Prevent Holiday Chaos! When was the last time you pumped your septic tank?

WHEN WAS THE LAST TIME YOU HAS YOUR SEPTIC TANK PUMPED OUT???

Happy Holidays! We hope that you are enjoying the Christmas season with your family and friends! Undoubtably, every holiday season we receive numerous calls in regards to backed-up or overflowing septic systems. This can be due to increased usage of the plumbing within the household with holiday guests.

Our recommendation, in order to prevent the chaos, is for you to take a moment to reflect on the last routine septic tank pumping you had done at your home. If you can't remember how long it has been, we suggest that you have your tank pumped! This can prevent messy clean-ups and potentially expensive corrections down the road.

Septic tanks should be pumped out on a regular basis. For a typical family of four, your tank should be pumped every 3-5 years. If you have a larger family, pump the tank more often. Even if you are a family of of 2, you should still never let your tank go more than 5 years without pumping.


Many people are convinced that they don't need to pump the tank until they experience the back-up. By this point, you may have even more costly issues with your system.

Call us today to get your regular maintenance scheduled. We'll remind you in a few years when it is time to do it again. We'l take the guess work out of the schedule for you!

Our schedule is filling up quickly, so reserve your spot now! 480-306-3841.

Septic System Myths...or are they???

So you live in a home on a septic system. You have been warned to not flush anything down the toilet and not to use the garbage disposal as a garbage can. You have been told that you need to pump it out annually or you have been told to remove every living bush or weed within a 100 yards for fear of it messing up your system... well Septic Medic is here to try to clear up some of these crazy and maybe not-so-crazy notions.


Myth #1 - DO NOT USE THE GARBAGE DISPOSAL!!!
Ok, this is partly true and partly not true! I mean, it is there in the sink begging to be used! Here's a good rule of thumb on garbage disposals... IT'S NOT A GARBAGE CAN! Sure, you can use your garbage disposal to get the left over dish gunk out of the sink. You can churn up a citrus fruit to make the thing smell good again! Don't use the garbage disposal for excessive food waste, use the garbage can. Excessive use of garbage disposals will overwhelm the septic tank with waste. Also, if you have an older garbage disposal, consider installing a new one that grinds the waste up better. This will also make the waste easier to digest once it get to the tank.

Myth #2 - ONLY USE SEPTIC SAFE TOILET PAPER/WIPES.....ETC!

First of all, "septic safe" is the silliest marketing scam ever on a toilet paper package, moist flushable wipes box, tampons, etc. There is no such thing as "septic safe" products like these. Obviously, if you are on a septic system, they are going down the toilet. The key is to teach the inhabitants in your home to use ONLY what they need in the toilet paper department. Little kids LOVE toilet paper! Grown ups love toilet paper that "gets the job done", think Ultra Strong or Super-Duper Softness brands. All of that toilet paper is okay to use if you don't over-do it! A true problem with septic systems in the recent years has been the increased use of the "flushable" wet wipes for adults. Just because they go down the toilet, doesn't make them "flushable". These wipes are particularly heavy-duty, ultra-strength toilet paper. This takes a long time to break down in septic tank. They also cause the effluent filters to become clogged in the new septic tanks. This prevents the wastewater from entering into the disposal field and will cause sewer line backups. They hang up on baffles inside of the tank and generally cause problems. Stay away from the "wet wipes" and keep the toilet paper use down and you should be okay when you pump out your tank at the recommended times.

Myth #3 - FEMININE PRODUCTS ARE "FLUSHABLE", RIGHT?
Let me preface this one. I AM A LADY writing this blog post and ladies, lets talk frankly here. I know it's a pain in the you-know-what, but keep the tampons and pads out of the toilet and out of the septic system. They don't break down at all in the septic tank, in fact it is quite the opposite. A tampon can swell up to an enormous size (like 10 times the size it is in the toilet) when it sits in the septic tank for a long period of time. Plus it's a magnet for other junk (like the above referenced wet wipes). These products can also clog up the baffles and filter inside of the tank. I know this isn't very fun stuff to read about but it has to be said! I get phone calls from ladies often asking about these products. I'm a lady, I get it, it's not pleasant and its an inconveince but if you want to save some serious money and be free of septic system issues (think more shoes money), heed my advice on this one! Oh, and a side-note to the ladies and the guys out there, condoms that are flushed down the toilet hang up the same way feminine products can so make sure those hit the trash can as well. And, one last note here, for heavens sake, don't try to flush paper towels, Lysol Wipe, diapers or any article of clothing down the toilet! That's a disaster waiting to happen not only for your plumbing but also for the septic tank.

Myth #4 - IF I ADD BACTERIA OR YEAST TO MY TANK I DON'T HAVE TO PUMP IT OUT... EVER!!
Um no, if that were the case, we would all be out of business! The septic tank should be pumped on a regular maintenance schedule. For a family of 4 on a 1000 gallon tank, the recommendation is every 3-5 years. What's with the window you say? Well, if you are one of the heavy garbage disposal offenders, pump every 3 years. If you have 5 small children at your home, pump every 3 years. If your home consists of just yourself and your cute husband or wife, every 5 years would be sufficient for you! Make sense?!
Yeast.... well that does nothing for your tank, so stop it! Bacteria products will help keep the bacteria colonies that live in your tank continue to do their best job. With all of the anti-bacterial products we use in today's world, it's a good idea to help out your tank with an inexpensive dose of new bacteria every month.




Myth #5 - TREES AND SHRUBBERY ARE GREAT SEPTIC TANK "COVER-UPS"
Some of you may read Myth #5 and think, well that's silly... but you would not believe how often we see this in our profession. Homeowners plant oleanders, shrubbery or even palm, mesquite or palo verde trees right near the septic tank itself or the disposal field (leach field or drywall/seepage pit). BAD IDEA! First of all, we live in the desert. There are months at a time that go by where there is no rain here. The roots of these plants will travel to unbelievable lengths to reach water. A septic tank and it's disposal field is water... and fertilizer, if you will, to a thirsty root. In order to preserve your septic system, keep root anchoring plants and trees far away. We have seen the roots penetrate through concrete cracks in older septic tanks, septic tank lids and forcibly tangle themselves into a web within a disposal field's perforated pipe. This can cause severe havoc for your system. I know they are pretty and there really isn't much else you can do with the area on or around the septic system, but keep them a fair distance away to avoid any costly repairs later on.


Hopefully this information was helpful and answered some of your burning septic system questions... Have more questions?? We are always here to help! Call Septic Medic 480-306-3841 or visit our entire site for even more information about your system.

What are Septic Tank Additives?

This is an age old question and it has been argued for years. Seriously, do some research on Google. Some website say "Yes, most certainly, pump that tank full of chemicals and you won't even have to pump that stinkin' tank, like ever!"  Then you will find other websites that have the opinion that septic tank additives are a complete waste. "The septic tank is a natural process, there is no need for any kind of additives." Most others just state, consult with a septic system expert. Well here we are!!
Let us help you navigate through these mucky waters (no pun intended)...

Septic Medic is proud to employ several septic system experts and we'd like to hammer out some facts for you.

• Yeast is not a septic tank additive or bacteria product that is going to do ANYTHING for your septic tank, so stop putting it in your toilet or your tank. Use it for something effective..like making bread or doughnuts.

There are typically two kinds of septic tank "additives" that you can purchase at your local hardware or supermarket. One is a chemical additive and the other is a biological additive. Let's break it down more....

• CHEMICAL additives are generally frowned upon by environmentalists and garden enthusiasts as  they most often include active ingredients that can wreck havoc on your bacteria colonies, tank structures and kill off the foliage in the area. One popular ingredient is sulfuric acid. These can eventually be introduced to the groundwater and that's not a great thing for anyone. CHEMICAL treatments should ONLY be used by professional and for the right reasons. Pouring sulfuric acid into your septic tank thinking it will eliminate the need to pump your tank, is well, a waste of sulfuric acid ($$$) and also a not-so-welcomed, corrosive exposure for delicate sewer lines or old concrete tanks.

• BIOLOGICAL additives are the best solution for those septic tank system owners who want to rejuvenate and re-populate the anaerobic bacteria colonies that process the waste inside of the septic tank. Biological septic tank additives are made from anaerobic bacteria (means bacteria that doesn't require oxygen) and specific enzymes to keep these little tiny bacteria folks busy at work! With the overwhelming production of everything "sanitize and anti-bacterial and bleach", we are certainly not helping protect our little septic tank bacteria armies. We are actually killing them off!

Biological additives are the best choice on the market for those looking to get the bacteria colonies inside of their tank thriving in spite of all of the "anti-bug" cleaning materials that we use and flush down our drains. Many people forget that ALL the wastewater from the home goes into the septic tank (laundry, dishes, garbage disposals, showers, bathtubs AND toilets). 

Our Septic Medic Septic Tank Additive is a biological additive that is so simple and easy to use! The handy plastic click-box comes with 12 pre-measured, water-soluble packets. Toss one packet into a toilet in your home, clean the rest of your bathroom, and come back and flush. It's that simple. Its safe to use, non-toxic and environmentally friendly.   You can purchase a year's supply from Septic Medic for far less than you will pay monthly for other shelf-brands at your local shopping center and our bacteria is produced with a considerably higher-level of that good stuff you are intending to introduce to your tank...BACTERIA! 

Need to re-order from last year... NO Problem! Give us a call. We can process payment with you over the phone and send it to your home free of charge. 

Thanks for taking a moment to learn about the additive process with us today. Any questions or comments, feel free to let us know! Thank you! Septic Medic 480-306-3841 Visit our Website Here!

How much water do you think your household uses??

Statistics Time! Play along with us! How much water do you think your household uses?? Makes you think twice!!

If you are on a 1000 gallon septic tank and live in a 3 bedroom home, your expected water usage per day is 450 gallons (it is calculated by 150 gallons per day per room/occupancy).  The stats below may startle you and make you think of different ways you can conserve water in your home!

If you are experiencing wasteful water situations at your home due to leaks, worn plumbing fixtures and the like, give Septic Medic Pumping & Plumbing a call right away! We'll be happy to come out and assess your situation and offer the best corrective action. Give us a call today 480-306-3841 or visit our website for more information: www.septicmedicaz.com

What is a Commercial Grease Trap Interceptor??

Grease interceptors or otherwise known as "grease traps" are specifically designed to trap grease and food waste from entering directly into the city sewer system without being filtered first. Think about how much food waste you see go down your kitchen sink, can you imagine what one restaurant generates in one night? What about thousands of restaurants that all share the same city sewer system. This could be catastrophic for our city wastewater facilities. Grease interceptors help further filtrate all waste from floor drains, dishwasher and kitchen sinks before the effluent water enters into the the sewer system. 

Grease traps should be put on a regularly scheduled pumping maintenance schedule to be in compliance with City health code inspectors. If you are a facility requiring the use of a grease trap, you can bet you will be visited about your interceptor maintenance records. Septic Medic is here to help. Your first grease trap pumping service is a thorough one. We will assess all parts of the interceptor, spray down the inside of the trap and make it clean and happy. If flow into the interceptor is slow, we can offer high pressure jetting services which will scour your pipes to like-new condition again. Do you have a small, under-the-sink grease trap? We maintain and service these systems too.

Are you starting a new restaurant  and need a grease trap installed? Perhaps you have a grease interceptor that needs to be repaired or is consistently backing up. Septic Medic is a full service interceptor company and offers repair and installation services for all sizes of grease interceptor tanks. We have experience replacing existing interceptors with larger sizes and offer additional plumbing services in the event of sewer line failure or extension needed for the new tank.

We know a grease trap malfunction is the last thing you want to deal with, particularly during business hours. We are available 24 hours a day to help correct your plumbing and grease interceptor issues.

Give us a call or visit our website today! 480-306-3841    Septic Medic Website

What's Inside the Septic Tank?

Have you stuck your head inside your septic tank to see what it looked like inside? I sure hope not... EWWWW! Let me paint you a picture and save you the agony of not being able to breathe for a couple hours!

ONE COMPARTMENT TANKS - (Older Style)

This is  what a basic one compartment septic tank looks like. There are three openings on the top of the septic tank. A 18-24" manhole cover... don't let the name fool you.. we don't want a man getting in this thing! This is where the tank will be pumped from! Both the inlet and outlet inspection port caps are also openings to the top of the tank. These are designed to be able to check the condition of your pipes coming in to and out of the septic tank. In extreme cases, if the septic tank "manhole" is covered, you can pump from these ports as well.

                TWO COMPARTMENT TANKS - (Newer Style)

This is what a basic two compartment septic tank looks like.  This tank is a little different from the first. This tank includes a center wall. This wall is design to keep more of the sludge as far away from the outlet sewerline pipe as possible. Why? Because when sludge enters into your outlet line, you can find yourself in a heck of a mess with your disposal field. This tank is designed to help your system last even longer. The openings on the tops of these tanks also very slightly. Two compartment tanks have two 18-24" manhole covers and one center inspection port to check the condition of the interior baffle.

Regardless of the tank style, the septic tank will develop three organic layers. Scum which floats upon the Liquid layer and Sludge which sinks to the bottom of the tank. 

Pumping your septic tank and regular maintenance with Septic Medic is the key to a long-living septic tank! When we pump your septic tank, we pump the entire contents of the tank (minus a small amount of sludge in the bottom, which is important to continue your tank bacteria colony... that's a whole 'nother blog post). We don't just suck the water out! We get out the crap "literally" and help your system last as long as possible! Having a septic issue or in need of this ever-important maintenance pump??? Give us a call at 480-306-3841 or visit us online at www.septicmedicaz.com to schedule an appointment!

What is a Septic Tank??

WHAT IS A SEPTIC TANK??

Raise your hand if you have a septic tank and you are not quite sure how the thing even works! You are not alone! Many people have septic systems and they are unsure of the way they work and how to properly care for them. Septic tanks are very simple things. Let me break it down for you.

• The house has internal plumbing that all routes to a main sewerline. This main sewerline runs through the center of your home, out the front or back and connects to the inlet sewerline to the septic tank.  The inlet sewerline then runs into the septic tank itself.
• The septic tank can be concrete, poly (plastic) or even fiberglass (if it's old). The septic tank can contain one or two compartments. Older style tanks have one compartment. New style tanks (think late '90's) have two compartments. The purpose of the two compartments in later construction was to try to keep more of the solid sludge waste in the front compartment, further away from any contact with the drainfield (also sometimes called the disposal field).
• From the septic tank, there is an outlet sewerline that connects to the drainfield. Some outlet lines will connect directly into a horizontal leach line or vertical seepage pit (also sometimes called dry well). Other times, the outlet sewerline will connect to a distribution box. The distribution box will connect multiple leach lines or seepage pits.

SO... when you run water down the drain or flush a toilet, the water enters the mainline, into the inlet pipe and falls into the septic tank. Once the septic tank is at capacity, the effluent (wastewater) from the septic tank will go through the outlet sewerline into the drainfield. The drainfield is set up to further filter out the wastewater before it is absorbed back into the ground. 

The septic tank will accumulate 3 layers inside of the tank. The scum layer (floaters) will ride on top of the effluent (wastewater). The sludge layer (sinkers) will fall to the bottom of the tank. To properly maintain your septic tank, you will need to pump the contents of the septic tank every 3-5 years based upon usage and occupancy.  That's pretty much it! Nothing mechanical, nothing really technical. 

Are you experiencing an issue with your septic tank? Slow draining, gurgling, back ups or just think it's time for maintenance?? Give Septic Medic a call! We can provide you with an estimate over the phone and send our team out as soon as you need! 480-306-3841 or visit our website at www.septicmedicaz.com for an entire list of our services.