Tag Archives: Septic field cleaning

Video Camera Line Inspection Service

Video Camera Line Inspection has grown to become a popular and valuable service for those in pump truck services and the plumbing industry. The video camera is a flexible rod that has a high-resolution camera at the end of it where the images are transmitted to a camera operator and recorded for viewing at a later time.

This tool allows technicians to see inside sewer lines and pipes and has many benefits for business owners and homeowners alike. With the video camera, technicians are able to easily locate damage, cracks and other problems in the sewer lines and pipes. Instead of digging up the sewer lines, the video camera allows the property owner to save money and mitigate future emergency maintenance by discovering the problem ahead of time.

Any foreign objects causing a blockage in your lines and pipes are also identifiable with the video camera. A video camera can be used to find valuable belongings such as jewelry that may have accidentally been dropped down a drain.

If you are dealing with problems in your sewer lines and pipes, video cameras are a cost effective method that could potentially save money on repair bills in the future.

How to Identify Septic Issues

septic-tank-buyer-pathThe purpose of the septic tank is to separate liquids from solids and to provide some breakdown of organic matter in the wastewater. However, if proper maintenance is not conducted throughout the life of your septic system, issues can occur that could impact your septic system, yard, home and belongings. Below are some clear identifiers that your septic system may not be functioning optimally:

  • The ground around the septic tank or over the leaching bed may be soggy or spongy to walk on.
  • Toilets, showers and sinks may back up or may take longer than usual to drain.
  • Occasional sewage odours may become noticeable, particularly after a rainfall.
  • Gray or black liquids may be surfacing in your yard or backing up through fixtures into the house.

Edenflo offers preventive maintenance packages that will help you avoid costly repairs that can sometimes affect aging or neglected septic systems. Based on the age of your system and the number of people using the system, we will give you friendly reminders when it’s close to time to clean your system. Call today and ask about our regular maintenance schedules, designed to make your life a little easier!

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.

When to Have Your Septic Tank Cleaned

Septic tank maintenance doesn’t have to be a headache. The vast majority of septic tank maintenance is preventative maintenance. As long as you keep up with the preventative maintenance and schedule a septic tank cleaning in the proper time frame, your septic system should continue to function well.

In BC, septic tank cleanings can be done by a qualified pump truck service such as Edenflo. A full-service pump truck service company will also offer hydro flushing and hydro excavating services as well as catch basin cleaning and repair. Older systems may need flushing and repairs, but typically, the system only needs to be pumped at regular intervals.

A septic system is quite simple. The tank catches sludge waste from your home. Sewage solids will break down in the septic tank to some extent and the liquid sewage makes its way to your leach field. Thicker solids settle on the bottom of the tank.

Getting the septic system pumped every one to five years is normal. The frequency of septic tank cleaning depends on how heavy the use is. If there are more people in the home and you wash more clothes, more frequent septic tank cleaning will be necessary to remove accumulated solids.

If you have a catch basin, hydro excavation is a process where water is used to loosen the debris that is clogging it. The water is injected to catch the debris and the combined slurry is removed with a special vacuum. Many times, dysfunctional drainage systems can be restored through hydro excavation.

Hydro flushing is a similar service for smaller issues, such as slow drains in a house or commercial business. The pump truck service will flush the drain system with specialized hoses that allow maintained forward pressure and continuous flush until the debris is removed and drains flow freely.

What You Need to Know About Septic Tank Maintenance

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.

Tips for Winterizing your Cottage Plumbing

Preparing your cottage for winter is one of the things that you need to do as the leaves of autumn begin to fall. Wintering the home is important since plumbing tends to freeze during the cold months.

Whether your cottage is going to be your home for just a couple of weeks or not, it’s important to keep its plumbing in good order. That way, everything will be in tip-top shape when spring arrives.

Here are some ways on how you can winterize your cottage plumbing:

  • Shut off all the pipes and tanks. If you’re not staying in the cottage for the rest of the winter season, be sure to turn off the power from heating pumps and water tanks. As long as water remains in the pipes, the plumbing can freeze up, making the pipelines very brittle and easy to crack.
  • Use anti-freeze chemicals on sinks and toilets. If you have already drained the pipes, moisture is still trapped inside and this can contribute to the easy freezing up of the plumbing system. The anti-freeze chemicals should be able to take care of the moisture problem in the pipes.
  • Shovel snow away from the cottage and not against the walls. In places where winter is severe, dealing with snow on the roof and the driveway can be extremely cumbersome. When shoveling off snow, make sure that it is far away from the walls of the cottage. Placing the snow beside the cottage can freeze up the plumbing system more easily.
  • Clean gutters thoroughly. The gutter is one of the most overlooked parts of the house. Prevent putting additional weight to the gutter by removing the garbage and other objects from the roof.
  • Cover up holes in windows and doors. Cold air can easily enter the cottage, if the windows and doors are sealed. If you’re not staying in the cottage overnight, use newspaper or rugs in sealing the small cracks.

Edenflo’s array of services and expertise will ensure your cottage is winterized and safe during the chilly season. Call us to arrange an inspection or service appointment.

Why Do Septic Tanks Overflow?

Installing a septic tank in your property (if there isn’t a municipal sewer system available in your area) helps in waste water management. Although a septic tank could last for many years, there are times when it begins to malfunction.

Septic Tank and Septic System

One of the most common problems of a septic tank is overflowing. An overfilled tank is not only disgusting; it is also hazardous to health. When the tank overflows, the risk of contaminating drinking water with unprocessed human waste is bigger. This could lead to a number of illnesses that could be prevented if only an efficient septic system was installed.

Too Small a Tank
The size of the septic tank determines how efficient the system will be in processing waste water. For an estimate on how big a tank should be, multiply by 150 gallons the number of individuals in a household. That should be the holding capacity of your septic tank. A small septic tank cannot contain all the wastes and water in a home, so the risk of overflowing is greater.

Sludge Buildup
Septic tanks should be pumped out every three years. If there are more people and if a lot of water is used in the household, then the tank should be cleaned more frequently. Septic tanks spill over when there is too much sludge, water or solids accumulated in the system. To prevent an overrun, have the tank inspected by a licensed septic system investigator to see whether there is a need to repair or pump out the system.

Ground Water
Anaerobic bacteria in the tank break down solid wastes and convert them to sludge. Liquids in the tank go through the drain field and into the soil. When the soil is saturated with water, it becomes inefficient in absorbing the waste water from the tank. The waste water could enter the drinking water system and that could lead to a lot of health problems.

Edenflo specializes in minor plumbing and pump repairs, septic tank inspection and cleaning, and power flushing of storm and sanitary drain lines. Don’t wait for sludge and septic waste to infiltrate your home, ensure you book an annual inspection with Edenflo.

Sewer Line Flushing Keeps the Lines at Home and Your Place of Business Clean

The wastewater and sewage that leaves your home is going to go through the main sewage line. All of the wastewater will go through this line, from the water in the toilet to the water that goes through the washing machine. This is one of the main veins of your home’s system, and that’s why it is very important to make sure that the line is free of clogs and debris. If there were a clog in the sewer line, it would not take very long at all before the sewage started to back up into your home, and no one wants to contemplate that situation.

Sewer Line Flushing for Your Home

Sewer line flushing can make sure that you do not have to go through this type of problem. The flushing of sewer lines will make sure that you do not have any clogs or debris. The powerful jets of water can remove the debris so that everything flows through your sewer line. You should contact the professionals who can take care of this type of problem at the first hint of trouble. In fact, you may want to have an inspection, even if you haven’t noticed any major problems yet. The inspection can ensure that you do not have any nasty surprises waiting for you in your home’s sewer line.

Sewer Line Flushing for the Business

Of course, residential homes are not the only ones that could have trouble with their sewer lines. Businesses may well have a sewer line in need of flushing, as well. If you have a backed up sewer line at work, chances are you will have to close your business until you remedy the situation. This means that you are going to want to have an inspection and receive sewer line flushing to remove any blockages that could be causing an issue with your plumbing.

Do Not Wait

As you can imagine, this is a situation that you want to deal with immediately. The longer you wait, the worse it can become, and that means that repair costs and fixing the damage that it could cause to your home or business would be greater. With the high-powered flushing services for sewer lines available today, the professionals can clean the tank faster and more efficiently than in the past. Do not make the mistake of waiting too long before you have your main sewer line flushed.

Caring for and Eventually Replacing an Aging Septic System

The cost of replacing an entire septic system is something that most people do not even want to consider. The price of replacing a system is many thousands of dollars and most do not have extra money that they want to use to spend on a new septic tank and system. Proper care for an aging septic system can help it last longer so that you do not have to go through the trouble and expense of replacement.

First, you should make sure that you clean and maintain your septic system regularly. Even an aging septic system can work well. You usually have to make very few repairs as long as you have a quality system. The most important partw of caring for your system are cleaning and inspections to make sure that you are not getting to the point where you are going to have a problem.

Second, make sure that you know what is going down your drains and into the system. Always make sure that you are not putting anything down the drains that is not safe. Depending on what goes into the drains and the system, it could cause damage.

With proper care, you can add even more life to an already aging septic system. With a new system, it will ensure that the system lasts for many years.

If You Do Need a New System

In some cases, especially those septic systems that are very old, you may not have a choice except to replace the system. If that’s the case, then you will want to make sure that you choose a high quality system and have professionals install it for you. Remember that you are going to have to have the cleaners come and remove the wastewater from your old tank before removal, too.

It is true that the cost of the system is high, but when you have an aging septic system that is in dire need of replacement, you do not have much of a choice. Try to look at it as a good thing, though. You will know that you have a quality system in place that you will not have to worry about in the future, and you might even find that it can add value to your home. If you are going to sell your home in a few years, being able to let people know that you have a relatively new septic system in your home can help increase the sale price.

Get Proper Help for Commercial and Industrial Food Waste Disposal

Those who are in the food business often have quite a bit of waste, and it can be difficult to get rid of the waste properly without the right help. Whether your business is in the industrial section of food production, or you have a restaurant, you have to make sure that you have the best organic waste disposal and grease trap cleaning service possible. Having a company that is going to be able to help you with both of these things and other areas of food service and production is a bonus.

Are You Looking for Trouble?

Your business needs to know what is going down the drain, and you need to have a way of controlling just how much grease and oil gets into the system. If you start putting grease and oil down your drains, there is a good chance that you could cause a clog in the system. It could cause the entire plumbing system in the building to back up.

Imagine the havoc that this could cause! It could back up your drains and lines, and that could cause your business to have to shut down while you get things sorted with a plumber and sewer line cleaning service. Clogged drains can even cause flooding in businesses, which would mean even more when it comes to repair costs.

When you have a business that works in the food service or production industries, you know that you need to have a grease trap installed to prevent these types of issues from occurring. However, you need to make sure that you clean these traps, as well. This is something that too many businesses are lax about, and that is where some problems start. You need to have quality grease interceptor cleaning service to make sure that oil, grease, and other items are not in the wastewater that goes down the drain because of an ineffectual trap.

Getting the Help You Need

With all of the terrible things that can happen when you do not take the proper precautions about using proper grease traps and cleaning those traps, it is easy to see why it’s so important to have a good grease trap service. You want to have a company that will be able to come in, clean and maintain the traps, and make sure that you do not have a problem with too much grease, oil, and food debris running down the drains.