State, county and local health and environment authorities have been taking a harder line on failing septic systems in recent years. Concerns about the environmental impact of these household wastewater management systems have led to added oversight and increased regulation for septic systems in many areas: Rules proposed by the Ohio Department of Health would […]

Mechanical issues can seriously affect the function of a household septic system. Broken pipes, malfunctioning equipment and blockages can create backups and reduce the performance of every element of the system. Understanding how your home septic system works can help you to address common issues before they result in reduced functionality and failure of your […]

For many homeowners, purchasing a liquid drain cleaner may seem like a reasonable solution to repeated backups and septic system problems. In fact, these additives do not address the root cause of septic issues and may even worsen the problem of slow draining and backflows into household plumbing. Here are some of the primary issues […]

When properly maintained, a household septic system can last almost indefinitely. This varies depending upon the original construction method. For instance, steel septic tanks may begin to rust almost immediately and may require remediation or replacement within the first 20 years. Concrete tanks, however, can often exceed 50 years of reliable service and are the […]

Some of the most serious signs that a septic tank system may be in the early stages of failure may go unnoticed by many homeowners. For instance, standing water near the drainfield or around the tank may be overlooked or misidentified as runoff or the result of recent rainfall; backups and slow draining can sometimes […]

Septic tank systems depend on bacterial action to break down particulate matter and to remove impurities from the wastewater that passes through the tank and into the drainfield. Increasing the efficiency of these bacterial processes can have a beneficial effect on the functioning of the entire system and can even help failing systems to recover […]

In November 2012, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) launched a new program designed to help consumers maintain their own septic systems more effectively. Billed as SepticSmart, this new initiative offers advice and guidance on best practices in septic system maintenance for the estimated 26 million homes in the U.S. that use septic tanks and […]

A failing septic system often gives its owners plenty of warning about its deteriorating condition. Too often, however, these early warning signs are overlooked or ignored until the system stops working entirely. Rather than waiting for the condition of the septic tank and drain field to worsen, homeowners can take proactive steps to treat and […]

As septic systems age and deteriorate, various issues may arise that can cause backups, standing water and other problems in and around your septic tank and drain field. Installing an Aero-Stream aeration system can often help to improve the functionality of your existing system and remediate these problems quickly and safely. Systems like those sold […]

Understanding the anatomy of the home septic tank can help homeowners manage these important household systems more effectively. Septic tanks are relatively simple and straightforward; however, if not maintained properly, they can cause considerable expense and inconvenience. Septic system failure can necessitate an entirely new system that can cost thousands of dollars and may require […]

Aging septic systems often require constant attention in order to continue functioning properly. Regular pumping can mitigate some potential problems, but upgrading to an aeration system is generally the most effective way to address the issues that typically arise in older septic tank systems. These advanced devices can reverse the early stages of septic system […]

Troubleshooting your home septic system can be a challenge, especially if you have little or no plumbing experience. Understanding the signs of imminent septic system failure can allow you to act before the situation worsens and drastic measures are required to remediate your tank and drain field. In some cases, the problem may be as […]

Taking steps to boost the efficiency of your septic system now can save significant headaches and expense down the line, especially in areas with strict environmental regulations regarding the replacement and repair of failing septic tanks and drain fields. While the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency offers guidelines for homeowners and oversees the operation of large-scale […]

One of the most important elements of a home septic system is the drain field. Alternatively referred to as the seepage bed, leach field or soil absorption area, the drain field is the final step in the wastewater remediation process. Most state and local authorities enforce strict regulatory requirements on the construction and location of […]

The typical septic tank system incorporates a number of mechanical and physical elements that are necessary to break down household waste effectively. Homeowners should familiarize themselves with these basic components; a working knowledge of the septic system architecture can provide valuable insight into possible issues with its proper function. Here are some of the most […]

Many of the warning signs of septic tank failure are obvious. For example, standing pools or puddles of water surrounding the drainfield generally indicate that the septic system is nearing catastrophic failure. Backups and drainage problems inside the house are usually signs that the tank itself is nearing maximum capacity. Strong, unpleasant odors around the […]

Septic systems rarely take up much time or attention when they are performing well. It is only when they begin to show signs of breakdown or fail to process waste products efficiently that they become a topic for discussion or a cause for concern. By the time these symptoms become obvious, unfortunately, the septic tank […]

Reducing unnecessary strain on your septic system can provide you with added years of service from your existing installation and prevent serious septic tank problems that may damage your landscaping or cost you thousands of dollars in remediation treatments. Here are five relatively low-cost ways you can significantly improve the performance of your septic tank and […]

The typical home septic system consists of a number of components. Failure of any of these elements can result in loss of function and may lead to the breakdown of the entire system. The primary physical components of the septic system include the following: The pipes leading from the home to the septic tank The […]

Septic system failure may be caused by a number of different factors. In some cases, the septic tank may be too small to manage the demands of a growing household. Inefficient decomposition activity can also be the culprit in some cases of septic failure; the beneficial bacteria in the tank may be overwhelmed by the […]