Are you preparing to install a new septic system? It’s important for you to have an understanding of the basics of septic system design so you can ensure you make all the proper design and installation decisions. Septic professionals will be able to help guide you through the process to ensure you get a system that will meet your needs, but ultimately you are the one who has the power to make all the final decisions.
Here are just a few basics regarding septic system design in Texas. Be sure to take these into consideration in your decision-making processes:
Size: One of the most common questions people have when installing a new septic system is how big they should go with their tank. There are several factors to consider here. First, consider the size of your family, and the amount of water you use on a regular basis. The larger your family, the more likely you are to need a larger system. Consider also the square footage of the home, or the number of bedrooms in the home. Even if you do not have a large family, if you have a larger home it stands to reason that the next owners of your home just might, and will therefore need a larger septic system.
Construction: You should also carefully consider the material you will use for your septic system. Residential systems are most frequently made out of fiberglass, concrete or polyethylene plastic. Concrete systems are perhaps the most common, but they are also extremely heavy and thus require some heavy-duty machinery to install properly. If you’re looking for something that is a little easier to install, and perhaps less expensive, you can go with fiberglass or polyethylene. The ideal material might also depend on ground conditions in your area, so be sure to get insight from your septic professional.
Drain field: How large should the drain field be? Keep in mind that the drain field plays a crucial role in the septic process. The size of your drain field will also depend on the size of your home and family and your level of water usage. You will also need to consider soil quality. If you have high-quality soil with good drainage, you might not need quite as much square footage, as the soil you have will be more efficient. It can be a good idea to perform a soil test, as the quality of the soil you have will determine how well the effluent will be filtered out in your drain field.
Location: The location of your septic system and drain field is another important consideration. You will need to think about the layout of your property, the location of structures or trees, any landscaping that would need to be done, the location of existing utility lines and the regulations and codes that apply in your specific area.
For more information about the most important considerations when planning for septic system installation in Texas, we encourage you to contact the team at Countryside Construction Inc. with any questions.
When you first have your septic system installed, your contractor hopefully provided you with a list of trouble signs to keep an eye out for. If you smell something foul coming from your drains, if your yard is damp or if your drains are emptying at a worryingly slow pace, you could have a problem that requires professional septic system maintenance.
If you’re not experiencing any of those overt signs of trouble, you might think your septic system is doing just fine. However, you could be wrong.
A community issue
There’s another facet of owning a septic system of which you may not be aware, and that’s a commitment to keeping your community safe and clean. When you install a septic system, it’s up to you to make sure that it is installed correctly
There is so much thought that goes into the design and placement of your septic system. Mistakes mean more than just your family’s discomfort, too—an improperly installed or maintained septic system can pose a threat to your community’s drinking water.
Improperly maintained septic systems pollute groundwater
More than half the communities in the United States rely on groundwater as their primary source of drinking water. That’s more than 150 million people from sea to shining sea. And one poorly maintained septic system can gum up the works for thousands of those people who rely on clean groundwater.
When your septic system isn’t put in the correct spot, or if you leave too much time between routine inspections, your septic system could leak harmful substances like bacteria or viruses, household chemicals and a variety of other contaminants. Think about everything you flush down your drain, because you definitely wouldn’t want a good portion of that waste to end up in the water you drink.
The hazards of contaminated groundwater
Poorly maintained septic systems are one of the most common reasons that groundwater becomes unusable. A leaking septic system can lead to the formation of potentially terminal diseases like hepatitis and dysentery.
That’s to say nothing of the potential toxins that are helpful in a septic system but flat-out dangerous when ingested. And you can put a stop to all of it with one simple call.
Stop septic pollution and so much more
Now that you understand the dire importance of maintaining your septic system, you should also have some idea of how critical it is to hire a professional with the knowledge and skill you need. That means placing a call to Countryside Construction Inc.
We have nearly 40 years of experience providing the area’s most reliable septic system maintenance, as well as design and installation. One call to our highly-skilled team and you can rest assured that you’re getting state-of-the-art workmanship and a level of customer service that is simply unparalleled.
Let Countryside Construction Inc. show you what that means. Visit us online or give us a call today. We can’t wait to hear from you!
You’d be forgiven if your septic system wasn’t always at the forefront of your mind. After all, there is so much for a busy homeowner to keep track of, and a whole lot of that stuff is right in front of your face. Of course, that’s no excuse to let essential septic system repair slide. After all, no one wants to suffer from a broken or disabled septic system.
If you’re worried that you might have an issue with your septic system, here are some warning signs to look for.
Your lawn is damp (or extra healthy)
Now that spring has finally arrived, and summer is right on its heels, you’re probably paying more attention to your lawn than at any other time of the year. While you’re on the lookout for potential gardening projects, take a few moments to look for trouble signs concerning your septic system, as well.
If there is a perpetual damp spot in your yard, it could mean a leak somewhere in your septic system. If you notice that your grass is growing faster than normal, that could be a warning sign, too.
A bad smell
One of the most common signs that people require septic system repair is a pervasive smell like sulfur that emanates from their fixtures or lawn. This is a sign that something is amiss with the bacterial balance of the system.
Slowly leaking drains
Have you noticed that your sink, bathtub or shower drain is draining slower than usual? Are there pools of standing water in places where there shouldn’t be? The first suggestion is to try a mild drain cleaning solution. If that fails, however, it could indicate that your septic system needs professional assistance.
Sewage backups
Easily the most dreaded repercussion of a failing septic system is a full-on sewage backup. You don’t need decades in the industry to understand that if your family’s waste is coming up through your drains, you have an emergency on your hands.
Preventative maintenance can be a cure-all
The key to avoiding any and all of the issues above is routine septic system maintenance, plain and simple. If you have a qualified professional regularly inspecting your septic system, it can go a long way toward avoiding any issues.
Whether you need septic system repair or just want to avoid a costly repair bill in the future, call on Countryside Construction Inc. Since we opened our doors all the way back in 1981, we have taken immense pride in offering our customers a level of service that’s a cut above the rest.
We specialize in providing commercial and residential clients with specialized septic system sales, installation, inspection, repair and maintenance. Regardless of your needs, we can help—we guarantee it. Countryside Construction Inc. is ready to keep your septic system in grade-A condition from the beginning stages of the design process down through the years. All you have to do is pick up the phone and give us a call. We can’t wait to hear from you.
Whether you’re installing a septic system or an in-ground pool or have another reason to need an excavator, it’s important that you know how to choose the right one. Residential excavation should be professional, reliable and completed on time and on budget—how do you figure out who to hire?
The team at Countryside Construction Inc. wants you to be sure you’re hiring the best excavators available—make sure you contact at least three different excavation companies and compare bids before settling on one. Here’s what to look for when you’re interviewing excavators.
How long have they been in business, and how much excavation experience do they have?
Naturally, you want to work with experienced professionals. Ask your excavator how long they’ve been in business and the types of excavation projects they most commonly perform.
Do they have testimonials or reviews from other clients?
A reputable company will be happy to provide you with references so you can speak to current and former clients alike.
What kind of licenses and insurance do they carry?
You want to hire a company that has a business license—this guarantees the very baseline of professionalism—but it’s also smart to inquire about their insurance and who it protects. You don’t want someone to get injured on your property and look to you for compensation.
Have they ever worked with this type of project in a similar area?
Generally, you’ll know whether your excavator has done similar projects, but knowing where those projects were completed is helpful, too. Naturally, different areas have different types of soil and the different challenges that come along with it. Ideally, the company will have a wide variety of experience and will know about any potential challenges before you get started.
Do they offer cleanup?
Once all that dirt is dug up from your property, what are you going to do with it? It’s smart to find out whether cleanup is included in the quote, if the company performs that service and whether you’ll have to go elsewhere to get rid of the dirt, before you make a final decision.
Will they provide a timeline and quote in writing?
If a contractor isn’t willing to offer you a timeline and quote in writing, consider going with another company. It’s easy to say, “We can get this done in a week for this amount,” but you won’t be protected if it takes longer or they try to charge you more later. Also, be sure to ask about the possibility of additional charges, and what types of circumstances might require them.
Residential excavation
Ready to install a septic system on your property? You’ll need the services of a professional excavator, and Countryside Construction Inc. can help. We offer residential excavation services, including excavations for pools, basements and more. We also offer trenching and earthmoving services. Reach out to us today to find out how to get started.
Maintaining your septic system ensures its longevity—and these days, if you’re working from home like a large portion of the nation, you are probably putting an additional strain on your septic system. Septic systems are expensive to repair or replace, so it’s in your best interest to take good care of your system, even when it’s not seeing increased traffic.
As Americans are required to stay at home for longer periods of time during the COVID-19 crisis, there are several important points to remember about septic system care and maintenance.
Things to remember
Your septic system relies on biological digestion to get rid of the organic materials in the wastewater. Ensuring that you don’t flush or pour down the drain substances like menstrual products, fat, oil and grease, paper towels, kitty litter, cigarettes and chemicals will protect the beneficial bacteria.
You should also make sure to have your system inspected on the recommended schedule—but since most people are staying home, you may need to increase the frequency of inspections.
Dos and don’ts of septic system maintenance
Do know where your system is located: You should know exactly where your septic system is located, particularly in relation to other buildings on the property. If possible, sketch it out and keep the tank cover accessible for when you need an inspection.
Don’t let anyone drive over the system: Letting people drive over or park on the ground above the septic system can compromise its structural integrity.
Don’t perform your own repairs: Only a licensed septic maintenance professional should perform inspections or repairs. While these jobs may seem easy enough on the surface, you may be doing more harm than good.
Do conserve water: Now, especially, you should be conservative in your water usage—if you have any leaky faucets or toilets, now is the time to get them fixed. Otherwise, you risk overloading your system.
Don’t use a garbage disposal: Unless your county has specifically approved a garbage disposal for your system—that is, they believe it can handle the additional waste—avoid using a garbage disposal.
Do divert water sources away from the septic system: Water sources like hoses, sprinklers and gutters and downspouts should be directed away from your septic area.
Don’t allow topsoil to wash away: Your septic system should be covered with grass—excessive water presence will wash the topsoil away and expose the tank and pipes.
Septic system maintenance
Countryside Construction Inc. delivers complete septic system services, including septic installation and maintenance. We can inspect your system, let you know if there are any areas of concern and address them as needed, including sludge removal, bacteria balancing and more. Call us today to learn more or schedule service.20
