Septic Systems – Double Flush Septic

Tips On Septic System Maintenance

SEPTIC TANK MAINTENANCE TIPS

From what to do in order to keep your septic system healthy to what NOT to do, or avoid doing, these septic tank maintenance tips are simple, quick and easy to implement.

Double Flush Septic Services is a Northern Ohio-based septic servicing business, providing emergency solutions for home and business owners throughout the region. We provide quality services and maintain transparency as certified service providers for Norweco and Hydro-Action septic systems. Based in Medina we proudly provide emergency septic services to homes and businesses throughout eight Ohio counties: Ashland, Erie, Lorain, Medina, Portage, Stark, Summit and Wayne. Reach out to us today to take advantage of our 24/7 emergency services.

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.

1. Keep current records of when your septic system was last maintained and continue to maintain your septic system every one to three years.

Regular maintenance prevents system failure
The longer you allow your system to fill with sludge the greater the risk of destroying your drainfield

2. Be knowledgeable of where all of the key components of your septic system are located.
3. Be knowledgeable of how your septic system operates.

4. Spread laundry use over the week as opposed to many loads in one day.

Doing all of your laundry at one time puts strain on your septic system. By spreading it out over several days it will make a significant difference on the wear and tear of your septic system.

5. Ditch the pods laundry detergent and use liquid.
6. Do remove any trees or plant life that may have large root systems growing near the septic system.

THINGS THAT SHOULD NEVER GO IN YOUR SEPTIC TANK

REDUCE EMERGENCY SEPTIC SERVICES WITH MAINTENANCE

24/7 EMERGENCY SEPTIC SERVICES NEAR YOU

We service the Northern Ohio area; are service area includes Ashland, 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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Benefits of Septic Tank Cleanings

SEPTIC TANK CLEANINGS

Whether you call it septic tank cleanings, septic pumping or a septic tank pump-out, your septic tank should be emptied, pumped/cleaned every few years to avoid emergency septic situations and unsanitary conditions.

Septic Cleaning

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.

There are many benefits of regular septic tank cleanings (every three years or so – depending on use) and the cost of getting the tank pumped and cleaned and properly maintained is much less expensive than an emergency call and a new septic system let alone potential harm of sewage exposure. So if you’re money-motivated (aren’t we all), these are the big money benefits of septic tank cleanings:

1. Promotes the longevity of your septic tank. Stated differently – protects your investment with proper maintenance.

Regular maintenance prevents system failure
The longer you allow your system to fill with sludge the greater the risk of destroying your drain field.

2. Ensures optimal efficiency of your septic tank.
3. Regular septic tank cleanings can save you money in septic tank repair costs.

And if you’re more environmentally motivated:

4. Cleaning your septic tank ensures the health and safety of your family, your guests or your employees.
5. Keeping your septic tank properly maintained is the only way to make sure the local waterways stay sewage-free.

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

REDUCE EMERGENCY SEPTIC SERVICES WITH MAINTENANCE

24/7 EMERGENCY SEPTIC SERVICES NEAR YOU

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 Tank Pumping: How Often?

SEPTIC TANK PUMPING TIPS

What is septic tank pumping?
Is septic tank pumping the same as septic tank cleaning?
How often do I have to get my septic pumped?
How do I know when the people I bought the house from last had their septic tank pumped?
How much does it cost to get my septic tank pumped?

In this post we take on the common questions we hear about septic tank pump-outs.

Order Septic Tank Pump-Out

TIPS ON SEPTIC TANK PUMP-OUTS

From how much a septic tank pumping costs to how frequently you should be pumping out your tank and what’s the difference between getting the septic tank cleaned and pumped-out, we’ll cover the basic septic tank pumping tips.

What is septic tank pumping? Instead of cleaning a septic tank, some companies will offer a service called septic pumping, or septic pump-outs. These septic services companies will take a giant hose, put it into the septic tank. and suck up liquid, solids and sludge just from the top of the tank.
Is septic tank pumping the same as septic tank cleaning? Many companies use these phrases interchangeably – but the truth is a pumping is kind of a short cut job. The septic services company is already there, they have their hose and pump in the septic tank, why not just give the customer a septic tank cleaning, get all the sludge from the top (which competitors sell as a pumping only) and do a thorough cleaning, making sure all sludge and anything at the bottom of the tank has been removed? That’s what we do at Double Flush Septic Services. And that is why we do not have a separate page for “septic tank pumping” because on every pumping call, we give a thorough septic tank cleaning. The service requires the same equipment and Scott, our owner and technician, goes through almost the identical process. The difference is that a cleaning drains out the tank and cleans everything stuck to the bottom to reduce the time needed between septic tank servicing and lengthen the life of your septic tank system.
How often do I have to get my septic pumped? The frequency with which you clean your septic tank depends on how much use your septic system gets. An active household with 6 members that holds several large gatherings a year will want to clean their septic tank at least yearly, while a household of empty-nesters that simply host an Easter brunch once a year could likely go three years between septic cleanings.
How do I know when the people I bought the house from last had their septic tank pumped? It is required that you get a septic inspection when buying a home with a septic tank. As part of the septic inspection you will learn when a cleaning should be performed, how frequently to get a septic pumping and begin a relationship with a reliable septic services company that can make sure you participate in the regular maintenance to extend the life of your septic system and hopefully avoid septic emergencies.
How much does it cost to get my septic tank pumped? The cost of your septic tank service will always depend on the size of your tank, where you live and the amount of waste. When you maintain your septic tank regularly, with the appropriate frequency of septic tank cleanings, you can usually rely on between $250-500. Some other septic services companies will charge trip fees or travel fees depending on where the septic tank for the home or business is, but not Double Flush Septic Services. We charge the same no matter how far – so no travel fees, etc. It is a flat rate and does not change. If you’re in our service area, just give us the size of your tank (how many gallons) and we can give you a quote. Call or text us for a quote or fill out our online Contact Us form and we will work up a free quote ASAP.

THINGS THAT SHOULD NEVER GO IN YOUR SEPTIC TANK

REDUCE EMERGENCY SEPTIC SERVICES WITH SEPTIC SERVICE PLANS

24/7 EMERGENCY SEPTIC SERVICES NEAR YOU

We service the Northern Ohio area; are service area includes 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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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.

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

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.

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:

REDUCE EMERGENCY SEPTIC SERVICES WITH SEPTIC SERVICE PLANS

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?

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:

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.

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

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:

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.

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.
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.)
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.
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.
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.
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)

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

REDUCE EMERGENCY SEPTIC SERVICES WITH MAINTENANCE

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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Does a Septic System Work Without Power?

Will My Septic System Work Without Power?

It’s April in Ohio which means heavy winds, rain storms and power outages. If you have a pump septic system you may be asking how the septic system works without power. Will you be able to flush the toilet if the power is out? Can you do laundry or take showers? We use this post to provide an explanation about what’s happening to your septic system when the power is out and why you want to be strategic about your water use during a power outage.

If your power outage is scheduled do to construction or septic system replacement, remember that Double Flush also rents porta potties. Contact us for long-term or short-term portable toilet rentals:

Porta Potty Rentals

Will My Septic System Still Work When My Power is Out.?

Yes. Your septic system will work without power but if your power fails it is important to be water wise. Pump septic systems do need electricity to move effluent (liquid sewage) from the septic tank into the drainfield.

If you have a septic system with a pump, your system relies on electricity to pump the wastewater into the drainfield, so how does it still work without power? Simple. All the liquid sewage you flush into the septic, as well as the other water you use, is held in the pump tank until the power returns and the pump moves the effluent into the drainfield.

How Much Water Can You Use When the Power Is Out?

If you have a septic system, during a power outage you want to be smart about how much you flush, how much you shower and overall water use. A typical pump tank will have 300 – 500 gallons of extra space available to be used for pump failures or power outages. With that being the case, it is important to judge how long you think the power will be out to determine how to conserve. When the pump tank is full, you will be backed-up until the power comes back. The objective is not to fill the pump tank so that you can still flush the toilet without power.

How Long Will the Power Outage Last?

When determining how much to flush, shower and use water for dishes and laundry you first want to think about how long the power will be out. For example, if it’s a big storm and there are wide-spread power outages, then it will likely take longer to restore power. Superstorm Sandy of 2012 had many areas without power for three days or more. In a case like that, it’s wise to limit showers, avoid doing laundry and be very strategic about your water use by following these tips:

Take short showers
Don’t wash laundry
Don’t let the water run while brushing your teeth
Keep your toilet flushes for solids
Don’t let the water run when washing dishes
- fill one sink with water to soak dirty dishes when necessary.

THINGS THAT SHOULD NEVER GO IN YOUR SEPTIC TANK

REDUCE EMERGENCY SEPTIC SERVICES WITH MAINTENANCE

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.

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:

“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.
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.
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.
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.

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.

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

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.
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.
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.

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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?

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

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.
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.
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.
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.

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.

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:

A buildup of a sawdust material on the top layer (scum layer in the diagram), and/or
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.”

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SEPTIC TANK MAINTENANCE TIPS

TIPS ON MAINTAINING YOUR SEPTIC SYSTEM

Septic System Maintenance Tips: What to Do

Septic System Maintenance Tips: What Not to Do

THINGS THAT SHOULD NEVER GO IN YOUR SEPTIC TANK

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SEPTIC TANK CLEANINGS

TIPS ON MAINTAINING YOUR SEPTIC SYSTEM

Septic Tank Cleanings

Septic Tank Cleanings: Frequency

THINGS THAT SHOULD NEVER GO IN YOUR SEPTIC TANK

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SEPTIC TANK PUMPING TIPS

TIPS ON SEPTIC TANK PUMP-OUTS

Septic Tank Pump-Outs FAQs

THINGS THAT SHOULD NEVER GO IN YOUR SEPTIC TANK

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WHAT’S INVOLVED IN A SEPTIC INSPECTION?

WHAT’S INVOVLVED IN MY SEPTIC INSPECTION?

Septic Inspections:

So what’s entailed in your septic inspection?

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

Each Ohio County Defines Septic Inspection Requirements

What to expect during inspection (Specific to Summit County)

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WHEN YOU NEED A SEPTIC INSPECTION

WHEN DO I NEED A SEPTIC SYSTEM INSPECTION?

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

Most Lenders Require Septic Inspections:

Many Ohio Counties Require Septic Inspections Prior to Transfer of Property

5 Signs You May Need a Septic Inspection

Five Signs You May Need Septic Service

DO NOT PUT IN YOUR SEPTIC SYSTEM:

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Why Does My Septic System Back Up When it Rains?

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

Do All Septic System Back Up When it Rains?

Should Heavy Rains Cause Issues With My Septic System?

1) You need a septic system replacement.

2) Header is not level.

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Maintaining Your Septic Systems: SPRING CLEANING

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

TIPS ON MAINTAINING YOUR SEPTIC SYSTEM

Septic Tank Maintenance this Spring:

Septic Tank Cleanings: Frequency

THINGS THAT SHOULD NEVER GO IN YOUR SEPTIC TANK

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Will My Septic System Work Without Power?

Will My Septic System Still Work When My Power is Out.?

How does my pump septic system work without power?

How Much Water Can You Use When the Power Is Out?

How Long Will the Power Outage Last?

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

SEPTIC EMERGENCY: FLUSHABLE WIPES CAUSE BACKUP

Should We Be Flushing Wipes Down the Toilet?

How Do Flushable Wipe Companies Get Away With the Deception?

Avoid Septic Emergencies. Post Septic Signage for Guests.

THINGS THAT SHOULD NEVER GO IN YOUR SEPTIC TANK

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