Copperopolis septic inspections firm? Foothill Sanitary Septic; driven by our philosophy to never waver in our integrity and honesty and commitment to provide outstanding workman ship, will not perform an inspection without pumping the tank first. The cost of a tank replacement could range between $4,500 to $8,000, so we make sure the job is performed correctly. If we can’t provide a complete evaluation, it is not reasonable or proper to do so. We inspect for signs of any inflow and infiltration. All tanks, risers, inlets and outlets must be water tight as per code. Firstly, if a tank is not water tight, waste water can leave the tank and go straight into the ground without any treatment. Secondly, if waste water can go out, then ground water can come in (this is what is known as I&I).
Repair leaky faucets. Water that is wasted through leaky taps puts a strain on your septic tank system (not to mention, it also increases your water bill!). Be sure to repair leaky tap right away. Don’t pour household chemicals down the drain. Dispose of motor oil, antifreeze, paint, pesticides and potent cleaners properly. They should never be poured down the drain because they kill bacteria that breaks down solids in your septic tank.
If you are a customer experiencing an issue with any component of your septic system, we ask that you please contact us to alert us of the status of your system, however seek recommendations from a professional septic company for options to extend its life. To get started on a diagnosis of the status of your system, we suggest: Where is your septic tank located? Where is your drain field? Where are the inlet and outlet connections? Where are the portholes or manholes that provide access to the inside of the tank? Some of this information may be obtained by a professional septic service provider, however for a layout of your system, you should contact the Department. Your home’s “as-built” drawings may also show its location.
Aerobic Treatment Systems (ATS) or Areobic Treatment Units (ATU) are often incorrectly called an “Aerobic Septic System”. An Aerobic Treatment System is actually a small sewage treatment plant which uses an aerobic process for digestion. Septic tank systems utilize an anaerobic process. To put it in simple terms: Aerobic bacteria requires oxygen to thrive and remain alive while anaerobic bacteria does not rely on oxygen for metabolic processes and survival. The Aerobic Treatment Systems/Units are typically comprised of 3 chambers. The first chamber, (commonly called the pre-treatment or storage tank) collects the solids and paper products. The second chamber is called the aeration chamber. Air is forced into the chamber and mixed with the waste water. The oxygen breaks down the organic matter rather quickly. The third chamber is the pumping or dosing chamber that removes the treated liquid for dispersal to the soil. ATUs require electricity 24/7 to power the aeration system (typically air pump). See even more information at septic system options.
Your drain field is likely several hundred feet away from your home but it’s directly impacted by everything you put into your septic system and maintaining it is important. A few things to avoid: Don’t plant trees or other vegetation on top of or near the drain field. Trees and shrubs should not be within 100 feet of the field since roots are attracted to the moisture and can easily start growing inside the drains. Planting grass is desirable because it will help reinforce the soil and prevent erosion. Don’t drive cars or other vehicles on top of the drain field. Heavy machinery will compress the soil and lead to broken drain pipes.
Kevin Gause is the owner of Foothill Sanitary Septic and Operation Manager for Foothill Portable Toilets which is owned by Leslie Gause. Kevin has over 20 years experience in solid and liquid waste transporting and 17 years experience in handling all aspects of septic, grease and portable toilet services. Kevin’s commitment is to provide all services with the utmost integrity and honesty. By providing quality workmanship and performing the job the way it should be done, customer satisfaction is achieved. Our first-time customers continually become our long term customers time and time again, choosing us for all their septic and portable toilet needs. This commitment is prevalent throughout the company.
Best practice is to install a 1500 gallon effective net-volume two-compartment septic tank. Even when you are allowed to install a smaller tank, it will save money in the long run by having the septic tank pumped less often and a much smaller chance of eventual bio-mat formation in the leach field. Larger tanks retain effluent for a longer time, allowing solids to settle on the bottom and grease to float to the top. Plus, a larger tank will allow for adding of bedrooms later without the county requiring a larger septic tank. Every county has its own unique regulations with equations and definitions that can change yearly and always are open for interpretation. See extra info on foothillsanitary.com.