Water Leaking Into Septic Tank When It Is Shutoff? (Perfect answer)

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Problems occur when the shut-off valve does not completely close or the float is placed too high. If this happens, the tank will experience a continuous flow of water, which then enters the overflow tube. Water and money consumed before a leak test Toilet leaking results in a tremendous amount of water loss.

What causes a septic tank to fill with water?

Damaged or Clogged Drain Field A drain field, or leach field, should last you at least a decade, but when it fails and it loses its effectiveness, your tank will fill up more quickly with liquids that can’t be absorbed into the nearby soil.

Will a flooded septic tank fix itself?

Most septic tanks are not damaged by flooding since they are below ground and completely covered. However, septic tanks and pump chambers can fill with silt and debris, and must be professionally cleaned. If the soil absorption field is clogged with silt, a new system may have to be installed.

How do you divert water out of a septic tank?

Avoid altering the slope of your landscape to ensure water drains away from the drain field as intended by the builder. Angle your gutters in a way that diverts water from the drainfield. Have new ditches dug to divert excess water from your yard and drainfield.

What are the signs that your septic tank is full?

Here are some of the most common warning signs that you have a full septic tank:

Your Drains Are Taking Forever.
Standing Water Over Your Septic Tank.

Bad Smells Coming From Your Yard.
You Hear Gurgling Water.
You Have A Sewage Backup.

How often should you empty your septic tank?

How do I know if my drain field is failing?

The following are a few common signs of leach field failure:

Grass over leach field is greener than the rest of the yard.

The surrounding area is wet, mushy, or even has standing water.
Sewage odors around drains, tank, or leach field.
Slow running drains or backed up plumbing.

Can heavy rain cause septic backup?

It is common to have a septic back up after or even during a heavy rain. Significant rainfall can quickly flood the ground around the soil absorption area (drainfield) leaving it saturated, making it impossible for water to flow out of your septic system.

Can I take a shower if my septic tank is full?

Only the water would get out into the leach field in a proper system unless you run too much water too fast. The thing to do is to run your shower water outside into it’s own drain area, but it may not be allowed where you are. Used to be called gray water system.

Why does my septic fill up when it rains?

As rainwater floods over your drain field, the effluent from the septic tank will have no place to drain because the ground under the drain field is already saturated with water. This will make the septic waste to start backing up in the house and to overflow on the lawn.

What is the most common cause of septic system failure?

Most septic systems fail because of inappropriate design or poor maintenance. Some soil-based systems (those with a drain field) are installed at sites with inadequate or inappropriate soils, excessive slopes, or high ground water tables.

How To Fix A Leaking Septic Tank

Even though septic systems perform a very vital function, we rarely give them a moment’s thought. When they leak, on the other hand, the only thing we can worry about is the leak. Our water use is becoming increasingly restricted within our homes, and our septic tank is leaking into the yard, harming the environment and the health of the surrounding community. Naturally, if and when this plumbing emergency occurs, we want to be prepared to handle the problem in a calm, efficient, and well-informed manner.

How Does a Septic System Work?

Despite the fact that there are many various septic system designs, their essential function is the same. They are all intended to transform home waste water (blackwater and graywater) into a less polluted effluent that can be blended with groundwater in a manner that has no detrimental influence on the environment or human well-being. Septic systems can be either passive or active, but passive septic systems account for the great majority of residential sewage systems. Generally speaking, passive systems are composed of three fundamental components:

This line transports wastewater from the house to the septic tank
It is also known as the inlet pipe. Septic tank: This container is used for the biological degradation of organic solid waste. The absorption component is commonly represented by a gravity drain field.

As a result of flushing your toilet, wastewater is channeled via an input pipe and into an underground septic tank. A proportional quantity of effluent is displaced in the tank when wastewater is introduced and exits to the drain field when wastewater is removed. Finally, the effluent is absorbed by the earth. In the septic tank, there are numerous anaerobic bacteria that feed on the solid organic material present in the effluent. The quantity of bacteria in the tank is dependent on the amount of organic material in the tank; thus, when the amount of organic material in the tank is low, the number of bacteria falls, and when the amount of water used is large, the quantity of bacteria grows.

If this function is not there, the tank might quickly get depleted while the house is vacant, such as when a family is on vacation and no water is being utilized.
In the wastewater industry, this period is referred to as “holding time,” and it may be described as the amount of time that passes between the time that wastewater enters the tank and the time that it flows out.
Bacteria in the wastewater break down solid organic material contained in the wastewater during this time period, lowering the strength of the substance by around 40%.

This, in turn, defines the length of the holding period and the amount of processing that takes place in the tank.

The anaerobic bacteria in the drain field continue to cleanse the effluent, eliminating the majority of the organic material that remains before the effluent is absorbed into the groundwater.

Signs of Septic Tank Problems

As a result of flushing your toilet, wastewater is channeled via an input pipe and into an underground septic system. A proportional quantity of effluent is displaced in the tank when wastewater is introduced and escapes to the drain field when the wastewater leaves. Eventually, this wastewater is absorbed into the earth. In the septic tank, there are many anaerobic bacteria that feed on the solid organic matter present in the effluent. In general, the quantity of bacteria in the tank is proportional to the amount of organic material in the tank; therefore, when the amount of organic material in the tank is low, the number of bacteria falls, and when the amount of water used is more, the quantity of bacteria grows.

A house without this function might quickly run out of water while the house is unoccupied, such as when a family is on vacation, and no water is being consumed.

Known as “holding time,” this period of time can be defined as the period of time between when wastewater is introduced into the tank and when it is discharged.
Bacteria in the wastewater break down solid organic material contained in the wastewater during this time period, lowering the strength of the substance by around 40%.
That influences how much processing occurs in the tank as well as how long the tank is allowed to sit.

During the treatment of wastewater in the drain field, anaerobic bacteria continue to work, eliminating most of the organic material that has remained before the effluent is absorbed by the soil.

1. Foul Odor

If you detect the stench of sewage gases, it is possible that one of the system’s lids has been broken or has been moved. This might be the lid that covers the filter access port or the riser that connects to the septic tank. Alternatively, these sewage gases might be escaping from the tank body itself, implying that the tank body may have fractures or holes in its outside. You may be aware of it for only a few minutes or for an extended amount of time. Make an effort to determine where the scents are the most potent in your environment.

Is it in close proximity to the tank itself, the drain field, or the tank of the next-door neighbor? Always remember that this odor might be originating from the drain field and that it does not necessarily indicate that your tank has been damaged.

2. Lush Vegetation

You may be smelling sewer gases because a cover on your sewage system has been broken or has been moved out of place. This might be the lid that covers the filter access port or the riser that connects to the septic system. Alternatively, these sewage gases might be escaping from the tank body itself, implying that the tank body may have fractures or holes in the bottom. For a short length of time or for an extended period of time, you may be aware of it. Make an attempt to determine where the strongest scents are located.

Always remember that this odor might be coming from the drain field and that it does not necessarily indicate that your tank is leaking.

3. Soggy Yard

You should be aware of wet ground surrounding your tank, which might indicate that septic tank water is seeping out of the ground. To begin with, make sure to rule out your sprinkler system, as this can also cause portions of your yard to get damp.

4. StandingWater Around Septic Tank

You should be aware of wet ground surrounding your tank, which may indicate that septic tank water is leaking from beneath the surface. To begin with, make sure to rule out your sprinkler system, since this may also cause portions of your yard to become flooded.

5. Toilets or Sinks Are Backing up or Slow to Drain

If these incidents occur frequently, they may serve as a signal that the tank has been damaged. The roots of trees can sometimes obstruct and cause harm to the region where wastewater comes out of the tank. In other cases, this is caused by a collapsed baffle, which can also result in clogs and the failure of the drain field. Tanks and sewer systems may potentially become backed up as a result of this. It is also possible that the tank will back up due to an excess of scum and debris in the tank.

If the scum and sludge together account for more than a third of the tank’s total capacity, the tank may fail and will most likely need to be emptied out of the system.

6. Alarm Sounds

If you have a more recent septic system, it is likely that it has a built-in alarm that will notify you if there is a problem. These alarms make a beeping sound or flash a red light when activated, and they may be installed either inside or outside of your home as needed.

Why Is My Septic Tank Leaking?

Septic tanks that overflow can be caused by a variety of circumstances, including a failure to properly maintain the system, contamination of wastewater with cleaning chemicals, environmental variables, and design defects.

1. Insufficient Maintenance

Septic tanks that overflow can be caused by a variety of circumstances, including a failure to properly maintain the system, the presence of cleaning chemicals in the wastewater, environmental conditions, and design defects in the system.

2. Cleaning Products Are Killing the Useful Bacteria

Septic tanks that overflow can be caused by a number of circumstances, including a failure to properly maintain the system, the presence of cleaning chemicals in the wastewater, environmental conditions, and design defects in the system.

3. Damaged Pipes Between Tank and Drainage Field

Upon leaving the septic tank, effluent that has been broken down is sent via a series of pipelines and into a drainage field. If the pipes in this region are broken, it is possible that an overflow will occur as well. Tree roots have been known to grow through pipes, causing the walls of the pipes to collapse and preventing appropriate drainage from occurring. Overflow can also occur as a result of blocked drains.

4. Poorly Designed System

Overflow might occur from a system that has been constructed incorrectly on occasion. Drainage pipes normally require a slope of 1 to 2 percent in order for the wastewater to drain adequately through them. Water will not flow as efficiently through pipes with a shallow slope, and the pipe will need to be rebuilt if it is too shallow.

Solutions for a Leaking Septic Tank

In the event that you discover a leak, how do you deal with the situation effectively? Here are some of our best recommendations:

1. Do Not Pump Water Out

Start with something you certainly should not do: pumping water from your tank onto your yard is not a good idea. This creates a serious health threat since children and dogs may be able to walk through it, and it has the potential to make its way into a nearby stream. This, in turn, might result in the spread of waterborne sickness, which can be extremely fatal and spread quickly from person to person.

2. Determine the Exact Location of Your System

Start with something you certainly should not do: pumping water from your tank onto your yard is not a viable option. Given the possibility that children and dogs would walk through this, as well as the possibility that it will make its way into a stream, this is a serious health threat. A waterborne illness outbreak, which may be lethal and spread quickly from person to person, could result as a result of this.

3. Inspect for Damage

Inspect the area around the septic tank and drain field for any signs of damage or malfunction. Things like holes in the soil and dirt sinking are examples of common signs. If you see any symptoms of damage, you should contact a qualified specialist to come and evaluate your system for you immediately. While the earth is saturated, it is best not to operate heavy gear near the drain field or storage tank.

4. Measure the Depth of the Groundwater

The depth of groundwater around the tank and the drain field should be measured. It is possible to achieve this with a soil probe, or you may dig a hole using an auger. This should be done within 10 feet of your tank and around 20 feet of the drain field. It is OK to utilize your tank as a holding tank if you establish that the tank’s top is at least 3 feet above the water table but that the drain field is still saturated or inundated. In this scenario, you should have the tank pumped, but you should make sure that at least 50% of the tank’s capacity remains in the tank after the pumping.

It is possible that water will enter the tank while it is being pumped from the drain field and the home.

All but one mound system is placed 2 to 4 feet below the ground’s surface, and this is where most drain fields are located.

It will take a long time until the groundwater recedes to the level of the drain field’s bottom. It might take anywhere from a week to many months to complete the process. Monitor the depth of the water table surrounding the drain field on a frequent basis to avoid causing harm.

5. If You Have a Mound System, Turn off the Power

A lift station is commonly seen in above-ground septic tanks that include a mound for entering wastewater and a drain field. If your electrical control box is submerged in water, you must make absolutely certain that the power has been switched off before you touch it. After that, remove the lid and allow it to air dry. To be safe, a qualified electrician should inspect the components of the control box before they are turned on and turned off again. If your pumping chamber and septic tank are separate, make sure you get both of them drained out at the same time to avoid any complications.

You should, however, continue to monitor the water table depth surrounding the mound on a frequent basis.

6. Reduce Water Use

As soon as the septic system is operational again, it is beneficial for the home to limit their water use. Check to see that there are no leaky sinks or showers, and that there are no running toilets. Even if a faucet drips only one drop every 15 seconds, the cumulative effect over time might result in a significant amount of water being accumulated in the septic tank. In the event that any fixtures leak, get them fixed as quickly as possible. The water from your basement sump pump should not be discharged into your septic tank for safety reasons.

In addition, rainwater from roof gutters should be diverted away from the drainage field.

When attempting to reduce your water consumption, utilize common sense.

If the water table in the area surrounding the drain field is high, the drain field’s capacity to manage the water from your home is severely restricted.

7. If You Continue to Experience Problems, Hire a Licensed Professional

If you’re still experiencing plumbing problems after the water table has returned to normal levels, it’s possible that the septic tank or drain field has been compromised. It is possible for groundwater to set or move when the level of the water is high, which can have an impact on the septic tank as well as the drain field’s distribution system. The inlets and outputs of the septic tank may potentially become clogged as a result of this. If any of these things occur, call a septic system installation or a qualified septic tank pumper for assistance.

Contact Us for Your Septic Needs

Even if the water table has returned to normal levels and you’re still experiencing plumbing problems, it’s possible that the septic tank or drain field has been compromised. It is possible for groundwater to set or move when the level of the water is high, which can have an impact on the septic tank as well as the distribution system for the drain field.

As a result, the inlets and outputs of the septic tank may get clogged. If any of these things occur, contact a septic system installation or a qualified septic tank pumper for help right away.

How to Find a Leak in the Plumbing of Your Home

I just had my septic tank emptied out, and while doing so, I observed a continuous stream of water flowing into the tank from the home drain line. What may be the source of the noise? -Betty Hello, Betty. The most likely source of the problem is a leaking toilet, but there are a handful of additional factors to take into consideration:

Inspect the plumbing fittings in your house, such as sinks, showers, and tubs, to ensure that water from a faucet isn’t really running down the drain
Next, check the water heater. Next, flush your toilet to see whether it is leaking by shutting the shutoff valve and flushing it again. Allow it to drain completely for 5-10 minutes, and then check the line leading to the septic tank to determine whether the water has stopped flowing. If it has, the issue is with that particular toilet. If it’s still running, repeat the process with any additional toilets in the building. For additional information on how to repair a toilet, read our article on How to Repair a Toilet
If you discover that the problem is with one or more of your toilets, see our article on How to Repair a Toilet for more information on how to fix it. After investigating the mystery leak for a while, examine if there are any additional sources of drain water that you haven’t already ruled out as a possibility. Basement drains, drain lines from air conditioner units or hot water heater pressure relief valves, the drain from the pan beneath a water heater or washing machine, and the backflow from a whole-house water filter are just a few examples that spring to mind. It’s probable that, while the majority of them are plumbed to drain outdoors on the ground, some were also connected to your home’s plumbing drain system. Another approach to determine if the water is coming from your home’s plumbing is to monitor your water meter over a period of many hours while nothing is running (be sure to switch off your ice maker beforehand!). In the absence of any leaks or any water running from your supply pipes into the drain, the dials on your water meter will remain stationary.

Start by checking the plumbing fixtures in your house, including as sinks, showers, and tubs, to make sure that water from a faucet isn’t really flowing down the drain; then move on to the next step. Next, close the cut-off valve and flush the toilet to determine whether there is any evidence of a leak. Check the line into the septic tank to determine if any water is still running after 5-10 minutes after it has completely drained. That toilet, if it has, is the source of the issue. Try again with any other toilets to see whether it is still working properly.

Check to see if there are any other sources of drain water that you haven’t thought of yet if the mystery leak hasn’t been resolved yet.

It’s likely that, while the majority of them are plumbed to drain outdoors on the ground, they were connected to your home’s plumbing drain system.

The Dangers of a Damaged or Leaking Septic System

There are certain distinctions in care, usage, and budgeting that you should be aware of, whether you’re a new homeowner with an existing septic system or considering about purchasing or building a home without sewer hookups. This document outlines three ways in which your budget will be affected if your wastewater is treated using a septic system. 1. You will not be required to budget for municipal sewer service. Because the municipal wastewater system normally processes all of the water, the cost of city sewage service is sometimes determined by how much water you purchase from the city.

A large number of homes with septic systems also rely on wells for fresh water rather than municipal water, which means you’ll likely save money in that department as well.

It is necessary to include septic maintenance in your budget.
Although you are not required to pay the city for the usage of your septic system, you will be responsible for the costs of maintenance if you want the system to continue to function properly.
It is possible that these maintenance and repair expenditures will build up over time, so you may want to consider setting up an emergency fund to cover any unforeseen repair bills.

You’ll also need to budget for the cost of a single inspection and begin saving for the cost of a tank pump.
Spreading the expenditures out over several months is the most effective budgeting strategy, even for an expense such as tank pumping that does not occur every year, because it allows you to better estimate the costs ahead of time.
You may need to set aside money for septic tank replacement.

The tank and leach field may not need to be replaced if you have a reasonably recent septic system and plan to sell your home within a few years.

If, on the other hand, your home’s septic system is more than a decade old, you’ll want to start looking into how much a new system would cost you as soon as possible.

For example, if the previous owners did not do routine maintenance or if the system was installed on clay soil, the system may need to be replaced.

It is a prudent decision to begin putting money aside in anticipation of this eventuality.

When you have a septic system, you may use these three strategies to budget differently.

Make an appointment with us right away if you’re searching for someone to pump out your septic tank or to complete an annual examination of your septic system. Our experts at C.E. Taylor and Son Inc. would be happy to assist you with any septic system assessment, maintenance, or repair needs.

Septic Tank Backup: Warning Signs & How To Fix It

It is no one’s desire to rip up their grass in order to pay for a pricey septic tank repair. Having a thorough understanding of your tank and a sharp eye for difficulties implies that you can foresee problems and the entirety of your system’s renovation.

How Does A Septic Tank Work?

A basic septic tank is composed of two components: Watertight subterranean tank for storing sludge and wastes 2) and a drain field, which treats and filters water as it returns to the soil after being drained. When everything is running correctly, this mechanism keeps potentially hazardous material in situ and only allows treated water to escape. All that is required is that the waste be pumped out every few years, and the system will continue to operate properly. However, if you’re reading this, you’re probably aware that this isn’t always the case.

Why Do Septic Tanks Backup?

A backed-up septic tank is a major headache that can occur for a variety of reasons. Some events are under your control, while others may occur at any time. Septic tank backlog can be caused by a variety of factors, some of which are listed below: Flooding: When heavy rains soak the earth around a septic tank, the tank may have a difficult time emptying correctly, leading to flooding. The trash and the clean water will mix together and run out simultaneously if there is no dry soil to absorb the pure water.

Tanks are available in a variety of sizes.

Unsatisfactory Installation: Unless you built your home from the ground up, you may not be aware of who constructed your septic system or how old it is.
Before purchasing a new house, make sure to get the septic tank inspected.
Only rubbish and toilet paper should ever be flushed.

If you’re not sure whether anything is flushable, look to see if the box says “septic safe.” If it doesn’t, toss it in the garbage!
Growing tree roots may even cause obstructions in pipes as they creep into cracks and crevices.
Make sure your tank is well marked and that any prospective traffic is kept away from it.

Warning Signs of a Backed Up Septic System (And What to do About It!)

It might be difficult to determine the signs of a backed-up septic tank at first glance.

At first sight, you could dismiss any of these warning indicators as being inconsequential. However, it is critical to take all of these warnings seriously and to conduct an investigation into the matter. Identify whether any of these warning indicators are present in your house.

Was it a while ago that you had your septic tank drained and cleaned? In the absence of a regular cleaning routine, you may notice sewage backups in your toilet as well as slow draining sinks and bathtubs in your bathroom. This is an indication of blockages. Without frequent pumping, a septic tank fills up with solid waste and enables contaminated water to pass through
However, the unclean, polluted water has nowhere to go and must be pumped out regularly.

Your driveway or sidewalk may be gradually rising due to tree roots if you see bumps in the road or uneven surfaces. There are a few different approaches you may use to deal with roots in your septic system. It is the most lasting method if you are ready to part with the tree, removing it totally, removing and replacing it with new pipes. Newer, stronger plastic pipes are designed to withstand tree roots and are an excellent alternative to metal pipes. Alternatively, you may pour a root-killing solution down the drain to prevent future development.

In one spot of your yard, do you have a clump of vivid green grass growing? If it hasn’t rained in a while, have you seen pools of water in unexpected places? Your septic system’s leaky pipes are clearly visible in these conditions.

It is a strong indication that you have a septic tank backlog if your home begins to smell like a sewer. If sewage cannot adequately drain down into the tank, the only option is for it to flow back up the pipes.

If you have seen one or more of these warning signals, it is imperative that you take action before the issue spirals out of control, since there are serious implications to having a clogged septic system.

Dangers of a Backed Up Septic Tank

A clogged septic tank may cause far more serious problems than just a puddle of water in your shower. Septic backflow is a serious health threat for you and your family, since it is a carrier of illness. In sewage, drug leftovers, human waste, fungi, viruses, and bacteria can all be found in large quantities. If you see any sewage backup bubbling into your house, call for expert aid in disinfecting your home. When you have a clogged septic tank, water damage is a definite possibility. Septic tank leakage in your house may severely harm your flooring and walls, as well as the rest of your property.

Untreated sewage from your clogged septic system can have far-reaching consequences for the ecology surrounding your property.

If you see signs of a clogged septic system, you should either attempt to fix it yourself or hire a professional like All Dry USA to do the work for you.

How To Fix Septic Tank Backup

The most effective technique to repair a septic tank is through regular maintenance. If you have a big family, make sure you get your system pumped every 3 to 5 years, or more frequently if necessary. Regular pumping will hopefully save a giant backhoe from ripping up your yard and repairing a sewage tank that has broken down on you. Check to ensure that your float switch is functioning properly. This will automatically turn off the system and shut off your water supply to prevent a potential backup from occurring.

Snakes may be obtained at any hardware shop and are available in a variety of sizes to accommodate the size of your pipes.
Calling (866) 313-0458 at any time of day or night to speak with All Dry USA about your backed-up septic tank is a terrific answer.
As a result of our more than ten years of repair experience, we haven’t come across an obstruction, a pipe, or a septic tank that we couldn’t clear out and put back in working condition.

If you have a big family, make sure you get your system pumped every 3 to 5 years, or more frequently if needed.
Check to check that your float switch is in proper working order before continuing.
Using a snake to clear the drain will help you determine whether or not there is a clog in your system.

You should seek professional assistance as soon as possible if doing it yourself is too difficult or time-consuming.

Our highly experienced personnel will evaluate the situation and provide the most cost-effective solution. As a result of our more than ten years of repair experience, we haven’t come across an obstruction, a pipe, or a septic tank that we couldn’t clear out or fix.

What do I do if My Septic Alarm is Going Off?

In the event that your septic alarm goes off, it may surely create some anxiety and uncertainty; and if you happen to be experiencing this right now, then you’ve arrived to the correct location! Don’t be concerned; it does not necessitate urgent action. Instead, take your time to go through this full essay so that you will be prepared to act now or in the future if the situation arises. What Septic Systems Are and How They Work The alarm works in conjunction with the septic system to alert you when the water level within the pump tank has increased to an unsafe level or has decreased to an unsafe level.

The timer is in charge of regulating the time intervals during which the pump is permitted to pump wastewater into the drainage system.

Thus, during periods of excessive water use, the drain field is kept from getting overflowing, which might cause damage to the drainage system.
A large amount of water is injected into the system in between pumping cycles for whatever cause, and the water has nowhere else to go but back into the system’s pump tank.
Depending on how much water was and continues to be put into the system and how the pump is set up to operate on a timer, it may take many pumping cycles until the water levels are returned to normal.

There is an excessive amount of water being put into the septic system. This is the result of excessive water use, which might be caused by multiple loads of laundry, an excessive quantity of dishwashing, or a disproportionate number of long showers.

Somehow, groundwater is making its way into the system. If there is an excessive amount of standing water surrounding the septic tanks, whether generated by rain or another source, the water may seep into the tanks and cause the internal water level to rise.

It’s possible that one of the components of the septic system is malfunctioning. If anything goes wrong with your system — including the pump and floats — the alarm and timer will go off and the septic system will stop working correctly.

The Best Thing to Do If Your Alarm Goes Off Alternatively, if you hear an alert, you should press the red button or turn on the alarm box. The alarm will be turned off as a result of this action. There should be a red light and a green light on the alarm box, which should be situated someplace on the unit. The green light indicates that the alarm is operational and should be left on at all times. It is shown by a red light if the alarm is getting a signal from the pump tank indicating that the water level is increasing above or decreasing below what is expected.

If the breaker occurs to be tripped, look around the septic tanks to see if there is any standing water.
It is possible that the red light on the alarm box will go out on its own after allowing the septic system to operate for a couple of pump cycles (which should take approximately 10-15 hours).

If the red light turns off, it signifies that the system is operating properly and that it only needs to catch up with the extra water that has overflowed into the storage tank.
To be clear, an alarm signal from the septic system does not always imply that sewage is about to back up into the house right away.
Do you require septic system repair on a regular basis or emergency service?

To arrange an appointment, please call (804) 581-0001 or send us an email through our contact page. Want to learn more about septic systems? Explore our septic system web sites by clicking on the “Septic” navigation option in the top navigation bar.

HOW EXCESSIVE WATER AFFECTS YOUR SEPTIC TANK AND WHAT TO DO

Septic systems are built with a certain capacity in mind, which is determined by the quantity of water used in a household. By exceeding this capacity, the system’s ability to handle wastewater can be severely compromised, perhaps resulting in the pollution of drinking water sources. Indoor and outdoor water consumption should be regulated to avoid overloading your septic tank, which will also help to extend the life of your tank. Find out more about septic tank overload and simple ways to conserve water while yet safeguarding your septic system by continuing reading.

When functioning correctly, a septic tank should allow solid waste to settle to the bottom of the tank and microbes to break down organic waste in order to provide nutrients for the garden.
A septic system that is overloaded does not enable sediments to settle properly and does not allow for the essential bacterial activity.

An excessively high flow rate of wastewater might also reduce the amount of bacteria present in the tank, resulting in insufficient wastewater treatment.
Here are a couple of suggestions to get you started.
If you’re in the market for a new washer, consider a front-loading model, which is more energy and water efficient than a top-loading model, according to Energy Star.

However, make an effort to launder your clothes more frequently, preferably several times a week.
Reduce the amount of shower water wasted.

Consider taking fewer and shorter showers, as well as shutting off the water while you are lathering, in order to conserve more water.

Reduce the amount of water you flush down the toilet.

To reduce waste, consider flushing the toilet numerous times before using it for the first time.

If you have older toilets that tend to use a lot of water, consider replacing them with modern, water-efficient toilets to see a considerable reduction in your water usage over time.

Toilet leaks account for a significant portion of water waste in the average household.

Lawn Maintenance Should Be Conscientious For your landscape requirements, drip irrigation may be an option.

Make sure to check your irrigation system for leaks that are wasting water and to create a watering plan that corresponds to your irrigation requirements.

Consume Water Only When Necessary Considering watering your lawn and garden less frequently in the mornings or late at night when evaporation is lowest, you can save money on your water bills.

Once your septic tank has been repaired or pumped, it is important to save water in order to extend the tank’s lifespan.

Pete’s Outflow Technicians can assist you in keeping your septic system in good working order throughout the year. Get in contact with us right now to learn more about our products and services.

7 Reasons Your Home Might Have Low Water Pressure

The pressure of the water in your home may make a significant effect. It may make a significant difference in how quickly you clean your dishes and how satisfying a shower can be after a long, hot day at the office. The cause of low water pressure might be as simple as finding it difficult to rinse shampoo out of your hair or filling the bathtub with water that is painfully sluggish. Poor water pressure might be irritating, but it does not usually indicate a major plumbing problem. Low water pressure is sometimes a simple problem to resolve.

We’ll go through seven of the most frequent reasons why you could be experiencing low water pressure in this easy-to-read blog post.

Check Your Main Shutoff Valve

Making sure the main cutoff valve is in the proper position will help to enhance water pressure in the home. Why? Water enters your home through the main cutoff valve, which serves as a gateway. It is possible that if this valve is not fully opened, it will restrict the amount of water that may travel through. A similar action, such as closing off the valve, will entirely cut off the water supply. Let’s start with a visual inspection of the primary shutdown valve. It may be found in either the basement or on the outer wall of a utility room in your home, depending on your preference.

Water from the city will frequently infiltrate the roadway and find its way to you.

For a lever handle, the pipe direction and handle orientation must be in sync with one another.

Unless you’ve recently had plumbing work done, it’s possible that the main shutoff valve was moved and never restored to its original location.

Is Your Water Meter Valve Fully Opened?

The water meter valve, like the main cutoff valve, is a primary water source, and as such, it will have an impact on water pressure. The water meter valve, on the other hand, is owned by the city, as opposed to the main shutoff valve. Tampering with the water meter valve should only be done if you are experiencing emergency plumbing difficulties and have no other alternative. It’s not a bad idea to double-check, though. The water meter valve is often located immediately next to the water meter.

When the handle is turned at an angle, the flow of water is varied.

Their recommendations for future measures will be discussed with you, as well as any water pressure problems.

Hot Water Heater Problems

Whether you believe it or not, and this is believable, your hot water heater may have an impact on the pressure of both hot and cold water flowing through it.

The following are two typical reasons why a hot water heater produces insufficient water pressure.

This is true: the pressure of both hot and cold water may be affected by the pressure of your hot water heater (believe it or not, this is plausible). A hot water heater producing low water pressure is caused by a variety of factors, two of which are detailed here.

Water Heater Shut-Off Valve: A shut-off valve is located on each water heater. If the cut off valve has been partially closed and not fully reopened, the water pressure in your home will be reduced significantly. Increased water pressure will result from resetting the water heater valve to the “Open” position, which will bring your water pressure back to normal.

Please Exercise Caution! Water heaters create a great deal of pressure, which can be hazardous to your health. In order to avoid an accident, water heater repair should be left to a plumbing specialist.

Your Aerator Screen Might be Clogged

What is an aerator screen, and how does it work? We appreciate you enquiring! An aerator screen is the mesh screen at the end of your faucet that regulates the flow of water through a large number of small holes in the mesh screen. Aerators are used to control the flow of water and to conserve water resources. If an aerator screen becomes clogged, on the other hand, your beautiful, steady stream will be reduced to an occasional trickle instead. (Or anything along those lines!) However, the good news is that just the faucet that has an obstruction in the aerator screen will be troublesome and will result in low water pressure.

If the aerator is beyond repair, it should be sent to a home center where a replacement may be found.

Clogged or Corroded Water Pipes

If all other options have been exhausted, low water pressure may be an indication of a more serious problem that requires attention. The presence of blocked or damaged water pipes is a more serious issue. In the event of a blockage, water will be forced to concentrate in one section of the pipeline. Although the water will flow around and around the clog depending on its size, the rate at which it flows will be lowered. Clogs can cause pipes to break if they are not swept away. Water pipes that have corroded are most commonly observed in older homes.

While low water pressure might be a nuisance, a burst pipe caused by a blockage or corrosion can result in far more serious plumbing issues.

Call us right now at (816) 254-9416.

Pressure Reducing Valve Issues

The majority of homes are equipped with a water pressure regulator, which regulates the flow of water. If your water pressure regulator is worn out or malfunctions, your water pressure may become unusually high or very low, depending on the situation. The presence of low water pressure will be visible throughout your home if your water pressure regulator is the source of the problem; It will also occur immediately, as opposed to steadily accumulating over time. Using a water pressure gauge, you can determine the amount of water pressure present in your home.

It necessitates the shutting down of the water supply at the water meter valve, which is located on city property.

Leaks in Your Home

Plumbing difficulties can be caused by a leak in any part of your plumbing system. Leaks obstruct the flow of water and can result in reduced water pressure as well as a potential sloppy mess on the ground. Examine the area behind cupboards and behind counters to see if there is any standing water there.

Keep an eye out for pests near equipment such as dishwashers and washing machines, as well as sinks, toilets, shower and bathtub enclosures. Water stains on the ceiling and/or walls might potentially be an indication of a water leak.

Consult Your Local Water Department

If you want proof of water use as it relates to your utility bill, you should contact your local water authority. The water department can also check back in time to see how much water you have used in your residence. Local water departments, although being a valuable resource, are often solely concerned with the piping and equipment that they own and maintain themselves. When a problem does not fall within their scope of responsibilities, they are unlikely to be able to give a response.

How to Increase Your Home’s Water Pressure

Please contact your local water agency if you want proof of water use as it relates to your utility bill. A history of your household’s water use can also be requested by the water department. Local water departments, although being a valuable resource, are often solely concerned with the piping and equipment that they own. They may not be able to give a response unless the situation falls within their area of responsibility.

Install a Water Pressure Booster

If low water pressure is not caused by a leak or any other problems stated, a water pressure booster may be the answer. It is intended to enhance water pressure, and in most cases, it also has the additional benefit of increasing water flow. Sometimes your city water may not supply adequate pressure or it might be your plumbing requires help delivering water to the upper floors of your home. In each of these instances, a water pressure booster will be beneficial.

Call Val Gross Plumbing for Low Water Pressure Issues

Val Gross Plumbing has been providing service to the Easter Jackson County community for more than 30 years! When it comes to low water pressure problems, we’re the people to call in your neighborhood. Contact us and we’ll be there to assist you right away! Call (816) 875-9299 for more information.

What to Do If Your Toilet Is Ghost Flushing

More than 30 years have passed since Val Gross Plumbing first opened its doors in the Easter Jackson County region. Concerning low water pressure concerns, we are the local plumbing specialists to call. Please contact us and we will dispatch a team to your location immediately. Call (816) 875-9299 to schedule a consultation with a physician.

Is Your Toilet Leaking Internally?

If there is no water pouring onto your floor, it is likely that your ghost flushing toilet is leaking from within the toilet itself. Possibly, something is wrong with the rubber flapper on your toilet, which permits water to leak out of the drain and causes the toilet to repeatedly refill.

Check the Integrity of Your Toilet’s Flapper

You may do a simple food coloring test to discover if the toilet leak is caused by your flapper or something else. Fill the rear tank of the toilet with some food colouring, and you’re good to go. Allow it to sit for approximately 30 minutes. If you notice the same hue in the toilet bowl, it is likely that your flapper is the source of the internal toilet leak. Is there any evidence of damage or debris on the flapper of your ghost flushing toilet?

In order to potentially stop your toilet leak, you should clean the flapper and the surface area of the flush valve. Check to determine that the chain connecting the flapper to the drain hole has been correctly adjusted, allowing the flapper to fit snugly over the drain opening.

Potentially Replace Your Toilet’s Flapper

If this does not resolve the issue of ghost flushing, the rubber toilet flapper should be replaced. When toilets leak inside, a worn-out flamer is a fairly typical problem you have to deal with.

Check Your Refill Tube

The refill tube should be checked if replacing the rubber toilet flapper does not resolve the internal toilet leak problem. Alternatively, if the refill tube has been put too deep into the overflow pipe, it should be pulled out and connected to the outside overflow pipe instead. This is done in order to prevent the tube from entering the overflow pipe and, in most cases, will halt an internal leak from the tank to the bowl that was causing the ghost flushing to occur.

Replace the Entire Flush Valve

Even if you have done all of the above and your toilet continues to ghost flush, you may need to replace the complete flush valve.

Are You Noticing External Toilet Leaks?

Do you have an outdoor toilet leak that you need to fix? If there is a leak in the exterior toilet, water will be left on the floor.

Check Water Supply for Visible Leaks

When you discover water on the floor as a result of a leaking toilet, immediately mop up the water on the floor and dry off the toilet. In the event that another pool of water forms, you will begin to investigate its origin. Your goal is to determine if the water is coming from beneath the toilet or from around the base. In order to establish that the leak is coming from behind your toilet and not from anywhere else, check the following:

It might be a faulty supply tube. It might be a broken tank or a sweaty bowl. A malfunctioning shutdown valve

A leaky toilet that is causing water to flow onto the floor can sometimes be simply repaired by tightening the bolts that hold your toilet to the floor together. If this does not resolve the external toilet leak, you may need to repair the wax gasket beneath your leaking toilet. This will cost you more money. The following are the steps you take to replace the wax gasket below your leaking toilet:

Immediately turn off the water supply to your leaking toilet, drain the bowl, and disconnect the supply tube from the cutoff valve. Remove the hex nuts from the bolts by unscrewing the covers that cover them with a wrench. To place the toilet down on a piece of cardboard or an old blanket, carefully take it out by the bowl (not the tank). The flange will have a section of it torn off, which you will notice. Remove the old wax off the closet flange using a scraper. Repair strap under closed flange: Loosen the screws that surround it and put a repair strap under it. Make sure that both closet bolts are in position before centering the new wax gasket down on the closet flange
And Make a connection between the new water supply tube and the threaded fill-valve shank at the bottom of the toilet. Firmly press down on the toilet bowl to compress the gasket, then tighten the bolts and press down once more
The bolts will be excessively long and will need to be cut with a close-quarter sawing before they can be tightened back on and the caps that were removed previously can be replaced. Last but not least, connect the supply tube to the cutoff valve. Start by turning on the water and flushing the toilet to ensure that it is functioning correctly.

Is Water Dripping From the Bottom of the Tank?

The bottom of the toilet tank appears to be leaking with water. When water is discovered on the floor, it is possible that the source of the leak is an exterior toilet.

Are Leaks Coming From Under the Tank?

It is possible to find moisture below your toilet tank – above the toilet bowl- if you examine and feel underneath it. This is a good indicator that the sponge gasket connecting the tank and the bowl needs to be changed. Follow the steps outlined below to resolve your leaking toilet issue.

Turn off the water mains to the building. Drain your tank by flushing it and holding the lever down. Keep any excess water contained by putting a bucket beneath your toilet
And Turn off the water supply pipe to your home. Afterwards, take out all of the old hardware from the toilet. It is possible that these old nuts, bolts, and washers may need to be cleaned or completely replaced. You are now ready to carefully raise the tank away from the bowl, allowing you to remove the sponge gasket that connects the tank to the bowl. Using your new red sponge gasket, you may now secure the mounting nut threads in place. It’s time to carefully place the tank on top of the bowl once again. The tank should be leveled by applying downward pressure while you tighten the bolts. Additionally, when tightening the bolts, alternate between them to maintain the tank level. You must use extreme caution not to overtighten the nuts. It is possible to break the porcelain if you screw them down too tightly.

In the event that you require assistance, your Val Gross pros will respond immediately to your leaky toilet situation. The resources, know-how, and experience that we have will allow us to resolve any of your plumbing issues in a jiffy.

If Your Water Bill Seems High

However, if your toilet is running and resulting in excessive water bills, you are unknowingly flushing money down the toilet without even realizing it. Your ghost flushing toilet may be creating more than just a plumbing issue; it may also be contributing to your excessive water costs. More information may be found on our blog about excessive water bills by clicking here.

Contact a Local Plumber

Although you would never purposefully flush money down the toilet, if your toilet is running and producing excessive water bills, you are unwittingly flushing money down the drain.

In addition to being a plumbing issue, your ghost flushing toilet may be contributing to your high water bill. For additional information, please see our blog post on excessive water bills.