. It holds the waste long enough for bacteria to break down solid waste. The resulting liquid wastewater is called effluent. It leaves the septic tank through a drain field or sand mound. If the septic tank is not kept up, sewage can back up into household drains.

As the wastewater travels through the absorption field, soil layers filter and digest it. When the effluent reaches groundwater, it is fully treated. However, if the tank is too full, it can clog the pipes leading to and from the house, and sewage may enter the environment.

When a septic tank is full, it will need to be pumped. Signs of a full tank include slow drains and puddles around the septic tank or house. A septic tank should be pumped every three to five years depending on the size of the household and how many people live in it.

As solids settle to the bottom of the septic tank, they form a layer known as sludge. This layer is dense and is made up of dirt, grit, bones, unconsumed food particles, and other solids. Underwater anaerobic bacteria slowly digest the sludge, producing gases as a byproduct. This creates a dark, slimy substance called sludge that needs to be removed at the same time as the tank is pumped.

Lightweight waste products such as grease and fats float to the top of the septic tank. These are separated from the sludge by an inlet baffle. When the septic tank is emptied, this clarified mixture of sludge and scum flows through the septic tank outlet to the drain field.

An effluent filter is often installed in the line between septic tank and drainfield to prevent solids from entering the septic tank outlet pipe and traveling to the drain field where they can clog pipes and shorten the drain field’s life. These filters can be expensive, but they are a necessary investment for homeowners with septic tanks. Alternatively, solids can be filtered out of the wastewater with a simple, low-cost gravity effluent filter that is cleaned at each tank pumping.

Sludge

A septic tank’s job is to collect waste and separate the solids from the liquids. Heavy solids like soil, grit, bones and unconsumed food particles sink to the bottom of the tank forming a thick layer known as sludge. Lighter wastes like oils and grease float to the top of the wastewater, creating a layer known as scum. Compartments and a T-shaped outlet prevent scum and sludge from leaving the septic tank with the liquid wastewater. The liquid wastewater, called effluent, exits the septic tank and flows into a drain field or leach field.

When the sludge and scum build up, it can cause problems for your home. For example, if the septic tank isn’t pumped often enough, the sludge and scum won’t be given enough time to separate from the water. If this happens, the septic tank will eventually fill up and the liquid wastewater will flow directly from the septic tank into the drain field, causing pathogenic bacteria to enter the environment.

The sludge also can clog pipes in the septic system and reduce the porosity of the drain field, causing it to fail. It can even contaminate drinking water. Finally, sludge can pollute local lakes and rivers with excessive amounts of phosphorus, which can promote prolific plant growth including algal blooms of potentially toxic cyanobacteria.

While it is true that septic tanks in urban areas produce more sewage sludge than rural ones, all septic systems generate some sludge. Since most rural residents use on-lot septic systems, they indirectly contribute to the generation of sewage sludge by having their septic tanks pumped and having their on-lot drainfields serviced.

In addition, if people flush non-biodegradable waste items down the toilet such as cigarette butts, paper towels, condoms, cotton swabs, dental floss and hair, they can also cause the septic tank to clog and fail. Having a professional septic contractor regularly inspect and service your septic system can help extend the amount of time between septic tank pumpings. You can also minimize the need for septic tank pumping by only putting biodegradable waste products like toilet paper, human waste and food down your toilet. Non-biodegradable waste items should be taken to a local hazardous waste facility for disposal.

Scum

Septic systems treat wastewater from the laundry, kitchen and bathrooms of homes where the municipal sewer system isn’t available. Wastewater contains germs and other pollutants that need to be separated from the water before it enters the environment.

When wastewater enters the septic tank, it undergoes a process called settling and flotation. Solid materials such as soil, grit, bones and unconsumed food particles sink to the bottom of the septic tank to form a layer known as sludge. Aerobic bacteria eat away at these solids to turn them into liquid waste. Fats, oils and greases float to the top of the wastewater and form a layer of scum. Bacteria in the septic tank digest these substances to produce a clear liquid that is known as effluent.

The septic tank is lined with concrete, fiberglass or polyethylene and buried underground. It has an inlet and an outlet baffle to prevent sludge from leaving the septic tank and entering the drain field. It also has a vent pipe that allows escaped gases to escape from the septic tank, preventing a buildup of pressure that could block or reverse the flow of wastewater into and out of the septic system.

Once the septic tank is full, the inlet and outlet baffles are closed. The effluent from the house flows through a pipe to the septic tank inlet. The septic tank inlet is usually a screen to filter out large debris from the wastewater.

The inlet baffle and outlet baffle prevent sludge and scum from exiting the septic tank and flowing into the drainfield. The septic tank also has a float that closes the outlet if the tank is full. The float is connected to an alarm that alerts the homeowner when the septic tank is filling or the pump is going out.

A septic system must be regularly inspected, cleaned and drained to avoid problems like leakage and groundwater contamination. Septic tanks are cheaper than municipal sewer costs, but they still require maintenance and can be expensive to repair or replace. The septic tank should be pumped every few years to keep it working properly. Biological additives can be added to the tank to accelerate the breakdown of organic wastes and reduce the frequency of pump outs.

Drain Field

A septic system’s drain field or leach field is designed to treat wastewater and filter contaminants out of groundwater. It is typically a series of perforated pipes in gravel-filled trenches in the soil. Wastewater from your home flows into the drain field through a distribution box. When the effluent enters the drain field, it is further filtered and neutralized as it seeps into the soil. The bacteria in the soil perform a final treatment. The drain field works in conjunction with the septic tank to help reduce pollution to the environment and to your property’s plumbing system.

When a septic tank is overloaded, the sludge layer in the bottom of the septic tank may not have time to separate from the scum layer on top. As a result, sewage may flow out of the septic tank into the drain field and backup the house’s drains. This is a serious health hazard as sewage contains disease-causing organisms that can be spread to people and pets when it comes into contact with them.

You can prevent septic tank and drain field problems by avoiding flushing chemicals, medications, harsh drain cleaners, or garbage disposals that contain large amounts of grease, oil, or cooking fats. You can also install a septic system with a pump, and make sure your septic tank is pumped regularly.

If you suspect a problem with your septic tank or drain field, it is important to call a professional right away for Drain Field Repair. It can be very dangerous to work on a septic system without the proper training and equipment. It is not uncommon for a septic tank or drain field to develop a problem when it has been neglected for too long.

Keeping up with regular maintenance on your septic tank, drain field, and all components of your septic system is critical to maintaining the efficiency and lifespan of your septic system. Contact the experts at Septic Solutions if you need to schedule a routine septic tank cleaning or have questions about the condition of your septic tank, septic tank pumping, or drain fields.

Water Heater Replacement – How to Save Energy and Money

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Water Heater is an appliance that warms water to the point where it can be used in your showers, washing machines and dishwasher. Water heaters can be gas or electric.

Tank-type water heaters have large insulated tanks that hold hot water until needed. Cold water enters the bottom of the tank, then heat is provided by either a gas flame below the tank or electric heating elements suspended inside the tank.

Water heating is the second largest energy expense in homes, after home heating and cooling. Fortunately, it’s also one of the easiest places to save energy and money. From lowering your water heater temperature to installing a smart water heater, there are many ways to reduce water heating costs. These strategies not only help the environment and contribute to a sustainable future, they also save you hundreds of dollars per year.

The ENERGY STAR® label is a trusted indicator of an energy efficient water heater, with new models meeting higher efficiency standards than ever before. These new energy efficiency standards—referred to as UEF—account for the majority of the potential savings from upgrading a water heater.

In addition to the new UEF standards, some local utility companies have added incentives and rebates for smart grid-interactive water heaters. These models provide a variety of benefits including load shifting, demand response and automated efficiency optimization. Combined with smart meters and a home energy management system (HEMS), they can offer key grid, energy and climate benefits such as increased interconnectivity, control, flexibility and resilience for the grid.

Another way to save energy and money is to fix leaks quickly. A leaking hot water faucet may seem like a minor issue, but it can waste a lot of energy over time by continuously heating additional water. Additionally, fixing a leaking gas line or hose can prevent costly and dangerous accidents at home.

Finally, consider switching to a heat pump electric water heater (HPWH) for your home. These models use the same technology used in air conditioning and refrigeration to generate hot water at a fraction of the energy cost. HPWHs are also more environmentally friendly than traditional storage tank electric models, especially when used in combination with district heating using low carbon electricity.

In fact, using HPWHs in conjunction with solar PV systems is a great solution for households with high solar usage and lower than average household electricity consumption. This combination can help offset the upfront capital investment and significantly lower energy and carbon emissions in a home.

Installation

A water heater keeps your home hot so you can wash clothes, cook, shower and take a bath. When yours breaks, you’ll need a replacement fast to avoid a costly flooded basement and possible water damage repair costs. A professional can ensure the new model connects to your existing gas and plumbing lines safely and in accordance with local codes and regulations.

A storage tank water heater is the most common type, with an insulated tank that holds the hot water until you turn on a faucet or appliance. They are available in electric and gas models. You can upgrade to a high efficiency model that will save money and space.

You can replace a storage tank with a tankless model, which is more efficient and will reduce energy consumption in your home. However, it will require an upgrade of your piping system and installation of a new electrical circuit to handle the higher current load.

Most newer water heaters are made of steel, and you can choose from an electric or a gas-powered model. They both have advantages and drawbacks, so consult a pro to determine which is best for your home.

Many states and cities require that you have a venting system to carry the exhaust gas away from the water heater. This is to prevent the hot water heater from polluting indoor air with dangerous carbon monoxide. If you have an old or damaged venting system, code may require a change.

You should also consider the location of your new water heater. It should be placed in a well-ventilated area and not in an unfinished or cluttered room. It should be easily accessible for maintenance and repair. It should be in a location where the water supply and drain lines will not interfere with furniture or appliances.

A water heater is heavy, so you’ll need a couple of strong people and an appliance dolly to lift it into place. If you’re moving it to a different location, your contractor will need to block holes in the walls and install studs to support the brackets and the weight of the unit.

Maintenance

Water heaters are powerful appliances with complicated parts that combine electricity, hot water and sometimes gas. For this reason, they require specialized knowledge to perform maintenance or repairs. The right professional will help ensure your hot water heater continues to function efficiently while saving you energy.

Inspecting and cleaning a water heater should be done regularly to prolong its life. This can include flushing the tank once a year, checking the temperature setting to be sure it is safe for your home and preventing bacteria from building up in the unit.

The hot water pipes that connect to your hot water heater should also be insulated to reduce heat loss and improve efficiency. You can do this by measuring the hot water pipes and cutting lengths of pipe insulation to wrap around them. If you are concerned about how to insulate your hot water system, consider hiring a plumbing professional for installation.

Performing regular maintenance on your water heater will extend its lifespan and prevent costly repairs. Most units are designed to last between eight and 12 years, depending on the make and model. While there are some things that you can do on your own, it is important to have an annual inspection by a qualified professional.

A professional plumber will inspect your unit for safety, proper operation and a range of other factors that can affect performance. They can clean your tank, flush the unit and replace the anode rod if necessary. Additionally, they can recommend the best water heater temperature settings to balance comfort and energy savings.

The most common signs that your water heater is deteriorating include clinking noises from the inside of the tank during operation, the inability to take a hot shower and the pilot light constantly going out. Other signs you need a repair are more severe leaks from the unit itself and issues with your pressure relief valve.

Because these appliances mix power, water and gases, they can be dangerous to work on without the proper training and tools. You should always follow the manufacturer’s recommendations for maintenance, and if you are uncomfortable working with them yourself, call in a professional. A facility management software solution like ServiceChannel can help you schedule and track maintenance on your water heater and all other equipment, including air conditioning.

Replacement

If your water heater is nearing the end of its lifespan or you’re planning a new construction project, consider going with a high-efficiency model. New storage tank models meet federal energy efficiency standards, and tankless (on-demand) water heaters are even more efficient. They also require less maintenance.

When you’re ready to replace your old water heater, keep in mind that the cost of a new unit can vary widely depending on the type and size. For example, a new gas or electric model will likely be cheaper than an upgrade to a hybrid water heater that uses both solar energy and natural gas.

If you choose a gas water heater, consider a condensing model that operates at a higher level of efficiency by capturing hot exhaust gases and re-using them to heat the water in your home. The lower operating costs and improved efficiency can make this a great choice for many households.

You’ll also want to factor in the first-hour rating, or FHR, which indicates how much hot water a model can produce in an hour beginning with a full tank. This can help you determine if a larger or smaller tank is appropriate for your household’s needs.

In addition, check that the model you’re considering can be installed in your home’s existing space. You don’t want to waste money on a new water heater that’s too large for your space.

Finally, don’t forget about possible energy rebates and financing options for the new water heater. These programs can help you save money on your energy bills and protect the environment by reducing carbon dioxide emissions.

If you decide to install a new water heater, make sure your contractor removes and disposes of your old one properly. Then, take steps to prevent wasting energy by insulating your hot and cold water pipes and installing a programmable thermostat or smart water heater controller.

CityWide Sewer & Drain can safely and responsibly remove your old water heater, dispose of it according to proper guidelines, and install the right unit for your home or business. Contact us today for more information about our water heater installation services in the New York area.