Category Archives: Troubleshooting

Can Cat Waste Be Flushed?

questions about septic systems, Septic System Tips, Troubleshooting, , , , , ,

While this is perhaps a common question in more urban areas, cat-owners may wonder this in rural areas as well.  There are even products out there that claim to “toilet train” your cat!

Environmental, waste disposal, and water & sewer professionals agree that flushing pet waste is not a smart idea.  An animal’s digestion and biology are of course different than a human’s, so the waste is different.  The extra usage could potentially overburden a septic system unnecessarily.  An even greater risk occurs for city-dwellers, as municipal treatment technology can’t eliminate all parasites that are carried by cats.

In an effort to keep our water safe for everyone and to keep waste-treatment systems working properly, it is recommended that cat waste not be flushed.

 

Based on the article “Cat Waste: To Flush or Not to Flush” in Pumper Magazine.

 

Your Septic System and Iron Filtration Systems

questions about septic systems, Troubleshooting, , ,

If you have a high iron content in your water at home, you most likely have some sort of treatment or filtration system.  While you rightly want to address this issue, don’t forget how it affects your septic system.  These filtration systems discharge into the septic tank and suppress the good bacteria your system needs, as well as causing poor separation of the solids in the tank.  This means more frequent pumping is a requirement to keep any major issues at bay.  Using a monthly bacteria additive for the septic system is also a necessity!  Give us a call if you have one of these filtration systems and would like to know how to protect your septic system.

What Causes Occasional Odors in the House or Yard?

questions about septic systems, Troubleshooting, , , , , , ,

A common statement we hear from our customers, especially in the winter-time, is “We’re getting really strong sewer-like smells in the house.”  They usually follow by asking if their septic tank needs to be pumped.  While at times this can be a sign of the tank & system needing attention, odors often have nothing to do with the level in the tank itself.  When a customer calls with this complaint, there are two things we recommend they do.

First (and especially important in the winter), run some water down any sinks or drains that aren’t being used on a regular basis.  This includes floor drains in the basement.  In Wisconsin, our cold and dry winter air can cause the P-traps in the home’s plumbing to dry up, allowing odors from the septic tank to escape through sinks and drains.  If odors are very bad, and the P-traps seem to be the issue, some customers will add a small amount of a cleaner, like Pine-Sol to the water.

Second, check the plumbing vent on the roof.  Leaves and other debris can clog these vents throughout the year.  During winter, the vents can also freeze shut.  Put simply, with a plugged or frozen vent, the flow of air in the plumbing is interrupted and causes odors to remain in the house.  (The roof vent can also cause occasional odors in the house or yard, anytime throughout the year, due to the direction of airflow around the house and wind direction.  A steep roof and low vent location can contribute to this problem.)

If you’re experiencing occasional odors at your home, try these suggestions.  Feel free to give us a call if you have further questions!

Going Somewhere Warm for Winter?

questions about septic systems, Septic System Tips, Troubleshooting, , , , ,

Are you planning on taking a trip this winter and leaving your house empty for a few days?  Or are you one of those fortunate ones who skips Wisconsin winters altogether and heads south for several months?

If so, we’re happy for you… and a little jealous!  We hope you enjoy your time in the sun.

Keep in mind, though, that leaving winter behind is not entirely worry-free.  If your house is going to sit empty for any amount of time in the depths of our bitter cold winters, problems can occur with your plumbing and septic system.  Not only can pipes freeze if they aren’t being used, but issues can also arise with the septic system itself.  Extremely cold temps plus a period of non-use can equal annoying issues when you return home.

If you plan on leaving this winter, consider a house-sitter or having a trusted neighbor stop in and run water down the drains, flush the toilets, etc. to keep things moving in those lines.  And of course, give your local pumper a call to see what else they recommend for your particular system in order to keep everything working for you!

A Guide to Basic Maintenance on Septic Systems

Septic System Tips, Troubleshooting, , , ,

Part of being a homeowner is maintenance. Unfortunately a lot of homeowners forget about the maintenance on their septic systems. Here in Wisconsin, homeowners are reminded every 3 years to have their system pumped and inspected. But what can be done between pumpings to keep the septic system in good shape?  Here are some tips:

Beware of excessive water use or leaky fixtures. The more the system has to work to keep up with a home’s usage, the quicker it will need attention.

Some clean-water source hookups, such as the sump-pump, can be routed away from the septic. But make sure it doesn’t dispense near the drainfield, adding unnecessary saturation to that area.  Keep down-spouts away from this area as well.

Be aware of improper landscaping around the tanks and drainfield.  Contact a local knowledgeable landscaper and/or septic service company for suggestions on this.

Avoid excessive use of anti-bacterial cleaners and strong chemicals that find their way down the lines in the sinks, tubs, and toilets.  These affect the healthy bacteria in the septic system that it needs in order to do its job.  And also realize that medications affect the septic system too.  Using a bacterial additive for the system can be very beneficial in these situations.

Keep up with regular maintenance by a licensed pumper. They should be emptying the tanks and looking over all the components, including the drainfield or mound, to make sure all looks good.

 

What causes odor in the “house” that smells like my septic tank?

Septic System Tips, Troubleshooting, ,
  • Your roof vent that vents your plumbing could become plugged with leaves, debris, or snow in the winter. Check to see if it is clear.
  • Check your vent(s) on your drainfield for your septic system. Be sure they are free from plants, leaves, debris or snow.
  • Take a look at all your sinks and drains in the house and be sure to run water through them periodically, especially if they are not used often. The water that settles in the traps can evaporate and allow odors to come through.
  • OR you could have a septic system problem! If you have tried the above mentioned things, call us to check out your septic system!