Four Ways to Protect Your Septic System When Doing Laundry

September 10, 2022

There’s no shortage of horror stories involving septic systems and overflowing wastewater from washing machines. The good news is that a modern and well-maintained septic system can capably handle the wastewater that’s produced when doing laundry. However, if your Puyallup, Washington home has a septic system, there are still a few precautions that you should take to prevent flooding, foul odors, and other issues. Here are four of them. 1. Regularly Clean Your Washer’s Lint Filter Although most consumers are good about cleaning out the lint filters in their clothes dryers, some don’t even know where their washers’ lint filters...

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Does Bleach Cause Damage in a Septic System?

August 10, 2022

Is Bleach Safe for a Septic System? The answer to this question is yes and no. A small amount of bleach won’t harm a septic system. However, a large amount of bleach can be very harmful. Adding three-quarters of a cup (or less) of bleach to a load of laundry is not going to damage your septic system. The bleach becomes less potent as it does the job of removing stains and dirt from a load of soiled clothing. So, most of the bleach has dissipated by the time the water drains out of the washing machine and into the...

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How Working From Home Can Affect Your Septic System

July 20, 2022

A septic system’s recycled water may help replenish groundwater resources, but if it’s not operating correctly, it might pollute adjacent water bodies. Today, more people than ever before work from home for more extended periods. So, of course, spending an extra eight hours a day at home will result in more water being used. As a result, your septic tank will have to handle the increased demand, including everything from cooking and cleaning up after meals to taking showers. Each individual in your home may theoretically need an extra 80–100 gallons of water each day. Sewage Back-up An old septic...

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Can You Hook Up Your RV to a Septic Tank?

April 19, 2022

If you own an RV and also have a home with a septic system, you may have wondered if it’s possible to hook up your RV to your septic tank. And the answer to that question is simple. Yes, you can. But it’s not always a job you’ll be able to do yourself. Here’s how the process of connecting your RV to your septic tank works. Use Your Septic System Cleanout Pipe Since the pipes running to septic systems need periodic cleanings, most come equipped with a cleanout pipe. If you have one, it’ll be located somewhere near your home...

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How to Choose Between Plastic and Concrete Septic Tanks

March 17, 2022

When you are shopping for a septic tank, one of the most important decisions you’ll have to make is the type of tank you’ll purchase. Most modern septic tanks are made of either concrete or plastic. Both of these materials have their own unique advantages, so the right style will really just depend on your home and your preferences. Here are some things you need to think about while looking for a septic tank. Budget A large concern for many homeowners is the cost of a septic tank. If you want something affordable, plastic is often a good choice. Plastic...

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Tips on Caring for Your Septic Tank During Cold Weather

February 16, 2022

Cold winter weather can bring with it all sorts of challenges and potential issues. If your home has a septic system, one such potential problem could be it freezing due to the cold. For this reason, it is essential that you take a few precautions to protect your septic tank from the cold. Make Sure Your Septic Tank Is Well Insulated If your septic tank was designed correctly, is working right and gets used at least occasionally, it really shouldn’t ever freeze. However, it is vital that your septic tank is covered with a good layer of dirt as this...

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How to Keep Your Septic System From Freezing in the Winter

January 18, 2022

Many homeowners take precautions to protect their pipes in the winter so that they don’t freeze. What they don’t realize is that their septic system may be susceptible to freezing as well. Fortunately, there are some things that you can do to keep this from happening. Take a Hot Shower Every Day One of the easiest things you can do to keep your septic system from freezing is to take a hot shower every day. The hot water will be able to melt any ice that has built up inside of the system. Leave Snow on Top of It You...

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How Often Should a Septic Tank Be Pumped Out?

November 5, 2021

When to Clear Your Residential Septic Tank   If you live in a rural area without a municipal sewer line, you need to have a septic tank to store wastewater and sewage from your home. Since a septic tank is not connected to any outflow, it needs to be emptied every few years. This post will help clarify how often you need to have your septic tank emptied for the health of your household and property.   Timeline for Septic Tank Emptying   Though each home has a different amount of sewage output, a standard rule of thumb is to...

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What’s That “Rotten Egg” Smell?

June 18, 2021

A sewer gas odor can come from your household septic system or the sanitary sewer system. If you notice a foul smell that is causing a problem in your home, it may be sewer gas. WHAT IS SEWER GAS? Septic StenchSewer gas is a complex mixture of toxic and non-toxic gasses that can be present at varying levels depending upon the source. It is formed during the decay of household waste, typically the anaerobic decomposition of sewage and sludge. Sewer gas is mostly methane, which is odorless, but it’s almost always mixed with other gasses, the most common being hydrogen...

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Bacterial Breakdown in Septic Tanks

February 19, 2021

Life inside your septic tank is a carefully maintained of billions of naturally occurring microscopic critters living in a septic system, allowing it to work properly. For bacteria activity to occur, a septic tank should have a temperature above 40 degrees F. Bacteria, which are naturally present in all septic systems, digest the solids that have settled to the bottom of the tank and begin the decomposition process. A septic tank will usually have a pH between 6 and 7.5. How Bacteria Work The trillions of naturally occurring bacteria that thrive inside a septic system play a major part in...

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