Category Archives: Septic Tanks

The Advantages Of Inspections Between Septic Tank Pumping Sessions

If you own a home that has a septic system, perhaps you already know that you have to have septic tank pumping in Vallejo, CA done on that system every 3-5 years. Your interval depends on how many people are in your household, how large your septic tank in, and other variables. While you may know that needs to happen, you might want to also think about the advantages of having inspections on those septic tanks between pumping sessions. Here are just a few:

Experts Take A Look

When you have an inspection, you are inviting trained specialists into your yard to take a look at your septic tank. It’s not the same as inviting a neighbor over and having them look at your drain field etc. You are having a professional look for issues, give you tips, and help you ward off things that you could avoid. There are priceless elements to having a true professional take a look.

Locate The Tank

If you are new to the home, or don’t know where the tank is located, it’s a good idea for you to know where it is. You could search the yard and find it yourself. Sometimes it’s easy to even see with your own eyes. But before you schedule pumping, have an inspection so you know where the tank is located. You are better able to spot issues if they are to arise if you know where the tank is.

Check For Leaks

The professionals who come to your home are not only going to look into the septic tank, but they are also going to look for leaks in the sewage lines. They may notice odors that you haven’t noticed yet or lush vegetation that you thought you were lucky to have that could, instead, indicate a leak in the line. These leaks are important to take care of before they get worse and cost more. You can ward off a small issue earlier with these inspections.

Predict Pumping

You might be on a schedule to get your septic tank pumped out every 5 years. But perhaps you have more people living in your house now than you did in the past and you need to move that schedule up a bit. The professionals can give you an idea as to how soon you need to get your tank pumped out when they do an inspection so you can predict and plan for that to happen.

There are needs that your system has, like occasional septic tank pumping in Vallejo, CA. While inspections aren’t something you absolutely have to do, there are lots of benefits to having those inspections on a regular basis. They can lead you to fixing things that could be a lot worse later on if you were to let it go, not knowing it’s there. The professionals at American Sanitation Inc are here to help with inspections, septic tank pumping, advice, and anything in between. Give us a call when you need help.

What Happens When Homeowners Avoid Septic Tank Pumping?

There are certain things that you simply have to do when you own certain items. If you have a car, you change the oil. If you don’t, the engine stops working. It’s that simple. It’s something you have to do if you want your vehicle to keep running efficiently and effectively. Likewise, if you own a home with a septic tank, you have to get septic tank pumping in Napa, CA done every so often. What happens if you move into a home with a septic tank and pumping has never been done? What if you have a septic tank and you simply ignore it? Here are a few elements you will see happening—none of them good.

Sludge Buildup

No one really wants to think about what’s in their septic tank, but the fact is that there’s plenty of sludge if the tank has never been pumped out. Sludge buildup is a gradual thing that develops over time. The point of the septic tank is to take solid wastes, break it down, and distribute it into the drain field. But sludge will still build up in the tank (more rapidly if you put things down the drain you shouldn’t). Once the sludge builds up too far, the tank is full.

Drains Slow Down

Once the sludge builds up high enough within your septic tank, the drains in your home will start to slow down. You might notice water in your sink after you brush your teeth, draining away slowly. You might see water standing in the tub as you shower. The drains are slow because there’s nowhere to put the extra water being washed down the tubes. It’s still going down, but the slowness shows you that something worse is coming if you don’t address the issues right away.

Backups Occur

The slow drains will happen first, but if you ignore even that, you will start to see dirty water backing up into your home. No one wants that kind of wastewater in their house. Toilets might overflow, drains might back up and kick water back out, and showers could even see sludge coming back up. Backups of this kind are about the last thing you want happening in your house.

Septic tanks need to be pumped out every 3-5 years without exception. You should either get on a regular schedule or watch for the signs that your septic tank is full. Waiting too long will bring unwanted (and costly) issues that you don’t want to have to address.

If you are noticing these signs, and you think septic tank pumping in Napa, CA is necessary, contact the professionals at American Sanitation Inc for help. We can inspect your septic tank, give you advice on maintenance, pump it out, and tell you what you should and should not put down the drains, among other things. We’re here to help you understand the system so you can live in peace alongside it as easily as possible.

Where Is Your Septic Tank?

You might have a septic tank, but where is it located? Companied that do septic tank pumping in Vallejo, CA often get calls from customers asking where their septic tanks are located and how they can find them. Sometimes, it’s simple because there’s a raised lid above the ground that you can visibly see. Other times, it’s not that easy. But there are a few things you can do to find your septic system on your own without having professionals come out to locate it for you. Knowing where the tank is located is important to maintenance. You will more easily be able to figure out if something is wrong if you know where to look.

One thing you can do is contact the health department in your local area and get into public records. Builders and owners have to have permits to install septic systems and the permit comes with a diagram as to where the tank will be buried. If that doesn’t work, you can make a public records request to help you get the information you need.

Another avenue you could take, if your house is relatively new, is to contact the contractor who build the home and see if they have a diagram of where the septic tank was placed. They should still have blueprints and plans if the home is on the new side.

If you fail to find what you need in those ways, you can look for the tank yourself around your properly. Locate the main sewer line, which starts in your basement or crawl space and leave the side of the home. Measure the location of where that line leaves the house and find that location outside. Then, you can carefully probe the yard with a thin metal stick (don’t push too hard, however,) and follow the line out into the yard. The last thing you want to do is puncture the line so you will want to probe with gentleness and great care. Most septic tanks are three or so feet underground and 10 or 20 feet from the house.

If you are unable to find the septic tank, you can call professionals, who can use special equipment to locate the tank. It’s good to know where the tank is for future reference. And, that way, you can keep an eye on the drain field for any changes that might occur, which could mean you need maintenance.

Over the course of your ownership, you will need septic tank pumping in Vallejo, CA, just as any owner of a septic tank will. When that time arises, you can use your knowledge to direct professionals to the exact location of your system. The experts at American Sanitation Inc are here to help with your septic system needs. Whether you want to location your tank, get tips on how to maintain and treat the system, or you need pumping, we’re here to help. Give us a call with your questions and we’ll make our recommendations to you.

What Happens In A Septic Tank Pumping Session?

When you buy a home with a septic tank system, you may hear that you will need septic tank pumping in Napa, CA on a regular basis to maintain the system. However, if you’ve never been through the process before, you may have no idea what happens during that pumping session. You can find out before you have to have it done so you know what to expect when the day arrives.

The first thing you need to know is that septic pumping is absolutely not a do it yourself project. You need to have a trusted, experienced company do the job for you. Something you can do yourself is watch for the signs that your tank needs to be pumped. If pipes are running slow and getting backed up, that’s a good sign that things are getting full in the tank.

The septic tank itself is an underground container that holds the waste that leaves your home through the plumbing pipes. The tank is built to break down that waste and dispose of it through the drain field. However, there are certain things that break down slowly and some things that may never break down. You’ll want to be careful what you put down the drains of your home, but even if you are diligent, every tank is going to need pumping.

When the septic tank pumping is necessary, the company will come to your home, find the lid for the septic tank, and remove it with their specialized equipment. A vacuum pump will be placed down into the tank and it will suck up the liquid, sludge, and wastes that have filled your tank.

The process can take anywhere from 15 minutes to an hour, depending on how large the tank is, how long it has been since it’s been pumped, and how full it is. After the tank is cleaned out, the technician will use a special tool and hose to flush the outlets and filters, which connects the tank to the drain field. Once that is done, the lid to the tank will be put back on and the truck will leave the property to dispose of your septic tank’s contents.

While the procedures don’t take all that long, it’s something only professionals should handle. When the time comes and you need septic tank pumping in Napa, CA, contact the experts at American Sanitation Inc for help. If you’re new to the septic tank world and you don’t know what you need, you can also contact us and ask us for recommendations as to how often it needs to be done. We’re here to help you with septic tank health. We can give you do and don’ts of the septic tank, so you know how to treat the system to make it last as long as possible without any issues. We can even inspect the septic tank and put you on a regular schedule for checkups and maintenance, so you don’t go too long between pumps.

Dos And Don’ts Of Septic Tanks To Avoid Pumping

Septic tanks, in general, are very efficient, but even when you treat them well, you will have to get serviced by a septic tank pumping company in Napa, CA every now and then. You can count on the process happening once every 2-4 years, depending on how many family members you have. But with good care, your septic system can last for decades so it’s important to treat the system well. If you’re new to having a septic tank, you don’t want to disturb the ecosystem within the tank, if at all possible. There are a number of things you can do to make sure your system is set up well for your home.

Water, Toilet Paper, And Waste Goes Down The Drains—That’s It

There are a lot of things that you could put down the drains and on a regular sewage system, maybe you could get away with that. With a septic system, things are different. Your system is designed to handle water, toilet paper, and human waste and that’s about it. You don’t want to put even something like paper towels down the toilet and you never want to rinse oils and fats from cooking down the kitchen drain. Keep this a hard and fast rule and your septic system will be healthier for it.

Avoid All Chemicals

While bleach and drain cleaners may have been the norm in other places you lived, they won’t work well for you in a home with a septic system. These items have chemicals and they can actually harm the bacteria in the septic tank. When the bacteria die off, the tank can’t do its job and you are stuck with a filling tank with no outlet. You’ll have to get things pumped out as the ecosystem resets itself and starts to work properly again.

Ration Water

While you can use as much water as you need, you will want to spread things out over the course of the day and week, so you don’t overload the septic tank with too much wastewater all at once. Don’t take a long shower while running the washing machine, for example, and after doing a load of wash, wait a few hours before running the dishwasher.

Don’t Utilize The Garbage Disposal

Homes with septic tanks really shouldn’t have garbage disposals, but many do. You don’t want to put things down there to grind them up and send them down the pipes. Dump any clippings and cuttings from veggies and other things into the trash can instead.

There are plenty of other rules and tips you’ll want to know if you are new to the septic world, so you won’t have to get septic tank pumping service any sooner than necessary. The professionals at American Sanitation Inc can help you with the ins and outs, dos and don’ts so you don’t have to call for emergency help any time soon. Maintain your septic system and it will be good to you well into the future.

Will Adding Enzymes Help Put Off Septic Tank Pumping?

Septic tanks are important pieces of equipment to homes that have them. They take care of essential tasks that nothing else can do the same way. If you live in a rural area and have to have a septic tank to dispose of house water and waste, it acts like a mini sewage treatment system that can remove the waste material from the house and break it down. All of these systems will need septic tank pumping in Napa, CA at some point, but you don’t want to do it more often than you have to and there are things you can do to help that process be as prolonged as possible.

The inside of a septic tank is like a small ecosystem of its own. That system relies on bacteria to break down the solid waste that comes in and separate it from liquids. There are chemicals and additives that people can put into the tanks to prolong the life of the tank and help its efficiency. But there are also studies that show these additives can actually harm the system and increase the amount of times it has to be pumped.

Septic tanks separate solids and liquids and break down the solids through the use of bacteria before flushing that out of the tank as a liquid, into the drainage field. Solid waste that can’t be broken down remains in the tank as sludge and it needs to be pumped out every 2-4 years, depending on the situation. Septic tanks can last for up to 30 years when they are maintained well and controlling the amount of waste that gets into the system helps you empty it less. You should never use household chemicals like bleach or drain cleaner and anti-bacterial anything is bad for the system since it kills the bacteria the tank needs to operate well.

There are a lot of chemicals on the market and some of them even claim that they will eliminate the need to pump out a septic tank. But septic tanks don’t really need help from extra additives. As long as you are only putting wastewater and toilet paper down the pipes, the tank can take care of its job on its own. Putting anything extra in can cause more harm than good and it’s best to stick to the tanks natural ecosystem when possible.

No matter how good you are to your septic system, you’re going to need septic tank pumping in Napa, CA every few years. When those occasions come up, or if your drains are running slow, or hear septic system gurgling and you want to have things checked over, the professionals at American Sanitation Inc are here for you. We can tell you about enzymes that can help, or hurt, these systems and we can give you plenty of other tips to guide you toward the proper septic tank maintenance and usage so you can live in harmony with the system instead of fighting against it.

Unclogging Septic Tanks With Chemicals

Having clogged drains is a fact of life. Even if you are diligent about keeping foreign things out of the drains, hair can add up, dirt can build up, and clogs can happen. Many homeowners that have septic systems know that septic tank pumping in Napa, CA is a regular maintenance need. But they want to prevent that maintenance need from occurring too frequently when possible. They might, when a clog occurs, turn to chemical drain cleaners to wash those clogs away. However, even though commercials say that’ll take care of any issue, it’s important to know with a septic system, the opposite is true.

Bacteria is an integral part of running a septic system. What that means for drain cleaning is that any chemicals you pour down the drain could potentially kill off bacteria, which has an impact on the entire system. Within the septic tank, it’s the bacteria that breaks down the waste and releases it into the drain field. When the bacteria are killed off, nothing breaks down and tank pumping becomes a necessity.

The biggest problem with drain cleaners and unclogging agents is that they often have ingredients with high levels of bleach and other things that bur away clogs, but kill bacteria at the same time. Instead of reaching for what the commercials say will work, there are safe methods that can maintain your septic tank without problems.

You might want to first try boiling water. It can clear small clogs like hair and grease that might be getting in the way and it won’t damage the pipes or the septic system in any way. If that doesn’t work, you can use the harmless trick of vinegar and baking soda. Pour the baking soda down first then a little vinegar. It will bubble and can take clogs down with it when you then flush hot water down half an hour later.

If the clogs are close by, you can also try to remove them manually with a snake. If that doesn’t work and the drain is still clogged up, you might need a professional to assess what’s going on.

Having a septic tank can be the best solution for homes in certain regions, but you also need to know how to care for it and what you can and can’t use. When clogs get really bad, septic tank pumping in Napa, CA might be the only solution. For advice on what to do with your system, contact the professionals at American Sanitation Inc. You can call us with questions at (707) 554-8258 or set up a time for us to come out and take a look at your system and tell you more about what’s going on and how you can maintain it well. You can also visit with us in person, if you’d like. We’re located at 1729 Action Avenue Napa, CA 94559 and we’re more than happy to go over cleaners with you, what works, what doesn’t, and what you should never use. We want your septic system to operate well!

What Kitty Litter Means For Your Septic Tank

If you just moved into a house with a septic system, you may not know that much about it. Research will show you that septic tank pumping in Vallejo, CA is something you will have to do at some point. All septic tanks get full and need that kind of maintenance. But, of course, you want to avoid the pumping as much as possible and only do it when it’s absolutely necessary. For that, it’s important to learn more about your septic tank system and how you should use it. If you have a cat, one thing to know is that kitty litter going down the drain is one of the largest risks you can pos to your septic system.

Having a cat gives you a furry companion to pet. You might enjoy the purrs and company, but no one really likes having to clean out the litter box. If you like to watch out for the environment, the idea of throwing away plastic bags with clay-based litter in them every week might not suit you. Neither are biodegradable, after all, right? So, some owners turned to flushable kitty litter as a solution. However, even things that are labeled flushable should not really be flushed. In fact, if you use flushable or any kind of kitty litter and put it down your drains, it can lead to a whole system failure.

Think about the purpose of kitty litter. The litter is clay-based and absorbs liquid, which can control the smells in the littler box. Most litters clump so you can remove the clumps and keep the majority of the litter in the box for longer. When you combine those features and place them in your septic system, it can eb a catastrophe. Say you dump the box of litter down the toilet and flush. It clumps up, as it’s meant to do, and cogs the drain instantly. If it makes it to the septic tank, it clumps there and never breaks down as other things do in that environment. That also causes issues.

When you are new to having a septic tank, it’s important to find out what you can and cannot put down the drain. As a rule of thumb as you get started, don’t put anything down the toilets but human waste and toilet paper. You can find out more details about how to care for your tank with professionals who do septic tank pumping in Vallejo, CA. Contact the experts at American Sanitation Inc. when you need maintenance, have issues, or just wat to know more about how to care for your system. You can call us at (707) 554-8258 with questions or to set up any appointments to come out and look things over for you. We are located at 1729 Action Avenue Napa, CA 94559 if you’d like to speak to us in person about your concerns. We’re here to help you understand the septic system and maintain it in the best possible manner.

What’s That Smell? Septic Tank Pumping

When you think about what goes into a septic tank after it’s been a long time since septic tank pumping in Vallejo, CA, it makes sense that something might smell eventually. But the septic tank is there to dispel those odors and break things down before it sends anything back out. Certain gases coming out of the system can actually be very dangerous so if you notice a scent that isn’t usual, you should get it checked out right away.

Septic gases that leak into the yard are bad enough, but when something is wrong and those gases leak into the home through your plumbing fixtures, that can be even worse. These gases are often toxic, so you never want them in your house. If you notice a scent, there could be a number of issues arising:

The Septic Tank Is Full

If your tank is full, the things going into it will have to go somewhere. That means that you might start to have backups in your house and/or scents you don’t appreciate. Have septic tank pumping done as soon as you can to get things back in working order.

Gargling Sounds Are Arising

When you hear the system making gargling sounds, that’s another sign that the tank needs to be emptied. Gargling and scents are not a good combination and you need to get help as soon as you can. Whenever the sounds the plumbing system make change, it’s a sign that you should at least get things checked out.

Poor Initial Installation

If you are moving into a new house and inherit a septic system, you had no control over who installed it and how good the job was. Poor installation can leave you with all sorts of issues, including scents you don’t want. If you get to hire an installer, make sure you find someone reputable.

If you notice those scents, check the manhole over your septic tank and make sure it is fitting properly or the sewer gases can leak. But really, the best thing to do is contact professionals to see what action needs to be taken, if anything. You shouldn’t’ just live with this problem and try to deal with it. IT can be dangerous and serious.

If you think you might need septic tank pumping in Vallejo, CA because you are smelling things you didn’t before, contact the professionals at American Sanitation Inc for information on maintenance and possible pumping. Call us at (707) 554-8258 and we can talk about your issues over the phone and then come out and see them in person to diagnose and fix the problems at hand. We’re happy to help you with questions you might have about septic tanks and we can get you up to date if you don’t know much about the dos and don’ts, maintenance, and other such things. You’re welcome to stop by with questions. We are located at 1729 Action Avenue Napa, CA 94559 and we’re here to help

Ridding Of Kitchen Grease/Oil To Avoid Septic Tank Pumping

Most people will cook with oil or grease in the kitchen on occasion. And if you also have a septic tank, putting that oil or grease down the drain can force you to need septic tank pumping in Napa, CA more often. Every septic tank will need pumping on occasion, but you want the length of time between those maintenance jobs to be as long as possible. One way you can maintain the system well is to make sure you don’t put grease and oil down the drain.

When you put grease or oil down the kitchen sink drain, it mixes up with all the stuff that is also down there. Grease and oil, when you pour it, is probably hot or at least warm. It will stiffen and harden as it cools and that can lead to clogs. As it mixes with other things, it can back things up and cause all sorts of issues along the way. It might not happen the first time you pour the grease down, but eventually, if you make it a habit, it will.

There are a few things you can do with grease and oil once you are done using it. One would be to put the grease into a container and then place it under the sink in the kitchen to let it cool. Once it cools and hardens, just throw it in the garbage can. You could also reuse the grease if it wasn’t cooking something that would transfer the taste to another different item. If you cook for a living in your home, you can also take the grease to a landfill or oil recycling center to get rid of it.

When you move form a regular system to a home that has a septic tank, you might not know all of the rules you have to follow. There’s more to it than just putting grease somewhere other than down the drain. If you want some tips, consult with professionals, have your septic tank checked over, and keep track of how often you need to have things pumped out on a regular basis, so you don’t have issues that pop up unexpectedly.

Finding a new way to rid your kitchen of the grease and oil you use is a great place to start when you want to avoid frequently septic tank pumping in Napa, CA. When you do need that maintenance, any other repairs or hear septic system gurgling, you can contact the professionals at American Sanitation Inc. We can answer first time homeowners of septic tanks might have on how to care for the system in the best possible manner over the years. Call us at (707) 554-8258 and we’ll help however we can. You can also visit us with your questions or to learn everything you need to know about septic tank care. We’re located at 1729 Action Avenue Napa, CA 94559. If you want to find out more about our company and the services we offer, visit us online at American-sanitation.com

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