Category: Land & Property

FAQs About Soil and Perc Testing

Why Soil and Perc Testing is Essential Before Installing Septic Systems

Sewer systems are crucial engineering marvels when it comes to public health. Without a reliable sanitary sewer system, people would constantly be exposed to waste, and diseases would run rampant. Unfortunately, a public sewer system may be out of reach for people who value space and independence.

Sewer systems are expensive to build and maintain. That’s why local taxes paid by incorporated areas in a town go to pay for them. Once someone crosses outside of the city limits, other options for dealing with sewage will have to be considered. Luckily, the technology that allows people to live safe and civilized lives off a sewer grid is easily possible. Still, careful planning and testing should be carried out to determine if building in a certain spot is possible. 

The article briefly introduces septic systems designed to handle a home’s sewage and what goes into preparing to install one. These concepts are essential for those buying land to build their dream home in the country. 

What Is Soil and Perc Testing?

testingIn a septic system, a large tank is buried underground to collect all of the sewage in a home. Bacterial action breaks down most solids to the point that they can flow out of the tank along with the other effluent into a system of drainage lines. These lines leech the effluent into a drain field where the water returns to the environment safely. 

Before a septic tank can be installed, the ability of the surrounding soil to absorb and drain water has to be determined. This is done by a percolation test, or “perc test.” During a perc test, an expert digs a hole in the proposed drain field and observes how fast water drains from the hole. The soil is suitable for a septic system if the water drains faster than the threshold. 

Why Is Soil and Perc Testing Necessary?

In short, the authorities require soil and perc testing before a home can be built. In rural areas, the county often ensures that a property passes the tests before construction on a home can begin. Without suitable soil or a septic tank, sewage will not be dealt with safely, and the homeowner could expose themselves to dangerous pathogens and contaminate surrounding water resources. Before buying rural land with hopes of building a home, always make the passing of a perc test a contingency for purchase. 

Why Do Sites Fail Soil and Perc Tests?

testsSince the beginning of construction depends on passing a perc test, most potential builders want to know what influences it. The answer is that several things can cause a site to fail a perc test. Some conditions that cause a perc test to fail are: 

  • High water table
  • Shallow soil
  • Bedrock near the soil surface
  • Sandy soil 
  • Heavy clay soils 
  • Proximity to wetlands or bodies of water 

If a site fails the perc test, other sewer treatment options may be less traditional. Always get answers before beginning construction. 

About Capital City Septic Services

Capital City Septic Services handles septic tank installations from beginning to end. Their experts test, design, and install septic systems of all sizes. Call today for septic tank service in Tallahassee, FL. 

Is Trenchless Pipe Lining the Best Pipe Repair Method?

What Makes Trenchless Pipe Lining a Superior Method?

Burying pipes below ground is a practice with pros and cons. On the one hand, pipes are safer underground, and sewer lines are easier to manage when below grade. On the other hand, repairs can be a huge hassle when underground pipes need to be accessed. 

Traditionally the only way to deal with buried pipes was to dig them up and make repairs. This resulted in tons of damage as well as a lot of wasted time digging and re-burying pipes. It would make a lot of sense if there was a way to repair or replace sewer lines without spending all that time digging. 

With new methods and machinery, there is now a better way to deal with problems in underground pipes. Trenchless pipe lining offers an exciting alternative to prevent hassles, finish repairs more quickly, and offer durable results. Here is an easy guide to help homeowners understand trenchless pipe repairs. 

Less Excavation

Traditional sewer line repairs are expensive and can be a huge hassle. There are few things worse than digging up precious turfgrass or destroying sidewalks and driveways on a property simply to make a trench for a new pipe. The resulting excavations can take years to heal and destroy decades of landscape in minutes. 

With trenchless pipe repairs, only two holes need to be dug. One hole is for accessing the mouth of the pipe, while the other is for locating the other end. Once the pipe is uncovered, a cable is passed through. This cable will pull a new lining inside the pipe or spread epoxy on the inner surfaces. The result is a quick repair with far less digging than excavating a trench, meaning the landscape stays intact and no collateral damage is done while digging. 

Faster Repairs 

repair When it comes time to break ground on underground pipe repairs, the biggest waste of time is excavating. During excavation, operators have to be mindful of other utilities buried underground. This means that it can take hours to trench just a few feet. 

Repairs can be made much faster by following the existing path of the pipe. After the two main holes are dug, repairs can be completed quickly. Often the longest limiting factor is the setup time for the epoxy used in epoxy pipe lining. 

Just as Durable as Other Repairs 

pipesAny time a new method makes its way onto the open market, one of the biggest obstacles to widespread acceptance is faith in the product’s durability. With trenchless pipe repairs, that concern is unjustified. 

Trenchless pipe repairs involve several options for repairing an old sewer pipe. The nice thing about choosing a method is that they offer fast, durable repairs. Instead of being a temporary solution, these repairs are expected to last as long as the original product. Trenchless pipe repair specialists can help homeowners select the type of repair that is right for them. 

About Capital City Septic Services

Capital City Septic Services is a family business that treats customers like family. Their experienced crews are ready every day, even on weekends, for comprehensive septic service. Call today for fast septic service in Tallahassee, FL.

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3 Signs Your Septic Drain Field Needs To Be Replaced

Septic Drain Fields Explained

For homes that rely on a septic system to dispose of wastewater rather than a municipal sewer, few things are more unpleasant and inconvenient than a drain field failure. To understand what causes a drain field to fail (and how to avoid it), it’s helpful to know how septic drain fields work. 

After wastewater from the home flows into the septic tank, it separates into three elements as it is being digested by the anaerobic bacteria inside the tank – sludge, scum, and effluent. Sludge is the solid waste that sinks to the bottom. Oil and grease float to the top, forming the scum. Effluent is the liquid waste that’s left over. This effluent flows out of the tank through an array of perforated pipes buried 3-4 feet underground and surrounded by soil or gravel. This is the septic drain field (also called a leach field). 

From here, the effluent seeps through the gravel or soil, essentially filtering out the nasty bacteria and other impurities, leaving clean water that makes its way into the water table. But when the leach field stops working properly, it can cause all kinds of nasty problems – not the least of which is replacing the whole drain field. So this article will lay out common signs of leach field failure, what can cause it, and how to prevent it!

Nasty Odors Coming From the Drain Field

The first sign of a possible drain field failure is a foul smell near the drain field or septic system. If everything is working properly, any odors should be contained underground. So if homeowners notice a rotten egg or sewage smell around their septic drain field, it may mean that the effluent isn’t draining properly, the system has become too full, or the drain field is saturated with water.

Homeowners may also notice foul odors coming from the home’s drains, which can indicate a drain field problem or another issue with the septic system, such as a clog. But whether in the home or the yard, that nasty odor means trouble, so homeowners should call their septic service company immediately. 

Water Puddles or Soggy Spots

grass

Standing water, wet spots, or unusually thick grass near the drain field or septic tank may also indicate leach field problems – particularly if a nasty odor accompanies them. In some cases, this may mean that the drain field has become saturated with water due to a heavy rainstorm or exceptionally high water usage in the home. Or, it may mean that solid waste has clogged the drain field.

Depending on the underlying cause and severity of the problem, it may be possible to dry out and clean a septic leach field – a process called rejuvenation. But in many cases, excavating and replacing the drain field may be necessary. 

Drains are Slow or Clogged

sink

Another possible indicator of a leach field failure is if the home’s drains seem slower than normal or the toilets don’t flush properly (or clog frequently). If the septic drain field isn’t draining properly, the septic tank will fill up with effluent quickly, and the home’s wastewater won’t have anywhere to go. Before long, if the problem isn’t addressed, sewage will be backing up into the home’s drains!

Homeowners may notice one of these signs or any combination, but the important thing is to act fast before the problem worsens. Resolving the issue by cleaning out the tank and performing drain field repair/rejuvenation may be possible, but more often than not, a drain field replacement is necessary. 

It’s important to note, however, that leach field failure is most often the result of inadequate maintenance and inappropriate materials in the wastewater, so homeowners can typically avoid these problems by having their septic systems serviced regularly and being mindful about what they put down the drains!

About Capital City Septic Services

Capital City Septic Services experts have been proudly serving the Tallahassee community since 1986. Their fast response times, honest & competitive pricing, top-notch workmanship, and outstanding customer service have earned them numerous 5-star reviews from satisfied customers. Their licensed and insured technicians are available 24/7 for emergency service, so don’t wait to call Capital City Septic Services for leach field replacement in Tallahassee, FL!

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How to Tell if a Septic Tank Needs Repair or Replacement

3 Signs Septic Tank Repair or Replacement is Necessary

For most people on a septic system, it represents freedom of some sort. Living away from municipal services but still handling sewage safely can be a point of pride for those living outside the city limits. In most cases, septic systems are very reliable and require little intervention. But, when septic systems start to have trouble, they can create nasty messes and cause a lot of stress. 

Learning how to better manage a septic system is a necessary set of skills. Reacting to trouble at the first sign can be the difference between a pleasant experience and a lawn flooded with sewage. Take advice from these local experts and learn the signs that the septic tank needs repairs. The top three signs indicate a nasty problem is just around the corner. 

Foul Odors

smellLike a sewer system, a septic system is designed to have no odor. Where a sewer system sweeps away waste, a septic system holds sewage in a tank. But types of plumbing vents sewer gasses out of the roof so a homeowner never has to smell them. However, when things aren’t working right, foul odors can cause domestic life to upset quickly. 

Foul odors that indicate the septic tank has problems can be found in two places. First, the tank needs attention if foul odors are evident on the lawn. Pumping sludge from the tank or inspecting the lateral lines for silt can ensure sewage is treated quickly. If odors are noticeable indoors, the problem is probably a result of a dry P-trap or a serious sewer backup. Either way, septic tank services can eliminate the source of the foul odors. 

Drainage Issues

To effectively deal with sewage, a septic system has a leach field where naturally-treated water can be absorbed back into the surrounding soil. When drainage issues occur, it is usually a problem with the leach field. These problems can crop up inside the home where slow-draining sinks are a symptom or lead to soggy, smelly spots in the drain field. 

If drainage is an issue, septic tank services may suggest septic tank replacement to deal with an old tank or lateral line replacement. Restoring flow to the system will eliminate the problem and allow the home to continue as normal. 

Sewage Backups

sewage backupsA home on a septic system can be subject to sewer clogs, just like a home on a municipal system. The complication arises when the tank is allowed to overfill. When septic tanks get too full, they can successfully drain sewage away from the home. This leads to massive drain problems starting on the home’s lowest level. Instead of toilets being able to flush, they will hardly drain at all. 

To address drainage issues in a septic system, experts will start by inspecting the septic tank. If sedimentation occurs, they will pump the tank. Sometimes, they will clean out the lateral lines to help the sewage process faster. This will eliminate slow-draining toilets and sinks. 

About Capital City Septic Services

Capital City Septic Services is a family-owned septic tank service that treats everyone like family. Their polite professionals respond quickly to emergencies and even work weekends to get things back on track. For septic tank service in Tallahassee, FL, call today. 

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Signs You Need to Install a New Grinder Pump

How to Determine if a Grinder Pump Replacement is Needed

A grinder pump performs an important function in a home’s sewer system by pulverizing and helping remove wastewater from the kitchen and bathrooms. Many homes may not require a grinder pump. Often, gravity is enough to move wastewater from a home’s pipes and into the public sewer line. Still, when high elevations mean the main sewage line is above the house, a grinder pump is required to push sewage uphill to meet the public sewer line. 

Like most modern household equipment, grinder pumps are built to last and don’t require professional maintenance until well into their eighth to tenth year. Still, there may be instances wherein homeowners find themselves frequently running into problems with their grinder pump and having to call it in for repairs. When this occurs often enough, it might be time to think about whether that grinder pump ought to be replaced instead. The following are a few of the signs that could point to the necessity of a grinder pump replacement:

Decrease in Water Pressure

tap waterLow water pressure is a common symptom shared by many problems that could be ailing a home – the impending failure of a grinder pump could be one of them. When grinder pumps aren’t working properly, they cause water to slow down its flow through the pipes. If this happens often enough, it could indicate a bigger problem with the grinder pump, especially if it coincides with other signs pointing to an ailing grinder pump.

Leaks in the Grinder Pump System

Because grinder pumps are part of a home’s sewage system, any leaks here become immediately apparent, as bad smells and foul odors from a sewage leak are bound to announce themselves in the worst way possible. But how exactly do these leaks occur? 

Part of a sewage grinder pump’s function is to grind up solid waste and debris from the wastewater. Any waste material that becomes too difficult for a grinder pump to cut down can create a significant blockage that, in turn, causes a leak. If homeowners don’t address this problem immediately and continue to allow debris to get into the grinder pump in turn, causing blockage time and again, it could seriously compromise the pump and cause it to stop functioning before its intended lifespan is reached, requiring a replacement. 

An Old and Aging Unit

oldThe average grinder pump is built to last up to 25 years, enough to see through at least one generation of home ownership. This is especially true of grinder pumps that have been properly maintained and are used as intended, so if a grinder pump seems to be breaking down a lot lately. It’s already had more than two decades of service, so it might be time to replace it, not because it’s no longer useful, but simply because it has gotten too old. Over time, any equipment will lose its efficiency, and the same is true of grinder pumps, which tend to become more susceptible to blockages, clotting, and freezing as they age.

About Capital City Septic Services

Capital City Septic Services provides septic tank maintenance, repair, installation, and emergency services throughout Leon County and the Tallahassee metro areas. Their team of experts works fast and provides friendly yet professional service that offers personalized solutions to virtually every septic tank concern. Call them today for all grinder pump services in Tallahassee, FL.

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Easy Maintenance Tips for a Low-Stress No-Mess Drain Field

Keep Your Drain Field in Tip Top Shape

Drain fields are an important part of a home’s septic system. While many may think that the septic system ends with the septic tank, this system extends to what is called a drain field, otherwise known as a leach field or an absorption field. They are called such because this area is where wastewater from the septic tank is distributed into the soil, where it is filtered and broken down by microbes and other natural bacteria.

Because drain fields aren’t top of mind for home maintenance, it’s easy to neglect their maintenance. Still, for homeowners who don’t want to encounter problems with their drain field, there is more than one way to keep their septic drain field functioning properly, either through preventive measures or with the help of a professional septic system service provider.

Benefits of Professional Septic Leach Field Maintenance

maintenanceMaintenance, especially if done regularly by professionals, always has a benefit to the homeowner, the most important of which are listed below: 

  • Saves Money – while it may be difficult to part with $250 to $500 for drain field maintenance, the return for this particular investment is easy to see, especially considering both the trouble of having a troublesome drain field and the cost of having it repaired or replaced, which is somewhere in the area of $5,000 to $15,000. Another good thing about regular maintenance is that it only needs to be done every three to five years.
  • Protects Property Value – a properly functioning leach field protects the value of a property. Nothing shows potential buyers away more than a smelly, poorly maintained septic field.
  • Maintains Healthy Living Conditions – a healthy drain field is also important to keep families living within its vicinity healthy and free from diseases related to bacteria and viruses present in human waste. It also protects them from exposure to high levels of nitrogen and phosphorus.

Keep the Drain Field Clear 

Maintenance isn’t just about checking the drain field every few years. Keeping the leach field in top condition also means keeping things that may compromise it away from the area. One way to do this is by preventing cars or other vehicles from parking or driving over the drain field. This is important because anything heavy on top of the drain field can crush the pipes below it or cause the soil to compress, which prevents it from absorbing wastewater properly.

Another thing to keep away from the drain field is tree roots. Septic system experts always advise homeowners to plant trees far from the leach field. This distance is carefully calculated to ensure tree roots do not get into the pipes, which may block them and prevent wastewater from draining properly. If, for some reason, tree roots do begin to encroach on the drain field, it’s possible to put up root barriers around the field. A tree root barrier should block tree roots from getting into the area where the drain field pipes are located.

Watch What You Put Down The Drain

septicSimilar to what homeowners should be doing to prevent clogging their drains, leach field maintenance also requires homeowners to watch what they flush and pour down their sinks and into the pipes. Toilets are only meant to accommodate human waste and minimal toilet paper, while kitchen sinks aren’t meant to handle food waste, even with a food grinder installed. Corrosive materials like antifreeze, automotive fluids, gas, oils, and other fatty substances that can re-solidify in the pipes will greatly damage the drain field.

Professionals recommend keeping all of these substances away from the pipes because they will eventually make their way to the drain field and impact the delicate balance of healthy bacteria that is needed to decompose waste material. Toxic chemicals can also enter the groundwater and contaminate the drinking water supply.

About Capital City Septic Services

Capital City Septic Services is a trustworthy septic system services company serving the Tallahassee community. This family-owned and operated business offers fast, friendly, and professional service with an excellent price point and upfront estimates that help homeowners solve their septic system problems with the least hassle and confusion. Call them today for reliable septic services in Tallahassee, FL.

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Signs to Replace a Grease Trap

How to Tell if a Grease Trap Needs Replacement

Throughout human history, public health developments have allowed for great leaps forward in terms of civilization. In today’s world, it can be easy to forget how integral certain systems are to society’s continued success. One such advancement is a reliable sewer system to deal with human waste. Without sewer systems, the disease would run rampant, and city streets would be deep with all manner of waste. 

Sewer systems in modern society have much more demanded of them than ever before in history. One of the newer expectations placed on sewers is dealing with fats, oils, and grease resulting from cooking or commercial activity. When these substances find their way into waste streams, they can cause sewer lines to seriously clog. To stop grease from entering the wastewater, grease traps were invented. 

Grease traps are special devices fitted to sewer lines in a business and some homes. They are specially designed to separate grease from water so the water can flow to the sewer and the grease can be periodically pumped out. Over time, dealing with such a nasty mess can cause grease traps to wear out. Here are some signs that the grease trap needs to be replaced to continue to protect sewer systems. 

Overflows or Clogged Pipes

Grease has a nasty habit of coagulating when it mixes with cool water in drain lines. The resulting buildup can cake to the inside of pipes and slowly choke off the flow of water, causing difficult clogs. When grease traps clog and overflow, an owner should first call a grease trap cleaning service. 

Depending on how much grease the trap has to deal with, the frequency of cleaning will be different. If the grease trap continues to clog after a good cleaning, replacement of the grease trap will be necessary. 

Corrosion

corrosionGrease traps are relatively simple designs. They usually consist of a metal tank inside the home or business or buried outside along the sewer line. Their internal workings may also be made of metal. When grease starts to break down, it can become acidic. This acidic environment results in the corrosion of all exposed metal parts. This corrosion can be evident on the outside of the tank and the lid. When corrosion is bad enough, the integrity of the metal tank is compromised, and the grease trap will need to be replaced. 

Frequent Pumping is Needed

pumpingGrease traps come in various sizes to cater to a range of needs. For example, a restaurant’s grease trap will fill up much faster than a grease trap serving a small home. However, the best rule of thumb to follow about pumping frequency is once the trap is one-quarter full, it needs to be pumped. Usually, this averages out to every few months. When frequent pumping is needed, it can be an indication that the trap isn’t working effectively. If this is the case, replacing the grease trap is the best option to save on grease trap pumping fees. 

About Capital City Septic Services

Capital City Septic Services is the local expert on grease trap pumping. This family-owned business offers fast service and personalized solutions for grease trap cleaning. Call today for competitively priced service in Tallahassee, FL. 

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Signs It’s Time to Clean or Pump the Septic Tank

Keep the Septic Tank Working Properly

Septic tanks are part of a special system that makes civilized life possible off the grid. Homeowners who want to live outside of a city’s utilities will almost certainly need a septic system to deal with their sewage. 

There are several options for septic systems, but the principles are the same. Sewage is treated by natural bacterial action inside a tank, and the effluent is drained or pumped into a leach field where the nutrients become part of the environment. These systems are very effective at what they do, and they are generally very reliable. However, due to their importance in the health and safety of the family in the home, they need to be monitored closely to ensure they stay reliable. 

When septic systems start to have trouble, time is of the essence. Here are three common signs that the septic system is having trouble. Reacting quickly and enlisting the help of local septic tank services can mean the difference between a minor hiccup and a major disaster. 

Foul Odors

odor

Given what the septic system does, it’s probably no surprise that odors are present when things go bad. Septic systems deal with human waste, greywater, and drainage on a property. Under normal circumstances, the odors that these waste streams generate are sealed off. When odors become apparent, it is a sign that something is wrong. 

Most often, the foul odors will be perceived in one of two places. Indoors, sewer gasses may be allowed to leak backward into the home when the septic tank backs up. Conversely, if sewer gasses smell outdoors, the tank is clogged and overflowing, or the lateral lines are overwhelmed. 

Slow Draining

draining

Another sign that the septic tank is in trouble is slow draining, especially from toilets. As septic tanks faithfully do their dirty jobs, some sediment gets formed that sinks to the bottom of the tank. This sediment restricts flow through the tank for several years and can cause sewage to back up inside the sewer pipes. This gives wastewater nowhere to go. 

Experts recommend that septic tank pumping be done every five years on average. This is often enough to prevent problems but not so often that the service is done needlessly. Additionally, this also will take care of any slow drainage problems. 

Sewage Backup

A full-blown sewage backup is likely when slow draining reaches the worst-case scenario. When sewage backs up into the home, it starts with toilets and floor drains. Because the tank is chock full of sewage, wastewater can flow out sewer pipes and plumbing fixtures, leaving a nasty mess on the home’s floors. When this happens, emergency septic cleaning is the only choice. 

To prevent this nasty situation, always pay attention to the signs that the septic tank is struggling. At the first sign of trouble, enlist the help of a professional to pump the septic tank or troubleshoot for other problems. 

About Capital City Septic Services

Capital City Septic Services is the local septic tank service expert. They offer competitive prices and don’t charge overtime fees for weekend work. Call today for polite and professional septic pumping and service in Tallahassee, FL. 

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Installing a New Septic System? Don’t Neglect Soil Testing and Perc Testing!

Everything a Homeowner Needs to Know About Soil and Perc Testing

Because clean water is so important to people’s health and hygiene, it is no wonder that there are regulations regarding groundwater and septic systems, even in the remotest of rural areas. If human waste and contaminants get into the groundwater, it can affect the safety of animals and people for miles. Because a septic system is made to process waste and allow it to be reabsorbed into the soil through a series of perforated pipes called leach lines, there must be tests of the surrounding soil to verify its makeup and perc tests or percolation tests that measure how quickly the water is absorbed. 

The Soil Test and The Perc Test: What Are They and What Do They Mean?

testingWhen doing the groundwork for septic systems, it is essential to understand a few of the surrounding soil characteristics. Though both tests are concerned with water absorption, they measure two different things.

The soil test measures:

The perc test is done by digging holes between 6 and 12 inches in diameter and filling them with water. The time it takes for the water to absorb is then divided by the number of inches deep the hole is. This measurement is called the percolation rate in minutes/inch. 

Why Are These Tests Necessary?

testingAgain, there can be consequences for an entire region if the groundwater is contaminated, but other problems can also come up. Soil that absorbs water either too quickly (faster than 15 minutes per inch) or too slowly (more than 105 minutes per inch) can cause the following issues for homes and homeowners. 

  • Flooding: A septic system on poorly draining soil (dense soil or high clay content, for example) may flood an area.
  • Endangering Wildlife: If the leach lines are near runoff areas or the septic system is near environmentally sensitive or fragile areas, there can be contamination issues.
  • Sewage Backups: There is nothing grosser than waste coming back up the drain instead of going down it. 

What Does a Failed Perc Test or Soil Test Mean?

A failed perc test usually means that building must be halted for the time being. There may need to be discussions with the county health department about certain levels and what can be done. There may be alternatives that can allow for construction on the site. If a person is looking into buying land, they should verify that there is either availability of municipal sewer or the land has recently passed a perc test. This will ensure a person can build a home with a septic system on the land they have just purchased.

About Capital City Septic Services

Capital City Septic Services in Tallahassee, FL is a family-owned and operated business that works hard for its customers. They are available for septic tank repairs and installation. Call today for straightforward prices and personalized solutions.

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The Importance of Hiring Professionals for Septic Tank Installation

Benefits of a Professionally Designed Septic System

A septic system is an alternative method of disposing wastewater from the home’s plumbing. Traditionally the home’s drains are all connected to the main sewer line. Septic tank systems are popular in rural areas where city sewer is not an option. The city or ordinance is responsible for maintaining the sewer, but homeowners are responsible for maintaining their septic system. 

In this blog post, septic tank experts share insight into how professional contractors design and install efficient septic systems. Homeowners may be tempted to try DIY septic tank installation or hire an amateur to save money. They will spend more in the long run if the septic tank system is not up to local building codes, is not the right capacity for the property, or the drain field cannot pass a perc test. 

Make Sure Septic Is Up to Code

One of the struggles of installing a new septic system is ensuring that the project is up to code. If the city finds that the septic system does not follow local building codes, the homeowners may be required to remove or replace the septic system. Trusting a professional to design the septic system will help homeowners avoid making costly mistakes by ignoring local codes. 

Making changes after the work is complete can add weeks or months to the septic installation time and bring the project over budget. The best way to get the job done quickly and under budget is by leaving the work up to professionals. Professional contractors must stay current on the latest changes in local building codes and requirements. 

Professional Soil Testing and Perc Testtesting

One of the important steps towards installing a new septic tank system is to complete professional soil testing and perc test. Homeowners will need to contact a local plumbing company or septic tank specialist to test their home’s soil to ensure it can handle a septic tank. A specialized septic company can provide personalized advice on what type of system would be best for the home. 

The septic term “perc” test is short for a percolation test. Percolation tests measure how fast the soil can absorb water released from the septic system. The soil around the septic system, called the drain field or leach field, needs to be able to percolate water from the septic tank at an appropriate rate for the volume of water. Without proper drainage on the property, a septic system may not be functional. 

Install the Right Type of Septic System

septic systemInstalling the wrong type of septic system for their home can be a costly mistake for homeowners to make. Hiring an experienced professional to design the septic tank system ensures that homeowners will not make a terrible mistake when choosing which type to install. Professional septic contractors are trained to design septic systems that meet the property’s needs. 

They need to consider many factors, including how much space is available on the homeowners’ property for the septic tank and how much volume the system can handle. Installing a septic tank that cannot efficiently handle household demands will leave homeowners stuck with future repairs and installations. Homeowners can protect their investment by trusting an expert to calculate the necessary system capacity. 

About Capital City Septic Services 

Capital City Septic Services is a local company that provides septic system services for residential properties in the Tallahassee area. Homeowners can depend on this local septic company to provide excellent service from friendly and experienced professionals. Give Capital Septic Services a call today for septic tank service in Tallahassee, FL!

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