Buncombe County, NC, is as beautiful as it is vast. From the Blue Ridge Mountains to the banks of the French Broad, adventure can be found in Buncombe County.
If you are one of the lucky ones who have the opportunity to call Buncombe County home, then you most likely have a house with a septic tank. Much of the area is rural and lacks sewer access. While this is not often an issue, from time to time, your septic tank will need emergency septic pumping.
How To Avoid Septic Tank Emergencies
Septic tanks are typically a very reliable way to keep waste out of your home. However, keeping your septic tank in working order does take some regular maintenance. The best way to keep your septic tank from having problems is to maintain it by:
- Routine Septic Tank Pumping: Septic tanks will fill up over time and require regular emptying every three to five years, as advised by your septic service provider. Emptying your septic tank is crucial to eliminate accumulated solids, preventing blockages in the system and infiltration into the drain field.
- Efficient Water Usage: Water conservation is vital for reasons beyond just maintaining a healthy septic system. However, excessive water usage can overwhelm the system, making it less effective. Simple water conservation practices include fixing leaks, utilizing low-flow fixtures, and spacing out laundry and dishwasher usage.
- Appropriate Waste Disposal: It's essential to only flush items that won't harm your septic system. Refrain from disposing of non-biodegradable items, oils, grease, coffee grounds, feminine hygiene products, paper towels, and other materials that can obstruct pipes or disrupt the tank's bacterial balance.
- Care for the Drain Field: The drain field plays a crucial role in filtering and treating wastewater. Avoid parking vehicles or heavy machinery on the drain field, as this can compress the soil and hinder its ability to soak up water. Also, divert excessive surface runoff away from the drain field to prevent oversaturation.
- Regular Evaluations: Schedule routine assessments by a certified professional to evaluate your septic system's condition. They can detect potential problems early on, like leaks, damaged components, or signs of system failure. Early detection and timely repairs can prevent extensive damage and expensive fixes.
- Documentation: Maintain accurate records of septic system assessments, emptying schedules, repairs, and any alterations made. This record-keeping helps in monitoring the maintenance history and provides essential data for future upkeep and problem-solving.
- Landscaping Precautions: Be cautious about landscaping near the septic system. Avoid planting deeply rooted trees or shrubs close to the septic tank or drain field, as their roots can infiltrate the system and cause harm. Opt for plants with shallow roots that won't interfere with the septic system's elements.
Septic Emergencies - What To Do When Things Hit the Fan
While these preventative measures may help you keep your septic system functioning normally, emergencies occasionally can't be avoided. Because of this, it's critical to be prepared for the worst-case scenario.
When something first goes wrong, it's crucial to immediately stop using water. A minor issue can become a major environmental catastrophe by adding more water to the mix. As soon as you are certain that you are experiencing a septic emergency, you should call your septic system contractor and ask for an emergency septic tank pumping.
Viking Environmental and Septic Services - Emergency Septic Pumping
Viking Environmental and Septic Services will take care of your urgent septic tank pumping needs. Septic emergencies can be scary, especially if the smell starts to permeate your house. This is not only unpleasant, but it might even be dangerous.
Viking Environmental and Septic Services has years of experience serving homeowners throughout Buncombe County. Not only can we help with emergency septic pumping, but also:
- Hydro Jet Sewer Line Cleaning
- Septic System Inspections
- Repairs
- Installation
- Sewer Scope Camera Inspection
- And More
Don’t let an emergency get you down. Contact us today for emergency septic pumping. We are here to help!