ADB Construction Septic Blog

Clogged drains can pose a serious problem in your home. Not only can they make it more difficult to drain wastewater, but they can also cause leaks, odors, and even damage to your septic system. If you have a clogged drain, you might be tempted to try to clear it yourself. However, clogs that are more severe will require a professional drain cleaning to avoid damage to your system and a fully cleared drain. We’ve compiled a list of the top five reasons why it might be time for you to consider a professional drain cleaning this spring.

If you have a septic system, it might have a component called a lift station. As the name implies, lift stations are designed to lift wastewater to higher elevations. However, not ever septic system needs a lift station. If your septic system includes a lift station and you’d like to learn more about it, we’ve broken down everything you need to know.

What are Lift Stations For?

A septic system will include a lift station when the makeup of your property means that your septic tank needs to be located below the drain field. This placement can be because of the makeup of your soil or the layout of your property. When your septic tank is below the drain field, wastewater will need to be lifted up to the drain field, since gravity will not do the job. A lift station is responsible for moving wastewater up to a higher elevation.

Prospective home buyers know how many different variables they need to take into account before making a purchase. Traditional home inspections are important, but many buyers overlook their sewer systems or septic lines. Standard home inspections do not cover the structural integrity or condition of sewer or septic lines. Having a sewer or septic line inspection prior to purchasing a property is a proactive and innovative approach to make an educated buying decision, plan for upcoming maintenance, budget for necessary repairs, or gain valuable purchase price negotiation.

Many first time home buyers are not aware that they are responsible for the condition of a lateral sewer line leading from the street to the homeowner. For this reason, they might not consider a sewer line inspection prior to purchasing their home. If you’re a potential home buyer or a homeowner who is considering skipping a sewer line inspection, we've broken down the importance of this inspection to help you reevaluate your decision.

If you’re purchasing land and building a home in an area without access to a sewer, you’ll need to install a septic system. When installing a septic system, either for a new home or as a replacement for an old septic system, it’s important to be well-informed about your options. Did you know that there are several types of septic systems? Each one is well-suited to different landscapes, soil consistencies, weather conditions, and parts of the country. We’ve broken down the different types of septic systems to help you choose the right one for your property.

Standard Systems

Gravity System

Gravity systems are a common choice, and let gravity drain the effluent from the septic tank into a series of underground trenches. For this type of system, the drain field area must be below the elevation of the septic tank. When effluent goes into the tank, an equal amount leaves the tank through an outlet on the side. Therefore, an outlet filter should be installed to keep solids from leaving the tank. The effluent will then flow through a distribution box and then to multiple pipes.

Pressure Distribution System

A pressure distribution system is required when optimal soil depth is not available to treat the effluent. Two feet of properly drained soil is necessary under the trenches. The drain field will be the same size as a gravity system, but will include a different distribution of the effluent. A pump is used to pressurize the effluent into a small underground pvc pipe that will transport it to the drain field. Pressure distribution systems will wet the entire length of a trench each time a pump turns on, allowing the effluent to spread over a larger area and receive better treatment from the soil.

Advanced Treatment Systems

Sand Filter

A sand filter involves a pump that sends pressurized effluent from the septic tank into a large underground box that is full of sand and drain rock. The effluent will spread evenly over the surface of the sand. The dirty effluent filters through the sand and collects in a sump at the bottom of the box. The second pump will send the cleaner effluent to the drain field for final treatment before it is disbursed into the soil.

Sand Mounds

This type of septic systems is suited for shallower soils. The drain field consists of a mound that is raised above the natural soil surface and filled with sand fill material. Within the sand fill, there is a gravel bed with a network of pressurized pipes. The effluent is pumped through the pipes in controlled doses to ensure that the distribution is the same throughout the bed. The effluent is treated as it moved downward through the sand and directly into the soil beneath.

Textile Filter (AdvanTex)

AdvanTex is one of the higher quality treatment systems available. It’s similar to the sand filter, but uses a textile product instead of sand. The product is easily replaceable, meaning that you won’t need to dig up your whole yard if there is an issue. The effluent is constantly re-circulated to keep all biological processes working and ensure that it is being treated. One advantage to this system is that it leaves a much smaller footprint than a sand filter.

Glendon® Biofilters

This type of septic system is a good choice if your property is difficult to install a septic system in. Areas with seasonal groundwater or significant rock 12-18 inches below the surface are examples of properties that pose a difficulty to septic systems. This system is composed of different layers of sand and gravel that are placed in a watertight box in the soil. A sand fill is placed over the top of this area. The effluent is pumped into the buttom of the filter and is allowed to wick itself up through the sand and over the rim of the box into the soil. After the installation, grass can be planted over the mounds in order to improve the aesthetic.

Choosing a Septic System

There are several types of septic systems, and each one is suited to a different type of property. It’s important to take factors into account such as your landscaping, soil consistency, and part of the country you live in. However, when choosing a septic system, it’s extremely important to listen to the recommendation of your septic system installation company. Although background knowledge will help you make a more informed decision, don’t forget to trust the experts and use their input on which system will be best suited for you and your property.

Many homeowners worry about the materials that go down their drains. If you don’t pay close attention to these materials, you could end up dumping materials down your drain that are harmful to your septic tank. In moderation, bleach will not harm your septic tank. However, there are many precautions that should be taken when exposing your septic system to bleach, as it can be very harmful. Read below to learn about the dangers of exposing your septic system to bleach.

Buying a home is a very exciting process, but there are countless things to consider and questions to ask. If you’re buying a home with a septic system, there are questions you should ask the seller specifically about the septic system. When you’re properly informed about the septic system in the home you’re buying, you can make a proper decision about the affordability of the house as well as a look into future maintenance you might be responsible for. We’ve compiled a list of the most important questions to ask when buying a home with a septic system to make sure everything is in proper working order.

When your drain or plumbing is clogged, it can be a difficult problem to deal with. Any task involving your plumbing, including using your sink or flushing your toilet, becomes much more difficult. If you’ve experienced a clogged drain that can’t be solved by simply running water through it or pulling out the clog, you understand how inconvenient it can be. We’ve compiled the top questions people ask about clogged drains and drain cleaning to help you tackle tough clogs today.

When you take the time to make your yard look presentable, you’ll want to spend time outside enjoying it. However, if you’ve noticed your yard smelling like sewage, enjoying time outside your home can be nearly impossible. Usually, the cause of this type of odor in your yard is a problem with your septic system. We’ve compiled a list of the top causes of sewage odors in your yard.

Although many people think of portable toilets as an amenity for summer activities, they can actually be very useful for areas for sledding, ice skating rinks, snowboarding areas, and other outdoor winter activities. Although portable toilets can be useful during this time of the year, there are unique considerations that come with the cold weather that are important to take into account. We’ve compiled the top five tips you should use when renting portable toilets for a winter activity.

In short, your grease trap traps the grease from your kitchen to keep it from clogging up your plumbing. Grease traps are an essential part of restaurant kitchens, as they keep your plumbing in good working order and prevent health code violations. When you keep up with your grease trap maintenance, it’s also helping keep your employees and customers happy and healthy. If you’re interested in learning more about your grease, trap we’ve compiled the important information you need below.