How a Septic System Works

If you live in a rural or suburban community, it’s likely that your home is connected to a septic system. For those homeowners who use septic systems for their wastewater disposal needs, it will be helpful to understand how these amazing systems work to properly treat and dispose of what goes down your drain. To highlight the importance of routine septic system maintenance, here is a closer look at how a septic system works.

Septic Tank
All of the water from your home’s toilets, sinks, and other faucets flows through the pipes and into your septic tank. The septic tank is typically placed at the back of a property, and is surrounded by a drainage field. Once inside the septic tank, the components of the wastewater are separated for easier storage.

Scum and Sludge Layers
As the wastewater sits inside the septic tank, it begins to separate into a scum layer and a sludge layer. Solid items sink to the bottom and form the sludge layer. Other matter floats to the top, creating the scum layer. In between the two layers, water sits until it is displaced by new wastewater. Any gases are released by a component called a P-trap.

Septic System Maintenance
Over time, the sludge layer in your septic tank will build up. During a septic system maintenance procedure, your plumber will pump out the sludge layer, leaving room for more wastewater to enter. Routine septic maintenance will ensure that your system is in proper working condition for many years to come.

When your septic system is in need of maintenance, contact Beacon Plumbing, Heating, & Mechanical. Our highly experienced plumbers offer expert septic system maintenance and repair services. To schedule your septic system service with our plumbing professionals in the Seattle area, give us a call today at (206) 452-4363. For more information, click on the link to visit our website.

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How to Properly Dispose of Cooking Grease

You cook up a great fried chicken dinner—now what are you going to do with that leftover cooking grease? Any plumber will tell you that the worst thing you can do is to put it down your garbage disposal. Even though your grease looks like a liquid after you finish cooking, it will turn into a solid when it cools in your drain and cause a major clog. Grease can also eat away at your pipes.

What are you supposed to do with your cooking grease? The best thing to do is get a container that can be covered and pour the grease into it. You can reuse the container several times and throw it away when it gets full. An old coffee can will do the trick, as will a soda bottle. Be sure to allow the grease to cool before you pour it into the container, or it could melt.

If grease does end up down your drain, Beacon Plumbing, Heating, & Mechanical can help. We’re available round-the-clock for any and all plumbing emergencies. When you need us, call (206) 452-4363.

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Reasons to Avoid Using Additives in Your Septic System

Proper septic system maintenance is essential, but additives aren’t necessarily the answer. Although conventional wisdom dictated that additives could help break down organic waste to minimize system failures, a growing body of evidence indicates that this is not the case. Before you make decisions about septic system maintenance, discuss your plans with a qualified plumbing company. You may be surprised at what they have to say about system additives.

Problems with Septic System Additives

Septic system additives were first created to address a problem that may not actually exist. Previously, it was believed that household cleaners were too hard on the natural bacteria in septic systems that help keep the unit functioning properly. The additives were used to revive the bacteria to prevent system back-up. In reality, according to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), the additives may have the opposite effect. They may interfere with the breakdown of waste, cause septic system back-ups, and contribute to groundwater pollution. Some additives even contain carcinogens that could seep into groundwater and compromise community drinking water.

Alternatives to Septic System Additives

Since household cleaners are no longer believed to compromise septic systems, your plumber can recommend alternative ways to maintain your system. Monitoring your sludge and scum levels will let you know if your system operation is compromised in any way and help you catch any problems before they turn into a complete system failure. Having your system pumped every two to five years (depending on the size of the system and number of people in your household) will also help keep it in good working order. These methods allow you to maintain your system without any risk of contaminating ground water.

Beacon Plumbing, Heating, & Mechanical is here to help you keep your septic pump in top condition. We also offer sewer line repair, tankless water heaters, and more. Call us today at (206) 452-4363 to find out how we can help you with all of your commercial and residential plumbing needs.

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Preventing Drain Clogs When Washing the Dishes

Simple dishwashing can turn into a disaster if you’re not careful about keeping debris out of your drain. It’s easy to let bits of food from plates slip down the drain. Over time, even the small crumbs you wash down your drain can build up into major clogs.

In this video, you’ll get some tips for keeping your drains clog-free when you wash dishes. Start by scraping your plates off thoroughly into the trash can or a garbage disposal. Make sure your sink drain cover doesn’t have holes large enough to let food slip through. Clean up any food that ends up in your sink or on top of your drain right away, and avoid putting cooking oil down your drain.

If your drain does become clogged, Beacon Plumbing, Heating, & Mechanical can help. Our plumbers are available around-the-clock for all of your emergencies. Learn more about our plumbing services by calling (206) 452-4363.

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