Many of us recycle plastics, reduce energy usage and save water to do our small part to help out the environment. But what about our wastewater? If your home or business has a septic tank, you may be wondering, “Are septic tanks bad for the planet?”
As a leading septic system installation and maintenance company, we’re here to provide the answer.
Are septic tanks bad for the planet?
Luckily, the answer to this question is no! In fact, your septic system uses far less energy and water to treat wastewater than a water treatment facility, so your septic system is actually far better for the environment than the city sewer system. There’s also a much lower chance of pollution with a septic system than a large-scale water treatment facility.
The only time that your septic system would be bad for the environment is if it starts to malfunction. When that’s the case, wastewater and harmful bacteria can leach out into the groundwater and cause all sorts of problems. The good news is that you can avoid that by following some basic procedures.
Making sure your septic system is eco-friendly
These septic system care steps go a long way in reducing your system’s environmental impact and preventing septic system issues:
Have it inspected: Your septic system should be professionally inspected and maintained at least once a year. Routine maintenance goes a long way in identifying potential problems (like leaks) that could be harming the soil and groundwater.
Pump it on schedule: Depending on its size and usage, your septic tank needs to be pumped once every three to five years. Failing to stay on this schedule can cause the sludge stored inside the tank to leach out. Even if the sludge isn’t leaking out into the ground, it could back up into your home.
Keep records: The more information you have about your septic system, the better. Document any problems you’ve encountered with it, and retain records of every time it’s been pumped, inspected or repaired.
Make repairs when necessary: Be sure to make any repairs as soon as possible. The longer you wait to address an issue, the greater the chance of harming the environment. Delayed repairs also tend to cost more, so it’s in your wallet’s best interest to make fixes early, too.
Be careful when doing laundry: Make sure you’re only using biodegradable detergents when you’re doing laundry. Nonbiodegradable products produce suds that can block your system and lead to leaks. Additionally, watch how frequently you do laundry. Using your washing machine too often has a negative impact on your septic system and the environment.
Is it time to service your septic system?
If it’s time to pump or maintain your septic system, then call our team at Countryside Construction Inc. We’re standing by to provide routine septic system care, make repairs and install new systems. Give us a call today to speak with our team and find out what we can do for you.
There are plenty of fall cleanup chores to take care of around the house, from caring for your landscaping to cleaning gutters and protecting pipes. If you own a septic system, spending some time in the fall to winterize your system will keep it performing as well as it should throughout the coldest months of the year.
What are the ways that you can prepare your septic system when it turns to fall? Here’s a look at how to get your septic system ready for the upcoming fall season:
Insulate your septic system
One of the most important ways that you can prepare your septic system before fall arrives is to install appropriate insulation. This step is actually easier than you think and only requires a minimal investment in some landscaping mulch. Septic systems can get cold during the winter months, but adding a layer of mulch over the septic system area can provide protection from the cold temperatures. You could also let the grass over the system grow longer than usual to provide additional insulation.
Pump the system
It’s always wise to pump your septic system before winter hits. When temperatures get low and snow blankets the ground, the ground will freeze. Not only is it difficult to locate your septic system in those conditions, but it’s even harder to dig down into the soil. Reach out to your septic service provider before the cold weather arrives to get your septic system ready for the upcoming fall season.
Look for leaks
A septic system leak is a recipe for disaster. As you’re performing fall maintenance, be sure to take a look at the pipes both inside and outside the house. You should also check your septic system lid and look for any signs of damage. Neglecting to fix any areas of damage can result in frozen pipes during the cold months of winter. If you do notice any part of your system that requires repairs, reach out to your septic service provider for worry-free fixes.
Give leach lines a break
If your septic system includes a distribution box, fall is an ideal time to switch the elbow on leach lines. Changing the elbow gives that section of the leach field a break during the winter. You can switch back in the spring after the line has had enough time to recover.
Be mindful of your system for day-to-day tasks
No matter the season, you need to be mindful of how you treat your septic system to keep it working efficiently. Everyday techniques, like staggering the use of your appliances and being very careful about what you put down your drains, contribute to the performance of your system. Talk to your septic service professional for more tips on how to keep your system healthy all throughout the year.
Now that you understand the ways you can prepare your septic system before fall arrives, don’t hesitate to reach out to your septic service provider to do all the tasks you can’t do yourself. Contact Countryside Construction Inc. to schedule your fall maintenance appointment and to learn more about prepping your system for the cold-weather seasons.
While many people have the opportunity to connect their homes to municipal sewage systems, others need to have their own private solutions in place. Septic systems are one way in which household waste can be handled, and they represent an integral part of your home’s health and stability. Choosing the type of system and the technology that you want to rely on is a big step, so it’s important to understand the strengths and weaknesses of each type of septic system installation in Southern Texas before making a decision. Here’s a closer look at some of the variables to take into consideration.
Soil characteristics
One of the first things we consider when starting a septic system installation in Southern Texas is the type of soil we’re going to be working with. This factor can have a big impact on percolation rates. Effluent that runs into the drain field has to be able to pass through the soil at an appropriate rate—otherwise, the entire system can quickly grind to a halt. Even worse, you might find that the runoff can build up and even rise up through the soil, which can create a serious health hazard for your household and the surrounding environment.
On the other hand, it can’t move too quickly—otherwise, the microbes in the soil won’t have the time to break down the organic material in the waste before it arrives at the groundwater, which is another undesirable environmental situation. As a result, soil is one of the first variables we sort out when starting a new septic system installation job.
Poly vs. concrete septic systems
Choice of materials is another thing to consider when looking at a septic system installation in Southern Texas. Septic systems tend to come in concrete or plastic, and both have strengths and weaknesses of their own. Plastic septic systems are cheaper, lighter and likely more durable, but their weight can be a disadvantage. Items can “float” up underground in areas with high water tables, and this has been known to happen with plastic systems. On the other hand, concrete systems are much heavier and extremely durable, and their weight ensures that they won’t float—however, their incredible weight and bulk does make them quite difficult to transport and install.
Other things to consider
There are a number of other factors that your septic system contractor is going to factor into their plans. The amount of sewage that your household produces will impact the choice of system, for example—more people means more sewage, and you don’t want to have to pay for a system that can handle six people when there’s only three of you in your household.
Whether you’re in the market for installing a new system or need maintenance on an existing one, Countryside Construction Inc. is ready to partner with you. We’ve been in business for almost 40 years and are committing to serving every client in a personal and customized way—it’s the only way we know how to do things. Give us a call today to let us help you with your next septic project!
Septic systems offer a number of great benefits and advantages for property owners who don’t have access to municipal waste services or who prefer off-the-grid utilities. Regardless of why you choose to have a septic system on your property, it’s important to keep it working as effectively as possible with routine maintenance and septic system repair in Comal County, TX. To make sure your system is protected, you need to keep an eye out for some common septic system issues.
Septic systems come in many different shapes, sizes and designs, but they all have some key components and parts that may be susceptible to wear, tear, damage and malfunction—especially after many years of operation. Here are some of the most common septic system issues that property owners encounter:
Leaks:
Keep an eye out for an accumulation of water around your septic system or a soggy drain field. Septic system leaks can be caused by cracked concrete, rusty connections or a lack of routine septic system maintenance. Regardless of the specific cause of the leak, a septic tank technician can provide you with repair services to address the issue and fix the leaking before it gets worse.
Clogs:
Septic system clogs can lead to sewage backups and inhibit proper flow of water from your home. Clogs often develop as a result of putting excessive stress on a septic system. Avoid flushing any debris down your toilet, like floss or cotton products, and make sure to dispose of kitchen greases and oils properly without washing them down the drain to prevent clogs from forming. If a clog develops in your system, contact a professional who specializes in septic system repair in Comal County, TX to address the issue and clear the clog.
Construction-related damage:
It’s common for septic systems to become damaged during construction projects, especially if the project involves excavation. If you don’t know exactly where all your system components are buried, you might mistakenly hit a septic line or put excessive stress on your drain field. With that in mind, it’s important to make sure that you know precisely where your septic system is located before you start a construction project on your property.
Excessive use:
Using too much water at a time can put a lot of stress and strain on your septic system and lead to all kinds of problems. Stagger the use of your appliances and plumbing fixtures to minimize stress and avoid overworking your system. If your system has been damaged from overuse, contact a repair technician for a consultation.
Septic system repair in Comal County, TX
If you need professional help with septic system repair in Comal County, TX, reach out to Countryside Construction Inc. Since 1981, our team of expert technicians has been serving property owners throughout the area with high-quality septic system services. Regardless of what your specific concerns may be, we’ll get to the bottom of the issue and provide repair recommendations based on your needs. Give us a call to find out more about what we have to offer and to request a service appointment.
You stand to save a whole lot of money while also helping the environment if you can find ways to go green at your home. One of the many steps you can take as a homeowner in this regard is to find ways to make your septic system more eco-friendly, both through regular septic system maintenance in Comal County, TX as well as through some smart household practices.
Here are just a few tips to help you get greener operation out of your septic system:
Try not to use harsh chemicals: Any time you’re clearing out a drain that’s clogged up, it’s important that you avoid using harsh, caustic drain cleaners and chemicals. These chemicals, while they can be very effective at clearing up those clogs, will get down into your septic system and interfere with the natural bacteria present there, which will make them incapable of breaking down solid waste as they’re supposed to. If you are to maintain a healthy septic system, you must use eco-friendly drain cleaning products that do not contain these extremely harsh, damaging chemicals.
Cut down on your water usage: If your household uses too much water, you can start to put too much stress on your septic system, which will result in some potential damage to the system that could shorten its lifespan. Water conservation doesn’t just help your septic system, though—it’s also extremely helpful to the environment, especially for people who live in areas that experience regular droughts and water shortages as it is. You can implement low-flow showerheads and faucets, plant native species in your yard to reduce the amount of watering you have to do and follow various other tips to help you reduce your overall water usage.
Only flush items certain items: Water, human waste and toilet paper are the only things you should flush down your toilet. Any substance that is not biodegradable will have a hard time breaking down in the system, and will cause clogs and damage to your septic system. These non-biodegradable materials can also be harmful to the environment if you do not dispose of them in the proper way.
Try garbage disposal alternatives: The garbage disposal in your kitchen sink can help you clean up after meals more efficiently, but these food scraps can be damaging to your septic system in some circumstances, and create clogs and other issues in the system. You might consider alternative methods for disposal of food scraps, such as composting. This actually is highly beneficial to the environment, and will also help you avoid doing any accidental damage to your septic system.
Maintain the system: Well-maintained septic systems will last for a longer period of time and will be much less likely to develop issues that could be harmful to the environment, such as leaks or contamination of groundwater.
These are just a few examples of some steps you can take to get better eco-friendliness out of your aerobic septic system in Comal County, TX. For more information about how you can extend the life and efficiency of your system, we encourage you to contact Countryside Construction Inc. today.
