Septic Talk

Septic System Do’s and Don’ts: Keep Your System Running Smoothly

Sun, 16 Feb 2025 22:40:58 GMT

How to Tell If Your Septic System Needs a New Drain Field

Your septic system’s drain field plays a crucial role in filtering and dispersing wastewater. But like any system, it doesn’t last forever. If your drain field is failing, you’ll notice clear warning signs. Ignoring them can lead to costly repairs and property damage. Here’s what to watch for:

Signs Your Drain Field Needs Replacement

Standing Water – If your yard is soggy or has puddles near the drain field, it may not be properly absorbing wastewater.
Slow Drains & Gurgling Pipes – Frequent backups or slow drains throughout the house can indicate a failing drain field.
Foul Odors – If your yard smells like sewage, it’s a sign the system isn’t properly treating wastewater.
Lush Grass Growth – While a green lawn sounds great, unusually thick or bright green grass over the drain field could mean excess moisture from failing pipes.
Sewage Backups – The worst-case scenario is sewage backing up into your home, which means immediate attention is required.

What to Do Next

If you’re experiencing these issues, call a septic professional immediately. A failing drain field won’t fix itself and can cause health hazards and property damage. At Atlantic Septic, we specialize in new drain field installations to keep your system running efficiently.

5 Signs Your Drain Field Is Failing (And What to Do About It)

Sun, 16 Feb 2025 22:37:21 GMT

5 Signs Your Drain Field Is Failing (And What to Do About It)

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How Often Should You Inspect Your Septic System?

Sun, 16 Feb 2025 22:24:30 GMT

How Often Should You Inspect Your Septic System?

Regular inspections keep your septic system running smoothly and help you avoid unexpected breakdowns. But how often should you have it checked?

General Rule of Thumb

Septic tanks should be inspected every 1-3 years and pumped every 3-5 years.
If you have a larger household , more frequent inspections may be needed.
Homes with garbage disposals or high water usage may require more frequent maintenance.

Why Regular Inspections Matter

✔ Catch Problems Early – Detecting small issues before they become major repairs can save thousands.

✔ Prevent Drain Field Failure – A neglected septic system can lead to costly drain field replacement.

✔ Ensure Proper Functioning – Keeping up with inspections helps prevent backups and foul odors.

If it’s been a while since your last septic check-up, now’s the time to schedule one! Atlantic Septic provides thorough inspections to keep your system in top shape.

The Cost of Neglect: What Happens If You Ignore Septic Problems?

Sun, 09 Feb 2025 22:13:03 GMT

The Cost of Neglect: What Happens If You Ignore Septic Problems?

Ignoring septic issues doesn’t just lead to inconvenience—it can result in costly and hazardous problems. Here’s what happens when you neglect septic maintenance:

1. Sewage Backups

A full or failing septic tank can cause raw sewage to back up into your home, leading to costly cleanup and health risks.

2. Drain Field Failure

A neglected system can oversaturate the drain field, leading to expensive repairs or full replacement.

3. Contaminated Groundwater

Leaking septic systems can pollute nearby groundwater, posing environmental hazards and health risks.

4. Expensive Emergency Repairs

Fixing a minor issue early is far cheaper than waiting for a full system failure.

5. Property Damage & Decreased Home Value

Septic issues can damage landscaping and make selling your home difficult.

The Bottom Line

Regular maintenance is a small price to pay compared to the cost of neglect. If you suspect issues, don’t wait—schedule an inspection with Atlantic Septic today.The body content of your post goes here. To edit this text, click on it and delete this default text and start typing your own or paste your own from a different source.

Drain Field Size

183:829005644 (Kimberly Cummings) — Sun, 02 Feb 2025 22:01:13 GMT

What goes into calculating drain field size?

A properly sized drain field is essential for an efficient and long-lasting septic system. If a drain field is too small, it can lead to system overload and failure. If it’s too large, you may be spending more than necessary on installation. So, how do professionals determine the right drain field size for your property?

Key Factors That Determine Drain Field Size

1. Household Size & Water Usage

The number of people in your home directly affects how much wastewater your system needs to process.
More bathrooms, laundry loads, and appliances mean a larger drain field is needed.

2. Soil Type & Absorption Rate

Different soils absorb water at different rates.
Sandy soil drains quickly and may need a smaller field.
Clay or dense soil drains slowly, requiring a larger drain field.
A percolation test (or "perc test") is conducted to measure how fast water is absorbed.

3. Septic Tank Size

The drain field must be proportional to the septic tank.
A common rule is that a 1,000-gallon tank pairs with about 400-600 square feet of drain field.
Larger tanks require larger fields.

4. Local Regulations & Codes

County and state health departments have specific guidelines on drain field size.
These regulations help prevent contamination and ensure proper wastewater treatment.

5. Property Layout & Space Availability

Your lot size and landscaping impact drain field placement.
Drain fields must be set back from wells, structures, and property lines.

Why Proper Drain Field Sizing Matters

✔ Prevents system overload and backups

✔ Extends the life of your septic system

✔ Reduces the risk of groundwater contamination

✔ Ensures compliance with health regulations

If you're planning a new drain field installation, Atlantic Septic can assess your property, conduct a percolation test, and design the perfect system for your needs. Contact us today for a consultation!

Drain Field Maintenance

Sun, 05 Jan 2025 00:32:04 GMT

Drain Field Maintenance

A very important part of your septic system is your drain field. Your drain field (sometimes known as a leach field) is the area underground on your property where the drain field pipes disperse wastewater evenly from the tank into the soil. This wastewater sinks into the soil where it is then broken down by natural bacteria.

It is very common for septic tank failures to be caused by a drain field issue or failure. When a drain field does not work properly, this wastewater cannot filter and disperse correctly due to wastewater or solid waste buildup in the soil. This causes improper drainage and then problems inside your home.

The best way to prevent drain field problems is regular maintenance and care.

Pumping your septic tank every 1-3 years is recommended and important to ensure proper functionality of your entire system. Keeping heavy objects, machinery, or vehicles off of your drain fields is extremely important. Don't plant a garden or landscape on top of your drain field. Be careful of what is being flushed. Many items such as antifreeze, chemicals, grease and paint can strain your system. Be careful of what is put down your garbage disposal. Perform regular inspections of the entire system.

If the drain field and septic maintenance practices are neglected, drain field and/or septic failure is inevitable. In addition to drain field issues caused by neglect or careless flushing, there are a few other things that can lead to problems with your drain field.

Excessive water use in the house and/or leaking toilets and drains
Water runoff from excessive rainfall
Tree or plant roots penetrating or interfering with the pipes
Old age

If your drain field is damaged, this issue needs to be addressed immediately as it could not only lead to costly damages within your home, but also cause potential risks to your family and their health.

Just as it is important to have regular septic tank inspection, you also want to make sure the rest of your system is being inspected, like your drain field. It is possible for your tank to be working fine while your drain field is not.

A properly maintained drain field system can last 15-25 years. However, if maintenance of your septic and monitoring of what is put down your pipes is neglected, its lifespan could be significantly shorter. Also, pay attention when you are having housework done. Make sure workers are avoiding the use of heavy machinery on top the drain field. If you are in need of a drain field or septic inspection, or you need to replace your septic system or drain field, give Atlantic Septic a call!

Is your laundry schedule affecting your septic system?

Mon, 16 Nov 2020 18:09:49 GMT

Does your laundry schedule can affect your septic system?

A well-maintained septic system is essential for keeping groundwater clean and can last 25 to 30 years or more with proper care. However, many homeowners don’t realize that something as simple as their laundry routine can impact their septic system’s health.

How Laundry Affects Your Septic System

The average American household washes about 300 loads of laundry per year . While modern, high-efficiency washers use as little as 5 gallons of water per load , older machines can use between 29 to 45 gallons per load! This high water usage can overwhelm your septic system, leading to:

Plumbing backups
Flooding or sewage leaks
Drain field failure due to excessive solids reaching the system

When wastewater enters your septic tank, it needs time to settle and properly treat solids before flowing into the drain field. Too much water too quickly disrupts this process , causing solids to overflow and clog the system.

Tips to Prevent Septic System Overload

✅ Space Out Your Laundry Loads

Instead of doing all your laundry in one day, spread loads throughout the week. Running multiple loads back-to-back overwhelms your septic system, increasing the risk of solids entering the drain field. Aim for one to two loads per day with time in between.

✅ Use the Right Load Size Setting

Washing small loads on a large setting wastes both water and energy . Always select the correct load size to minimize unnecessary water use.

✅ Upgrade to an Energy-Efficient Washer

If it’s time for a new washing machine, choose an ENERGY STAR®-certified model . These machines use up to 50% less water than older models , reducing strain on your septic system.

By adjusting your laundry habits , you can protect your septic system and extend its lifespan. If you have questions or need professional septic system services, call Atlantic Septic at 386-738-1005 today!

3 Reasons we use Chambers by Advanced Drainage Systems

Mon, 17 Aug 2020 19:48:44 GMT

3 Reasons we use Chambers by Advanced Drainage Systems instead of the old style pipe and rock.

Most older septic systems use the “rock & pipe” type of drain field. Often referred to as a French drain system this centuries-old technique of dispersing wastewater into the ground has proven to be an effective method.

Here are the basic steps to laying a drain field using rock & pipe.

Dig a trench
Add crush rock
Lay the perforated pipe
Cover the pipe with a thin geo textile fabric to prevent Florida’s sugar fine sand and roots to enter the small holes in the pipe
Cover the pipe with more rock
Cover with native soil to hide the drainage system and keep odors from escaping

While this method is simple and effective there are a number of disadvantages which have caused trouble with this type of system for many years. A common issue in Florida with the structure of a traditional rock and pipe drain is what is called “blinding” of the geo-textile fabric. This is the process by which small particles of sand, and silt are stopped by the fabric and, over time, the fabric becomes stopped up with sand and roots and will no longer allow water to pass through. When enough sand, clay or silt gets past the fabric, the gravel spaces fill and the effectiveness of the french drain ends.

Instead of the old rock and drain system, at Atlantic Septic we prefer the newer chamber system and here are 3 reasons why.

1. 100% Efficiency

The Chambers by Advanced Drainage Systems are shaped like a hut and are completely open on the bottom. The line of connected chambers results in a long tunnel of air which serves as a buffer to hold the liquid waste from the septic tank as it seeps gradually into the soil beneath. This approach gives 100% efficiency because there is nothing that prevents the absorption of the waste water into the ground.

No crushed rock taking up space that would otherwise be used for storage volume
No small perforated pipe holes to clog up. The chamber sidewalls have unique narrow slits that allow wastewater to trickle out the sides for added effectiveness while simultaneously preventing soil from filling into the chamber.

The result is total waste water absorption that is up to 2x as effective as rock & pipe within the same trench area.

2. Long-term reliability

With no small holes to clog up, plastic drain field chambers are not affected by small objects such as rocks which can cause a backup of a rock & pipe drain field system. And with a large cross-sectional area within each chamber, tree roots have no negative impact on the system's ability to disperse the liquid which prevents backing up of your system. Chamber-type drain field systems also offer inspection ports which allow easier monitoring of the system without having to dig up your yard.

3. Overall Cost Savings Past onto Our Customers

When laying a rock & pipe drain field, tons of rock must be delivered using a dump truck. Often more than 100 feet of perforated pipe must also be purchased along with couplers, fittings, glue and other supplies. In some cases going with a chamber drain system saves the consumer money just in materials alone. But the real savings is in the labor costs which is where the chamber system really beats out rock & pipe. Overall the costs of installing a chamber system will saves money over the old-style drainage system and we pass that savings directly to our customers.

At Atlantic Septic we pride ourselves on using these superior Chambers system made by Advanced Drainage Systems. We know that even though the cost of the chambers is more we are able to offer a superior product at an amazing price. Not only that, we know that you will be able to enjoy worry free drainage for many years to come. For more information on what we offer please feel free to call or text us at 407-402-1948

Things that could Ruin Your Septic System

Mon, 29 Jun 2020 03:34:21 GMT

Things that could Ruin Your Septic System

Are you putting things down your drains that are damaging your septic system? You may be shocked to learn how many items can damage or clog your septic tank and drain field.

Here is a list of items you should not put down your drains, or in your toilet in order to avoid costly septic repairs.

Hair

Human and animal hair do not decompose. Instead, they can create problems in your drains, filters, septic tank and eventually drain field. It is best to discard hair in the trash can and not in the toilet or sink!

Chemical Cleaners

Septic systems use bacteria to eliminate pathogens in waste. When you put anti-bacterial cleaners or bleach down your drains, you disrupt the bacteria cycle in your septic tank. Only use septic-safe cleaners to clean your home.

Additives

Several septic tank additives claim to increase bacteria in your septic system. This sounds really good if you use a lot of anti-bacterial cleaners. However, the EPA advises that chemical additives could harm your tank more than they help. If you’re concerned about the amount of bacteria in your septic tank, call Atlantic Septic to inspect before you try to increase bacteria on your own.

Bath Oils

Although using your essential oils in the bath tub sounds relaxing it could cause you problems later. Oil floats to the top of your septic tank, and then forms a layer of scum. This layer sits on tops of other liquids in your tank. It resists bacterial activity and can accumulate in the tank, clog effluent filters or exert an additional oxygen demand in the overall system.

Kitchen Grease

Bacon and fried foods are delicious, but when you are done cooking please drain the fat into a glass container. You don't want to wash that grease down your sink and into your septic tank. Grease adds to the scum layer in your septic tank. If you cook a lot of greasy food, you may want to install grease traps to keep grease from entering your septic tank.

Kitty Litter

Cat litter contains clay particles that add to the solid waste volume in your septic tank. Over time, the clay will clog pipes and ruin your septic tank.

Latex Products

Latex products such as paint, condoms and gloves are not biodegradable. If flushed or washed down the drain, they will join the floating debris in your tank until the next pump-out. If your outlet tee is missing, the latex may also clog the drain field on its way out of your septic tank.

Paints and Oils

Substances like motor oil, paints, varnishes, and floor wax will damage organisms in your tank. This bacterium is necessary to keep your soil and groundwater free from pathogens. Instead of putting these oils down the drain, refer to your city’s waste management for recommended guidelines to dispose of these chemicals.

Automatic Toilet Cleaner Chemicals

A fresh flush every time sounds clean and inviting, but automatic toilet cleaners send anti-bacterial chemicals into your septic tank. Excessive amounts of toilet cleaners often leave your tank dead and full of blue water. Instead, use septic-safe toilet cleaners.

Large Amounts of Water

Whenever you put large amounts of water into your tank all at once, through multiple loads of laundry, numerous showers and dish washing loads, you risk flooding the tank. Your tank can only handle a set amount of household water. An excessive amount of water also prevents proper processing of the waste in the tank.

Trash

DO NOT use your sinks or toilets as trash cans. Even though it solves your immediate problem of disposing of an item, solid waste will not decompose and will fill your septic system twice as fast as liquid waste. Throw your trash in the garbage to avoid paying more in pump-out costs.

Clothes

While you are unlikely to flush your clothes down the toilet, if you have young children in your home they may be interested in watching thing swirl in the toilet Make sure your children or grandchildren don’t flush any clothing down the drain. The clothes will not degrade and will clog your septic tank. This also applies to toys and coins.

Cigarette Butts

Not only are cigarettes full of chemicals that contaminate water sources, the filters may clog the tank.

The simple rule is to keep non-biodegradable products out of your septic tank. You will save yourself from costly repairs and increase your tank’s life expectancy.