Category Archives: Septic Tank Maintenance

Maintaining Your Septic Tank Key to Flawless Performance

If your home has a septic tank, rest assured that you are using a time proven, environmentally responsible method for getting rid of waste products. Septic tanks are generally very reliable, self-sufficient methods of waste disposal. They don’t require much maintenance, but what little service they do need is imperative in avoiding big problems in the form of sewage backups and potential overflows into your home.

Septic tanks are the great separation engine in your waste disposal system. When waste enters the tank, solids float to the top, where they form a layer of decomposing material called “scum”. Most of the scum turns into liquid containing mostly water and some nutrients that makes its way out of the tank and into the ground via your leaching field.

Any solids that don’t decompose sink to the bottom of the tank and become “sludge”. Because the biological action that takes place in the tank is quite efficient, sludge builds up slowly. When the level does, inevitably, become too high, it can interfere with the layer of water moving out into the leach field, and the scum at the top of the tank will build up too quickly and can actually back up into the “in” and “out” pipes of the tank. This can cause a backup into your home.

The answer? Preventive maintenance. You need to periodically pump out the tank to remove the sludge buildup at the bottom. How often you need to do this depends on a number of factors, including size of the tank, number of people in your home, and the size and makeup of your leach field.

To find out about how often you need to service your septic tank, contact the professionals at Edenflo.  Edenflo serves all of the lower mainland with the best septic tank service including Abbotsford, Aldergrove, Delta, Surrey, Langley, White Rock, Richmond and as far away as Lions Bay.

We can be reached at 604-575-1414 or fill out our online request for service.

Homeowners – Don’t Neglect Your Septic System!

Most of the time, your septic system quietly burbles away in the backyard, very efficiently turning waste products into nutrients that the earth uses to nourish plant life.  When it’s working correctly, a septic system is a pleasure to own.  When it malfunctions, it’s a complete headache.  It can make unpleasant odours, unexpected flooding, and render your home’s sinks and toilets inoperable.  And it will always act up at the least convenient time – in the middle of the night, or a few minutes before the first guests arrive for your big party.

Instead of waiting for a problem to – ahem – arise, practice regular preventive maintenance on your septic system – the grease trap (if you have one), the tank itself, and the weeping tiles in the septic field.

Edenflo family owned business

In BC’s lower mainland, Edenflo Pump Truck Services is your go-to provider of septic and holding tank service.  We’re a family owned business, and we understand the concerns faced by homeowners with septic tanks.  We’ve devised a strategy of periodic preventive maintenance that will keep your septic system working as designed without any hiccups.  We’ll come and inspect at predetermined intervals, and perform only the work that’s required.  If the sludge build up in your septic tank warrants pumping (which all do, in intervals of one to five years or so) we’ll clean it out. We can use video line inspection to ensure that your main sewer line is clear of obstructions, and we can use hydro flushing to clean any blockages, and even clean your septic field.  But we’ll only do what needs to be done to keep your system operating, trouble free.

Edenflo serves all of the lower mainland with the best septic tank service including Abbotsford, Aldergrove, Delta, Surrey, Langley, White Rock, Richmond and as far away as Lions Bay.

For more information about regular maintenance services offered by Edenflo, and to find out why you need to sign up for the peace of mind this service will give you, call 604-575-1414 or fill out our online request for service.

Residential Pump Services for Septic Systems

“Out of sight, out of mind” is a terrible, costly approach to septic tank maintenance.

septic-tank-cleaningIf your home has a septic tank, rest assured that you are using a time proven, environmentally responsible method for getting rid of waste products. Septic tanks are generally very reliable, self-sufficient methods of waste disposal. They don’t require much maintenance, but what little service they do need is imperative in avoiding big problems in the form of sewage backups and potential overflows into your home.

Septic tanks are the great separation engine in your waste disposal system. When waste enters the tank, solids float to the top, where they form a layer of decomposing material called “scum”. Most of the scum turns into liquid containing mostly water and some nutrients that makes its way out of the tank and into the ground via your leaching field.

Any solids that don’t decompose sink to the bottom of the tank and become “sludge”. Because the biological action that takes place in the tank is quite efficient, sludge builds up slowly. When the level does, inevitably, become too high, it can interfere with the layer of water moving out into the leach field, and the scum at the top of the tank will build up too quickly and can actually back up into the “in” and “out” pipes of the tank. This can cause a backup into your home.

The answer? Preventive maintenance. You need to periodically pump out the tank to remove the sludge buildup at the bottom. How often you need to do this depends on a number of factors, including size of the tank, number of people in your home, and the size and makeup of your leach field.

To find out about how often you need to service your septic tank, contact the professionals at Edenflo. We’ll send out a knowledgeable technician, fully equipped to deal with your septic system. We can be reached at 604-575-1414 or fill out our online request for service.

Homeowners – Don’t Neglect Your Septic System!

septic-system-diagramMost of the time, your septic system quietly burbles away in the backyard, very efficiently turning waste products into nutrients that the earth uses to nourish plant life. When it’s working correctly, a septic system is a pleasure to own. When it malfunctions, it’s a complete headache. It can make unpleasant odours, unexpected flooding, and render your home’s sinks and toilets inoperable. And it will always act up at the least convenient time – in the middle of the night, or a few minutes before the first guests arrive for your big party.

Instead of waiting for a problem to – ahem – arise, practice regular preventive maintenance on your septic system – the grease trap (if you have one), the tank itself, and the weeping tiles in the septic field.

In BC’s lower mainland, Edenflo Pump Truck Services is your go-to provider of septic and holding tank service. We’re a family owned business, and we understand the concerns faced by homeowners with septic tanks. We’ve devised a strategy of periodic preventive maintenance that will keep your septic system working as designed without any hiccups.

We’ll come and inspect at predetermined intervals, and perform only the work that’s required. If the sludge build up in your septic tank warrants pumping (which all do, in intervals of one to five years or so) we’ll clean it out. We can use video line inspection to ensure that your main sewer line is clear of obstructions, and we can use hydro flushing to clean any blockages, and even clean your septic field. But we’ll only do what needs to be done to keep your system operating, trouble free.

For more information about regular maintenance services offered by Edenflo, and to find out why you need to sign up for the peace of mind this service will give you, call 604-575-1414 or fill out our online request for service.

How to Take Care of Your Septic System

Leave a reply

Your septic system will serve you well for many years as long as you follow a few basic guidelines for preventative maintenance. You will need an occasional septic tank cleaning by a pump truck service, but that’s usually all that is needed if you follow these guidelines.

Only biodegradable waste should go down the drain. Make sure that the toilet tissues and detergents you use say biodegradable or have an indication on the label that they are septic-tank-safe. Anywhere in BC, septic tank cleaning by a professional service should be done every one to five years.

A professional septic tank maintenance company such as Edenflo will inspect your tank for cracks, damaged baffles and other issues when they come to pump the tank and will advise you on any maintenance that is necessary. Most of the time, you can avoid needing maintenance.

Never plant trees or shrubs over your septic system drain field or over your septic tank as roots can cause serious damage that requires costly repairs. The surface around your septic system should never be used to park vehicles and should remain unpaved and permeable. Make sure the cover to your septic tank is securely in place at all times and make sure it remains accessible.

Never pour grease or food waste down the drain. Yes, that means you should not use your electric garbage disposal. Dispose of such waste in a compost area or in your regular garbage. Anything that goes into the garbage disposal adds to solid waste in the septic tank and overloads your drain field with liquid waste, and can ultimately result in septic tank back-up.

Feminine hygiene products should never be flushed down the toilet. Always dispose of them in the regular trash. Also avoid flushing cigarette butts or any other trash down the toilet.

How Your Septic Tank Works

Leave a reply

Your septic tank’s function is essential for processing human waste from your home. Waste flows from the drain pipes in your home into your septic tank. There, the liquid and solid waste are separated. A baffle prevents debris from flowing beyond the septic tank so that the passage of waste to the drain field or “leach” field is uninterrupted.

A septic tank’s size depends on the size of the home and how many people are expected to live in a home of that size. The tank needs to be large enough so that the solid waste has time to separate and sink to the bottom and the liquid has time to drain out into the field.

How your septic system works edenfloThe most important aspect of septic tank maintenance for the homeowner is to not overfill the septic tank with excess waste. Limiting the number of laundry loads per day and the amount of wastewater going down the drain helps prevent overfilling. It is also better not to pour grease down any household drain, and not to let water runoff from rain pool on the drain field, as that will also slow down the tank’s ability to drain.

Your septic tank loses capacity as the amount of solid waste accumulates on the bottom. That’s why septic tank cleaning is necessary. Anywhere in BC, septic tank cleaning can be performed by a pump truck service such as Edenflo. Pump truck services typically include baffle inspections and an evaluation of the performance of your system.

The company that provides your pump truck service should be able to advise you on septic tank preventative maintenance. Companies such as Edenflo also provide hydro flushing of clogged drains in your house as well as hydro excavation of catch basins if you have them and are responsible for them.

What You Need to Know About Septic Tank Maintenance

Leave a reply

The actual maintenance of a septic tank system doesn’t involve constant work and isn’t a major chore for a home or business owner. BC septic tank cleaning services perform routine septic tank cleanings and these cleanings need not be a hassle.

If you follow a few basic rules for septic tank maintenance, about all you’ll need to do is have pump truck service perform a septic tank cleaning every one to five years. BC septic tank cleaning services such as Edenflo can do the job easily and quickly.

What do you need to do over the course of the year in terms of preventative maintenance? Most of the rules are very simple. Don’t over-fill the tank with liquid. The standard for most households is not to do more than two loads of laundry each day if you have a conventional washing machine.

Make sure you use toilet tissue that is safe for septic tanks; the same goes for dish and laundry soaps. Disposable feminine hygiene products should not be flushed down the toilet. It is also beneficial to occasionally use live bacteria to treat your septic tank – this can be found at most hardware stores.

Proper maintenance of your septic tank drain field and the area around your septic tank is also important. Don’t pave over the drain field and never park or drive vehicles over your septic tank or drain field. This includes heavy tractors that might be used for yard work.

Don’t plant deep-rooting trees or shrubs near your septic tank and make sure that the tank covers are securely in place and properly seated and closed at all times. Pump truck services generally include cleaning and inspection of the interior baffle that prevents any loose debris from clogging the passage to the drain field. Following these simple rules of preventative maintenance will keep your septic system working.

Know the Do’s and Don’ts of Septic Tank Maintenance

Leave a reply

If your property features a septic tank, you’re probably grateful for all it does. However, if you don’t maintain it properly, you’ll soon be cursing the day it was ever installed. Continue reading for some easy pointers on how to best take care of yours.

Do’s

  • Depending on how many people live in your home and how big it is, you’ll probably want to make sure that you have your septic tank pumped once every 3 to 5 years. Property managers may have a different need depending on how many residents share a single septic tank.
  • Keep a record of all the occasions your unit is pumped, any times it’s inspected, and all maintenance visits. This will be helpful in case of an accident or when you want to sell your home.
  • Conserve water in order to reduce the amount that ends up in your septic system. This includes repairing any faucets or toilets that leak. Only run dishwashers and washing machines when they’re full. Avoid long showers.
  • Make sure you’re aware of the location of your septic tank and consider marking it off in some way. This way you’ll avoid accidentally building anything on top of it.
  • Divert the runoff water from any roof drains away from the septic tank, as well as any that comes off the sump pump or footing drains.
  • Bring any hazardous chemicals to a TOX DROP instead of dumping them into your toilet or down your sink where they’ll eventually end up in your septic system.

Don’ts

  • Do not let anyone drive over or park on top of your septic system.
  • You should leave working on your septic tank to experts like the ones at Edenflo. However, if you believe you’re up to it, make sure that you don’t work on it without the necessary permits.
  • Don’t use popular additives sold for septic tanks. The truth is that they generally cause more harm than good. Your septic tank is full of human sewage, which has more than enough microorganisms in it to break down sludge.
  • Septic tanks aren’t the most complicated of systems, but it’s important that you treat them correctly. Review the above Do’s and Don’ts, and you’ll be on your way.

Don’t risk ruining your septic tank, call Eden flo for professional septic tank repair and maintenance.

Time to Prepare for the Winter Season

Leave a reply

Before winter hits it is important to do some preventative maintenance on your septic system to avoid issues when the temperatures drop, such as frozen water. There are a few quick things you can do to avoid any septic system issues throughout the winter.

Get Your Pipes Prepared
You will want to winterize your pipes even when you will be in the home all winter and using the pipes. Antifreeze chemicals can be helpful to avoid freezing and to do this, just pour some down the drains of the sinks in your home, according to EdenFlo. You can find antifreeze that is specific to septic tanks to winterize this component of your plumbing.

Empty Out the Septic Tank
You do not want to head into the cold weather with a septic tank that is near full or else you are at risk for issues throughout the season. Your tank should be emptied, pumped, and cleaned a few weeks before the weather turns frigid. On average, you want to have your septic system cleaned out once a year and a few weeks before winter is the ideal time to do it. This type of preventative maintenance will save you hassles and money.

Ensure That Water is Always Flowing
It is said that when water is not flowing well through the pipes, your risk of experiencing a septic tank problem is increased. Ensuring that the tank does not freeze is important and you need water to be moving adequately through the pipes to avoid this. Talk to a professional, such as those at EdenFlo, to get information about how to keep your pipes flowing and make sure to learn how to ensure that you do not experience water flow issues during the winter months.

How Your Septic System Works

Leave a reply

Those who have a septic system should have a basic understanding about how it works because this will be helpful when it comes to things like preventative maintenance. There are two main parts that have different jobs to keep everything running efficiently and these include the actual septic tank and the drain field that works with it.

Taking a Look at the Septic TankHow Your Septic System Works with Edenflo
The septic tank is the primary component of your septic system and waste water will leave your home and travel to this tank, according to EdenFlo. Heavy solids will settle to the tank’s bottom and waste water is retained. Sludge is formed from solids that bacteria partially decomposes and you will see things floating and these include light particles and grease which will be on top of the water in the form of scum. Solids and scum are not able to get out of the tank due to outlet and inlet baffles and each baffle may have its own manhole cover. There may be a border in the centre of the septic tank that will divide it into two separate compartments so that sludge cannot get in into the drain field.

Learning More About the Drain Field
This is going to be a pipe that is between the distribution box and the septic tank. The waste water goes into the distribution box and then more pipes come out that are perforated and found within gravel trenches. This is how the water drains from the tank so that it does not get filled constantly and need to be manually drained and the water drains into the soil. The waste water will evaporate once it is in the soil and it is purified so there is no need to worry about microorganisms floating around the yard.