Michigan winters are one of the harshest in the country. Everything is affected, including the septic tanks and sewer systems. Septic system issues can be the worst, ranging from unpleasant odors around the house to toilets backing up.

Here are 9 things you can do to prevent ugly septic system issues during the Winter season.

1. Avoid driving vehicles or any heavy equipment over a septic tank.
2. Before it gets really cold, create an insulating layer of 8 to 12 inches of mulch over the pipes and tank.
3. Let the soil around the septic system be aerated before winter.
4. Remove any snow and ice build-up over the system.
5. Don’t flush everything down the drains or the toilet. Items, like diapers, tampons, and oil and grease can cause the drains and septic systems to become congested or clogged, causing severe damage.
6. Use warmer water.
7. Fix any leaking plumbing fixtures or appliances at your home or office.
8. Do not try to DIY pipeline cleaning; it can lead to serious damage.
9. Hire a professional septic cleaning and repair service for any septic system-related issues.

If you are looking for septic tank cleaning or pumping in Walled Lake or Oakland County, Michigan, call Shorty’s Sanitary Service at 248-332-6476. The experts can help you understand how often you need to have the septic tank system pumped or cleaned.

If your house is not connected to the city sewage system, a septic system makes safe waste and water disposal possible. Septic tanks need to be monitored and maintained well to prevent any unpleasant inconvenience.

While most septic systems work properly for a long time, it is important to know how they work and what you can do to ensure they keep working properly.

Avoid cloggers

Do NOT dispose of anything that could clog the toilet and the connecting septic system. Solid items, like diapers, sanitary napkins, and Q tips must never be thrown down the drain as they can damage the entire system. If you notice the drains or the toilet backing up, immediately contact experienced septic cleaning professionals to resolve the issue.

Check the land near the septic tank

The drain field near your septic system can tell you whether the system is working properly. The ground near the septic tank shouldn’t be soft and muddy. If it is so, your septic system could be in trouble.

Another sign of a malfunctioning septic system is lush green grass growing along with the drain system in warmer months. Bright green grass in the drain field may indicate a leak or early failure of your septic system.

Identify the root cause

If your septic system isn’t working the way it should be, look for possible causes. Plants and trees around the septic tank and draining ground can damage your system. Throwing greasy and/or solid items down the drains can also clog the system.

Avoid back-ups

Grease is one of the most common reasons for septic system clogging. Avoid allowing oily and greasy materials down the drains and any solid objects down the toilet.

For professional septic field repair or septic tank pumping installation companies in White Lake or Oakland County, Michigan, call Shorty’s Sanitary Service at 248-332-6476.

Many homes and buildings rely on a septic tank system to get rid of the wastewater. A septic tank is an underground concrete, fiberglass, or plastic chamber where the domestic waste and wastewater is flushed for storage and collection. The chambers separately divide the waste residue and the wastewater in a way that prevents the chambers from overflowing in a short period of time.

To keep the septic system running efficiently, a service professional should inspect your septic system every year. According to the US Environmental Protection Agency, household septic systems should be pumped every 3-5 years by a septic service professional.

A septic service provider will inspect the system for leaks and check the scum and sludge layers in the tank. Maintaining these records about potential or existing leaks, scum levels, and possible damage, can help in creating a regular maintenance schedule.

When the septic system is serviced, the service provider will also clean or replace the filter that prevents solids from entering the drain field.

The service professional will note the repairs needed and completed as well as make notes about the tank’s condition in the service report.

Lack of regular septic system maintenance may lead to leakage, foul odors, and health problems. It would be wise to hire the services of septic tank professionals in Michigan to ensure efficient septic tank cleaning, drainage, repair, and maintenance services to prevent the problems mentioned above.

If you are looking for septic service or pumping installation in Oakland County, MI, call Shorty’s Sanitary Service at 248-332-6476.

Often unnoticed, the septic tank is one of the most important parts of a house’s plumbing system. It is vital to process the wastewater released by a household. This is why a septic tank breakdown or malfunction can lead to a wide range of problems from foul odors in your home to breakdown of the whole plumbing system.

No septic tank lasts forever and your home septic tank needs to be replaced at some point. Installing a new septic tank is not a simple decision and one key decision you need to make is what it’ll be made of. You can choose from plastic or concrete septic tanks. Here is a look at the pros and cons of both types of septic tanks to help you make an informed decision.

Plastic Septic Tanks

Plastic tanks are cheaper to buy and install. They are lighter and installation does not require heavy equipment.

Plastic septic tanks are resistant to water-based corrosion. Since plastic is more flexible compared to concrete, septic tanks are less likely to crack.

However, plastic tanks may get damaged if vehicles drive over the place where they were buried, and due to soil conditions or vibrations.

Concrete Septic Tanks

Concrete septic tanks usually last longer than plastic ones. With regular maintenance and draining, they could last decades, especially because they aren’t usually affected by environmental changes, like changing soil conditions, tree roots etc.

Since concrete septic tanks are sturdier, they do not need much maintenance either.

But you have to spend more to buy and install concrete septic tanks because concrete is heavier and installation takes longer and requires heavy equipment.

If a concrete septic tank is damaged, it is more difficult to repair properly.

Both types of septic tanks have their benefits and disadvantages, so you have to weigh what works better for your house. While concrete tanks are more durable, plastic tanks are cheaper to buy and install.

If you are looking for septic tank cleaning and pumping companies in WhiteLake or Oakland County, MI, call Shorty’s Sanitary Service at 248-332-6476.

Many homeowners try to DIY their plumbing issues instead of calling an expert. While you may be able to fix small plumbing problems, it is important to know when you should bring in a professional.

Some plumbing problems can be dangerous and require the expertise of a professional.

No Hot Water

Lack of hot water or inconsistent water temperatures are often the sign of a failed water heater. Since water heaters run on gas and electricity, speak to a professional plumber to ensure your safety and fix the fault.

Low Water Pressure

Low water pressure may mean a clogged drain. But if the water pressure is low despite clearing the clog, it could be due to a more serious issue, such as an eroded waterline or a cracked pipe. To avoid further damage and hazard, contact a professional plumber.

Water Damage

Signs of water damage in the house, such as stains, mold, or pools of water, need the urgent attention of a professional who can examine and repair plumbing and septic systems.

Frozen Pipes

If your pipes are frozen, they may crack or even burst upon thawing. If the pipes have become frozen, call a plumber or pipe repair professional.

Remodeling

Installing appliances and fixtures without a plumber may result in the need for extra repairs or even re-installations. Save yourself hassle and money by calling an expert. It will also help you feel more secure about your and your home’s safety.

If you are looking for pipe or septic field or septic tank systems repair companies in Clarkston or Oakland County, MI, call Shorty’s Sanitary Service at 248-332-6476.

For your septic tank to work properly, it needs to be cleaned and pumped on a regular basis, ideally every three years.

Here’s a look at the septic tank pumping process.

Exposing the access lids

The cleaning company professionals need to first find the access lids to get into the septic tank. The access lids can be 6-12 inches below the surface. They have to be exposed to prepare the tank for maintenance.

Checking liquid level

The liquid level can tell the septic technician about the health of the septic system. For example, if the level is lower than the outlet pipe, the tank may have a leak. If the level is higher than the outlet pipe, the pipe to the drain field may be clogged. Pumping can be done once these issues are resolved.

Pumping

The hose is lowered into the access hole and its other end is attached to the pump. Running the pump will remove the solid and liquid waste out of the tank. During the pumping, the technician can inspect how the outlet pipe is performing. Backflow out of the pipe indicates an issue with the septic system that needs to be fixed. Significant backflow may be an indicator of drain field backup while a little backflow may point to a sagging pipe in the drain field.

Cleaning the tank

Once pumping is complete, a septage spoon is used to backflush the tank. This allows the sludge in the tank to be loosened and removed. Then the walls of the tank are sprayed to remove any remaining waste and sludge.

Inspection

Lastly, the septic system cleaning technician will check the tank for any leaks, cracks or damage. If they find any issues, they will recommend the right repair. Then the access lids will be closed and covered with soil.

Septic tank pumping is not only about removing waste, but essential to determine the health of the entire system. If your septic tank hasn’t been pumped in a long time, talk to septic cleaning experts.

If you are looking for pipe repair or septic pump installation companies in White Lake or Clarkston, MI, call Shorty’s Sanitary Service at 248-332-6476.

Have you had any your septic system pumped or maintained recently? If no, summer is the time to have your septic system serviced. Here are the top reasons why summer is when you should get the septic system maintained and pumped.

Easy access

Once the snow has melted and the ground is not frozen any more, the septic system becomes easier to locate and access. This allows the septic system expert to complete the maintenance work efficiently. Since the project can be completed in less time, it may also save you money.

Fix issues before Winter

Identify issues and leaks, and getting any repairs done in Summer will help you prepare for the colder weather. Freezing Winter temperatures can cause frozen pipes and other septic problems. It is best to have the maintenance and repairs done before that time.

Higher usage

The warmer months may mean having friends and family over. This may cause the system usage to go up, and if it hasn’t been maintained, it could lead to issues, like backups.

Signs your Septic System needs service

Any of the following signs indicate that your septic system needs urgent attention –

• your yard smells like sewage
• sewage backs up in toilets, tubs or sinks
• slow draining in plumbing fixtures
• visible sewage surfacing on lawns or ditches
• lush growth or soft areas on top of your septic field

If you are looking for septic or septic tank cleaning in Walled Lake or Oakland County, MI, call Shorty’s Sanitary Service at 248-332-6476.

If you can hear strange sounds, such as hissing, gurgling or burping, from your plumbing, it is probably due to a pressure imbalance caused by the water flowing through the pipes.

As water flows through the pipes, pushing the air in front of it, it creates a vacuum effect. The plumbing vents on the roof are meant to prevent this. However, if you’re still hearing unusual sounds, it may indicate a vent issue.

Plumbing vents

Each house has a vent on the roof to allow sewer gases and air to escape and to equalize pressure.

Toilets have a tee, connected to the main vent to equalize the pressure and keep the drains noise-free.

When a toilet is flushed or a tub drained, a large amount of water is released. This creates an airtight seal in the pipes, causing a pressure difference between the pressure in front of the wastewater and the vacuum created behind it.

If the plumbing vents are not functioning properly, the air will not be able to fill the vacuum. This can make air can enter the toilet P-traps, the shower or bathtub. The strange sounds are coming from the affected traps, and a strong vacuum can suck the water right out of them.

Other common reasons for noisy plumbing

If you hear the pipes making a hammering sound, it is probably due to air trapped inside the plumbing.

Air hammer

An air hammer causes noises when a faucet is opened suddenly. This is because of the trapped air in the pipes that are highly compressed due to water pressure.

Water hammer

When it isn’t trapped air, the noise could be caused due to a water hammer. When you quickly turn off a faucet and hear a loud banging noise, followed by fading banging noises, it could be due to a water hammer.

When the faucet is shut off suddenly, it causes a small vacuum that pulls the water back and releases it against the valve.

Air and water in the pipes

The presence of both air and water are in old pipes can cause them to rattle. Expanding and contracting pipes because of heating up or cooling down can lead to strange noises.

If your plumbing has been rather noisy, ask a plumber to take a look at the vents, pipes and fixtures. If you are looking for pipe repair or septic tank systems maintenance in Clarkston or Oakland County, MI, call Shorty’s Sanitary Service at 248-332-6476.

No one wants to spend a huge amount of money on an unexpected septic pumping bill. So, here are some important tips to save you money on the next septic service.

Don’t wait for a disaster

You can easily save money on unexpected repairs when your tank is in good condition. And you can make sure your tank is in a good condition with regular service. It allows septic plumbing experts to spot and fix problems before they worsen and have a chance to turn them into bigger ones. Ask a septic tank plumbing company to assess the best pumping schedule for your septic system.

Everything can’t be flushed down the drain

Backups and clogs are the most common causes of unexpected service calls requiring expensive service. Most backups can be prevented with routine service and making sure that you don’t flush or rinse down the drain things like wipes, paper towels, tissues, balls of hair, and feminine products.

Other products you shouldn’t flush or rinse down the drain are –

• Gasoline and any oils
• Paint, thinner, or solvents
• Large amounts of antibacterial soaps
• Products with high levels of phosphorous
• Feminine products
• Makeup removing wipes
• Baby wipes

The manhole cover should be exposed

The manhole cover or septic cleanout should remain exposed and not be deeply buried. If it is deeply buried, have a riser or an extension installed. An exposed manhole cover makes it easier to access the septic tank for pumping, maintenance, and inspections. If you are looking for water removal services or septic tank pumping in White Lake or Oakland County, MI, call Shorty’s Sanitary Service at 248-332-6476.

You obviously don’t want any foul odors in the house, especially if they come from clogged drains. Foul smells are not only unpleasant, they may also worsen, if left untreated.

The simplest way to eliminate the odor is to find the source and repair or remove it.

The most common reasons a drain may produce foul odors, include –

• Dry P-trap – The curved section of the drainpipe under the sink is the P-trap. It captures water in order to prevent sewer gases from coming back up the pipe. A dry P-trap in sinks or bathrooms that don’t get used very often, can produce foul odors.

• Venting issues – Venting pipes prevent sewer gases from entering the house. These pipes may get clogged from debris, snow etc. This can allow sewer gases up through the drains, causing unpleasant smells.

• Sewer line problems – If you find the odor arising from multiple sinks, the problem could be a break or block in a sewer line carrying waste water. Such odor may be accompanied by bubbling sounds.

• Biofilm – Many different substances go down the drains, from body oils to shampoo. These substances can create biofilm which begins releasing an odor.

• Trapped food – Food trapped in the drains can clog a drain. The decomposing food can produce bad odor.

If you can smell some unpleasant odor around the house, especially in the kitchen or the bathroom, don’t try to DIY it. Call in a professional sanitary service who will bring the right equipment and trained personnel to treat the problem and rid your house of the odor safely. If you are looking for septic tank cleaning and pumping in Oakland County, MI, call Shorty’s Sanitary Service at 248-332-6476.