Why Do I Need a Septic Tank?

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The wastewater from your toilets, kitchen and washing machine runs into one main drainage pipe that goes underground to the septic tank. The tank is usually buried in your yard and resembles a large metal box with inspection pipes and manhole access ports for pumping. Contact Septic Tank Armadale now!

Wastewater undergoes a settling process in the septic tank where weighty masses sink to the bottom forming sludge while lighter masses like fats and oils float to the top forming scum.

A septic tank is an underground chamber made of concrete, fiberglass, or plastic through which domestic wastewater (sewage) flows for basic sewage treatment. It is used in homes that are not connected to a public sewer system.

Wastewater from your toilets, kitchen drains, and washing machines travels to the septic tank where it is purified by natural processes and bacteria. As the waste enters the septic tank, it separates into three layers. The scum layer is composed of fatty acids, grease, and other floating solids that drift to the surface. The sludge layer is the heavier solid waste that sinks to the bottom of the tank. The liquid wastewater, called effluent, is the middle layer. The anaerobic bacteria in the septic tank eat the sludge and effluent, reducing organic matter and contaminates from the wastewater. A baffle in the septic tank prevents sludge and scum from entering the drainfield.

The septic tank also contains a vent that permits gases to escape the tank. The septic tank must be regularly pumped out by a licensed septage waste transporter to keep it working properly. A licensed septic tank pumper can also inspect your tank, measure the sludge and scum layers and keep records of your tank’s history.

When you flush or run water in your home, hydraulic pressure causes the wastewater to flow up into the septic tank. As it is transported from the plumbing fixtures to the septic tank, the wastewater becomes lighter and rises. This force is opposed by gravity and the force of the septic tank baffle which keeps heavier solids from entering the absorption field. This can clog the drainfield and reduce its life expectancy.

How Does a Septic Tank Work?

Septic systems treat wastewater in areas where municipal sewers aren’t available. They work by removing solid matter and contaminates from wastewater before it goes into the soil absorption field, or drainfield. The septic tank removes heavy solids like feces, food scraps, and toilet paper, as well as oils and grease that float to the top. The drainfield then filters, treats, and disperses the liquid.

The septic tank is a water-tight, buried container made of concrete, fiberglass, or a high-quality polymer such as polyethylene. It’s designed to hold the sewage long enough for the solids to settle and for bacteria to break down most of them. Compartments and a T-shaped outlet prevent the sludge and scum from flowing into the drainfield, which could cause clogs and wastewater overflows.

When the septic tank is full, it’s pumped out to a distribution box. The liquid, called effluent, then flows through a system of perforated plastic pipes buried underground in a bed of gravel and sand, called a septic drain field or leach field.

Bacteria in the drainfield then break down the remaining contaminants. The bacteria also filter the wastewater before it seeps into groundwater, removing disease-causing pathogens and other contaminants. You can help keep your septic tank and drainfield working properly by only using septic-safe products, including toilet paper. Anything else, even things labeled ‘flushable,’ can clog the pipes or damage the vital bacteria in your septic tank. Don’t park vehicles or plant trees or shrubs over the drainfield, either, as this can compact and block the flow of effluent. You should also avoid adding chemicals or additives that aren’t approved for septic tanks, as they can harm the bacteria that treat your wastewater.

How Does a Septic Tank Work with a Drainfield?

A septic tank and soil absorption field (drain field) work together to filter and treat wastewater before it percolates down into the groundwater. Bacteria break down waste and make the water clean enough for the next layer of underground soil to absorb. The septic tank removes solid waste from the wastewater to protect the drain field from clogging and early failure.

House sewer drains connect to the septic tank, where oil and grease float to the top as scum and solid waste sinks to the bottom as sludge. The middle layer of partially treated wastewater, called effluent, exits the septic tank through an outlet baffle and flows to the drain field.

A distribution box sits below the septic tank to evenly distribute the wastewater across the drain field. The septic tank also has multiple outlets that connect to a series of laterals that lead to the field tiles in the soil absorption system. The septic tank also has a vent pipe that releases gasses.

The drain field is a shallow, buried area of sand and gravel that filters the untreated wastewater from the house to underground aquifers. It is designed to treat the wastewater as it seeps through layers of sand, gravel and dirt to remove contaminants.

It’s important to not build on or plant trees over a septic drainfield, as their roots can clog the pipes and block the flow of effluent. It’s also a good idea to only put septic safe toilet paper down the drains. Chemical additives marketed to “restore” the bacterial balance in a septic tank are unnecessary; bacteria already reside in human feces and will continue to do their job once it enters the drain field.

How Much Does a Septic Tank Cost?

A septic tank system is a necessary investment for homeowners who aren’t connected to public sewer systems. The cost of a septic tank installation depends on a few key factors, including the size of the home and the type of septic system. In addition, the location of the property and the soil condition will also affect the installation costs. A licensed plumbing professional will be able to help homeowners determine the best options for their properties and budgets.

One of the biggest costs of septic tank installation is the cost of the septic tank itself. The price of the septic tank will vary depending on the size of the house, with larger houses requiring larger tanks. To find out how big of a septic tank a home needs, the plumber will calculate how many toilets, sinks, and bathtubs there are in the house. Then, the plumber will use that number to estimate the amount of wastewater a home produces each day.

Once the tank is in place, the next major expense will be the leach field. The leach field is where the wastewater is released into the soil, and it can range in price depending on the type of septic system used. A conventional septic system with a conventional tank will typically be the cheapest option, while alternative septic systems such as mound septic systems, sand filters, aerobic systems, or evapotranspiration systems will likely cost more.

Lastly, the plumbing professional will install risers on top of the septic tank to make it easier for homeowners to access and maintain their septic system. Septic tank risers can be made from concrete or plastic, and they usually cost between $500-$2,500.

Why Do I Need a Septic Tank?

Septic tank systems are one of the simplest forms of on-site sewage facilities (OSSF). They collect household wastewater from plumbing in a single underground watertight container. Compartments in the septic tank and normally a T-shaped outlet prevent sludge and scum from leaving the septic system to enter the drain field area.

A septic tank system makes use of natural processes and proven technology to treat the sewage in your home. It’s designed to help reduce the environmental impact of your waste disposal and to protect your health by keeping toxic materials from entering groundwater and soil.

The wastewater from your toilets, kitchen sinks and laundry flows into the septic tank. When the septic tank is full, a layer of solids forms at the bottom of the tank known as the sludge layer. The liquid wastewater on top of the sludge layer is known as the effluent. The inlet and outlet tees keep the scum layer from making its way to the absorption field and clogging the pipes.

All septic tanks must be pumped out regularly to maintain proper function. When the sludge and scum layers become too thick, they may overflow into your drainfield or backup into your home. In some cases, these solids may also clog your drainfield and the absorption field will become oversaturated.

Many homeowners are unaware that their septic tank needs to be pumped or are unsure why they need to have it done. Alternative septic system designs use pumps or gravity to help septic tank effluent trickle through sand, organic material, constructed wetlands or other media that remove disease-causing pathogens, nitrogen and phosphorus before it’s discharged into soil.

If you live in a rural area or have a small farm, it’s likely that you will be using a septic tank for your sewage disposal. If you’re looking to buy a house in a rural area, consider the benefits of a septic tank over a cesspool or sewer line connection.

Why Install a Tankless Water Heater?

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Nothing ruins your day like running out of hot water. If your current water heater is not keeping up with your household’s needs, it might be time to install Denver Tankless Water Heater.

Water Heater

Tankless models don’t require storage tanks, but they do need a gas line and a power source. Read on to learn more about how they work.

A Tankless Water Heater costs more to install than a conventional tank model, but the higher purchase price is offset by energy savings and rebates from utility companies and governments. The cost of installation depends on the size and location of the system, whether it is gas or electric, and if there are any upgrades required for power, ventilation, or plumbing. Having a top-rated professional to handle the project is also essential. Labor makes up the majority of costs at $45 to $200 per hour, while materials make up the other half.

The tankless unit itself makes up 40% to 45% of the total project costs. The rest of the total project cost is for installation labor, supplies, and permits. If homeowners choose to install a condensing model, it can add another 50% to the initial cost of the water heater. Non-condensing units, which vent hot exhaust gases out a duct outside the home, are cheaper but have a greater environmental impact and lower energy efficiency ratings.

Some models include a built-in recirculation pump to provide instant hot water, which can reduce wait time from minutes to seconds. These pumps can be activated via a button, sensor, app, or voice-activated smart devices. They can be expensive to operate, however, consuming up to $50 worth of electricity per hour.

Gas and propane tankless water heaters have a higher initial price tag than electric models, but their high efficiency ratings qualify them for a $300 federal tax credit. Choosing a model that uses an alternative fuel, like natural gas or solar, can help cut upfront expenses by another $500.

Storage tank types have a lower initial cost than tankless varieties, but they have a shorter lifespan and require frequent maintenance and repairs. They also need to be refilled with fresh water regularly, which adds up to their overall cost.

Some homeowners opt for a hybrid or all-electric model, which can save on energy costs by heating water only when it is needed. However, this can result in a limited supply of hot water at any given time. If multiple people in the home are using showers and running laundry at the same time, it may take some time for the system to keep up with demand and resupply the hot water.

Limited Hot Water

During normal operation, a tankless water heater will heat only the amount of water needed to reach the set temperature. The amount of hot water available will depend on a number of factors, including the size of your home, the temperature of the incoming water and the location of the heater.

When you turn on a tap, the flow sensor sends a signal to the heater to start heating water. This triggers the combustion process if you have a gas-fired unit, or a heating mechanism such as an electric element in an electric heater. The hot water is then delivered to the faucets. In a gas-fired unit, the burner ignites and burns fuel to heat the water, while a mixing valve tempers the superheated steam exiting the heat exchanger.

Once the desired temperature is reached, the unit shuts off the heating mechanism and any fans. The unit will then run in standby mode, waiting for a new demand. This can lead to some issues, such as low or intermittent water pressure, which may be caused by a leak at the heat exchanger or a problem with the thermostat.

It’s important to consult with a professional technician to make sure you’re getting the right tankless water heater for your needs. They can help you select a model that’s sized correctly for your home, based on the amount of hot water you’ll use each day. They can also ensure the system is installed in a suitable location and that it’s compatible with your existing plumbing and electrical systems.

Another issue can be cold water sandwiches. These occur when one person showers and then someone else turns on a faucet in the same room. The first showerer will have a few seconds or up to a minute of cold water while the second showerer waits for the heater to catch up.

Fortunately, there are steps that can be taken to avoid these issues, such as installing a water softener or using a descaling solution. These will reduce the risk of calcium build-up inside the heat exchanger, extending its life and increasing its performance.

Power Outages

Unlike traditional water heaters, tankless models don’t have a storage tank. As such, they rely solely on electricity to operate. In the event of a power outage, these systems will stop working, leaving you without hot water for showering and cooking. However, there are a few solutions that can help with this problem. One option is to invest in a battery backup system. This is typically used with computers and will provide enough power to keep the water heater running for 20-40 minutes in an emergency.

Another option is to look into getting a natural gas tankless water heater with a built-in generator. These models will be able to supply you with hot water during a power outage, even if your entire house is without power. However, these units are expensive and require professional installation and maintenance.

It is also important to be mindful of how much hot water you use during a power outage. You can minimize your water usage by turning off non-essential appliances and using power-saving modes. This will help extend the duration of your backup system and save you money in the long run.

A power outage can damage your plumbing system by causing water pressure to drop. This can lead to leaks or frozen pipes. This is particularly true if you live in an area that experiences frequent power outages.

In some cases, a tankless water heater may experience problems after a power outage. It could stop working completely or start making strange noises. If this happens, it is important to check the circuit breaker to ensure it has not flipped to off. If the water heater is not resetting properly, it should be professionally repaired.

A Battery Backup System for a Tankless Water Heater can be a great solution to the issue of losing hot water during power outages. However, it is important to find the right model for your needs and consult a professional for proper installation. Additionally, it is a good idea to test your backup system regularly to ensure it is working properly.

Maintenance

A tankless water heater is a great investment for homeowners who want to save money on energy costs and have the convenience of never running out of hot water. However, just like any other appliance or system in the home, a tankless water heater requires routine maintenance to continue operating at peak efficiency. The good news is that routine maintenance is much cheaper than a costly repair bill.

There are a number of factors that can affect maintenance costs. For example, the type of materials needed can vary in price. Additionally, the cost of labor can also impact maintenance costs. For example, the labor rate for a plumber can change depending on their experience and location.

Regular maintenance includes flushing the water heater, which helps prevent sediment buildup. Sediment can clog the heat exchanger, which can affect the performance and lifespan of the water heater. In addition, flushing can help keep the water temperature consistent and reduce energy consumption.

Another common maintenance task is replacing the air filter. A clogged air filter can cause the water heater to overheat, which can lead to electrical and gas problems.

The water heater also needs to be descaled periodically. Although this process is less expensive than a full replacement, it is best left to professionals, as it can damage the heating element and other components.

It is also important to follow the manufacturer’s recommended flushing schedule. Failure to do so may void the warranty and lead to increased costs.

Other regular maintenance tasks include checking for leaks and making sure the unit is functioning properly. Performing these tasks regularly can help catch any potential issues early, which can save homeowners a lot of time and money in the long run.

Taking the time to perform these maintenance tasks is essential for the longevity of a tankless water heater. The good news is that these costs can be significantly reduced with a maintenance plan. These plans can be purchased from established plumbing companies, which offer a variety of benefits, including discounted repairs and priority scheduling. To learn more about a tankless water heater maintenance plan, contact an expert from Moore Mechanical.