There are some noises you won’t even think about hearing until you hear them. And if your septic tank is gurgling, it’s not a pleasant noise. You might need septic tank pumping in Vallejo, CA or there could be other things causing the noise. But once you hear it, you can’t unhear it and you need to get to the bottom of what is making the noise before things get much worse. Here are a few things that can cause your system to make gurgling noises.

Why is My Toilet Gurgling on a Septic System?

With the warm weather we’ve been having lately, rainy days could cause a lot of bacteria to grow in the plumbing system. These storms create more sludge at the bottom of your septic tank, which disrupts the natural flow out. Consequently, air bubbles travel back into your toilet and you get that loud gurgling sound.

• It’s usually a sign that the septic tank is full and needs to be emptied. When this happens, the septic tank will gurgle, burble or make other untoward noises below ground level for a few hours before eventually going back to silence. It may also be just one of those things that comes with living in an old house and it is nothing to worry about. If it doesn’t go back up after a day or two then it might need emptying.

This might be an indicator that it is time for a pumping. A professional can come in to pump out all of the built-up sewage from the pipes below to alleviate any further problems and clean your system with fresh water for good measure! This should make everything run smoothly after this point. It may be recommended that you have periodic servicing as well by a professional plumber.

How Do You Fix a Gurgling Septic Tank?

Fixing a septic tank is as simple as adding some bleach to your drains in order to kill any bacteria. You can also skim out the sludge, decompose it, and put it on your garden. The problem with gurgling or growling tanks is often either too many solids in the tank or not enough water pressure filling the tank back up. When you have more solids filling up a certain volume of water, there’s simply less space for that same level of liquid. So when you turn on just one faucet at a time or flush just one toilet at a time, there’s always going to be more air bubbles mixed in with the rest of the wastewater being treated for sewage disposal.

Gurgling Drains Septic System

There are various techniques on how to fix a gurgling septic tank that will depend on the reason for the noise, but generally, it takes three steps in order for the problem to be fixed:

• Ensure there is no blockage in your home plumbing or toilet by making sure all water has flowed smoothly and without backup. This can often be done by doing a ‘flusher snake’.
• Ensure all connections from your house and drain field pipes are sealed up securely.
• Add enough new filter material to push down below 20 feet of water column pressure as well as adding some clean sand to improve its drainage capability. Having good quality filter material also assists with reducing bad odors coming from the tank.

Blocked Drains

If your drainage pipe is blocked, it could make the draining slower into the septic tank, which could give you a gurgle in your fixtures when they try to flow out that drain. That’s easy enough for a plumber to fix for you without too much of an issue.

Blocked Sewer Pipes

A bit more concerning is when the sewer pipes are blocked. These are the pipes that are used to connect your home’s plumbing to the septic system. Any blocks between them and the tank mean that larger amounts of water can’t get past the block at once, which causes the gurgling noise and a decreased drain speed. You might need a tank pumping or just a de-clogging.

Drain Vent Problems

The drain vents remove the sewer gas from the pipes, and they can also make a gurgling sound if they are having any issues. The system could be broken or not doing a proper job if you hear that noise when you shower, use the sink, or flush the toilet.

The Septic Tank Is Full

One of the most common causes for the gurgling is when the septic tank gets full. Tanks need to be pumped out every 3-5 years, depending on the size of your home and family. The tank won’t drain right if the water can’t flow out because there is too much in the tank for it to operate properly. Get the tank pumped out at a regular interval so you can avoid gurgling noises in the first place. If you hear them and it’s been awhile, consider getting the tank pumped.

Hear Gurgling? Act Now

If you hear a noise you know you shouldn’t’ be hearing, it’s not smart to wait around and see if it happens again or if anything else occurs. That can just make things worse in a variety of ways. Instead, you can try a few home remedies, like using a plunger on a few drains to get a clog to move along. Otherwise, you should call a professional as soon as you notice the problem to prevent the issue from spreading further. The experts at American Sanitation Inc are here to help with septic tank pumping in Vallejo, CA, or whatever else might be causing the gurgling noise to occur around your home. Call us at (707) 554-8258 or visit us at 1729 Action Avenue Napa, CA 94559 and we’ll help you get your septic tank working smoothly for the best interest of your home and family.

It’s easy enough to say that septic tank pumping in Napa, CA has to take place if you have one of those units connected to your house, how can you know when it needs to be done? The septic tank on your house allows you to dispose of wastewater safely and you want to keep it properly services so you can have a healthy, safe tank. There are many signs that you need to have septic tank pumping done. Here are a few to watch for:

A Flooded Drain Field

If you can’t see the wastewater that comes from your house, your septic tank is more likely working okay. But if there is pooling water in your lawn around the drain field, it’s time to have septic tank pumping done. Standing water can occur when solid waste has clogged up the pipes and the wastewater will then rise into the drain field in your yard. Whenever you see pools of water around the system, get the tank pumped by professionals to avoid further issues.

Slow Drains

Drains can be slow for a number of reasons ad you can try to unclog the drains in safe manners first. Try a plunger to get a clog that might be close by to move along. Consider putting some boiling water down the drain or baking soda followed by water. Those things can get small clogs out of the way without the need to call anyone. But if the drains are still slow, or if you notice all of the drains acting slow at the same time, it might be the septic tank filling up. Get it pumped out and the system should start running at a much faster speed.

Gross Smells

Trust your nose to be your guide and if you start to notice smells coming from your drains, it might be because the wastewater going down the drain isn’t getting into the tank since it’s full. Those smells could also come from the drain field around the tank so be aware when you are out working in the yard.

Sewage Backup

The most evident sign that you need your septic tank pumped is when you have sewage back up into your house. With any luck, you will notice other signs and get the pumping taken care of before this happens, but if you get sewage backing up into the sinks, toilets, bathtubs, or other areas, get pumping done by professionals right away.

These are a few ways to tell that you need septic tank pumping in Napa, CA. Most tanks have to be pumped every 3-5 years. If you have a regular inspection, you don’t have to watch as closely for the signs because the professionals will tell you how far off you are from that need. Contact the professionals at American Sanitation Inc by calling (707) 554-8258 when you notice any signs or want an inspection to make sure things are running well. You can also stop by with questions at 1729 Action Avenue Napa, CA 94559.

There are a lot of things you can do to keep you septic tanks Santa in Rosa, CA healthy from inside your house by not flushing certain things and so on, but you also want to think about lawn care and landscaping and how that can impact the system as well. It is important to care for the lawn and landscape around the tanks in a certain way to keep the system as healthy as possible.

Landscaping

When you want to landscape in an area around your septic tank, consider the root structure the plants have. You are going to want plants that have shallow roots, so they don’t go too deep. Plants with aggressive roots that love water could clog or even displace pipes around the septic system. IT’s best not to plant trees or large shrubs nearby because they can damage the tanks and pipes as well.

Definitely avoid willows, maples, birches, and elms because they are the most aggressive in their root system. If you want to have a tree nearby, oaks, cherry, dogwood, and crabapple trees are less aggressive. Make sure the trees are planted at least as far away as their roots generally spread when they are fully grown, but it is best to put them even farther away to be safe. Roots can spread 2-4 times the diameter of the canopy on a tree and 1-3 times the height of a tree. Remember the drain field of your tank does best in direct sunlight so you don’t want to shade that area if you can help it.

Lawn Care

While you might be cautious about what you plant around the septic tank field, you are probably going to have grass around it and that can be beneficial. It can prevent the soil from eroding and help the draining maintain in a natural way. When you have grass, you have to cut it, right? You should put in a low-maintenance grass species that will do okay with a lot of watering. You don’t need to water that area since the drain field will function in that manner itself. Don’t fertilize that area, either, since that can get into the tank and cause issues. Watch the grass around the drain field and if it suddenly changes in one way or another, it can signal a problem in the tank.

If you need advice about landscaping you should plant around you septic tanks Santa in Rosa, CA, or how to go about caring for the lawn in that area, the professionals at American Sanitation Inc are here to help. We can also give your systems regular check-ups to ensure everything is running well for your family. Give us a call at (707) 554-8258 and we’ll answer your questions, or you can stop by and chat with us in person at 1729 Action Avenue Napa, CA 94559. We want to make sure your septic system runs smoothly so it’s not something you have to think about or deal with on a regular basis.

If you have septic tanks in Napa, CA, you have probably been warned about what you can and cannot flush down into the system. However, there are certain medications that can have an impact on the system and that may not have been on your radar. Pills are small and flushing them away is a simple way to get rid of an expired bottle. However, you need to pay attention to pharmaceuticals that are being flushed, just like any other substance. It’s standard practice to get rid of prescription drugs if you have leftover and no longer need them by flushing them. But there are new standards that can help protect your septic tanks. You could, for example, mix them into coffee grounds or kitty litter and throw them away. You could participate in a medication take-back program. But if you have a septic system, you should not flush them. Even if you heed this warning, you also need to think about the medication that reaches the system through waste.

Medications Natural Path To The Septic Tank

When you get a prescription for a certain medication, you may never get rid of it down the toilet by pouring it in and flushing it. However, you ingest it and then process it and the waste you create and then flush still takes some of the prescription’s power with it. It’s hard to know how much of the prescription remains that way because that can vary from person to person, but you are still flushing prescription medication into the system when you use the toilet for its intended purpose.

Medication Impact

Septic systems are unlike sewage treatment plants in that they operate on a much smaller scale. Because of that, the impact of anything on them is much larger. You don’t want to flush chemicals down the toilet and that is why you need to pay attention to medications. Antibiotics, for example, kill off bacteria within the body to help you to get well. However, they can also kill the bacteria in the septic system, which is bad for the tank. The bacteria there is what breaks down the waste within the tank.

What To Do

Medications can be life-saving and they are miracles of modern medicine that can really help you. You need to take what your doctor prescribes, but there are things you can do to counteract them. If you are taking something short-term, like three months or less, your septic system can recover on its own. You can have a tank cleaning after the medication is complete, if you chose. IF you take something for longer than three months, minimize other products that are used to kill bacteria to reduce further stress on the system. Have the system evaluated after you start your medication to see how it is affecting the ecosystem in the tank.

If you need a Napa, CA septic tank check-up due to your medication, contact American Sanitation Inc at (707) 554-8258 or visit us at 1729 Action Avenue Napa, CA 94559 with questions.

If you move into a home with a septic tank in Santa Rosa, CA, hopefully, your realtor or the previous homeowners fill you in on what you can and cannot do with that tank. If not, you can always do some research on your own. You may have already heard some things, like the idea that commercial cleaners aren’t a good idea. Natural cleaning products have become more popular over the years, like vinegar. Part of that is because people are more aware of harsh chemicals and their effects on health, the world, and our families. These cleaners, of course, also often end up in the drains, which can have an impact on the septic system.

What’s wrong with commercial cleaners if you have a septic system? Well, they are often full of harsh chemicals, and those products can really help to fight off bacteria. However, you want bacteria in your septic system. There’s a good kind of bacteria and that’s a big part of what makes the system work the way it does. Whenever a chemical goes down your drain, it ends up in the septic tank and it can find its way to the drain field and contaminate the soil. Plus, it can kill off the bacteria that is working in the tank to break waste down, which you also don’t want.

Commercial cleaning products have been known to fill the home with chemicals and possibly even fumes that you don’t want to breathe in. Many families are moving to vinegar and other cleaners that they know are safe and natural. It’s a gentle switch that usually costs less than cleaners and is better for the home overall. Vinegar is non-toxic and just as gentle when it reaches the septic tank as it was in the home. Since it’s natural, it won’t be bad within the tank, or when it reaches the drain field.

If you’re new to having a septic tank, contact professionals for more tips on how to care for the tank. Sometimes, the things you do in your daily life can have a big impact on how often you will have to have maintenance and will need to run repairs. You want the tank to last as long as possible and run as efficiently as possible.

If you need advice on septic tanks in Santa Rosa, CA, you can do your research online, but it’s also smart to contact the experts at American Sanitation Inc with questions. Call us at (707) 554-8258 and we’ll see what we can help you with over the phone. We have plenty of pointers on how to care for your tank so you can get the most from it as the years go by. You can also visit with us in person at 1729 Action Avenue Napa, CA 94559 or set up a time for us to come to your house and look things over. Septic tanks only run well if they are maintained well. Visit our website at American-sanitation.com for more details about what we do.

If you have a septic tank in Napa, CA, you probably know that you are supposed to listen for septic system gurgling or even bubbling noises. That sound could be a sign of a blockage or even or poor draining and it’s not something you want to hear. But if you’re new to having a septic tank, you might hear water running. Is that okay? Here are some of the potential reasons you might hear that noise:

Groundwater Leaks

Sure, a lot of water runs through your septic tank every day, but there might be groundwater leaking into the tank as well. Some septic tanks are made up of concrete and there might be a crack in the tank. If the tank is steel, rust damage could be the cause of the leak. Physical damage to the septic tank is never a good thing. You don’t want ground water taking over the tank, especially if there’s a storm that could cause runoff to get worse. Have the tank inspected in case this happens to be going on.

Waste Buildup

If your drain field isn’t draining properly, the wastewater that usually leaves the septic tank could be clogging and not draining properly. Wastewater could eventually flow back into the tank, which wouldn’t be a good thing for your house. You’ll want to check and see if something like that is going on as well.

The Septic Pump Is Off

Gravity is often a big part of septic tanks. They use gravity to pull water from the tank and place it in the drain field. If the drain field is uphill due to the property layout, the pump has to move things along instead of gravity. If that pump is off for any reason, waste water can flow back up into the tank and cause that running water sound.

What Should It Sound Like?

When you buy a home with a septic tank, or have one installed, you want to know what it normally sounds like. Healthy systems shouldn’t really make much, if any, noise. Water running or even a trickling sound warrants an inspection. Keep an ear on things so you know what they normally sound like and can notice when changes occur.

If you have any doubts about your septic tank in Napa, CA, contact the professionals at American Sanitation Inc. We can install new systems, maintain current ones, and diagnose and run repairs, if necessary. Give us a call at (707) 554-8258 with any questions you have or visit us at 1729 Action Avenue Napa, CA 94559 to talk to us about what’s going on so we can give you advice. You can also visit our website to get more details on our services at American-sanitation.com. We want to make sure your septic system is in the best possible condition to serve your house without issues. Maintenance is imperative and we’ll help with those details as often as necessary. We’re the experts and you can call us any time!

There are certain things that take time and efforts to install and septic tanks in Santa Rosa, CA are one of them. It takes planning and time and it includes tests and other processed before the actual installation actually takes place. If you are getting a septic tank, here are the steps you have to look forward to in order to get everything lined up just right.

Step 1: Percolation Test

This test determines the soil’s volume, consistency, and texture and checks how well the soil could filter wastewater. You want your septic tank to be installed properly and it’s important to have this test done so you can get the results, which can take up to two weeks.

Step 2: Obtaining The Permit

You will have to get approval for the septic tank and the drain field from the city. Every county and city has different requirements so you’ll want to check local codes, the application and approval process can be aided by a professional company and it can take days or even weeks to obtain the right paperwork.

Step 3: The Design Process

After you get the permits, an engineer with a septic tank company can design things to make the septic system and drain field work with your house. The design will depend on factors like the slope of your land, the trees nearby, and so on. The design has to suit your property and this step can also take a few weeks.

Step 4: Installation

Once the other steps are complete, you can schedule your professional installation. The installation process can take anywhere from a few days to a few weeks. It depends on the property, the soil, the size of the tank, the weather, and other factors. You will have to have several inspections along the way to confirm that things are going according to the plans and are safe and up to code.

Keep in mind that every septic system is a customized job. Your home and property are different than anyone else’s. You may not be able to tell exactly how long your process and installation will take when you compare the job to other people, but the professionals can give you a customized idea based on experience.

When you are ready to look into getting septic tanks in Santa Rosa, CA, the experts at American Sanitation Inc. can help you with every step of the process. Call us at (707) 554-8258 and we can help answer your questions and get you on the right path for every step. We understand the complications that can arise and we’ll get you through any of those you face. Stop by and talk to us in person, if you’d like, at 1729 Action Avenue, Napa, CA 94559 and then invite us to your property to take a look at your set up and offer advice as to what we recommend moving forward. We’re here to get a system set up for you in the right manner so you can maintain it later on without any issues.

If you’re new to having septic tanks in Napa, CA, you may have heard certain things about them. For example, they can’t handle as much heavy water use as a city system. You might know you can’t do load after load of laundry all in a row, but how much water can the septic tank handle in a day?

Whether you’re flushing a toilet, taking a bath, or running the dishwasher, water will enter your septic system regularly and every system has a limited capacity. You don’t want to overload the system or you could cause a big problem. You need to know the size of your tank and how much it can handle and then you need to keep an eye on your household and start a lifestyle that everyone can enjoy without overloading the septic tank.

Think about how a septic system works. When wastewater from the house gets to the tank, solids and liquids separate and solids go into the tank to be broken down by bacteria. Liquids are put out into the leach field. There’s a filter involved as well that prevents solids from getting out of the tank. That process takes time so if your tank gets a lot of water at once, the solids could build up and block the pipes out to the field, causing issues for the tank overall.

If you have an overloaded tank, it could happen after excessive water use. If you have a big party and lots of people are flushing and using the facilities, you could overload the tank. If you do a lot of laundry in a row or take a shower, run the dishwasher, and run laundry all at once, you could also overload it. If you have a fixture that is leaking, that could also cause issues that you may not even notice.

Most homeowners use 60-70 gallons of water in a day and tanks are designed to hold about 750-1,250 gallons. Keep in mind that the tanks aren’t usually completely empty when you start using them on a daily basis. When you flush a toilet, it takes 1-7 gallons, depending on the toilet. Washing machines take 15-45 gallons for every load. Showers are usually around 17 gallons, depending on how long you shower, and dishwashers take 4-6 gallons per cycle. Do a little math and keep an eye on how fast the water goes out before you run into a deeper issue in the yard.

If you have questions about your septic Tanks in Napa, CA, like how much water it can handle, how often you need to pump it out, or other things, contact the professionals at American Sanitation Inc. We’re here to help with repairs, regular maintenance, and even just basic questions. Call us at (707) 554-8258 or visit us in person at 1729 Action Avenue, Napa, CA 94559. We’d love to help you with anything septic tank-0reltaed. If you’re new to having a septic tank, we can give you a list of dos and don’ts and help you get started on the right path.

If you’re considering installing a new septic tank system in Napa, CA, one of the first things you’ll want to know is what it will cost. Like any home improvement purchase, it’s an investment into your house. But there’s also a wide range of price estimates depending on your location, the type of septic tank you get, and other variables. Here is some more information to help you get started in your research on the project.

The Determining Costs On Septic Tanks

Before you look at the bottom line and the dollars and cents, it’s best to know what determines the costs within the septic system. If you want to install a basic system, there are things that will factor into the costs. The main components include the septic tank itself along with the pipe and the drain field gravel. You will also have to have permits, soil tests, designs and installation charges to go along with the actual products. Don’t forget the extras and just look at septic tank costs because those tanks have to be properly installed by professionals.

The Worthy Investments

If you are trying to decide whether or not to go with a septic system, keep in mind that this type of investment for your home is usually worth. While it will require regular maintenance, overall, it can give you the water efficiency you need in your house and save you money on monthly bills. You are able to treat waste and contaminants in the tank yourself and release them back into the ground to nourish the soil and plans around the area. It’s an environmentally friendly way to treat water.

Save With Maintenance

While the initial cost of septic tank systems is an investment, you can save later on by maintaining the tank properly. You don’t want to, for example, overload the system with too much water. The tank needs time to treat water as it drains down. You won’t want to do large loads of laundry back to back or run the dishwasher and take a shower at once. Also keep in mind that you have to limit your use of certain chemicals. You’ll want soaps and cleaners that are septic safe, and they will say as much on the labels. They can help you keep the system functioning properly without issues.

If you want to think further about septic tanks Napa, CA and you have questions to ask, contact American Sanitation Inc. by calling (707) 554-8258. We’re happy to talk to you over the phone and we can get into the details about regular routine maintenance over the years as well. You will have peace of mind once the system is in place and we are on board to help you care for it. Visit with us in person at 1729 Action Avenue, Napa, CA 94559 and we’ll be able to show you examples and help you with the process even further. Your water safety is important to us and we can visit your home and take a look at specifics as well.

If you move to a home, perhaps in a rural area, and it has a septic system, you may not know that much about it or how to treat septic tanks in Santa Rosa, CA. It’s important to understand they are different than normal systems and they have certain elements involved that will make a difference in your lifestyle. Here are a few dos and don’ts to help you get your new home on the right track without immediate septic tank issues.

Do Avoid Overloading With Water

In the past, you may have been able to do four loads of laundry in a row without a problem, but with a septic tank, that’s not a good idea. The tank needs time to treat the water and if you send too much water through the pipes all at one time, you could clog up the system or have unsanitary standing water in your yard. Space out your water usage when you are using a large amount at once.

Don’t Flush Or Drain Trash

Your toilet and your sink drains aren’t meant to be trashcans. Anything solid can’t be broken down naturally in a septic tank and they will likely clog the drainage pipes or stop up the tank itself. Avoid coffee grounds, oil, egg shells, fruit cuttings, and other things in the drains. Use the trash can instead and take the bags out frequently so things don’t get stinky around the kitchen.

Do Use Septic Approve Products

There are a number of chemicals that re bad for the septic tank, like antibacterial soaps. You will want to get cleaners, detergents, soaps, and other products that will end up going down the drain that are septic safe. Their labels will say as much, and they will help you keep your tank running effectively and efficiently instead of having the opposite effect.

Don’t Forget About Maintenance

Septic tanks, even if you care for them well, need to be pumped out and inspected every year or two. To make sure you don’t run into any problems, keep these do and don’ts in mind, but also call for a septic pumping and maintenance check on a regular basis.

Whether you are putting in septic tanks in Santa Rosa, CA, learning about one that you might run into in a home you’ve purchased, or you need to maintain the one you have, the professionals at American Sanitation Inc. can help. Our experienced technicians can answer your questions and make sure you have all of the information you need, no matter what your situation might be. Give us a call at (707) 554-8258 and we’ll talk about your situation over the phone, give you advice, and set up an appointment, if necessary. We’re located at 1729 Action Avenue, Napa, CA 94559 and we want to make sure your septic tank and system are in the best possible shape to serve your family well for many years into the future. Call us for maintenance needs, advice on what to do or not do, and for any problems that might occur.