Keeping up with septic tanks in Henry County takes experience and professionalism.  We all know that septic tanks are like ticking time bombs, hiding underground and out of sight.  The challenge is that when problems crop up, we rarely see them until things have gotten serious.

With the recent floods receded and winter setting in, any little problem that may have been overlooked earlier is about to rear it’s ugly head.  If it doesn’t happen now, I guarantee that it will come spring.

Three Things the Homeowner Can Do to Prevent Problems –

First and foremost, you, as the homeowner should know what can go into a septic system and what can’t.  The basic rule of thumb is if it can’t be eaten or hasn’t been eaten, it doesn’t belong in the waste stream; the exception being toilet paper that is approved for septic systems.

Second, know where your septic system is placed in your yard.  This includes knowing where the tank is buried, where the access is located and where the leach field lies.  This is important because you want to avoid placing anything heavy over any component of your system.

Aside from the potential for damaging a leach field by, for example, driving over it, compaction reduces the effectiveness of the field itself.  The same is true for the area over the tank.  Excessive weight can cause subsidence and damage or crack the tank.

Third, you should know what kind of pumping schedule is best for your tank.   Once too much material fills the bottom of the tank, the system doesn’t work efficiently and you can unintentionally cause solids to enter the pipes and baffles causing blockages.

Getting Good Service Requires Knowledge –

To ensure that the company who is providing your service knows what they are doing, ask around.  Check with neighbors to find out who they are using.  Call the Better Business Bureau to find out if there is a history of complaints against the company you are considering.  Ask the service representative lots of questions about the company’s level of experience in your area.

Don’t Go it Alone –

Aside from the fact that no homeowner has their own pumping truck, septic systems can be dangerous.  The gases that come out of the tank when opened are capable of rendering you unconscious.  People have actually fallen into their tanks and drowned or suffocated, although it is rare.

Find a good professional service to help you care for your septic system in Henry County.  You won’t regret the investment in your home or your safety.

If you got hit with the floods last fall, then you know how difficult the recovery has been for many.  Septic repair in Rockdale County has been an unfortunate reality for many homeowners.  If you are among those who are trying to get back to a normal existence but keep having problems with your septic system, it may be that you require some unexpected repairs.

Repairs Require Expertise –

If you plan to remove your old system and start fresh, most septic companies can manage the job, assuming they are qualified.  To repair a system that is already in the ground takes more experience and a better understanding of what makes an effective wastewater disposal unit.

The effects of the flooding reached far beyond the obvious ones of saturated ground and missing tank covers.  For some older systems, especially those with concrete tanks, the moving soil, compaction and shifting created cracks within the walls of the tanks themselves.

Additionally, with things moving about underground, baffles, intake and outtake points and the complex tubing of the leach field may have shifted or worse, gotten filled with debris.  None of these issues are easy to repair and they require an in-depth knowledge of septic system to make repairs without having to replace all the major components.

Where Proper Repairs Should Start –

The very first action you are going to want to see your septic specialist take is a walk around your property.  Hopefully you have a scale drawing that shows where all the parts of your system lie; this makes an evaluation easier to complete.  The technician is looking for areas that have remained unusually damp or have sunk more than seems normal.  These are indications of a leak or a failing leach field.

Next, the tank will be located and the lid removed for a quick visual inspection.  If a leach field problem is suspected, dye may be added to the tank and an evaluation will be completed the next day.  

If your technician suspects a tank leak, the tank will be emptied out, something that should be done after a flood in any case.  The tank may be power washed and then inspected from the inside to ensure that no cracks are present or that any cracks can be repaired.

Finally, the baffles, intake and outlet should be evaluated.  Most tanks have separate access points that allow a technician to check these critical components from the outside without having to take anything apart.  As long as everything looks clean, you shouldn’t need to consider replacement.

The Next Steps –

Once the whole system has been properly inspected and the trouble spots are identified, you and your technician can sit down and find the best way to get your system repaired.  A good septic service will realize that providing good service when you are “over a barrel” will ensure customers for life and they will go out of their way to do a good job at a price you can both live with.

It is rare that an entire system will need to be removed and replaced.  Catching problems as early as possible can prevent greater expenses down the road.

Do you have any idea just how much is involved in putting in a septic system?  Septic installation in Newton County takes experience, an understanding of the laws and the land, and heavy equipment.  If you lack any of those, you can find yourself at the bottom of a very large pit.

Big Jobs Require Big Know How –

Putting in a septic system is a big job, no matter how you look at it.  Aside from the obvious aspects of digging holes, laying pipe and making proper connections, there are the legal aspects.  Without understanding the paperwork, you can create a nightmare for yourself unintentionally.

Each locality has specific demands when it comes to permits, plans and inspections.  The county clerk’s office is likely to have the applications and a list of the requirements, but if you have never installed a system yourself, or are unsure about your ability to handle a back hoe, you should really call in the professionals.

There is Little Room for Error –

Putting in a septic system involves more than just digging a hole and putting in some pipes.  Your tank needs to be far enough from the house, any waterways and any ground water.  Your leach field has even more stringent requirements.  

The slope of the pipes, the type of material that needs to lie beneath them and the rate of percolation all need to be considered.  Will you get the minimum-sized tank or get something bigger?  You will have more time between pumping cycles with a larger tank, and for a large family that can really make a difference.

Just how large a leach field do you need?  Are you prepared to dig up your entire front yard to fit it in?  How long will you be without facilities?  Do you know how the ground in your area was affected by the recent floods?  If you can’t answer all of these questions before you begin the project, don’t break ground!

Homemade Tanks Lead to Huge Headaches –

One of the most consistent problems with home-built septic systems comes from the homemade storage tank.  While the basic concept of a septic tank seems simple, it is not suitable for creative design.  Homemade tanks are most prone to failure, collapse and leakage.

Aside from being non-standard and difficult to plumb, they are usually made from substandard materials.  Getting a commercial tank from the store to your home and getting it into the ground without the pit collapsing can prove a major challenge; and we aren’t even considering the possibility of injuries.

Taking this job into your own hands can quickly turn the work of a few days into a nightmare of unexpected proportions.

When it is time to install a new septic system for your home, do yourself, your neighbors and the county a big favor: find a reliable septic service and let them help you do the job right.

Just outside the Atlanta area you can find Conyers.  Septic tank pumping is a regular event out here, and if you want the job done right, you hire the professionals who have some history.

After the floods of last fall, much of the area found itself in need of septic service and as a result all sorts of people crawled out of the woodwork in the hopes of making some quick money.  With the ground saturated and winter coming on fast, it is easy to fall prey to such individuals; fortunately, there are some real professionals around.

Picking the Right Company –

When you are thinking about a structure as critical to your comfort as your septic system, you really want to make sure that you get good service.  It takes time to get to know the local laws, the conditions of the soil, the level of the water table and how flooding will affect everything.

Look for a company that has been in business at least five years (preferably ten) and ask them to provide references.  If a company has something to hide they are going to be very reluctant to provide you with the phone numbers of someone who can verify their lack of professionalism.

Understanding the Task of Pumping –

Pumping out a septic tank isn’t brain surgery, but it isn’t elementary either.  There are several steps that must be followed for the job to be done properly.  Just dropping a suction hose into the tank won’t do the job right; the system must be inspected for problems and leaks, the tank needs to be evaluated and the material needs to be removed the right way.

It can seem like a good idea to save a bit of money on septic pumping by picking a company that will charge you less.  Under many circumstances such budget-mindedness can make good sense.  However, when it comes to septic systems, making the right choice is more important than it seems on the surface.  The few dollars you might save up front have the potential of costing you a lot more if an inexperienced technician damages your tank, blocks your outlet or ruins your leach field.

If you have to go about installing septic tanks in Henry County, GA, you better know what you are doing.  The laws, specifications and requirements are fairly significant.  Any mistakes can cost you a lot of time and money when the inspector comes around.

Applying for a Permit –

The permit fee for a septic system application is $200, but that is just the beginning of the process.  Before you even apply you need a laundry list of paperwork.

A surveyors plat with a seal A level three soil report, complete with seal and a copy of the soil classifiers  insurance A copy of your house plans You will need to have the four corners of your lot found and clearly marked A sign indicating your name, your street name, the lot number and any other relevant identifying information to make it easy for the inspector to find your home.

In addition to the paperwork and markings, you are potentially subject to additional fees if anything is out of order or the inspector has difficulty finding your home.

If you have all those documents and seals, you still need to fill out the application itself, and it reads like an engineers report.

The Next Steps –

Once you have managed to get your permit all sorted out, you will need to arrange for the delivery of the tank.  To get the tank into the ground you need an appropriately sized hole and you should have dug out the area for your leach field and any other spaces you need for piping and filtration materials.

If you feel up to handling a small back hoe around the yard this may be a job you can manage.  You should make sure that everything is ready before the tank arrives so that the delivering company takes responsibility for getting it into the ground.  The job of putting even a fiberglass tank in can be overwhelming and dangerous, so it is best left to the professionals.

Connecting, Testing and Covering –

Depending upon the type of soil you have and the results of your percolation test, you may need to install several layers of filtration materials.  These prevent waste water from entering the ground water system too early.   Sand, gravel and other materials may be required.

With the tank in the ground you are ready to set up the leach field and the connections you need from the house and on to the drainage area.  Make sure that you have made plans to create a consistent drop from the tank to the field or material will back up and return to the tank.  Connect the piping as recommended by the manufacturer.

Hook up to the proper sewage pipes arriving from the house and make sure that the whole system works properly.  The township may want to inspect at this point so don’t cover anything up until you are certain you can.  When you cover everything up, be careful so as not to compact the soil.

The Easier Path to Success –

If all this seems as overwhelming to you as it does to me, save yourself from the headaches and potential mistakes by calling in the professionals.  They know how to get through the application process, how to set up a system that runs properly and how to do it quickly and efficiently.  There are some jobs that are just better left to those in the know.

After the floods of the fall, you may find you need some septic repair.  In Rockdale County, just like in the rest of the state, a company that offers septic repair must be certified.  Certification not only protects you, the homeowner, from being scammed, but it protects precious water resources.

No Plumbers Please –

While a plumber may be a great resource for you when dealing with problems that stem inside the house, once the water gets past your walls they aren’t trained to deal with the issues.  Granted, there is nothing stopping a plumber from getting certified to do septic work, but make sure they are before you hire them to do repairs.

Additionally, being certified to carry out repairs on a septic system doesn’t necessarily mean that the same individual is permitted to conduct inspections.  Each process requires different permits or certifications.

The Kinds of Repairs Needed after Flooding –

Flooding generates a specific set of problems.  The worst case scenario is that of a “pop up” that pulls the tank and connected piping out of the saturated ground. The State of Georgia specifically states that pumping out your tank during high water season is inadvisable because of the risks.

When the ground gets saturated with water, a tank that isn’t full may rise out of the ground when empty – especially one made of plastic or fiberglass.  In fact, when floods are likely, the State advises that homeowners make sure that their tanks are full, even if adding water is needed, to avoid such situations.

Other common problems include debris getting over the baffles and into the drainage pipes and field, parts of a system shifting as a result of soil compaction and contamination of the well connected to the home.

Good Repairs Save Money –

When faced with the bills related to restoring your home after a flood, it seems that dealing with the septic system may be low on the list.  Unfortunately, if you want to be able to use your plumbing, it requires immediate attention.

Aside from the State requirements for certification, it just makes good sense to pick well-trusted professionals to do any repairs you need.  The last thing you want six months down the road is to find out that the company you hired used substandard materials or sold you on repairs that weren’t actually necessary.

Finding Good People –

Finding out if a company is certified to provide repairs is as simple as asking to see their permits.  If you want to go one step further, then call the County and ask them to verify a company’s validity.  Of course, the best way to find someone who has done good work in your area is to ask around.  Believe me; people are more than willing to tell you if someone they used didn’t do a good job.

Just as in the rest of the wonderful State of Georgia, septic installation in Newton County requires permits, certification and inspections.  When you purchase a new home or need to update an old system, the process of installation requires a professional touch.

Getting the Plan Approved –

Long before the first shovel hits the dirt you need to make sure that you have gotten your permits and inspections.  The best way to get your system in the ground is to call a well respected septic service and let them guide you through the process.  Such a company will know just how much distance you need to leave between the house and the tank, where to best locate the leach field and how to pick the right sized tank for your needs.

The Process Requires Knowledge –

Once the permits have been issued, the plans drawn up and the percolation test run, it is time to dig in.  Your contractor will come by and remove any dirt needed; that means digging the hole for the tank, making room for the leach field and clearing any additional dirt needed to make room for pipes.

With the land cleared, your contactor will arrange for the tank to be delivered and installed.  The tank’s size depends on a number of factors; the house size, number of residents, additional demand on the system and more.  For example while a 1000 gallon tank may suffice for a 4 member family, a larger tank may be advisable if you have a garbage disposal you plan to use.

Setting Pipes –

With the tank in the ground the sewer line will be hooked in and the outlet pipes will be laid out at the proper angles.  A downward flow is needed to ensure waste water makes the trip out to the leach field.  If the soil was too dense to allow for water to filter through properly, then layers of filtering materials will have been laid into the field before the pipes were placed.

At this point, when everything is connected, but before the system is buried, a final inspection must take place.  Once passed, the system is covered up with back fill and it is ready for use.

Using Professionals Saves Time and Money –

Finding a reliable contractor to plan and perform this job is the best thing you can do for yourself.  Asking your neighbors who they use for septic service, consulting with the County Clerks office or checking with the Better Business Bureau will assure you of high-quality work.  When it comes to waste water treatment, you can’t afford to make mistakes.

The costs involved in rebuilding a poorly installed system are considerable.  Aside from the potential for a perpetually damp yard, the smell and the possible fines from the city, contamination of your well is a realistic possibility.  No amount of “savings” offered by a company without a good reputation is worth the cost of poor results.

If you’ve noticed that your septic system is sluggish of late and it’s time for some service, finding the right company may seem like a challenge.  It’s good to know that in Conyers, septic tank pumping is easy to manage.

Don’t Just Use the Yellow Pages –

The Yellow Pages are great if you need to find a pizza place or want to know where the nearest computer repair place is, but when it comes to your septic system, you need more information than a simple phone number.

The job of pumping out septic tanks isn’t difficult, but it does need a certain amount of expertise.  The job extends way beyond just pumping – it involves inspecting the system, checking the leach field and ensuring that the system is in optimal working order.

New to Conyers?  Ask the Neighbors –

Your best resource when it comes to learning which septic company is most reliable is to ask the neighbors.  The neighbors will be more than happy to let you know who does a good job and who doesn’t.

Another source of information on the reputation of septic pumping companies is the Better Business Bureau.  This non-profit agency takes complaints from people about companies that misrepresent themselves or conduct their business dishonestly; a history of complaints about any one company is a good indication you should skip them entirely.

The County Clerks office can help you check to see if the company you are considering is licensed and certified to conduct pumping, repair or installation of septic systems.

What You Should See –

If this is the first time you are having a system pumped, the whole process may seem a bit mysterious.  The technician should inspect the entire system, from the outlet exiting the house to the leach field that processes the waste water before pumping out the system.

The tank itself has several parts.  The storage area, the intake, the outlet and the baffles are the most critical components.  All areas should be visually inspected.  If the system is running slowly the baffles may have gotten clogged with material.  

If water levels in the tank get too high, the scum that usually floats on the surface may have entered the baffles and created the problem.  Any wet patches over the leach field may indicate a problem with water sinking through the soil – a dye test may be needed.

Once the system is determined to be sound the technician will agitate the material in the tank and start the pumping.  The solids at the bottom of the tank need to be mixed into the liquids before pumping begins.  After all the matter is pumped out the tank is resealed and a written report will be provided.

Did you know that the process of installing septic tanks in Henry County has to follow certain rules and regulations?  If this comes as news to you, don’t worry, it is a surprise to many people.  The old days of unmonitored wastewater systems are gone.  Today, there is a lot more to the process than you might think.

Uncle Charlie Can’t Help You Out –

There was a time when people in need of a septic system would call in a few friends or relatives and build their own septic tank.  These relics are fortunately disappearing into the tracts of history.  Homemade septic tanks were often unreliable, prone to cracks and leaks and tended to collapse at the worst times.

Aside from the potential for ground water contamination, homemade tanks are the most likely to suffer serious damage when stressed.  With the floods that just affected the area last fall, these tanks are wreaking havoc wherever they exist.

The Job Must Be Done to Code –

The county has some serious regulations regarding the building of a septic system.  Permits, plans, inspections, percolation tests and more are all part of the process.  If you miss any of the steps it can set you back a lot of time and money.

One of the greatest dangers in trying to install your own tank is that of the pit walls collapsing while someone is inside the hole.  This happens more often than you would think, and when it does, people can get trapped or even buried.

Even a fiberglass or plastic tank is fairly heavy and difficult to manage.  If you really insist on installing one alone, make sure that the company that sold you the tank is responsible for placing it safely into the hole.  The tank should be level and at the right height for any pipes entering and exiting.

Finding the Right People –

If you choose the smart route, you will pick a reliable septic service company to do the job of installing your new septic tank.  These professionals handle this kind of work regularly.  They know the process, they understand the paperwork and they can get your tank installed in short order.

Asking around is always a good way to find out which of your local companies is trustworthy.  If you are new to the area you can also check with the County Clerk’s office to make sure that the people you are hiring have permission to operate in your area.

Experience is one of those things that are immeasurably important.  Soil conditions in Henry County are different than those found elsewhere, and understanding how the season, precipitation and location affects installation helps ensure a proper job.

Before you consider trying this project on your own, take a look at what a good septic service can offer.

Different sorts of damage require different types of septic repair.  In Rockdale County, the laws of the State of Georgia dictate that most of those repairs must be done by a certified individual.

Repairing a Cracked Tank –

Not all cracked tanks are doomed for the trash heap.  There are some tanks that can be repaired, based upon the type of tank and the severity of the crack.  The tank would need to be pumped out, cleaned and then, when sufficiently dry, the crack will be coated with mastic.

Unfortunately, repairing a crack is only possible on a concrete tank and even there it is a questionable option.  Tanks that have started to show their age by cracking are best replaced for the safety of all involved.  Cracked tanks leach effluent and become collapse hazards.

Fixing Pipe Problems –

Pipes are made of a variety of substances and the age of the house will give your contractor some idea of what they may find.  If your pipes are running slowly or your tank is backing up, you likely have a blocked pipe somewhere in the line.

Older pipes were often made of clay or asphalt soaked cardboard.  Those pipes are particularly susceptible to infiltration by tree roots and soil and break or crush easily.  After the 1970’s cast iron and plastic piping became much more common and are now used almost exclusively.  Those pipes are less likely to be crushed or broken, but any pipe will fracture under enough pressure.

A pipe may be blocked either from the house to the tank or from the tank to the leach field and each will require a different technique.

The Distribution Box –

The distribution or d-box is the point at which the effluent exiting the tank gets disbursed evenly out to the leach field.  Soil movement can cause these boxes to tip or settle unevenly.  This problem is fairly easy to diagnose and repair as a wet area near the end of one leach pipe and no moisture elsewhere is a clear indication of a d-box problem.

Leach Field Foul Ups –

Leach fields do their job well unless homeowners damage them unintentionally or something drives debris into the pipes.  The recent floods have caused several such problems in the area, but that was an unusual situation.

Most leach field damage is cause either by driving over, parking on or covering up a leach field.  Driving over and parking on the field compacts the soil, risks breaking the piping and reduces the oxygen entering the ground.  Covering the field prevents sufficient oxygen from entering the ground.  Oxygen is a critical component in the aerobic decomposition function of the field.

Fortunately, many septic system problems can be repaired by a qualified professional.  If your system is slowing down or backing up it is time to call in a good septic system company and find out where the problem stems.