Your Questions Answered Here
Knowledge & Resources
Knowledge is power, but when it comes to your septic system, knowledge can also help save you thousands of dollars! Ace Bobcat & Septic Services has answered some frequently asked questions and has prepared several PDF’s that can help you understand what we do and how our services can help you.
An onsite septic system is designed to help remove dangerous pathogens and viruses that can result in illness and pollution in our community. Ensuring septic systems are well maintained will help protect local water quality and reduce the risks of a health hazard to the occupants of the home and surrounding properties.
When septic systems malfunction, untreated or partially treated wastewater can be exposed. Ensuring your system is properly maintained will reduce the risk of a potential health and environmental hazard.
There are three categories of onsite systems, type 1, 2 or 3. Type one is a basic system with a septic tank and septic field, type two systems have an added treatment method and type three usually means addition of ultraviolet disinfection.
All properly installed septic systems have at minimum a septic tank that acts as a big storage unit, helping to retain the majority of the solids and larger particles in the wastewater that leaves your house. Wastewater from your house includes all flow that goes down any of your drains – sinks, showers, toilets, laundry and even floor drains that may be used as areas for cleaning items. This flow exits your house and enters your onsite septic system.
After your septic tank if no additional treatment is needed liquid will either gravity flow or pump to a septic field which will have perforated pipes or pipes with drilled holes.
From here the treated effluent drains in the soils/sands/media below were it is treated by filtration and removal of harmful bacteria, pathogens, and viruses.
Onsite systems are designed to have enough vertical separation from between the bottom of the dispersal pipes and to the restrictive/limiting layer, so that the wastewater is treated properly and able to return to the water cycle safely without causing health hazards.
A septic inspection means having a certified, knowledgeable person assess the current performance and determine the location and suitability of the onsite system. This may be required for a number of purposes like a real estate sale, building permit compliance or a performance inspection. During an inspection all component’s are exposed and we determine if the system is adequately designed. This information goes into a report that is submitted to the client and will generally include a system drawing, summary maintenance plan, recommendations and details on the current performance and function.
There are several key reasons to request an inspection, such as:
- Gain information before a home sale or purchase
- Prevent unexpected, hazardous, or expensive repairs.
- Find ways to improve the system and save money long term.
- Find a malfunction within the system.
- Determine maintenance needs.
- Determine sizing and suitability for your needs or compliance.
Other reasons to request an inspection may include building permit requests, house addition inquiries, and locating components for landscaping purposes.
Like many things, if a septic system isn’t maintained, it will eventually fail. Even on new, state-of-the-art systems, maintenance is required to keep it in proper working order. Some common maintenance tasks include:
- Tank Inlet & Outlet Checks
- Tank & Pump Checks/Testing
- Treatment Plant Checks/Tests
- Inspect property for we spots/breakout
- Filter Cleaning/Changes
- Tank Sludge & Scum Measurements
- Electrical Connection Tests
- Flow Calculation Tests
- Line & Dispersal Pipe Flushing
- Camera Inspection Of Dispersal Field/Sewer Lines
- Effluent Sampling
- Determining Usage & Flow Monitoring
- Flow Testing
- Securing & Fastening Components
- Much, Much More!
After completing our regular maintenance according to your maintenance plan. You will receive a report completed by an Registered Onsite Wastewater Practitioner that details the all work completed, system performance, and suggestions for future improvements and more.
Unfortunately most septic systems are out of sight and out of mind. Many homeowners don’t realize that there may be a problem until their system has already malfunctioned. It is estimated that up to 25% of septic systems in our region are currently malfunctioning. The most common cause of failure is lack of maintenance.
Proper maintenance has a significant impact on how well your system works and how long it lasts. Your home is one of your most important investments. Taking care of your septic system is like an insurance policy on that investment.
Most septic systems cost similar to a new car or truck and some even more. While you get oil changes, brakes changed, tires rotated and annual servicing an onsite system is no different. Septic systems need maintenance and regular assessments and monitoring to ensure they are functioning. Why risk a backup into your home or potential health and environmental hazard.
Not only do we have decades of combined experience in the wastewater industry we are certified by ASTTBC as registered onsite waster water practitioners. Rest assured your system is safe in our hands!
Resources
View and download our authorization forms required for all real estate inspections. Our monthly news letter and other great information.