Edmonton Septic Systems & Your Alarm
What does it mean? & What should you do?
There are 3 main types of septic systems, the first is a holding tank. It is very simple. One large tank and every bit of water used in your home drains into the tank. When it is close to full the alarm sounds, and it is time to have it hauled away.
Most modern holding tanks are around 3300 imperial gallons. The alarm is usually set at 2900 imperial gallons. That way you have 400 gallons of room left, which means that depending on your use there are 3 to 4 days to get it emptied before it starts to back up into your house. After the tank is drained do not forget to turn the alarm back on, or you will not know when it is full the next time.
Another type of septic tank is a tank and field. With this system, all water used in the house drains into a 2-compartment tank. The tank is set up with a dividing wall and the solids settle out in the first compartment, the grey water spills over to the second compartment where the pump or gravity siphon lets the water go out to an underground field every day. In this system, if your alarm sounds you have a problem that has to be addressed. Something is broken, whether it’s a pump, float, frozen pipes or no electrical power to run the pump.
When the alarm sounds you probably only have 30 to 40 gallons of room left, meaning only a few toilet flushes. Do not run a dishwasher, or washing machine or use the shower until you have the tank emptied and have the problem fixed.
The last most common system is a packaged sewage treatment plant. Very similar to a tank and field. When the alarm goes on this system it is the same as the tank and field, something is broken.
Lastly, we have never seen a holding tank without an alarm, but we do see lots of tank and field systems without alarms. It is highly suggested to have an alarm. There are many sewer installation companies that can help you with this. Without an alarm, you have no way to know if your sewer has a problem until it is backed up into your home. We would only suggest a hard-wired alarm, wireless alarms are notorious for false alarms or not working at all.
Frozen pipes...
If a pipe freezes in the underground field it is very difficult to access it and get it thawed out. A sewer installation company may be able to help you with this. It is very important to keep all traffic off the field in the winter, so the frost is not driven deeper into the ground. Usually, when a pipe freezes it is the pipe in the tank, and it is very easy to thaw out. You need to get to the tank with 2 to 3 4-gallon pails of hot tap water and trickle it over the pipe. When you are done doing that you will probably start hearing the water start to flow through the pipe and the water level will start to drop.
Edmonton Vac Truck Services
Septic Tank
Septic tank pumping services you can count on. We are a professional and the best vac truck company that offers pumping services.
Holding Tank
We keep businesses and residential holding tanks empty and ready for use. All your septic needs from the best vac truck company!
Sump Pump
Pumping your sump pump keeps wastewater flowing. Our highly-trained and qualified septic team are people you can trust.
Septic Pumping Help
Your Septic Pump
Replacing a septic or sewer pump before it breaks down is the best way to prevent flooding from backup. We can refer you to a trusted pump service company.
Packaged Sewer
Treatment Plant
Sewer treatment system assistance is what we do! Keeping your 3-compartments operational by removing sludge & wastewater for safe hauling & disposal.
Potable Water
Hauling
We supply potable water for commercial & residential. We also own Evjen Water Hauling.
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