American Waste Water

What Do I Do? I Can’t Flush or My Shower Won’t Drain

admin — Mon, 02 May 2011 20:01:04 +0000

Problem: My Septic is backed up and I can’t flush. Sewage water is coming up in my shower!

Where there is smoke there is fire. If you notice a gurgling sound when water is being used in your home, there is a problem with the flow of water and waste entering the tank.If you think this will go away, it will not, it will worsen, especially if water usage is increased such as extra visitors at holidays, more showers, laundry etc.

Just because “the other toilet is ok” and flushes, this is false hope. There is just more line space between it and the tank for that toilet, enough to hold the flush. The problem still exists and is growing. If this is allowed to continue and is not corrected, the tanks can be pumped and you still may not be able to flush due to a blockage in the line now.

Septic System Do’s & Don’ts

admin — Mon, 02 May 2011 19:56:17 +0000

Septic System Dos and Don’ts
(adapted from National Small Flows Clearinghouse)

DO

* Check with the local regulatory agency or inspector/pumper if you have a garbage disposal unit to make sure that your septic system can handle this additional waste.
* Check with your local health department before using additives. Commercial septic tank additives do not eliminate the need for periodic pumping and can be harmful to the system.
* Use water efficiently to avoid overloading the septic system. Be sure to repair leaky faucets or toilets. Use high-efficiency fixtures.
* Use commercial bathroom cleaners and laundry detergents in moderation. Many people prefer to clean their toilets, sinks, showers, and tubs with a mild detergent or baking soda.
* Check with your local regulatory agency or inspector/pumper before allowing water softener backwash to enter your septic tank.
* Keep records of repairs, pumpings, inspections, permits issued, and other system maintenance activities.
* Learn the location of your septic system. Keep a sketch of it with your maintenance record for service visits.
* Have your septic system inspected at least every 3 years and pumped periodically (generally every 3 to 5 years) by a licensed inspector/contractor.
* Plant only grass over and near your septic system. Roots from nearby trees or shrubs might clog and damage the drainfield.

DON’T

* Your septic system is not a trash can. Don’t put dental floss, feminine hygiene products, condoms, diapers, cotton swabs, cigarette butts, coffee grounds, cat litter, paper towels, latex paint, pesticides, or other hazardous chemicals into your system.
* Don’t use caustic drain openers for a clogged drain. Instead, use boiling water or a drain snake to open clogs.
* Don’t drive or park vehicles on any part of your septic system. Doing so can compact the soil in your drainfield or damage the pipes, tank, or other septic system components.

Where Are My Tanks Located?

admin — Sun, 01 May 2011 18:14:54 +0000

This may be the most important thing you need to know! Do not drive cars or heavy equipment (tractor) over tanks. It can crack and collapse the lids. Usually there are 1 or 2 white pvc pipes in the flower bed near the house for plumber cleanout access. This is not where we access the tanks for pumping. NOTE: The septic tanks will be further out in the yard maybe 10 15 feet and will be side by side within a few feet of each other. When you have the tanks pumped, record the location for future reference of the service ports. Have these ports uncovered and ready for pumping on our arrival to save time and money. If you are not sure where your tanks are, contact your local county health dept. they may have drawings on file showing tank location that can be faxed to you.

What Happens if I Don’t Service my Septic Tank?

admin — Sun, 01 May 2011 18:14:24 +0000

Failing to do this is like driving your car for a hundred thousand miles and never changing the oil. Disaster awaits. Thus the old adage ”You can pay now or a lot more later” Dumping some miracle cure in the crankcase is not going to magically fix the car. Basically, neglecting the system by not pumping until it backs up usually results in drainfield failure and requires drainfield replacement or new system installation.

How Often Should I Service my Septic Tank?

admin — Sun, 01 May 2011 18:13:53 +0000

The experts say septic systems should be pumped out every 3-4 years to insure proper operation. Sludge does not magically disappear by putting some additive in the system. After the bacteria do their work sludge is left and must be pumped out.

The theory that “if it ain’t broke don’t fix it” does not apply here. Drainfield failure and serious expense looms ahead if you do not act.Think of it this way: if you had city sewer you would pay around $20/ mo. or $240 / yr. This cost is close to what you pay every 3 yrs to pump. You are almost $500 ahead and you are keeping your system running well and you don’t need city sewer.

The Environmental Protection Agency has an entire department devoted to wastewater and septic system management. They recommend that you inspect and pump your system frequently: “You should have your septic system inspected at least every 3 years by a professional and your tank pumped as recommended by the inspector (generally every 3 to 5 years).”

Click below to download the official EPA Homeowners’ Guide to Septic Systems or the Homeowner’s Septic System Checklist:
EPA Homeowners’ Guide to Septic Systems
Homeowner’s Septic System Checklist

Why Are Your Prices the Most Competitive Around?

admin — Sun, 01 May 2011 18:12:31 +0000

Simple. We know you don’t want to have your whole day tied up waiting on the septic guy. We will call you 1 hour before arrival and let you know we are on the way. You can help us stay on schedule also. You need to know where your tanks are and have service ports uncovered and ready to pump on arrival to save time and money.

You know the old saying “Time is money” and time spent hunting for tanks and wasted trips and diesel fuel just makes the cost for everyone go up. We offer senior citizen discounts and multiple job neighborhood discounts. Get your neighbor to have his done on the same trip and get 10% off your bill. You can remind each other when service is due again in 3 years. We accept cash check MC or Visa.

What Size Jobs Can American Waste Water Handle?

admin — Sun, 01 May 2011 18:11:52 +0000

No job is too big or too small. We do conventional septic and aerobic systems and also do special jobs like RV waste removal and even very large jobs like city sewer lift stations. We have a large capacity vacuum truck that can handle most any job.

Can You Provide References?

admin — Sun, 01 May 2011 18:11:29 +0000

You bet we can. We have hundreds of satisfied customers. We do customer service the old-fashioned way. By that we mean we earn most of our business through referrals from satisfied customers. Nothing is stronger than a friend recommending our service to another friend for a job well done. Our phone is answered 24/7. This phone is in my pocket unless it is charging or I’m asleep. However I do sleep. If you get our recorder please leave a message. Your call will be responded to promptly, usually in a few minutes. We will respond back to you even if we don’t have the answer you want to hear. We take pride in giving prompt courteous professional service for a fair competitive price.

Why Choose American Waste Water For All My Septic Needs?

admin — Sun, 01 May 2011 18:10:59 +0000

We are reliable. We return phone calls. We show up when we are supposed to. We provide emergency services even on holidays. As a family-owned local business, we depend on our good reputation and we provide excellent service to keep referrals coming in.

Owner Perry Lemmons & family

Septic system problems almost never happen during regular business hours and when emergencies occur after hours, on weekends, and holidays, we try to be prepared to help. However, we are limited to our truck capacity at these times because the waste disposal facilities do keep only regular business hours.