Category: Septic Inspections

What’s Entailed in Septic Inspections

WHAT’S INVOLVED IN A SEPTIC INSPECTION?

Septic tank inspections, septic system inspections and septic inspections all mean the same. A septic inspection looks at more than just the septic tank so the phrases septic inspection or septic system inspection is more accurate. Although the septic “tank” is only one part of the whole septic system, it is common for us to associate our systems with their largest component, the tank.

We’ll use this post to explain what is involved in a septic inspection and when to get an inspection, regular maintenance or a septic cleaning.

WHAT’S INVOVLVED IN MY SEPTIC INSPECTION?

Septic inspections are defined differently by each governing body. Then there’s the common sense definition.

Septic Inspections:

At Double Flush Septic Services we are licensed, bonded and registered with the State of Ohio on all three septic contractor lists: the list of septic installers bonded for multiple systems, list of bonded septage haulers and the list of bonded septic service providers, all provided on this page of the Ohio Department of Health’s website devoted to sewage treatment systems.

(avoid using a septic company that does not appear on this list)

However, there is no one definition of septic inspection that is set by the State of Ohio or the Federal Government. Sewage and sewage treatment systems are regulated by local municipalities so how septic inspection is defined and regulated by one county could be different by another.

So what’s entailed in your septic inspection?

Let’s start with our common sense definition.  Whenever we service a septic system, whether because there’s a foul odor or slow draining sinks and toilets or because the homeowner is getting preventative planned septic service, we’re going to “inspect” the septic system the same way your mechanic should inspect your vehicle or any service provider should inspect the equipment they are servicing. What type of septic system you have will determine what the inspection includes. For example, if you have a Norweco Singulair aeration tank, we will check the Bio-Kinetic filter. If you have an aerated system we also check the blower filter or aerator shaft. In each case we are inspecting the sludge levels in the trash tank and testing the operation of the discharge pump.  This is also included in our affordable septic service plans, so some might say that you’re getting your septic system inspected each time we service it – something most manufacturers will recommend every 6 – 12 months depending on size and usage.

In the EPA’s Homeowners Septic Guide a Septic Inspection Should Include:

The inspector will check for the following:
• Pumping and maintenance records;
• The age of the septic system;
• Sludge levels and scum thickness in the tank;
• Signs of leakage, such as low water levels in the tank;
• Signs of backup, such as staining in the tank above the outlet pipe;
• Integrity of the tank, inlet, and outlet pipes;
• The drainfield, for signs of system failure like standing water;
• The distribution box, to make sure drain lines are receiving equal flow; and
• Available records, to ensure the system complies with local regulations regarding function and location.

According to the EPA’s definition, each time we clean your septic tank, pump your septic tank or perform our annual or semi-annual service plan, we are including a septic inspection.  At Double Flush Septic Services, every time you choose us for your septic service provider we check the functionality and health of your system.  If we have serviced your septic system from the septic installation, we have access to your pumping and maintenance records already, know the age of your system and are familiar with compliance to local regulations.

Each Ohio County Defines Septic Inspection Requirements

If you need a septic inspection for the county’s requirement, whether or not we can perform the inspection depends on the county.  For example, Summit County has additional requirements that involve the homeowner (from their website below) We currently do not provide septic inspections in Summit County for transfer of real estate. We service Summit County with all other septic services. So call us to discuss your county’s regulations if you are getting a septic inspection for a real estate transaction.

What to expect during inspection (Specific to Summit County)

Make sure that there is access to the septic tank lids. If buried, lids will need to be uncovered prior to the inspection. The inspection will take approximately 1-2 hours and the inspector will need access inside the home. The inspector will run water to test the flow rate of the PWS, as well as the functionality of the STS.  The inspector will need to have a lockbox code for the property or someone available to let them inside. DO NOT PUMP TANKS PRIOR TO INSPECTION.
***Inspections must still be conducted if the property is vacant and/or does not have running water***

REDUCE EMERGENCY SEPTIC SERVICES WITH SEPTIC SERVICE PLANS

You can do your part to keep your septic tank healthy and reduce the frequency of septic tank pumping with s septic service plan and preventative maintenance. First, don’t put anything down your septic system that is non-biodegradable, such as cigarette butts, diapers, paper towels, and more. Plus, installing an effluent filter, which helps to decrease the number of solids that leave the tank helps promote your septic tank’s health.

24/7 EMERGENCY SEPTIC SERVICES NEAR YOU

We service the Northern Ohio area; are service area includes Erie, Lorain, Wayne, Portage, Summit, Stark and Medina Counties. Our family-owned septic company is the one to call for all of your emergency septic tank services, including septic tank pumping. We can work around your schedule when it’s convenient for you, including working on weekends and evenings. Our team offers efficient septic tank pumping, septic cleaning, septic installations and septic repairs so we take up as little of your time as possible. We take our time to ensure your septic system looks healthy and is in good shape for the future. Rest assured, when you partner with our local, family-owned septic company for your septic services, your home or business will be well served. Call to get started today!

We Strive to be the Best Septic Cleaning Company!

We aim to be the best septic services and septic cleaning company. Please leave us a review and let us know how we did.

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Do I Need a Septic Inspection?

WHEN YOU NEED A SEPTIC INSPECTION

If you’re a first time home buyer with a septic system it isn’t always easy to know when you need things like septic inspections, septic cleanings and other preventative measures to help your existing septic system operate effectively and last as long as the manufacturer intended. When it comes to the septic inspections, the two most common septic inspection questions we hear are:

1) Is a septic inspection required to buy a home (or sell my home)?
2) If I had a septic inspection when I bought my home and I have no intentions of selling anytime soon, why would I get a septic inspection again?

We encourage all questions about septic systems and septic inspections and we’ll use this post to answer these frequently asked questions. If you have a question for us about septic systems, please fill out our contact us form. We’ll happily answer your question and maybe turn it into our next blog post!

Septic Inspections

WHEN DO I NEED A SEPTIC SYSTEM INSPECTION?

Signs you need a septic inspection can be easy to spot so we’ve made a simple image to help. If you have one of these signs, call us to talk about your situation and we’ll be happy to help.

Do I need a septic inspection to buy or sell a home in Ohio?

Easy enough question but the answer, as with many septic system questions is… it depends. The regulation of septic systems, or sewage treatment systems (STS), is not set at the state level, so the State of Ohio does not have a mandate that applies to septic inspections. However, check with your county and your lender.

Most Lenders Require Septic Inspections:

Most lenders will not approve a loan of a home on a septic system without a septic inspection, so if the buyer is getting a mortgage, then yes – a septic inspection will likely be required from the bank or lender.

Many Ohio Counties Require Septic Inspections Prior to Transfer of Property

In addition to the lender requiring a septic inspection, many Ohio counties also require a septic system inspection before the transfer of property.  It is probably a good idea to Google if the county requires a septic inspection before the transfer of property. For example, Medina county does not require a septic inspection but Summit County does.

5 Signs You May Need a Septic Inspection

Aside from when you’re buying or selling a house, it is recommended that you get your septic system inspected, as part of a comprehensive preventative maintenance septic service plan, every 3 – 5 years.

According to the EPA’s Homeowners Guide to Septic Systems, “a typical septic system should be inspected every three to five years by a septic system service provider. The tank should be pumped as recommended by the service provider or as required by your town, county, or state. Generally, you can plan to have the tank pumped approximately every three to five years. Just like changing the oil in your car, preventive septic system maintenance will extend the life of your system for a small cost compared to the cost of replacing the system.”

Five Signs You May Need Septic Service

Whether you need an inspection, your septic tank pumped, a septic cleaning or a septic repair, we can help. These are signs you should call us before things get worse:

1) Foul odors coming from your drains or toilets could indicate it’s time for an inspection.
2) If your toilets are continuously slow to flush, that could be a sign you are due for an inspection.
3) If your drains are also causing slow draining in the sinks or the washing machine, that is likely a sign that the septic system needs an inspection.
4) If you have standing water by your leach field and
5) The plant life is growing with more abundance by your leach field, these could indicate your septic system needs an inspection.

DO NOT PUT IN YOUR SEPTIC SYSTEM:

  • Grease
  • Rags and strings
  • Coffee grounds
  • Paper towels
  • Baby wipes
  • Sanitary napkins and tampons
  • Diapers
  • Cigarette butts
  • Antibacterial soaps
  • Trash
  • Condoms
  • Bandages
  • Dental Floss
  • Cat Litter
  • Pharmaceuticals
  • Other non-degradable products

REDUCE EMERGENCY SEPTIC SERVICES WITH SEPTIC SERVICE PLANS

You can do your part to keep your septic tank healthy and reduce the frequency of septic tank pumping with s septic service plan and preventative maintenance. First, don’t put anything down your septic system that is non-biodegradable, such as cigarette butts, diapers, paper towels, and more. Plus, installing an effluent filter, which helps to decrease the number of solids that leave the tank helps promote your septic tank’s health.

24/7 EMERGENCY SEPTIC SERVICES NEAR YOU

We service the Northern Ohio area; are service area includes Erie, Lorain, Wayne, Portage, Summit, Stark and Medina Counties. Our family-owned septic company is the one to call for all of your emergency septic tank services, including repairs and septic tank pumping. We can work around your schedule when it’s convenient for you, including working on weekends and evenings. Our team offers efficient septic tank pumping and overall septic cleaning, so we take up as little of your time as possible while delivering the most thorough job. We take our time to ensure your septic tank looks good and is in good shape for the future. Rest assured, when you partner with our local, family-owned septic company, your Northern Ohio home or business will be well served. Call to get started today!

We Strive to be the Best Septic Cleaning Company!

We aim to be the best septic services and septic cleaning company. Please leave us a review and let us know how we did.

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Why Does My Septic System Back Up When it Rains?

Why Does My Septic System Back Up When it Rains?

Are you having occasional septic system back ups with heavy rains? Is your drain field, or leach field, showing its age when it rains? How do you know when it’s a problem? Considering the rainy season in our area of Ohio will be upon us soon, it’s important to be able to distinguish between a temporary issue from a rare oversaturation of the ground and a sign your septic system needs to be pumped-out, cleaned or replaced.

A few things to know about your septic system back ups:

Contact Us

Do All Septic System Back Up When it Rains?

If your septic system is backing up when it rains, it could be a temporary, unavoidable issue that is not a big cause for concern or it could be a sign that your septic tank needs to be pumped-out, cleaned or replaced. Learn how to tell the difference and avoid unnecessary expenses for managing your septic system.

Should Heavy Rains Cause Issues With My Septic System?

The quick answer is, No. Heavy rains should not cause you to have septic problems. If you notice issues with the leach field, or drain field, with a heavy rain, either ponding in the drain field or septic backing up into the house, it’s usually a sign that:

1) You need a septic system replacement.

When the rainfall is intense, the leach field is saturated with rainwater and isn’t able to work properly, that can be cause for alarm.  It is a sign that a repair is needed.  When Double Flush inspects the septic system we can schedule a pump-out and septic cleaning or repairs if necessary.  We’ll also give you an honest assessment of the remaining life of your septic system and drain field status.  Every septic system has a life expectancy and depending on how old your septic system is, this could be a sign that it has reached the end.

2) Header is not level.

Having your septic back up when it rains could also be a sign you’re in need of a simple repair.  For example, it could mean that your header is not level so only a portion of the drain field, or leach field, is being used. By leveling the header you’ll use the whole drain field and stop experiencing the septic back ups when it rains.

 

THINGS THAT SHOULD NEVER GO IN YOUR SEPTIC TANK

  • Grease
  • Rags and strings
  • Coffee grounds
  • Paper towels
  • Baby wipes
  • Sanitary napkins and tampons
  • Diapers
  • Cigarette butts
  • Antibacterial soaps
  • Trash
  • Condoms
  • Bandages
  • Dental Floss
  • Cat Litter
  • Pharmaceuticals
  • Other non-degradable products

REDUCE EMERGENCY SEPTIC SERVICES WITH MAINTENANCE

You can do your part to keep your septic tank healthy and reduce the frequency of septic tank pumping. First, don’t put anything down your septic system that is non-biodegradable, such as cigarette butts, diapers, paper towels, and more. Plus, installing an effluent filter, which helps to decrease the number of solids that leave the tank helps promote your septic tank’s health.

24/7 EMERGENCY SEPTIC SERVICES NEAR YOU

We service the Northern Ohio area; are service area includes Erie, Lorain, Wayne, Portage, Summit, Stark and Medina Counties. Our family-owned septic company is the one to call for all of your emergency septic tank services, including septic tank pumping. We can work around your schedule when it’s convenient for you, including working on weekends and evenings. Our team offers efficient septic tank pumping, so we take up as little of your time as possible. We take our time to ensure your septic tank looks good and is in good shape for the future. Rest assured, when you partner with our local, family-owned septic company, your Northern Ohio home or business will be well served. Call to get started today!

We Strive to be the Best Septic Cleaning Company!

We aim to be the best septic services and septic cleaning company. Please leave us a review and let us know how we did.

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Tips for Maintaining Your Septic Systems in the Spring

Maintaining Your Septic Systems: SPRING CLEANING

Spring is almost here – which means spring cleaning. As we get outdoors and start the spring clean-up around the yard and property, what should you be doing for maintaining your septic systems?

Here are a few tips for maintaining your septic system in the spring:

Contact Us

TIPS ON MAINTAINING YOUR SEPTIC SYSTEM

From what to do and what to avoid to items that should never go into your septic tank, this post provides the basic septic tank maintenance tips.

Septic Tank Maintenance this Spring:

  1. Inspect the system: Spring is a good time to inspect your septic system for any damage or signs of wear and tear. Check for leaks, cracks, and other damage to pipes and tanks, and make any necessary repairs.
  2. Pump the tank: Spring is a good time to have your septic tank pumped out. This removes built-up sludge and ensures that the system is working properly. (See Septic Cleaning.)
  3. Be mindful of water usage: Spring often brings increased rainfall, so it’s important to be mindful of water usage to avoid overwhelming your septic system. Consider installing low-flow toilets and showerheads, fixing leaky faucets, and spacing out laundry loads.
  4. Avoid planting trees or shrubs near the septic system: Spring can be a great time to plant new trees and shrubs.  However, roots from trees and shrubs can damage septic system components, so avoid planting them too close to the system.
  5. Don’t put harmful chemicals down the drain: As you’re doing spring cleaning in the yard, the garage and getting stuff out of the house, pay careful attention to what you’re dumping. Avoid pouring harmful chemicals such as pesticides, paint, and oil down the drain, as these can damage the septic system and harm the environment.
  6. Schedule regular maintenance: Regular maintenance is key to keeping your septic system in good working order. Consider scheduling annual or bi-annual inspections and pump-outs to keep your system functioning properly. (See Maintenance Plans)

Septic Tank Cleanings: Frequency

We get it. We’re biased. We clean septic tanks for a living so we’re big advocates of keeping septic tanks properly maintained and regularly pumped, but you don’t need to take our word for it. Who doesn’t trust Bob Vila? On the Bob Vila site there is some good advice on septic tank cleaning and frequency:

While a septic system should be inspected annually, the number of people relying on the system often determines the frequency of pumping. For example, a home with a single resident may only need a pumping service every 5 years, while a home with two to three residents will likely need service every 3 to 4 years. A home with four or five residents will generally need to call a septic tank professional for pumping services within 2 years. – Bobvila.com

THINGS THAT SHOULD NEVER GO IN YOUR SEPTIC TANK

  • Grease
  • Rags and strings
  • Coffee grounds
  • Paper towels
  • Baby wipes
  • Sanitary napkins and tampons
  • Diapers
  • Cigarette butts
  • Antibacterial soaps
  • Trash
  • Condoms
  • Bandages
  • Dental Floss
  • Cat Litter
  • Pharmaceuticals
  • Other non-degradable products

REDUCE EMERGENCY SEPTIC SERVICES WITH MAINTENANCE

You can do your part to keep your septic tank healthy and reduce the frequency of septic tank pumping. First, don’t put anything down your septic system that is non-biodegradable, such as cigarette butts, diapers, paper towels, and more. Plus, installing an effluent filter, which helps to decrease the number of solids that leave the tank helps promote your septic tank’s health.

24/7 EMERGENCY SEPTIC SERVICES NEAR YOU

We service the Northern Ohio area; are service area includes Erie, Lorain, Wayne, Portage, Summit, Stark and Medina Counties. Our family-owned septic company is the one to call for all of your emergency septic tank services, including septic tank pumping. We can work around your schedule when it’s convenient for you, including working on weekends and evenings. Our team offers efficient septic tank pumping, so we take up as little of your time as possible. We take our time to ensure your septic tank looks good and is in good shape for the future. Rest assured, when you partner with our local, family-owned septic company, your Northern Ohio home or business will be well served. Call to get started today!

We Strive to be the Best Septic Cleaning Company!

We aim to be the best septic services and septic cleaning company. Please leave us a review and let us know how we did.

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Septic Emergency: Flushable Wipes Can Ruin a Party

Don’t Let “Flushable” Wipes Ruin Your Party with a Septic Emergency

When hosting a graduation party, wedding, family reunion, or any sizeable gathering, it’s a good idea to educate your guests on what NOT to flush when your home has a septic system. At Double Flush Septic Services we’ve seen many parties become a recipe for a septic emergency after a wipe creates an embarrassing backup!

And to be clear, “flushable” wipes are also a nightmare for your sewer drains when your home is hooked up to the public sewer system.  Wipes are not flushable, despite the claims of the manufacturers.

In this post we’ll explain what that means for your septic system and how to ensure your family knows better before they flush these septic killers.

Free Septic Services Quote

SEPTIC EMERGENCY: FLUSHABLE WIPES CAUSE BACKUP

If you have water pooling around the septic tank, smell a foul odor or water in the house is slow to drain, you may need to call for a septic emergency.

Should We Be Flushing Wipes Down the Toilet?

No! We should never flush wipes down the toilet. The only thing that’s safe for your toilet is bodily waste and toilet paper (read: IS SEPTIC SAFE TOILET PAPER NECESSARY? for more insight on how much toilet paper to use).

Wipes do not breakdown, or disintegrate, the same as toilet paper.  When we get a septic emergency call from a household or business that has been flushing wipes down the toilet, it is the worst thing we see for a septic tank and here’s why:

  1. “Flushable” means nothing. Products labeled “flushable” are not regulated.  This means there is no testing the product has undergone in order to use the phrase “flushable.” Therefore, companies can put “flushable” on anything. Read “Clogging the System: The Feud Over Flushable Wipes” for more details on the havoc being wreaked by flushable wipes. It’s estimated that U.S. municipalities spend $500 million to $1 billion annually wrestling with issues caused by flushable wipes in the public sewer systems.
  2. Wipes lead to fatbergs. A fatberg is a large, hard, solid mass of waste formed when grease, fats, oil and non-biodegradable solids stick together. These cause clogs and septic backups quickly and often lead to septic emergencies for the need to pump out the fatbergs and wipes that are clogging the system.
  3. Wipes join together on the top of your septic tank to create a solid mass in your septic. With a household that flushes a lot of wipes we’ll find that they collect on the top of the tank (see Scum level in diagram below) and stick to each other until they become a layer of impenetrable rags. Imagine taking a pump and putting it into a barrel of wet rags. How long before the pump’s motor burns out? That’s what can happen in your septic if the system has components like filters or pumps.  Wipes can destroy them.
  4. Wipes cause clogs in your drain. Before wipes even reach the septic tank they can get clogged in your drain and pipes requiring a drain snake and likely a septic pumping.

How Do Flushable Wipe Companies Get Away With the Deception?

In an article on classaction.org, updated July 21, 2022,  Flushable Wipes Settlement Reached: What Cottonelle, Scott, Huggies, Poise and Kotex Buyers Need to Know they report:

Kimberly-Clark Corporation has recently agreed to settle claims that its Cottonelle, Scott, Huggies Pull-Ups, Poise and Kotex flushable wipes are not that flushable after all.

According to a memo filed on April 5, Kimberly-Clark has agreed to pay up to $20 million to end two lawsuits that claimed the supposedly flushable wipes cannot be safely disposed of by being flushed down the toilet and can damage or clog plumbing, septic systems, sewage lines and pipes. Kimberly-Clark denies any wrongdoing but has decided to settle the two cases to put an end to the litigation.

Avoid Septic Emergencies. Post Septic Signage for Guests.

How do you avoid a septic emergency, or an embarrassing backup, because a guest flushed a wipe, or two, or three? Two ideas:

  1. Rent Porta Potties. At Double Flush Septic Services, we actually rent out porta potties to customers having big gatherings all the time. It’s more affordable to rent porta potties than it is to pay for septic emergencies. And big gatherings can put a lot of stress on the septic system, increasing the need for cleaning, pumping, inspections, general maintenance and potentially shorten the life of your septic system.
  2. Post Signage. Depending on the gathering, you may want signage near the sink about grease and use of the garbage disposal (if guests will be helping prepare food and clean-up in the kitchen). And you will certainly want signage in bathrooms that guests will be using.  You can either make the signage yourself or purchase pre-made signs on-line, but something that will get the attention of guests and sound like a polite request is likely to get the best response.
  3. Make Trash Cans Accessible. Lastly, make sure that the trash cans, where you want your guests to dispose of wipes, food, grease and other septic killers, are easily accessible and emptied often.

THINGS THAT SHOULD NEVER GO IN YOUR SEPTIC TANK

  • Grease
  • Rags and strings
  • Coffee grounds
  • Paper towels
  • Baby wipes
  • Sanitary napkins and tampons
  • Diapers
  • Cigarette butts
  • Antibacterial soaps
  • Trash
  • Condoms
  • Bandages
  • Dental Floss
  • Cat Litter
  • Pharmaceuticals
  • Other non-degradable products

REDUCE EMERGENCY SEPTIC SERVICES WITH MAINTENANCE

You can do your part to keep your septic tank healthy and reduce the frequency of septic tank pumping. First, don’t put anything down your septic system that is non-biodegradable, such as cigarette butts, diapers, paper towels, and more. Plus, installing an effluent filter, which helps to decrease the number of solids that leave the tank helps promote your septic tank’s health.

24/7 EMERGENCY SEPTIC SERVICES NEAR YOU

We service the Northern Ohio area including Erie, Lorain, Medina, Portage, Stark, Summit and Wayne counties. Our family-owned septic company is the one to call for all of your emergency septic tank services, including septic tank pumping. We can work around your schedule when it’s convenient for you, including working on weekends and evenings. Septic services include installations, repairs, inspections, cleaning and maintenance plans.   Rest assured, when you partner with our local, family-owned septic company, your Northern Ohio home or business will be well served. Call to get started today!

We Strive to be the Best Septic Cleaning Company!

We aim to be the best septic services and septic cleaning company. Please leave us a review and let us know how we did.

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Is Septic Safe Toilet Paper Necessary?

Is Septic Safe Toilet Paper Needed for Proper Maintenance of  Your Septic System?

Do you find yourself shopping for septic safe toilet paper thinking it will help lengthen the life of your septic system, only to ask yourself  “is septic safe toilet paper really necessary?” In this post we’ll shed some light on what types of toilet paper are safe to use with your septic system. We’ll also answer if some brands may be charging more for a product they market as “septic-safe,” when it breaks down the same.

SEPTIC SAFE TOILET PAPER: NOT NECESSARY

What is it with septic safe toilet paper? What id you use regular toilet paper and you have a septic system? Are you damaging your system?

Is Regular Toilet Paper Destroying Your Septic Tank?

Have you heard about Costco toilet paper damaging septic tanks?  This was a big story that spread through social media in a Facebook post from 2016, recirculating again in 2018, that was investigated  and reported as “unproven.” However, several toilet paper manufacturers may be using this fear to market new brands of “septic safe” toilet paper.  The fear being, as explained in the Facebook post, that by using the wrong type of toilet paper you can destroy your septic system and even cause sewer to back-up in your home. And even when you’re on the public sewer system. Scary, but untrue.

The Truth About Toilet Paper and Septic Tanks

  1. There is not really a septic safe toilet paper. This is a marketing term and not a designation by any federal agency, plumbers or septic association to indicate the paper has performed to a certain standard in laboratory tests. Toilet paper is not regulated by the FDA, or any other agency, to make sure it meets specific guidelines.  Toilet paper companies are likely to test their own products to make sure they aren’t liable for any false claims.
  2. All toilet paper is septic safe. This may sound like a contradiction, because it is. The term “septic safe” is to blame. When we pump a septic tank we are pumping out solids – and the thicker the toilet paper, or the more toilet paper you use, the more likely it is contributing to the solids in your tank which simply means you’ll need to clean your septic tank more frequently.
  3. What toilet paper is better for your septic system? It’s best to use a toilet paper without chemicals and fragrance, and one that is less thick.  The thicker the toilet paper the more you’re throwing down in each flush. And the more solids you put in the tank the more often you’ll want to service the septic tank.
  4. It is not necessary to buy septic safe toilet paper. Your regular toilet paper is all septic safe. It will break down from the bacteria in the tank – but be mindful that the thicker the paper you use, the more solids you’re putting into the septic tank.

Where Does the Toilet Paper Go In Your Septic Tank?

This simple illustration in an EPA publication about how a septic tank works explains how the septic tank naturally separates into three layers. The top layer in your septic tank is the floating scum layer, and is  made up of soaps, hair, greases, toilet paper, and other floating waste. In the middle is a liquid layer, known as the effluent layer, made up of wastewater, other liquids, and suspended solids. It’s in this layer that bacteria break down the organic materials before it makes it out to the drainfield.  The bottom layer is the sludge layer, consisting of heavy organic and inorganic materials that settle to the bottom of the tank.  Sludge is what gets pumped out when we clean your septic tank.

Our Experience With Tank Additives

Knowing how the septic system works in its natural state, for us to recommend a septic tank additive as effective, we would need to see a substantial difference in how the bacteria is processing waste. In our experience, we have not noticed a difference in a reduced amount of solids (sludge) for our customers that diligently use septic treatments.  Some actually have shown detrimental effects with either:

  1. A buildup of a sawdust material on the top layer (scum layer in the diagram), and/or
  2. Suspended solids. Once the scum layer is thickened with the sawdust-like material, we’ve seen solids suspended on the top layer.  This could lead to less sludge, but only because the solids are being pushed out to the drain field before being treated by the bacteria – which is very dangerous.

What Does the EPA Say About Septic Additives?

On the EPA.gov website:

“EPA does not make recommendations on individual septic system products. Commercially available microbiological and enzyme additives are promoted to reduce sludge and scum accumulation in septic tanks. However, these additives are not necessary for a septic system to function properly when treating domestic wastewater. Use caution when using additives in your septic system as they may decrease the performance of septic drainfields, which treat the wastewater from the septic tank. In general, do not use additives made of organic solvents or strong alkali chemicals because they pose a potential threat to soil structure and groundwater.”

THINGS THAT SHOULD NEVER GO IN YOUR SEPTIC TANK

  • Grease
  • Rags and strings
  • Coffee grounds
  • Paper towels
  • Baby wipes
  • Sanitary napkins and tampons
 
  • Diapers
  • Cigarette butts
  • Antibacterial soaps
  • Trash
  • Condoms
  • Bandages
  • Dental Floss
  • Cat Litter
  • Pharmaceuticals
  • Other non-degradable products

REDUCE EMERGENCY SEPTIC SERVICES WITH MAINTENANCE

You can do your part to keep your septic tank healthy and reduce the frequency of septic tank pumping. First, don’t put anything down your septic system that is non-biodegradable, such as cigarette butts, diapers, paper towels, and more. Plus, installing an effluent filter, which helps to decrease the number of solids that leave the tank helps promote your septic tank’s health.

24/7 EMERGENCY SEPTIC SERVICES NEAR YOU

We service the Northern Ohio area including Erie, Lorain, Medina, Portage, Stark, Summit and Wayne counties. Our family-owned septic company is the one to call for all of your emergency septic tank services, including septic tank pumping. We can work around your schedule when it’s convenient for you, including working on weekends and evenings. Septic services include installations, repairs, inspections, cleaning and maintenance plans.   Rest assured, when you partner with our local, family-owned septic company, your Northern Ohio home or business will be well served. Call to get started today!

We Strive to be the Best Septic Cleaning Company!

We aim to be the best septic services and septic cleaning company. Please leave us a review and let us know how we did.

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Are Septic Tank Additives Necessary?

Do You Really Need Septic Tank Additives or Treatments?

At Double Flush Septic Services we have not seen any evidence that customers using septic treatments, or septic tank additives, have a healthier septic system. We have actually seen evidence to the contrary

SO why do some septic companies swear by septic tank additives? Our guess is because they sell them. Every septic services company we know agrees that septic tank additives usually do more harm than good. So before you buy a treatment for your septic system, we want to tell you more about how they’re supposed to work, how your system naturally works, and share our experience so you can make the best decision for yourselves.

In this post we’ll try to answer the common questions – Are septic tank additives good or bad? Do septic tank additives actually work? How do I keep my septic tank bacteria healthy?

Free Septic Services Quote

SEPTIC TANK ADDITIVES: DO SEPTIC TREATMENTS WORK?

If your local septic services company tries to sell you on septic tank additives, make sure to read this and consider the pros and cons before making your decision.

What to Know About Septic Tank Additives Before You Buy

There are a lot of products you can purchase at the local hardware stores and online that claim septic tank additives, or septic system treatments, are advanced enzymes that break down household waste or natural active septic bacteria to reduce tank build-up and prevent septic tank backups. At Double Flush Septic Services we have not seen that to be true and any difference we have seen a septic treatment make is actually to make the septic system worse.  To understand these claims, we must first understand how your septic system works in its natural state.

Natural Septic Tank Bacteria Process

Every active septic system has bacteria in it, without using additives, and you need that bacteria to help your septic tank process waste. Beneficial bacteria, which is naturally contained in the waste you flush down your toilet, is constantly moving around in the septic system, breaking down solids, turning them into liquid waste.

After flushing waste down the toilet, these naturally-occurring anaerobic bacteria take about two days to breakdown the solids into liquids. Waste that can’t be broken down sinks to the bottom as sludge while the rest floats to the top as scum or eventually goes out to the drain field as processed wastewater, having been “processed” by the bacteria in your septic tank.  When the liquids in the tank reach the drainfield, they drain safely into the yard.

As you flush more waste, the sludge level increases (amount of solids in the bottom) which is why you have  septic tanks cleaned every two years. You may need more cleanings if you have a bigger household, smaller septic tank, or large gatherings when your system is processing an increase (read: SEPTIC EMERGENCY: FLUSHABLE WIPES CAN RUIN A PARTY and BENEFITS OF RENTING PORTA POTTIES FOR YOUR NEXT EVENT before hosting an event).

Our Experience With Tank Additives

Knowing how the septic system works in its natural state, for us to recommend a septic tank additive as effective, we would need to see a substantial difference in how the bacteria is processing waste. In our experience, we have not noticed a difference in a reduced amount of solids (sludge) for our customers that diligently use septic treatments.  Some actually have shown detrimental effects with either:

  1. A buildup of a sawdust material on the top layer (scum layer in the diagram), and/or
  2. Suspended solids. Once the scum layer is thickened with the sawdust-like material, we’ve seen solids suspended on the top layer.  This could lead to less sludge, but only because the solids are being pushed out to the drain field before being treated by the bacteria – which is very dangerous.

What Does the EPA Say About Septic Additives?

On the EPA.gov website:

“EPA does not make recommendations on individual septic system products. Commercially available microbiological and enzyme additives are promoted to reduce sludge and scum accumulation in septic tanks. However, these additives are not necessary for a septic system to function properly when treating domestic wastewater. Use caution when using additives in your septic system as they may decrease the performance of septic drainfields, which treat the wastewater from the septic tank. In general, do not use additives made of organic solvents or strong alkali chemicals because they pose a potential threat to soil structure and groundwater.”

THINGS THAT SHOULD NEVER GO IN YOUR SEPTIC TANK

  • Diapers
  • Cigarette butts
  • Antibacterial soaps
  • Trash
  • Condoms
  • Bandages
 
  • Dental Floss
  • Cat Litter
  • Pharmaceuticals
  • Other non-degradable products
  • Grease
  • Rags and strings
  • Coffee grounds
  • Paper towels
  • Baby wipes
  • Sanitary napkins and tampons

REDUCE EMERGENCY SEPTIC SERVICES WITH MAINTENANCE

You can do your part to keep your septic tank healthy and reduce the frequency of septic tank pumping. First, don’t put anything down your septic system that is non-biodegradable, such as cigarette butts, diapers, paper towels, and more. Plus, installing an effluent filter, which helps to decrease the number of solids that leave the tank helps promote your septic tank’s health.

24/7 EMERGENCY SEPTIC SERVICES NEAR YOU

We service the Northern Ohio area including Erie, Lorain, Medina, Portage, Stark, Summit and Wayne counties. Our family-owned septic company is the one to call for all of your emergency septic tank services, including septic tank pumping. We can work around your schedule when it’s convenient for you, including working on weekends and evenings. Septic services include installations, repairs, inspections, cleaning and maintenance plans.   Rest assured, when you partner with our local, family-owned septic company, your Northern Ohio home or business will be well served. Call to get started today!

We Strive to be the Best Septic Cleaning Company!

We aim to be the best septic services and septic cleaning company. Please leave us a review and let us know how we did.

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Point of Sale vs. Maintenance Septic Tank Inspections

Getting a Septic Tank Inspection for a Purchase or Maintenance?

Did you know that not all septic services companies provide septic tank inspections for home purchase transactions (POS Septic Inspection)? And did you know that it’s common for a home inspector to do the POS septic tank inspection but the septic company to provide the maintenance inspections?

Why wouldn’t the septic experts provide POS septic inspections? Point of Sale inspections require complex scheduling to get the seller, the buyer and both the real estate agents at the property at the same time. This requires substantial administration, rescheduling and time waiting for people to arrive. With the same time and resources it takes to perform a point of sales septic inspection, most septic services company could service two customers with routine septic pumping, cleaning and maintenance.

Similarly, a home inspection company is already at the property with buyer, seller and real estate agents to perform a home inspection, so providing the point of sale septic inspection makes sense.

Septic Inspections

SEPTIC TANK INSPECTIONS BY HOME INSPECTOR

Check with your local municipality that governs your septic system requirements for a list of approved septic inspectors. Some home inspectors may list a septic inspection as a service but their version of septic inspection may not comply with the county requirements.

Septic Tank Inspection for Maintenance vs. Buying a House

You would assume a septic tank inspection is a universal phrase, used to describe an official inspection of a septic tank or septic system by an authorized, and credentialed, septic inspector. However, in some Ohio counties a septic inspection when you purchase a home has different requirements. In addition, some home inspectors may list “septic inspection” as a service when their version of an inspection is a simple septic dye test.

How do you Choose a Septic Tank Inspection Company?

  1. First, check your county requirements.  In some cases the septic inspection is for buying a home (point of sale) is different for the septic inspection required for septic system maintenance.
  2. Second, make sure the septic services provider is on the county approved list.  This sounds a little complicated, so let us try to simplify it. Most counties in Ohio will have lists of contractors approved for various septic services. Depending on the county, there could be four different lists:
    1. point of sale septic inspections
    2. septic service providers (maintenance inspections, septic cleanings and pumping),
    3. septic installations and
    4. septic system designers.

Not all point of sale septic inspectors do maintenance septic tank inspections. Likewise, many septic services companies don’t perform POS inspections. Instead they focus on maintenance, cleaning and pumping.

Double Flush Septic Services: Experts at Maintenance Septic Tank Inspections

At Double Flush Septic Services, we enjoy being a partner with our septic system customers to provide the best in septic system maintenance. We install, repair, inspect, clean and pump out our customers septic systems and pride ourselves in helping protect their investment with the best maintenance.   We seldom perform point of sale septic inspections. Doing point of sale septic inspections takes us away from our septic maintenance and septic services.

If your home inspector includes septic inspections as a service, make sure it’s more than a simple fluorescent dye test and check your county septic inspection requirements to make sure they are on the list. (read more in the Summit County example below)

3. Third, check their reviews. You want a septic tank inspection company that gets great reviews. One that encourages customer feed back and posts their customer feedback with pride.  If it’s too hard to find customer reviews, that could be a red flag. At Double Flush Septic Services we encourage reviews through Google, Facebook, Yelp, Home Advisor, Angi and more. We belong to the Greater Medina Chamber of Commerce.  As a fairly young business we work hard to build a solid reputation on excellent customer service and fair pricing.

SEPTIC TANK INSPECTIONS BY HOME INSPECTOR

Check with your local municipality that governs your septic system requirements for a list of approved septic inspectors. Some home inspectors may list a septic inspection as a service but their version of septic inspection may not comply with the county requirements.

Summit County Septic Tank Inspection Example

Whether you’re in Summit County, Erie County, Lorain County, Portage County, Stark County, Wayne County or our home county of Medina, we can clean, inspect, pump and service your septic tank. However, we do not register for the county’s point of sale inspection provider list as we prefer installations, repairs and maintenance. Here is an example of how you would choose a septic tank inspection company in Summit County:

First, search for “Summit County Ohio Septic Inspections”. The first result is for the Point of Sale Program and states:

In Summit County, any residential home that has a sewage treatment system (STS) or a private water system (PWS) is required to have an inspection prior to the transfer of the property. A registered contractor must be hired to evaluate the system(s). Please see the list of registered private contractors available on this page.

If you’re getting a septic inspection with the home inspector, make sure they are on the approved list.

Second, search Summit County Ohio Septic maintenance requirements if you do not need a point of sale septic inspection.  The first result is the Summit County Operations Permit page which explains:

What do I have to do?
Pay for the permit and have the STS (sewage treatment system) inspected by a registered service provider to meet the terms of the permit. Permit terms and maintenance requirements vary based on the type of system you have.

You’ll notice throughout the Homeowner Resources page and Operations Permit page that Double Flush Septic Services is listed in their list of registered service providers – as a septage hauler and a septic service provider, providing septic cleanings, septic tank pumping and maintenance inspections. We are not listed as a septic systems installer in Summit County, which varies across the seven counties in our service area.

So call Double Flush Septic Services or fill out our free quote request to see if we are approved by your county to provide the septic services you need.

24/7 EMERGENCY SEPTIC SERVICES NEAR YOU

We service the Northern Ohio area including Erie, Lorain, Medina, Portage, Stark, Summit and Wayne counties. Our family-owned septic company is the one to call for all of your emergency septic tank services, including septic tank pumping. We can work around your schedule when it’s convenient for you, including working on weekends and evenings. Septic services include installations, repairs, inspections, cleaning and maintenance plans.   Rest assured, when you partner with our local, family-owned septic company, your Northern Ohio home or business will be well served. Call to get started today!

We Strive to be the Best Septic Tank Inspection Company!

When it comes to maintaining the health of your septic system, we aim to be the best septic services and septic cleaning company. Please leave us a review and let us know how we did.

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Be SepticSmart: Protect Your Drainfield

Septic Drainfield: Tips for Septic System Care

Without paying close attention to protecting your drainfield, your septic system could fail – costing you a lot of money. Your drainfield is the component of your septic system that removes contaminants from the liquid coming out of you septic tank. If your drainfield fails, your septic system is contaminating the area and possibly your water supply.

Septic Maintenance Plan

DRAINFIELD: THE BASICS

What is a drainfield? Septic drainfields, are also called leach fields or leach drains, and are subsurface wastewater disposal facilities used to remove contaminants and impurities from the liquid that emerges after anaerobic digestion in a septic tank.

DOS AND DONTS OF DRAINFIELD MAINTENANCE FOR A HEALTHY SEPTIC SYSTEM

The drainfield is a vital part of your septic system. Having the right landscaping on and around your system is important, as tree and shrubbery roots can grow into the drain lines. Also, other heavy items like cars and livestock can break drain lines. Strong roots and heavy items can cause the drainfield to fail. And if the drainfield fails, your system fails.

There are several resources available for septic system owners on the EPA website.  This post is about drainfield maintenance and things to avoid doing near your drainfield. If you’re a first-time septic system owner you may consider using these one-pagers to print out and have handy around the house or in the garage – as a reminder.

SHIELD YOUR FIELD (PROTECT YOUR DRAINFIELD)

DO: Divert rain and surface water away and avoid parking vehicles and planting trees on your drainfield.

DRAINFIELD DO’S and DON’TS

DON’T

• Plant a vegetable garden on or near the drainfield.
• Put plastic sheets, bark, gravel or other fill over the drainfield.
• Reshape or fill the ground surface over the drainfield and reserve area. However, just adding topsoil is generally OK if it isn’t more than a couple inches.
• Make ponds on or near the septic system and the reserve area.

DO:

• Plant grass or keep existing native vegetation. These are the best covers for your drainfield.
• Direct all surface drainage away from the septic system.
• Use shallow-rooted plants (see plant list above). Tree and shrub roots can grow into the drainlines, clogging and breaking them.
• Avoid water-loving plants and trees.
• Make sure the tank lid is secure.

CLEAR SEPTIC AREA OF:

Here are some tips to keep your drainfield out of harm’s way.
Locate your septic tank and drainfield. Then make sure the area is clear of:
• Underground sprinkler lines
• Decks and patios
• Sports courts
• Storage sheds
• Swing sets
• Sand boxes
• Driveways
• Vehicles
• Swimming pools

BEST PLANTS FOR YOUR DRAINFIELD

Plant native, drought-tolerant plants. These are some of the best for your septic system and its drainfield:

Grass:
• Fescue
• Lawn
• Ornamental grasses
• Wildflower meadow mixes

Groundcovers for sun:
• Bugleweed (Ajuga)
• Carpet heathers (Calluna Vulgaris)
• Cotoneaster (Cotoneaster)
• Ground ivy (Glechoma)
• Kinnikinnick (Arctostaphylos)
• Periwinkle (Vinca)

Groundcovers for shade:
• Bunchberry (Cornus)
• Chameleon (Houttuynia)
• Ferns
• Mosses
• Sweet woodruff (Galium Odoratum)
• Wild ginger (Asarum)
• Wintergreen (Gaultheria)

WHY SEPTIC SYSTEMS FAIL

Most septic systems malfunction because of inappropriate design or poor maintenance. Some soil-based systems, those with a drainfield, are installed at sites with inadequate or inappropriate soils, excessive slopes, or high ground water tables. These conditions can cause hydraulic failures and contamination of nearby water sources.

Failure to perform routine maintenance can cause solids in the tank to migrate into the drain field and clog the system. Regular maintenance, such as pumping out the septic tank, should be done at least every three to five years. (How Often to Pump My Septic Tank?) Also, being conservative with water and product use will reduce the load to the system and add to longevity. (SAVE MONEY ON SEPTIC EXPENSES BY MANAGING WATER USE)

For More Posts About Proper Care of Your Drainfield and Septic Tank:

For more tips on maintaining the health of your septic system, pumping, cleaning, inspecting or repairing your septic tank, call or text us at (330)391-5551.

24/7 EMERGENCY SEPTIC SERVICES NEAR YOU

We service the Northern Ohio area including Erie, Lorain, Medina, Portage, Stark, Summit and Wayne counties. Our family-owned septic company is the one to call for all of your emergency septic tank services, including septic tank pumping. We can work around your schedule when it’s convenient for you, including working on weekends and evenings.

Our goal is to be the Best Septic Services Company Near You!

We want to save you money by maintaining the health and extending the life and of your septic system. We aim to be the best septic services company near you. Please leave us a review and let us know how we did.

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SepticSmart Week Emphasizes Importance of Septic System Maintenance

Septic System Maintenance Celebrated in SepticSmart Week

10-18% of septic systems in the US are failing, a statistic that is estimated to increase due to changes in the climate. With over 22 million households using septic systems, proper maintenance of septic systems are critical. Each year the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) holds SepticSmart Week, an annual event that occurs the third week of September. This year SepticSmart Week, September 18 – 22 in 2023. is celebrating its 11th Anniversary!

Septic Maintenance Plan

SEPTICSMART WEEK FOR SEPTIC SYSTEM MAINTENANCE

Due to the challenges of septic system maintenance across the country the EPA’s SepticSmart program provides materials to the public to be downloaded, distributed and shared by people, municipalities and septic services businesses like Double Flush. These materials are designed to make septic system maintenance easier to understand and explain to other people in your household in order to keep your septic system operating as designed. When septic systems fail, not only is it a big expense to replace a septic system (compared to maintaining) but a failed septic system causes major health concerns with potential sewage and bacteria entering the groundwater.

WHY IS PROPER SEPTIC SYSTEM MAINTENANCE IMPORTANT?

It is important to properly maintain your septic tank and septic system for several reasons:

 1. Septic System Maintenance Saves You Money

Malfunctioning systems can cost $3,000-7,000 to repair or replace compared to maintenance costs of about $250-500 every 3-5 years.

 2. Properly Maintained Septic Systems Add Value to Your Home

Protect the value of your home by keeping your septic system properly maintained. Failed or malfunctioning septic systems can drastically reduce property values, add a level of difficulty to the sale of your home, and even pose a legal liability.

 3. Maintained Septic Systems Keep Your Family Safe

Properly maintaining your septic system keeps your water clean and safe. This is one way to keep your family’s drinking water pure, and reduces the risk of contaminating community, local, and regional waters.

 4. Healthy Septic Systems Keep the Environment Clean

Failing septic systems can harm the local ecosystem by killing native plants, fish, and shellfish.

Double Flush Handles Your Septic System Maintenance

Click on the image of SepticSmart Sam to print out a comprehensive flyer that you can keep in important areas of the house to remind your family about the Do’s and Don’t of Septic System Maintenance and Proper Care of Your Drainfield. Contact Double Flush Septic Services to set up a septic inspection, septic tank pumping, septic cleaning and an annual septic maintenance plan to take all the guesswork out of your septic tank maintenance. By investing just a few hundred dollars a year in preventative maintenance you can save yourself tens of thousands of dollars in repairs or replacement of a failing septic system.

Click through the materials below for more easy-to-understand tips for septic system maintenance reminders:

PROPER LANDSCAPING AND DRAINFIELD MAINTENANCE

The drainfield is a vital part of your septic system. Having the right landscaping on and around your system is important, as tree and shrubbery roots can grow into the drain lines. Also, other heavy items like cars and livestock can break drain lines. Strong roots and heavy items can cause the drainfield to fail. And if the drainfield fails, your system fails.

BE SEPTICSMART: PROTECT YOUR DRAINFIELD

WHAT TO KNOW ABOUT SEPTIC SYSTEMS

From explaining how a septic system works to how do you know if your septic system is not working properly, this flyer is a comprehensive, double-sided handout with a comprehensive look at septic system maintenance. Topics include:

  • Do I have a septic system and how to find it.
  • What can I do to maintain my system?
  • How do I know if my septic system is not working properly?
  • How does a septic system work?

DO’S AND DONT’S OF SEPTIC SYSTEMS

The simple do’s and don’ts of your septic system. Basics include these 5 tips made easy to remember:

  • Protect It and Inspect It
  • Think at the Sink
  • Don’t Overload the Commode
  • Shield Your Field
  • Don’t Strain Your Drain

SEPTIC TANKS: DO’S AND DON’TS OF YOUR SEPTIC SYSTEM

For More Posts About Proper Care of Your Drainfield and Septic Tank:

For more tips on maintaining the health of your septic system, pumping, cleaning, inspecting or repairing your septic tank, call or text us at (330)391-5551.

24/7 EMERGENCY SEPTIC SERVICES NEAR YOU

We service the Northern Ohio area including Erie, Lorain, Medina, Portage, Stark, Summit and Wayne counties. Our family-owned septic company is the one to call for all of your emergency septic tank services, including septic tank pumping. We can work around your schedule when it’s convenient for you, including working on weekends and evenings.

Our goal is to be the Best Septic Services Company Near You!

We want to save you money by maintaining the health and extending the life and of your septic system. We aim to be the best septic services company near you. Please leave us a review and let us know how we did.

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