Topic: septic

Can Rain Affect My Septic Tank?

Heavy rains can cause many catastrophic issues and your septic system is not spared from this act of nature. Heavy rains saturate the ground and the soil around your septic tank which can cause the the drain field to become clogged. If your drain filed clogs then your septic tank will continue to fill and eventually can cause your septic tank to flood.

Even if you’ve been diligent in your preparation and receive regular septic system maintenance service rain can still cause problems for your septic system. If your area is expected to get heavy rains, there are some steps you can take to avoid septic system issues:

  1. Limit water use during the rain
  2. Only flush safe materials
  3. Don’t work on the system during flooding conditions
  4. Don’t park or drive over your tank
  5. Use biodegradable cleaners
  6. Be mindful of root damage
  7. Regularly inspect and pump your septic tank

There are a number of things that can cause issues with your septic system. The key to getting ahead of any issue is to look for signs of septic problems. You can mitigate septic tank issues caused by heavy rainwater if you act quickly.

Septic Emergency? Contact us immediately at 570-828-7444

Septic Medic provides professional septic system services to homeowners in Pike County, PA and the suburbs of Northeast Pennsylvania. Contact Septic Medic to schedule a time for a septic system inspection today.

What Are the Signs of Septic Issues Caused by Heavy Rain?

When your area experiences heavy rains make sure you know how to recognize a flooded drain field or septic tank overflow. A flooded septic tank will look a lot like a standard clogged pipe or a tank that may need routine maintenance. When your tank is flooded, the drains and pipes in your home may begin to back up and fail to drain properly. You may also notice a bad odor coming from your septic tank when it rains. Repairing a flooded septic tank is different than routine maintenance and a professional knows the difference. If you are concerned that heavy rain has caused damage to your septic system, or just have a question, call Septic Medic at 570-828-7444 or contact us online.
 

 

How to Maintain Your Septic System 

Septic Medic truck parked at a Pennsylvania home to perform septic tank maintenance

In the Pike County area, including Dingmans Ferry, PA and Bushkill, PA, many homeowners depend on an on-site septic system instead of a standard public sewer system. Located west of the Delaware River and east of the Poconos mountains, Turkey mounds, an elevated sand mound on the property, is the most common form of a septic system in this part of Pennsylvania. Having a relationship with a professional septic system maintenance and repair company and implementing regular maintenance services is the backbone to keeping your septic tank healthy. Without proper maintenance on your septic system you can cause costly damage and reduce the lifespan of your alternative sewage system by years. Investing the time to become aware of the do’s and don’ts about your septic system can provide you with a level of comfort.

Call Septic Medic at 570-828-7444 to learn more about our septic maintenance services for tanks & leach fields

How Much Does Septic Maintenance Cost?

Ultimately the costs of replacing a septic tank far outweigh the costs of yearly or bi-yearly septic system maintenance, and can increase the life and reliability of your system. The cost of a septic system replacement depends on the type of system you have installed on your property and the size of the septic tank that services your home. Price tags ranging from $5,000 to $30,000 are a very good reason to be knowledgable about the benefits of regular septic system maintenance.

How does the Septic System Work?

For those who are completely unfamiliar with septic tanks and septic systems, a septic tank is almost like a living organism; in fact, the bacteria within it is utilized to break down waste products. The septic system is designed to break down solid wastes and directs treated liquids. You have pipes that exit your home (like any other home): pipes running from the shower drain, the toilet, and the sinks. The waste water and solid wastes enters into a septic tank via these pipes. which usually is designed to hold around 1,000 – 1,500 gallons or more.

When new water enters the tank, it pushes out or displaces the older water, which then flows out of the tank into the drain field. Within the drain field or the turkey mound, is where the the old water is slowly absorbed.

Within a healthy septic tank, there are 3 layers:

  • The top layer is biomat which breaks down the solids.
  • A middle layer of “clear water” that leaves the tank
  • A sludge layer at the bottom which is generally solid wastes generated by the bio mat

Turkey Mound vs Conventional Septic Systems

A better understanding of the type of septic system you have and how it works will help you to prevent septic pump problems, prolong the lifespan of your septic equipment, and keep everything working in prime condition.

Mound Septic Systems are typically installed in areas with a high water table or in areas where there is a lack of soil underground. In these instances a pile of sand or gavel, also called a turkey mound, is built above ground to assist with waste water absorption. An electric pump is used to bring the wastewater above ground. Turkey mound septic systems often require more frequent maintenance than a conventional septic system. If suspect that your turkey mound septic system has become clogged with sludge, contact Septic Medic to schedule mound system repairs.

Conventional Septic Systems are most often installed in areas with lower water tables that have enough soil beneath the ground to support wastewater treatment components, including a tank and drain field. Depending on how much clay is contained in the dirt effects the absorption process. Septic maintenance services for a conventional system can occur approximately every three years compared to every one year for a turkey mound system.

What to Expect When You Schedule Septic Maintenance Services?

When we talk about septic maintenance services, the following areas are important to check out:
• Checking sludge levels to ensure they are not getting too high within the tank
• Looking for liquid waste that may be appearing on the surface of the ground
• Ensuring that baffles are intact and functioning properly
• Inspecting the tank lid for cracks
• Pumping your septic tank, which is recommended every 2 to 5 years depending on your usage
• Learning about what you can and cannot flush down the toilet, which can include disposable wipes, certain types of cleaning solutions and much more.

Septic Medic highly recommends that you schedule annual maintenance services in order to keep your septic system healthy. If you have a large family and use your septic system more than the average household, then we suggest getting biannual inspections.
 

 

 Septic Emergency? Contact us immediately at 570-828-7444

Additional Septic Services include

Homeowner Guide to Septic System in Pike County

Septic Medic tanker truck driving on a Pennsylvania road.

 

As a homeowner with a septic system, it is important to routinely maintain your septic tank and pipes in your home. If your home relies on a septic system for water usage and waste then it is important to know how to effectively unclog a drain, diagnose septic problems, and understand the overall care for this type of system. It is a great idea to learn how exactly the system works, what types of problems to diagnose, and when to let a professional septic tank company deal with problems with your septic tank. Septic Medic in Dingmans Ferry, PA offers professional septic maintenance services to homeowners and businesses in Pike County and the Bushkill Falls region. 

<H2> Things to Learn When Your Property Has a Septic Tank

  1. Learn how to diagnose a clogged drain
  2. Educate yourself on the most common reasons a septic system fails
  3. Be proactive and know when to have your septic tank pumped
  4. Inspect and identify if your septic system uses a turkey mound or leach field.

Parts of a Septic Tank 

When you have wastewater or waste that flows out from your house, it goes through pipes and flows into the septic tank. There are 3 important parts of your septic system that control how waste products flow throughout your septic tank and you should educate yourself about each component, including: 

  1. The inlet baffle deflects waste downward ensuring that it does not go directly across the tank.
  2. The outlet baffle keeps anything floating from going out directly into the field or pump tank, and it allows only “clean water” to leave the septic tank. 
  3. Gas deflector at the bottom of the outlet baffle to deflect gas particles containing sludge. The remaining liquid waste exits the end of the tank, where it is usually flowing out into the leach field. 

How do you access the septic tank? 

Usually, you can access your septic tank from above so a homeowner or professional can easily inspect the inside of the tank and perform routine maintenance. Septic maintenance is critical to ensuring that your septic tank is functioning properly.

When do I need to pump the septic tank? 

If there are any issues such as sludge building up in the tank or a loose pipe somewhere, you could end up running into foul smells within your home, inability to flush your toilet or a septic backup into parts of your home. A tank should be pumped when sludge buildup measures 1/3 or more of the liquid depth and/or if the sludge level is higher than the gas deflector. Either of these will lead to a problem and it would be a good time to get a septic cleaning. Septic tank systems should be tested once every two years. It is recommended to test more often too, especially if you live in a household with a large number of people that require the use of resources on a greater scale, which in turn puts more strain on the septic tank system.

5 Tips for Taking Care of Your Septic System

  1. Make sure that you pump your tank frequently, usually bi-annually or annually. 
  2. Make sure that you use only safe chemicals that are suitable for septic systems. Certain household chemicals that travel through your pipes can often be detrimental to the bacteria within your septic tank system.
  3. Avoid flushing items such as disposable wipes down your toilet, as they will most likely build up and clog your pipes and system.
  4. Try to be economical when it comes to using your water system – don’t shower multiple times a day and try to conserve your usage as much as possible to avoid overstressing the septic tank.
  5. Keep an eye on things for anything unusual. Also, make sure to check your leach fields for areas of grass that are robust or growing faster than anywhere else on the mound. Make sure that the water isn’t standing there or squishy, and that it is generally in good shape.

Professional Septic Repair in Bushkill Falls

Septic Medic is a reliable and professional septic system repair and service company in Pike County, PA. We have years of expertise when it comes to serving septic tank issues and problems and we are proud to be the number one resource for emergency issues in the Poconos and Bushkill Falls region. Contact us online to schedule septic maintenance services, soil and percolation testing, or an installation consult. 

Septic Emergency? Contact us immediately at 570-828-7444

Additional Septic Services include:

 

 

How to Diagnose a Clogged Septic System

sink full of water due to a clogged drain

A clogged septic system can originate from the drain lines running to your septic tank, a clogged septic tank effluent filter, or a broken outlet baffle. The first step to troubleshooting a septic system backups is to identify the location of the clog. Millions of Americans rely on septic tanks each and every year in order to help eliminate harmful biohazard products and wastewater that flow from their homes. As long as a septic system receives routine maintenance services they are generally trouble-free, there may be times when a clog occurs. Most often a clogged drain line or pipe is due to waste or material that has accumulated over time, but it is important to check out the whole septic system to confirm you do not have any underlying damage. Septic system blockages can often be repaired with a routine pumping & tank clean out. For more troublesome clogs and backups a septic company may use hydro-jetting to clean your septic drain lines and leach field lines. High-pressure jetting can remove any masses that are causing a septic tank blockage as well as clean pipe walls and remove anything that could cause future clogs.

Septic problems can come in all shapes and sizes, which is why it is doubly important to invest in the services of a professional with an expertise in septic tanks and system design. Quality and service are Septic Medic’s top priorities. We will quickly and efficiently troubleshoot and diagnose clogged septic tank systems and leach field problems in Pike County, Delaware Township, and many other areas in Northeastern Pennsylvania.

Contact Septic Medic online or call 570-828-7444 for septic maintenance, pumping and repair services for your septic tank system.

Steps to Troubleshoot Sewage Backup & Clogged Drains

While more often than not, the issue will be due to waste or material that has accumulated over time, it is a good idea to be able to check out the system as a whole, your indoor plumbing and outdoor environment for more problematic issues.

  1. Check the history of clogs: If you have a specific location in your home, a sink or a toilet, that frequently gets clogged then you’ll want to inspect it for properties installation, or explore whether or not that pipe is connected to a larger septic drain line so you can explore where the backup or odor is coming from.
  2. Take a flushable inventory: Often times people do not realize or remember that they cannot treat their septic system the same way you would a public sewer system. Items such as “flushable wipes” and other common household items, are not meant to work with septic tank systems and have a difficulty breaking down and can quickly clog pipes or a septic tank. Over time they can build up until there is a large mass that cannot dissolve and you’ll need you septic system pumped out.Certain chemicals that you use to clean your toilet, sink, or shower can also be problematic. Some chemicals can break down good bacteria in your septic tank and lead complicated issues down the line. Septic Medic’s professionally trained technicians will ascertain what household products or chemicals you are using and let you know if they could be causing clogs or disabling the functions of your septic system.
  3. Use a sewer line camera: A professional septic tank technician can scope the tank and system with a camera to inspect the drain lines for damage or blockage.
  4. Check septic tank filters: Intake and outlet drains can become blocked by floating solid waste or high sludge levels in your tank. Regularly pumping your septic tank can prevent sludge levels from rising and clogging the filters. Outlet baffles help direct wastewater away from the septic tank and into the leach field – when blocked it can result in pipe clogs and premature system failure.
  5. Inspect indoor plumbing and fixtures: If all the pipes leading to the septic tank outside are determined to be clog free then the next step is to check the plumbing within the building or home. This includes checking various plumbing fixtures throughout the home, on the ground floor and any upper floors.
  6. Look outside:  Checking outside the home can be another helpful way to determine the root of the problem. Trees with large roots that could be pushing or creating pressure on underground pipes. In addition, check the leach field to see if there is standing water that is unable to drain.

 

 

Septic Emergency? Contact us immediately at 570-828-7444

Additional Septic Services include

How Do I Keep My Septic System Healthy?

Septic systems offer a reasonable alternative to public sewage systems and are a great option for those who are unable to connect to a public sewer system, or for those who are too far removed from public utilities. Hundreds of thousands of home and property owners utilize a septic system for day-to-day activities. However, there are some differences between alternative wastewater treatment systems and traditional public sewer systems, which can mean there is a learning curve for homeowners that purchase a property that relies on a septic tank. Consider what happens when you don’t change your oil at the recommended mileage for your personal vehicle; failing to perform routine maintenance can often cause further issues down the line, and this ultimately means spending more money. Preventative septic maintenance plans are beneficial to the lifespan of your septic system and the health of your family and property.

 

5 Ways to Care for Your Septic System

In order to keep your septic system healthy and working in top condition, you must be consistent with septic system maintenance services. Everyone should learn what maintenance is required to keep your tank healthy and trouble-free, as this will help you avoid any serious issues down the road!

  1. Schedule regular septic system pumping and tank cleanout.
  2. Regularly test the soil in the leach field to protect your water source.
  3. Address clogged drains and septic backups immediately.
  4. Get annual septic system maintenance inspections to measure layers of sludge.
  5. Ask a septic system professional about which chemicals and products can do damage to your septic system.

Do I need maintenance service on my septic tank?

Septic system preventative maintenance plans executed by professional septic contractors can extend the life of your system and save you time and money on costly repairs or replacements.

 

Septic Emergency? Contact us immediately at 570-828-7444

What Causes a Septic System to Fail

individual wearing rain boots in a septic tank drainage field

Septic tank failure can be dangerous. When your septic system is not working properly, your home or property’s wastewater is not being processed safely, and in addition to health and environmental concerns, failure can often lead to expensive repair and replacement.

Septic Medic in Dingman’s Ferry, PA offers routine septic system maintenance and pumping services and quality repair solutions in Pike County, PA, and Northeastern PA, contact our technicians for expert, honest inspections and reliable septic emergency response.

Septic Emergency? Contact us immediately at 570-828-7444

Understanding how your septic system works, what to expect, and how to maintain your property’s private sewage systems can help you identify concerns and recognize septic failure sooner.

6 Common Reasons Your Septic Tank Fails

  1. Lack of Septic System Maintenance. Inside your septic tank, there are three layers of wastewater. Contaminants and pollutants (sludge and scum) remain in your tank and need to be regularly pumped to prevent damaging buildup and reduce the function of your wastewater system.
  2. Ground settles around a septic tank. Over time and after heavy rainfall, the ground around your septic tank may settle which can lead to strain on connecting pipes and in extreme cases can cause the pipes to break or crack.
  3. Clogged septic filter. Waste can buildup around the filter and prevent proper drainage, eventually causing damaging clogs in connecting pipes.
  4. Damaged drain field. There is a wide range of reasons a problem may develop in the leach field, including soil compaction or sludge buildup.
  5. Improper disposal of chemicals and products. Flushing or disposing of a variety of household cleaning products and solids can cause serious damage to your septic system.
  6. Roots and biomaterial get inside your tank. Tree roots commonly clog drain lines and sometimes can puncture or breach connecting pipes.

Learn about the signs of common problems you may experience with your septic system and work with a professional septic maintenance and repair company to reduce your chances of experiencing septic tank failure.

Septic Medic provides competitive pricing and excellent service to our customers in Pike County, PA. If you are concerned about septic failure, call us at 570-828-7444 or contact us online.

Septic Medic Services:

 

Getting Your Septic System Cared for By the Professionals

Deposits surrounding a septic pump before cleanup in Pike CountyIf you have a septic system in your home, you cannot trust just anyone to handle pumping the system out when it needs it periodically and you especially cannot hire just any company to handle repairs if there is some type of problem with the septic system.  You need to take care of the septic system and make sure it is pumped out and repaired properly when it needs it because a septic system is a big investment. There are also significant health risks if the system is not cared for properly, as you could find sewage and waste in your yard when a serious problem develops that is not corrected.

With Septic Medic, you can count on us to take care of your septic system and keep it in good working order. We’re professionals within the septic system business who have the experience and skills necessary to do the job right. Call Septic Medic today to learn more.
 

 

Have Your Septic System Pumped Out Before There are Problems

Access risers at the top of a septic tank in Pike County, PA

When it comes to home maintenance, sometimes homeowners let things slide because of time or money concerns. While there are some repairs and jobs that you can easily defer without doing too much damage or causing a lot of long-term problems to your home, there are also other jobs that cannot wait.  One of the things that you must make sure you are always doing on time and never putting off is getting your septic system pumped out when it needs it.

Septic systems must be pumped out around every three to five years on average, although it may be possible that you will need to get your septic system pumped out sooner if you have a lot of people in your home or if you produce a lot of waste water. When you do need to get your septic system pumped out, you should call in the professionals to take care of the task right away before you have problems. Septic Medic is here to help.
 

 

Three Reasons to Have Your Septic System Pumped Regularly

If you have a septic system, you want to have it pumped regularly to avoid having to replace your septic tank. There are lots of important reasons why you want to make sure that you have your septic system pumped often including:

  • Avoiding sewage backups. If you don’t have your septic system pumped frequently enough, you could find yourself with sewage backing up out of your toilets, sinks, tubs, or other plumbing. This is not a pleasant experience for anyone.
  • Maintaining your septic system. Septic systems are expensive. A failure to have them pumped frequently enough is a major reason why septic systems fail. You don’t want to end up needing an expensive replacement system just because you didn’t have the system pumped often enough.
  • Identifying problems. Professionals who come to pump out your septic system can let you know if there are any problems that need to be addressed. It is better to find out about septic problems sooner rather than later so you can address the issues in a timely manner.

Remember to pump your septic system every 3 to 5 years. Replacing septic tanks can be avoided, call Septic Medic at 570.828.7444 or contact us online to schedule a septic system cleaning today!

 

 

How Do I Know If My Septic Tank is Failing?

When you know the warning signs of septic tank failure and why septic tanks fail then you are better prepared to protect the health of you and your family and avoid high septic repair costs. When your septic tank fails, waste products can quickly build up and threaten your safety. There are common warning signs that your septic tank operations are failing and you need to call an experienced septic repair company fast.

Warning Signs of Septic Tank Issues

  1. Your Septic Alarm Goes Off: Septic alarms will alert you if the water level in your pump tank is too high or too low. Did an essential septic system component fail. Was there a power failure or heavy rain recently? Septic Medic professionals will help you diagnose the issue and offer emergency septic services 24/7. 
  2. You Smell An Odd Septic Odor:  Unpleasant septic odors outdoors coming from the drain field or septic tank is a major indicator of septic system failure. If you are smelling sewage inside of a building, or if you smell septic tank gas above the cover of the tank, then you may be experiencing a septic drainage issue.
  3. Your Sewage is Backing Up: Sewage back up is considered a septic emergency. If you see sewage in your toilets or the plumbing inside your home, you may have a clogged drain or leach field If sewage is backing up in toilets or plumbing in your home, it is considered a septic emergency. Septic Medic’s technicians will help you diagnose a clogged drain.
  4. You See Wet Standing Water or Wet Spots in Your Drain Field: Your septic tank is deigned to drain into a leach field, but if the drain pipes are broken or clogged from septic system overused or infrequent septic system pumping then you may need a leach field repair

 

 

Septic Emergency? Contact us immediately at 570-828-7444

Repair Your Faulty Septic Tank Quickly

If your septic tank is not working correctly, you need to address the problem quickly. Failure to fix a damaged or broken septic system can have serious consequences for the environment and for your family’s health. Risks include contaminating ground and surface water, filling your backyard with dangerous bacteria and viruses.  Don’t take a chance on creating a health hazard, if you suspect that there may be some issue with your septic system.

Septic Medic proudly serves homeowners in Pike County and suburbs of Northeast Pennsylvania. We provide competitive pricing and unsurpassed customer service. If you are experiencing issues with your septic system and you’re concerned about failure, call us at 570-828-7444 or contact us online. 

Septic Medic Services: