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Frequently Asked Questions
Got any inquiries about our services or need help with selling or buying a house with a septic system?
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Plastic septic tank repairPlastic septic tank repair is one of the cheap and easy jobs. Plastic septic tanks are watertight and rust-resistant. If a crack has developed, an immediate repair is needed. Plastic-welding the septic tank will fix the crack and prevent the crack from growing.
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Septic distribution box replacementThe septic distribution box replacement is essential to do if it is broken or damaged. D-boxes are responsible for the even distribution of the effluent into the leach field pipes. A damaged distribution box can lead to problems even in the leach field.
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Septic tank pumpingSeptic tank pumping should take place at least once every three years according to the United States Environmental Protection Agency EPA. Factors that influence the frequency of septic tank pumping are: Septic tank size Number of bedrooms Total wastewater generated
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Moving septic tankMoving a septic tank is sometimes necessary because of ground movement or if the septic tank was not installed correctly in the first place. This is a costly septic tank repair to do. The operation includes excavating and moving the septic tank to a new location.
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Septic Tank Repair or ReplaceKnowing when to do septic tank repair or replace is quite important. Some problems are easy and cheap to solve, while others can cause a headache and require a replacement. A broken pipe can cost a few hundred bucks to repair whereas a failed leach field requires you to replace some parts or the whole drain line which is quite expensive. Implementing regular septic tank maintenance, septic tank inspection and septic tank pumping every three to five years will avoid your septic tank repair or replace. Or at least cheap repairs.
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Septic tank repair : Drain field replacementOne of the more expensive septic tank repairs is certainly the drain field replacement. Leach fields fail because of insufficient and improper septic tank maintenance. The cost of a drain field replacement varies according to the size of the drain line, soils and costs of local permits.
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Leach field rejuvenationLeach field rejuvenation is about cleaning the drain field and facilitating the job of the soil to absorb the water. Rejuvenation is done because of nasty smells around the leach field or the pipes are clogged with wastewater. In the process, the field gets pumped to remove the excess water and add bacteria and enzymes.
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Septic tank repair costSeptic tank repair cost varies depending on various factors. For example, it costs more to repair a septic tank that was installed on a slope rather than a flat land.
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Septic tank lid replacementThe septic tank lid replacement is one of the easy septic tank repairs to do. The septic tank lid covers and allows access to the septic tank. Replacing it would cost a few hundred dollars. It is a small problem but ignoring it leads to elements and dirt entering the septic tank and causing a bigger issue. It might even lead to the fall of someone inside the septic tank and cause a serious injury or even death. It is easy to fix if it is only a lid crack. You simply remove, clean and dry the lid. After that, you apply a filler or adhesive into the cracked area. Once it has dried, you put it back in its position.
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Septic tank pump replacementThe septic tank pump replacement cost can vary depending on the size of your needs. Septic tank pumps are usually installed in the second chamber of the septic tank or after the septic tank. They help to pump the effluent from the septic tank to the leach field.
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Septic tank baffle repairThe septic tank baffle repair costs a few hundred dollars. Septic tanks usually have two baffles: inlet and outlet. The inlet baffle allows water to flow into your septic system without disturbing the scum layer. This baffle also keeps the wastewater from flowing straight across the septic tank. The outlet baffle serves as a filter to retain solids from traveling to the leach field. Having this baffle is essential to avoid clogs that could destroy your drain line. Either baffle can wear and may become cracked or damaged. In most cases, full replacements are needed, but you can patch minor damage on some baffles.
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Concrete septic tank crack repairConcrete septic tank crack repair is needed more for concrete septic tanks rather than plastic septic tanks. Over time, concrete septic tanks corrode or crack causing leaks with the result of improper disposal of effluent. The septic tank repair here is done by filling the cracks using patching compounds or crack sealers. .
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Septic tank lateral line installationAn expensive septic tank repair is the lateral line installation. Lateral lines are the pipes leading out from the septic tank to the soil, providing a way for the clean water to flow into the leach field. If they are blocked or not working properly then the septic tank effluent has nowhere to go and a system can backup and fail.
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Remove roots from a septic tankAnother septic tank repair is to remove roots from a septic tank. The cost can be cheap or costly if the roots have done a sizable damage to the septic tank. Resolving this would be to remove out the roots from the septic tank and then patch the cracks.
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Septic tank bacteria treatmentSeptic tank bacteria treatment is essential to the breakdown of the wastewater inside the septic tank. Bacteria have a fundamental role – they eat away at the waste inside the tank. Flushing down chemicals kill the organic bacteria and thus the septic system becomes less efficient. Adding bacteria to a septic tank is a great solution and an efficient septic tank repair.
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Septic tank wall repairThe septic tank wall repair can cost just a few hundreds up to a few thousands depending on the severity of the cracks. Holes or cracks develop over time due to tree roots or accidental hits while digging the ground. These have to be treated immediately. A warning sign would be the grass above the septic tank getting greener and denser. Repairing a damaged septic tank wall includes filling the cracks.
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Septic tank leak repairThe septic tank leak repair has many possibilities. The leak can be caused by many factors including cracks, holes or corroded pipes. Leaks cause water to flow out into the surrounding soil and creating a sinking ground. A septic tank repair in this instance has a varying cost depending on the leak-causing reason.
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Septic tank overflowThere are a few possible causes of a septic tank overflow. In most cases, it is a sign that there is a need for a septic tank repair. It is most likely a septic tank pumping or the outlet pipe to the leach field is clogged. A septic tank full of water not draining can also be an issue with the distribution box.
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Damaged septic pipesSeptic pipes can get damaged from accidentally hitting a line while planting flowers, or even a third-party installing cables. A warning sign would be the grass over the septic tank and the drain field getting greener and denser than other areas. That might be because water is leaking from a damaged or broken pipe. This can be resolved by digging out and replacing the broken pipes.
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Clogged pipesClogged pipes can be a cheap or an expensive repair depending on the gravity of the issue. It happens when you flush down things that clog the pipes. If the toilet is slow to flush, it is a signal that your septic tank is filling up fast with sludge and this is causing delays in the flushing process. Remember to flush only things that are septic-friendly. Never flush down coffee grounds, diapers, cooking oil, cigarettes, feminine hygiene products, cat litter, paint or chemicals.
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Septic Tank Repair SolutionsBuying a house is everybody’s dream, but this lifetime investment involves many things to consider. If you are buying a house with a septic system, you want to ensure that it is in excellent condition. A healthy septic system protects your family, the environment, the greenery, and the drinking water. It also avoids any unwelcome surprises or costly repairs. Try to know the following information: How old is the septic system? How old is the property? How long has the seller owned the property? Where is the septic system located? What is the size of the septic tank? Where is the original septic permit? Ask for the septic tank maintenance records Ask when the last septic tank inspection was conducted Ask about other septic systems in the neighborhood
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Sewage backupSewage can back up into sinks, tubs and toilets. A warning sign would be gurgling sounds in sinks, toilets or the plumbing pipes. Sewage backups happen because the septic tank gets full or you haven’t arranged for a septic tank pumping in a long time. When that happens, the wastewater that leaves your home does not get processed and backs up into your home.
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Tree rootsIt is best to grow plants or trees far from the septic tank and the leach field. Their roots can damage the pipes and cause expensive repairs. Wet areas around the drain line attract tree roots that like the moisture. They can enter the pipes and fill it causing the drain field to stop functioning. Septic tank repair involves using cutting blades on a rotating auger to clear the roots.
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Foul smellFoul smell or odor coming from the drains inside the house. In most cases, this is caused by a clogged pipe preventing waste from travelling through to the septic tank or because a septic tank pumping is needed.
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Can you inspect a septic tank without pumping it?During our septic tank inspection, we will learn whether or not your septic tank needs to be pumped. However, pumping a septic tank before a septic inspection means that the leach field cannot be tested. This action may hide any issues the septic system may have.
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What happens if my septic tank fails inspection?Many prospective buyers might hesitate to buy a property if the septic tank inspection fails. To avoid this, the property seller has to do quick fixes to the septic system. Once this is done, there can be another inspection. Some common scenarios are: The seller replaces the leach field or the septic tank. The seller replaces the whole system. The seller does the necessary repairs. The seller credits the buyer the money to do repairs after the transaction has been completed. The buyer can renegotiate the price of the property.
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Who pays for septic tank inspection ?If you are buying a house with a septic tank, you are probably wondering who pays for the septic tank inspection? Buyer or seller? It is typically the responsibility of the seller to pay for the septic tank inspection.
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What to ask a septic inspector?Buying a house is everybody’s dream, but this lifetime investment involves many things to consider. If you are buying a house with a septic system, you want to ensure that it is in excellent condition. A healthy septic system protects your family, the environment, the greenery, and the drinking water. It also avoids any unwelcome surprises or costly repairs. Try to know the following information: How old is the septic system? How old is the property? How long has the seller owned the property? Where is the septic system located? What is the size of the septic tank? Where is the original septic permit? Ask for the septic tank maintenance records Ask when the last septic tank inspection was conducted Ask about other septic systems in the neighborhood
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How often should septic tanks be inspected?According to the United States Environmental Protection Agency, average household septic systems should be inspected at least once every three years by a professional septic inspector. However, septic tanks are typically pumped every three to five years.
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Who can inspect my septic tank?Not anybody can do a septic tank inspection. Only certified and licensed septic inspectors can carry it out. On top of this, septic tank inspection requirements vary by state, so make sure you hire a septic inspector who has all the experience and the know-how. At Septic Works LLC, we do a septic inspection for any type of septic tank you have and we are licensed and certified. Our septic tank services include as well septic tank repair, septic tank pumping, septic tank installation, engineered septic system, alternative septic systems, and porta potty.
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8. Allow for ventilation arrangementsOne thing a septic tank installer might overlook is the ventilation. Ignoring this will lead to unpleasant odors in the backyard. We first install the right type of base for the tank to sit on. Then we carefully lower the septic tank into the hole ensuring that it sits level and no side is tipping. We even landscape your garden so that your septic tank installation blends in with its surroundings.
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4. What size septic tank do I need?What size septic tank do I need is based on the number of bedrooms and the minimum population size of your property. Generally, the larger the system, the higher the cost. Two bedrooms: A two-bedroom house requires a septic tank with a minimum capacity of 750 or 1000 gallons depending on the municipality. Three bedrooms: A three-bedroom house will need a septic tank with a minimum volume of 1000 gallons. Four bedrooms: A four-bedroom home requires a larger tank with a minimum capacity of 1,250 gallons. Five bedrooms: A five-bedroom home requires a capacity of at least 1,500 gallons. Again, the larger the septic tank, the higher the cost.
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1. Test the soilThe first step before you contact a septic tank installation near me company is to check out the topography and soils where you plan to do the septic tank installation. Legally, you have to obtain a percolation or perc test. The test is done to confirm that your backyard soil has proper amounts of permeable sand or gravel to treat liquid residue. Soil scientists have to approve the perc test based on the septic tank installation requirements set by the city or the local health department.
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2. Obtain a septic permitOnce you have an approved soil evaluation, you can apply for your septic permit. You obtain the septic permit by contacting your local health department.
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6. Install the septic tank in the right placeIt is important to follow the local health department’s guidelines on where to install the septic tank. Local governments specify minimum distances from buildings, wells or lakes. For example, it is common that septic tanks have to be far at least 50 feet from a well and leach fields at least 150 feet. So hiring the qualified and trained septic tank installation near me company is essential to avoid costly mistakes at the start.
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5. Inspect the septic tank for damageIt is always a good idea to check out the septic tank before installing. Although tanks would be normally fully tested before having been dispatched, it is common to sustain some sort of damage during onloading, transportation or offloading.
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9. Septic tank installation : Drain field installationDrain field installation includes arranging a set of trenches to accommodate a network of perforated pipes and gravel. Similarly, the number of bedrooms decide the size of your leach field. Wrong septic tank installation is the cause for the majority of issues. Hiring a professional septic tank installation contractor gives you peace of mind and avoids you any legal consequences for incompliance with the local rules and regulations. Study your options well before you look for a septic tank installation near me company.
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3. Contact Septic Works LLC - the best septic tank installationOnce you have perc test, contact Septic Works LLC to advise you on the best type of septic tank for your house. Septic tanks are made of plastic, concrete or polyethylene.
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7. Carry out the ground worksAt Septic Works LLC, we carry out all the necessary ground excavation to install your septic tank. We make sure the space is large enough for the tank. We first install the right type of base for the tank to sit on. Then we carefully lower the septic tank into the hole ensuring that it sits level and no side is tipping. We even landscape your garden so that your septic tank installation blends in with its surroundings.
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How Much Sludge Should a Septic Tank Have?The sludge in your septic tank should be more than 18 inches from the tank outlet. Said differently, you can only have a septic tank pumping when the sludge is more than one-third the size of the septic tank.
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Should a Septic Tank be Pumped Before Inspection?During our septic inspection, we will learn whether or not you should arrange for a pump-out. However, pumping a septic tank before a septic inspection means that the drain field cannot be tested. This action may hide any issues the septic system may have.
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What Happens if You Never Pump Your Septic Tank?What happens if you never pump your septic tank is that the solid waste or sludge keeps building up until it starts to exit the outlet baffle into the drain field. Or the water leaves the septic tank lid.
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How Do I Prepare My Septic Tank for Pumping?It is important to ensure that it is the due time to pump out the septic tank. You don’t want to waste your money when the waste layer is less than one-third of the septic tank capacity. You can prepare for your septic tank pumping in USA by: Having the maintenance record in handy; Clean the area around the septic tank; Having the septic permit in handy The septic permit has a drawing of the septic system of the property. This will provide you with a detailed description of the septic system components (e.g., size of the septic tank or drain field) and how many bedrooms does the septic system design permit – the design capacity.
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What to Do After a Septic Tank is Pumped?What to do after you pump a septic tank is completely your responsibility. Here is a list of what to do after a septic tank is pumped: Arrange for a septic tank inspection once every three years; Arrange for a septic tank pumping every three to five years; Keep maintenance records; Keep track of the scum and sludge levels (According to the United States Environmental Protection Agency EPA, you need to pump out the septic tank if the bottom of the scum layer is within six inches of the bottom of the outlet, or if the top of the sludge layer is within 12 inches of the outlet); Only flush things that are septic-friendly; Never flush down coffee grounds, diapers, cooking oil, cigarettes, feminine products, cat litter, or chemicals. They could clog the septic system; Avoid using additives. They kill the bacteria that break down the wastewater; Use low-water consuming toilets and showerheads. That is because too much water flushes out the tank quickly; Don’t overload your septic tank (expanding the house and overwhelming the septic system); Don’t park or drive over the drain line. This can damage the pipes; Grow plants or trees far from the leach field. Their roots can do damage; Hire a septic inspector to come to your house and check for any problems or defects that need correction. According to the EPA, average household septic systems should be inspected at least once every three years by a professional septic inspector.
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How Long Does It Take to Pump a Septic Tank?The duration of a septic tank pumping in USA service depends on the size of the septic tank and the pump capacity. It can take as little as 20-30 minutes for a tank size of 1000-1250 gallons. Or one hour or more for a septic tank size of 1500-2000 gallons.
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What Are the Signs That Your Septic Tank is Full?There are many signs that your septic tank is full including: Slow draining or flushing problems; Unpleasant odors; Greener and wetter lawn over the septic system; Pools of water around your yard; Sewage backing up into your home; Pipes producing gurgling sounds
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How Often to Pump a Septic Tank?How often to pump a septic tank depends on the size of the septic tank or the number of people living in a certain house. According to the United States Environmental Protection Agency, septic tanks are typically pumped every three to five years.
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9. Where to empty the portable toilet?At Septic Works LLC, we transport the waste of a porta-potty rental unit by a sanitation truck to the nearest wastewater treatment facility where it is properly treated.
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12. What is the blue liquid in a porta-potty rental unit?The blue liquid is an additive that we add to combat the smells that a portable toilet produces. It is a deodorizer that emits a pleasant fragrance and keeps the portable toilet smelling fresh.
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4. How do you maintain a porta-potty rental unit?At Septic Works LLC, your portable toilet is worry-free. We will maintain and service your portable toilet for you. If you should notice a high amount of use, all you have to do is give us a call. We will be glad to come to assist with any issues that may arise. We do recommend leaving the door open for about a half-hour when people are not likely to use to the porta potty.
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6. How many porta-potty rental units do I need for my construction site?The United States Department of Labor Occupational Safety and Health Administration requires that 20 employees or less have at least one porta-potty. Toilets shall be provided for employees according to the following table: 1 porta potty if you have 20 employees or less One toilet seat for 20 employees or more and 1 urinal per 40 workers 1 toilet seat for 200 employees or more and 1 urinal per 50 workers
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8. How to empty a portable toilet?How to empty a portable toilet is a bit similar to emptying a septic tank. Unlike the toilets most of us have in our homes, porta-potties aren’t connected to any sort of sewage system. Instead, the waste goes to a holding tank and stays there until it is serviced. Our sanitation workers start by removing the waste from the holding tank. To do this, we insert a vacuum hose into the opening of the toilet and empty the waste tank. Then we transport the waste by a sanitation truck to the nearest wastewater treatment facility where it is properly treated.
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5. How many porta potties do you need?The main factors to consider for how many porta potties you need are the number of people who will use the portable restrooms and the number of hours for which you’ll need them. The consensus is that every 50 people need one porta-potty. If you are planning a wedding or birthday party that lasts up to four hours, you will need at least two porta-potty rental units for every 100 people. But you will have to add more porta-potties if people are staying more than four hours or if alcohol will be served.
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13. Is the blue liquid in porta-potties safe?Yes, it is safe. It is not toxic, nor threatening to the environment. It serves as a deodorizer that emits fragrance and keeps the porta-potty rental piece smelling fresh.
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14. What chemicals do I need for a portable toilet?There are a few portable toilet chemicals that are used for different purposes. The blue dye masks the waste when you flush the toilet and when the holding tank is full, it changes color from blue to green. Another portable toilet chemical is the biocides that we use to prevent the growth of the bacteria found in human waste. Biocides help to maintain a clean and odor-free environment for several people to use the portable toilets. We use fragrances inside our units of porta potty rentals in USA to hide odors and provide a good experience for the occupants, similar to the one they normally have at home. Portable toilet chemicals come in liquid and tablet form. They are all eco-friendly and not difficult to use. We only use special portable toilet chemicals.
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11. How do I stop my portable toilet from smelling?It is a good idea to use an air freshener to emit fragrance but you will still need to air out the toilet regularly. Leave the door open for at least half an hour when people are not likely to use the porta-potty and this will make a huge difference.
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3. How much do I need to pay for porta potty rentals in USA?There is no definite answer to how much it costs to rent and clean a porta-potty. The cost varies depending on the geographic location, the frequency of porta potty cleaning, the total number of porta-potty rentals, for how long, and site accessibility. For example, if you are having a multi-day event and have rented more portable toilets, you would need frequent porta potty cleaning services and thus higher costs.
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10. How often do you need to empty a portable toilet?How often you need to empty, clean or pump a porta-potty depends on the amount of use and the amount of people using the portable toilet. A Septic Works LLC representative can assist you with determining how often your portable toilet will need service.
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7. How to clean a portable toilet?How to clean a portable toilet includes four steps: Remove the waste The waste goes to a holding tank and stays there until it is serviced. Our sanitation workers start by removing the waste from the holding tank. To do this, we insert a vacuum hose into the opening of the toilet and empty the waste tank. Then we transport the waste by a sanitation truck to the nearest wastewater treatment facility where it is properly treated. Prepare the porta-potty After cleaning the porta-potty, we prepare the unit for use. We fill it with fresh water and add blue additives to the holding tank to disinfect and prevent foul smells. You’ll know it’s time to change the additive when it takes on a greenish tint. Eliminate bacteria We clean and wash the interior walls and major points of contact inside the portable restroom, the floors, urinals, toilet seats, and any fixtures. This eliminates germs and bacteria and keeps the porta-potty rental unit clean and fresh. Restock the supplies We refill any hand sanitizers, soap, and paper towel dispensers. Your guests will never run out of toilet paper or hand sanitizer at any moment.
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2. How does a portable toilet work?How a portable toilet works is different from a normal house toilet. When you flush the toilet, the waste gets carried to a holding tank that sits beneath the toilet seat. Inside the holding tank, there is a blue additive to sanitize and prevent unpleasant odors as well as chemicals that break down the solid waste. The toilet flush uses freshwater that comes from a water tank inside the toilet. The porta toilet doesn’t need to be connected to a water supply.
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1. What is a portable toilet?A portable toilet refers to any type of toilet that you can move around to serve people at particular events including weddings, birthday parties, or construction sites. Porta potties don’t connect to a septic tank or a municipal system and are completely self-contained.
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1. Where is the best septic tank inspection near me?At Septic Works LLC, we are the best septic tank inspection near me (you) anywhere in Georgia or South Carolina. We care about your family and the health of your septic system. We pride ourselves on providing excellent service, fast response, and the best price. Should you have any inquiries about our septic tank services, call us at (770) 800-6464.
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2. Who does septic tank inspection?Not anybody can do a septic tank inspection. Only certified and licensed septic inspectors can carry it out. On top of this, septic tank inspection requirements vary by state, so make sure you hire a septic inspector who has all the experience and the know-how. At Septic Works LLC, we do a septic inspection for any type of septic tank you have and we are licensed and certified. Our septic tank services include as well septic tank repair, septic tank pumping, septic tank installation, engineered septic system, alternative septic systems, and porta potty.
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12. How often should septic tanks be inspected?According to the United States Environmental Protection Agency, average household septic systems should be inspected at least once every three years by a professional septic inspector. However, pumping a septic tank typically happens every three to five years.
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13. What to know when buying a house with a septic tank?According to the United States Environmental Protection Agency, a septic system is a structure that relies on wastewater technology and natural resources to treat sewerage that goes out of your household toilets and drains. After that, it releases it to the underground water under your property. Septic systems are used in rural areas where there are no sewer lines. A septic system consists of four units: a pipe connecting the house with the septic tank, a septic tank, a leach field and an absorption soil. The pipe carries all the water going out of your house. The septic tank holds the wastewater long enough to allow solids to settle to the bottom while oil and grease float to the top. Then, liquid wastewater leaves the septic tank into the drain line. There it receives further treatment before it seeps through the soil and down into underground water.
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19. What are the benefits of a septic system camera inspection?Septic tank inspectors use cameras to pinpoint the exact problem in the pipes and thus save you time and money.
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14. What to ask a septic inspector?Buying a house is everybody’s dream, but this lifetime investment involves many things to consider. If you are buying a house with a septic system, you want to ensure that it is in excellent condition. A healthy septic system protects your family, the environment, the greenery, and the drinking water. It also avoids any unwelcome surprises or costly repairs. Try to know the following information: How old is the septic system? How old is the property? How long has the seller owned the property? Where is the septic system located? What is the size of the septic tank? Where is the original septic permit? Ask for the septic tank maintenance records Ask when the last septic tank inspection was conducted Ask about other septic systems in the neighborhood The septic permit has a drawing of the septic system of the property. This paper lets you know how many bedrooms the septic system is designed for. Also, it lets you know where the septic tank and drain field are located so you don’t waste time looking for them and can better protect your septic system.
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9. Should I get a septic inspection when buying a house?If you are property hunting, your job is more than just checking out how the home looks like on the inside. Getting a professional septic tank inspection will certainly show you all the information you need to know about the health of the septic system. If it is damaged, you can ask for repairs or renegotiate the price.
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17. What is a septic tank inspection port?In the old days, some septic inspectors pumped septic tanks through inspection ports. That violates state laws and regulations and leads to fines or the revocation of license. Septic tanks can only be pumped through the manhole access. Using the inspection port does not clean the septic tank. It only removes the water but not the scum or sludge.
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11. What is involved in a septic tank inspection?The septic tank inspection includes running water in various drains and flushing toilets. If that is not enough, a septic tank inspector will open the cover of the septic tank to check water levels while someone drops water into the drains. That is to see if the water level rises. After this is done, the septic inspector will pump your tank. Further action is installing an inlet and outlet baffles. They are essential to avoid clogs and ensure that water flows without any disruptions inside the septic tank.
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22. How long does it take to certify a septic tank?Every septic tank inspection is different from the other. Time varies depending on the complexity and on-the-spot findings. Usually, septic inspections can take anywhere from forty-five minutes to three hours.
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15. Can you inspect a septic tank without pumping it?During our septic inspection, we will learn whether or not your septic tank needs to be pumped. However, pumping a septic tank before a septic inspection means that the leach field cannot be tested. This action may hide any issues the septic system may have.
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21. What happens during a septic tank certification?The septic tank inspector will run water in your house drains and flush the toilets to see if there are any problems. He/she will also open the septic tank to check water levels and pump the tank. They might also install inlet and outlet baffles. The inlet baffle allows water to flow into your septic tank without disturbing the scum layer. The outlet baffle serves as a filter to retain solids from traveling to the drain field.
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10. How do I get my septic to pass inspection?Your septic will pass the inspection if the sludge only occupies a third of the septic tank or less, and the water flows naturally inside the septic tank. Sludge: It is the solid waste that settles to the bottom of the tank. A routine septic tank pumping will not allow it to pile up and cause clogging or flow into the leach field. Scum: It is the oil, grease and fats that float to the top of the water. If the scum is sticking around in the tank, addressing this issue is important. Flow: The flow within the septic tank should be normal without any disruptions. Disruptions can lead to sewage backups and clogs in the system. Other tips to ensure your septic passes inspection: Pump out your septic tank every 2-3 years Use low-water consuming toilets and showerheads Only flush things that are septic-friendly Grow trees far from your septic system Don’t drive or park over the septic system Don’t overload your septic tank (expanding the house)
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6. What happens if the septic tank inspection fails?Many prospective buyers might hesitate to buy a property if the septic tank inspection fails. To avoid this, the property seller has to do quick fixes to the septic system. Once this is done, there can be another inspection. Some common scenarios are: The seller replaces the leach field or the septic tank The seller replaces the whole system The seller does the necessary repairs The seller credits the buyer the money to do repairs after the transaction has been completed The buyer can renegotiate the price of the property
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24. How long do septic tanks last?The life expectancy of a septic system varies from 15 to 40 years. It depends whether or not you were implementing regular septic tank cleaning, septic tank inspection and septic tank maintenance.
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20. What is a septic tank certification?A septic certification/certificate/inspection letter is a written document that affirms the condition of the on-site septic system in your property. It is either functioning, needing repairs or replacements, or just not operating altogether.
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16. What is a septic tank inspection pipe cap?A septic tank pipe cap covers the drain field pipes. Septic tank inspectors open it to inspect the water level of the leach field.
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5. Why would a septic inspection fail?Many reasons will fail a septic inspection: The baffle needs repairing Tree roots are damaging the soil around the drain field House drains are emptying slowly or not at all Sewage backs up into the house The grass near the septic tank is greener and wetter than the rest of your lawn
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3. Who pays for a septic tank inspection?If you are buying a house with a septic tank, you are probably wondering who pays for the septic inspection? Buyer or seller? It is typically the responsibility of the seller to pay for the septic inspection. Or they both sit down and discuss who takes charge of it and it could be both or just one of them.
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23. What are the signs of a full septic tank?Slow draining or flushing problems Unpleasant odors Greener and wetter lawn over the septic system Pools of water around your yard Sewage backing up into your home Pipes producing gurgling sounds
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18. What is a septic tank inspection chamber?Septic inspectors use septic tank inspection chambers to insert their cameras and other inspection tools into the pipes. This way, inspectors can examine the flow of water through the pipes and unblock any clogged drains.
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7. What happens during a septic tank inspection?Buying a home might be the largest investment you will ever make. An important thing to do before you close the deal is to hire a septic inspector to give you an honest and full assessment of the septic system. This will help you to know the condition of the septic system and what to expect. At Septic Works LLC, our professional septic inspectors are ready and willing to serve all residential, commercial and municipal clients. Our septic tank services include: Septic inspection level 1: This is a visual inspection that involves running water from various drains and flushing toilets in the home. The septic tank inspector is looking at how well everything is draining. The visual inspection also includes looking for septic leakage to the top of the drain field area. We also check for sewage odors in the area of the septic tank and the leach field. This inspection can help identify problems but a level two can give our septic inspectors a better idea on issues with your septic system. Septic inspection level 2: We do a septic tank pumping. We remove the cover of the septic tank. This allows our septic tank inspectors to check the water level. Water levels determine whether water is properly draining. To make sure the water is properly flowing, our septic inspectors will run water in the home. This is done to determine if the water level rises when more water is introduced. Next, we will check out if your septic system has backflow from the absorption area. Backflow will let us know if there is a problem with the leach field. After this is done, our septic inspectors will pump your tank. Next, we will check out if your septic system has backflow from the absorption area. Backflow will let us know if there is a problem with the drain field. Septic inspection level 3: We highly recommend you choose this option when you are purchasing a new home. The level three septic inspection includes both levels one and two. The difference with level three is that we install baffles. In many states, this is now mandated by the Department of Environmental Health. We install baffles in two separate locations: an inlet baffle and an outlet baffle. The inlet baffle allows water to flow into your septic system without disturbing the scum layer. This baffle guides wastewater to flow down, across the septic tank and then up. The outlet baffle serves as a filter to retain solids from traveling to the leach field.
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