When there is something wrong with your septic system it is bound to start smelling. The presence of a septic tank odor is a sign of malfunction. The problem may vary from damaged vents to leakage from the tank to drain field problems.
The most common cause of septic tank odor is an over-filled tank. To solve the overflow issue you need to call a septic system pumping company immediately. They will check to see if septic system is failing or just over-full. If it is too full, then they will pump it out for you. Normally, a septic system should be pumped every 1 to 3 years depending on how many people use the system.
Another common cause of septic tank odor is an improperly sealed or covered tank or a damaged septic tank vent. No matter the reasons, septic tank odor is a definite sign of a serious problem that can create an unhealthy environment especially for children and the elderly. These problems need to be addressed as soon as possible.
Let us start with the vent. The septic system in any house should have roof vents to balance the pressure, which stops the weird gurgling noises of water flow that can emanate from toilets and sinks. So, if you suddenly begin to hear these gurgling noises then you know there is something wrong with the pressure in the septic system. Be sure to go out and check the septic vent for damage or blockage or hire someone to check it for you. If, after cleaning the vent, odor is still coming out, then you can try filters. These filters are easy to install in the vent and are available in most local hardware shops. The filters are generally activated-carbon based which has been proven to remove odors from the air.
If all the above solutions do not give the desired result then there is probably a more serious issue which must be solved as soon as possible. First of all, try to recollect how long it has been since you pumped your septic system. As a rule of thumb, a septic system needs to be emptied every one to three years. An over-full or over-flowing tank can cause odors to escape the tank. If it has been a long time since the last emptying then I recommend you contact your local septic system cleaning company to have them pump out the tank. Unfortunately, septic tank pumping is not a do-it-yourself project.
If you have your septic system pumped out and you are still experiencing septic tank odors then you may have a drain field problem on your hands, which may become a very expensive issue to resolve. A septic tank inspector can determine if your drain field is healthy or not.
In a nutshell, septic tank odor should not be ignored. You have to try whatever correction is require to solve the issue as this odor is just a sign and there can be major problem inside your tank. The odor and leakage of wastage is unhealthy for your family, environment and can also spoil your house décor and plants. If by chance the leakage goes unattended untreated waste can percolate into the drinking water.
The good news is it can be fixed easily and there are professionals available to solve the issue. You simply need to access your local directory to find the list of local septic tank cleaners. Fix your septic tank odor problem as soon as you can.
Monday, January 31, 2011
Friday, October 1, 2010
When to call a plumber
No one is an expert at everything, and if you were, you probably wouldn’t be reading this. You wouldn’t diagnose a family member’s ailment and prescribe a remedy, and it’s the same with some plumbing situations. If it were easy then everyone would do it and the “P” section in the phone book would be much thinner.
Gas Lines
Work on gas lines is one of the biggest jobs that should be left to licensed plumbers. A lot of cities require a licensed person to work on gas lines by code. This is due mostly to the danger inherent in working with gas. Small leaks may not be detected by odor alone. A licensed plumber should always have the proper pressure-testing equipment to ensure that there are no leaks in the line.
Another concern with gas lines is the threading of the pipe and fitting of joints. The equipment to do this is expensive to own (and impractical for the average home owner). Improperly threaded pipe could leave connections with leaks small enough to be over looked by the average home owner. The same holds true for tightening on fittings. Believe it or not, over-tightening a fitting can cause as much trouble and an under-tightened fitting. Again, any plumber worth his weight will always pressure test the lines before leaving the job.
Mainlines (Water and Sewer)
Work with any of your mainlines (water and sewer) is also best left to the pros. Just the process of turning the water off at the street ( “curb box” in plumbing lingo) -requires special equipment. A long rod with a special tip, called a street key, is used to shut off service to the line.
As for the main sewer lines, snaking can be done by a confident home owner. For around $50 you can rent a sewer snake for four hours, which should be enough time to clean tree roots from the line, but it doesn’t guarantee that everything will be fine in the line. If the line continues to back up calling a plumber is the only choice, as it means that there is something else wrong with the line. It could be broken or back pitched and a licensed plumber should be able to detect the problem and suggest a solution.
Generally Speaking
As with anything, whenever you feel uncomfortable using equipment or unsure of the proper way to complete the project a professional should be called. They can usually quickly assess the situation and resolve it. They will also notice any foreseeable problems and suggest resolutions.
Gas Lines
Work on gas lines is one of the biggest jobs that should be left to licensed plumbers. A lot of cities require a licensed person to work on gas lines by code. This is due mostly to the danger inherent in working with gas. Small leaks may not be detected by odor alone. A licensed plumber should always have the proper pressure-testing equipment to ensure that there are no leaks in the line.
Another concern with gas lines is the threading of the pipe and fitting of joints. The equipment to do this is expensive to own (and impractical for the average home owner). Improperly threaded pipe could leave connections with leaks small enough to be over looked by the average home owner. The same holds true for tightening on fittings. Believe it or not, over-tightening a fitting can cause as much trouble and an under-tightened fitting. Again, any plumber worth his weight will always pressure test the lines before leaving the job.
Mainlines (Water and Sewer)
Work with any of your mainlines (water and sewer) is also best left to the pros. Just the process of turning the water off at the street ( “curb box” in plumbing lingo) -requires special equipment. A long rod with a special tip, called a street key, is used to shut off service to the line.
As for the main sewer lines, snaking can be done by a confident home owner. For around $50 you can rent a sewer snake for four hours, which should be enough time to clean tree roots from the line, but it doesn’t guarantee that everything will be fine in the line. If the line continues to back up calling a plumber is the only choice, as it means that there is something else wrong with the line. It could be broken or back pitched and a licensed plumber should be able to detect the problem and suggest a solution.
Generally Speaking
As with anything, whenever you feel uncomfortable using equipment or unsure of the proper way to complete the project a professional should be called. They can usually quickly assess the situation and resolve it. They will also notice any foreseeable problems and suggest resolutions.
Tuesday, August 17, 2010
Opening Clogged Drains
• In some cases, using a simple suction cup will open a clogged sink drain.
• First, remove the basket strainer from the drain.
• Run hot water until it stands about 2" deep in the sink.
• Take a suction cup plunger and pump it up and down directly over the clogged drain. The water in the sink provides a seal. If the suction cup does not clear the drain in a few minutes, you will probably be forced to remove some of the pipes to get the job done.
• If you cannot open the drain with the suction cup, set a pail underneath the sink trap and remove the cleanout plug and washer. If the drain is only slightly clogged, a few quick probes with a screwdriver may solve the problem.
• If the screwdriver doesn't open it, use a snake or drain auger through the pipe. A drain auger works best if you rotate it, feed it in a short distance, and then rotate it again. This enables the drain auger to be inserted deeply into the pipe.
• After the drain pipe is opened, replace the cleanout plug and washer. Run scalding water through the pipe to carry away any accumulations.
• First, remove the basket strainer from the drain.
• Run hot water until it stands about 2" deep in the sink.
• Take a suction cup plunger and pump it up and down directly over the clogged drain. The water in the sink provides a seal. If the suction cup does not clear the drain in a few minutes, you will probably be forced to remove some of the pipes to get the job done.
• If you cannot open the drain with the suction cup, set a pail underneath the sink trap and remove the cleanout plug and washer. If the drain is only slightly clogged, a few quick probes with a screwdriver may solve the problem.
• If the screwdriver doesn't open it, use a snake or drain auger through the pipe. A drain auger works best if you rotate it, feed it in a short distance, and then rotate it again. This enables the drain auger to be inserted deeply into the pipe.
• After the drain pipe is opened, replace the cleanout plug and washer. Run scalding water through the pipe to carry away any accumulations.
Thursday, February 18, 2010
Septic Works in Palmdale Ca has been offering quality Septic, septic tanks, septic tank, septic system, septic systems, septic problems, septic tank problems, Septic tank pumping, septic tank installation to the greater Palmdale, Lancaster area for over 20 years. Our quality septic systems contractors are licensed and bonded. We are a member of the BBB and offer Free Septic System Installation, Repair and Service quotes. Please do not hesitate to call today
Tel (661) 435-7353
Tel (661) 435-7353
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