Factors to be considered in constructing a Septic tank

Several factors need to be considered while constructing a septic tank. First and foremost… There should be no leakages. Septic tanks need to be cleaned on regular basis. Constructing a septic task is neither an easy task nor a job you can do yourself. They should be constructed with utmost care so that there will be no leakages in the tank.

Cost of establishing a septic tank system varies accordingly to the situation involved. It means, if at all you already have a built-in septic tank and just needed to get that routed to other tanks, would cost you much less than constructing entirely a new septic tank.

The reason is simple. For a new septic tank construction, everything needs to be build from the rudimentary stage and it’s a cumbersome and painstaking job. Obviously, you cannot do-it-yourself as it requires a perfect approved plan and approach to start.

Even if you take it as a challenge and start building the septic tank on your own, you would give up in the middle or even if you were able to build the septic tank in a cogent manner, it would cost your health. Building a septic tank yourself means, breathing a malodorous fumes for a long time! Don’t try it!

Whom to contact for setting up a Septic tank?

There are many private organizations that can assist you in building a septic tank. They do have well trained staff and much skilled labor. For building a new septic tank, we approach a contractor who undertakes the setting up and maintenance of septic tanks. They do have many packages from which we can select the one which suits us the most. Each package will have separate cost, timeframe and of course quality. Accordingly cost varies from 150-300 USD.

Guidelines for optimal maintenance of a septic tank

There are several guidelines though which you can follow to keep your septic tank clean. Some of them are as follows:

1.    Ensure that your septic tank is cleaned once or twice in every two years.

2.    There are many devices available in the market which can be used by you at ease in cleaning the septic tank. However, this can be cumbersome task for you. The best option is to call your plumbing team that has expertise in septic tank pumping.

3.    Unnecessary wastage of water needs to be reduced, that may cause the septic tank to overflow and sometimes the reverse flow – the drained water may flow back into the house through pipes and taps.

The solid wastes are usually present in the waste water in the form of fats or oils. This phenomenon can be explained with a fine example like, before we wash our utensils in which some cooking is done, there remains a few oil fragments as well as some small food ingredients in that utensil. When we wash the utensil, these particles get dumped into the traps and weaken the filtering action of traps.

The drawbacks of wastes in the trap are manifold. They got settled in the trap and hinder the smooth flow of water and slowly wastes get accumulated in the trap and in its final case, it leads to full blocking of water which causes the water to flow in the reverse direction. This causes tremendous foul smelling and affects health malignantly.

In some cases, the plumbers report that the entire pipe or the trap needs to be replaced. As we all know that “prevention is better than cure”, grease traps need to be protected well in advance. We must be pro-active.

History and Development of Grease traps

In the ancient days, people employed passive grease traps. Nathaniel whiting from California proposed the first patent around 1890s. The pattern that he proposed was very robust. The same design is being followed today. ASME A112.14.3 is the current standard proposed by the industry.

A new development to these grease traps is that they are able to recycle the grease collected from the common waste water. These equipments are coined as Grease recovery device. ASME A112.14.4 is the current standard proposed by the industry for these Grease recovery devices.

How grease traps Work

The working principle is same for all kinds of grease traps. At one end, grease traps contain a wire in inverted shape which is the basis for separating the fats and oils from the waste water. All the waste matter gets to the top of the water after a certain period of time will be separated by means of this inverted thin wire. This ultimately results in the reverse flow of drain water from the taps.

For smooth running, grease traps need to be checked regularly. There are several easy to follow precautions that can be implemented in order to keep the traps clean.

Do-Always

1. Clean the utensils thoroughly before washing them.

2. Follow particular timings regularly for cleaning the pipe.

3. Throw the wastage into the garbage unlike directly dumping into the water.

4. If you have a habit of eating with bear hands, do not wash your hands directly under taps in the sinks.

Do-Never

Never use chemicals for cleaning the traps as they may react with the trap contents and worsen the traps’ performance.

As precautions are more than the never-dos, we can take care of the grease traps smoothly.

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Reason behind Clogging

There are many unfriendly items in the wastes to the proper operating of the garbage disposal unit. To mention only a few, there area egg-shells, coffee grinds and potato peels. Potato peels, for example, contain high starch level which solidifies and builds up in the drain. After some period of time, such deposits will not be washed by water causing a clogging. Furthermore the lack of enough water while operating the unit and lack of permissible waste deposits will eventually cause a garbage disposal to be clogged.

Unclogging

To unclog the sink drain, it is quite important to use a plunger or perhaps a snake.  If the plunger is not enough to unclog then you must have a snake or an auger.

If you find that the speed of operation of the disposal unit is slow, in other words, the water with the wastes goes down slowly, then, there must be a clog. It can be in the line going out from the unit through the wall or it can be in the P-trap. You can clean both, the line as well as the P-trap, with the use of a snake or an auger. The cable will penetrate deep in the line or the P-trap and will unclog it.

If you decide to take the trap out of the unit, you just look below the sink and you will find it coming out of the garbage disposal unit. What is called a P-trap is actually a dump that holds waste. It is not in the shape of a “P” but rather of an “S”. It is quite easy to remove if it is made out of plastic. I is going to be a different matter if it is made of metal and will surly require some muscular efforts to be removed form the unit.

Remember…

You need to remember to place a plastic bucket right below the disposal unit and the P-trap. You must start slowly moving the snake or the auger into the drain. From time to time, you must stop and flush hot water into the drain. You continue driving into the drain your auger or snake until you reach a stopping point. Now you must bear in mind that along the line there are curves and bends and these do not constitute a stopping point. When you actually reach the stopping point, you turn on the hot water tap and flush the sink drain out. Make sure that you really flush it well with water. Then you stop, you pull out your auger or snake. Put the P-trap back into place onto the garbage disposal.

After this, garbage disposal clogging must no longer be a problem for you.

Wax seal

The result of leaking will be a wet floor. New t-bolts and a new wax ring will be needed to fix it. Turn water off, flush and sponge out water. From the bowl, the t-bolts and the supply tube should be loosened off. The bowl is then lifted from the floor and turned upside down to scrape off the wax seal. Take the old seal away and the old bolts are removed from the floor. Place the new ones and the wax seal. Place the bowl on the flange. Then press gently so that the wax to make a new seal. One bolt after the other is tightened, but never over- tightened. The supply tube is then hooked up.

Tank to bowl connection

New tank bolts and a spud washer are needed unless the bowl or tank has cracked. Find out where it is leaking. If it is continuous, the tank may have cracked. You check by wiping the tank dry and passing your hands over to feel where it leaks. Sometimes the cracks may be hairline. If it is condensation your tank must be lined with Styrofoam insulation. If leaking continues, get a new toilet or a matching tank.

If the tank bolts and spud washer have to be changed, loosen the bolts below the tank after turning off water and flushing. The supply tube is loosened and removed. Remove the spud washer. Fit a new one. After placing the bowl back in place the new bolts are tightened. Do not tighten too much because you can crack the bowl or the tank. If there are leaks tighten slightly.

Supply tube connection

Replace the supply tube by another one.

Tank to bowl leaking inside toilet

Some drops of food coloring are placed in the tank and if after one or two hours, it appears on the bowl, the flapper is leaky. Turn off water. The flapper chain is taken off the lever. The flapper is removed from the two rubber hooks found at the bottom of the over flow tube and to which the flapper is attached. Just install the new flapper. If the flush does not work properly adjust the chain length.

Leaking by flowing over the overflow tube inside toilet

A new fill valve is needed. Turn off water and sponge out water after flushing. The bolt below the valve must be loosened. Replace the old by the new fill valve and check its height. The valve is put into the hole of the tank and the outside bolt is tightened. Then the supply tube is put on. Check for leaks. The tube that comes with the valve must be connected from the valve to the over flow tube with the connector provided in the package to allow the tank to fill after flushing.

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1.    Toilet drain-pipe getting plugged(stopped draining)
2.    Toilet running(water not stopping after draining)

The above two are the main problems faced by most of the toilets. If your drain-pipe is plugged then this problem is more urgent than a running toilet due to which a lot of water is wasted causing annoyance.

Unplugging a plugged toilet

Unclogging a clogged toilet can be learnt by anyone. It only needs the right tools and complete patience/endurance. To fix a plugged toilet, the primary object you need is a toilet plunger. It looks like a rubber bowl on a stick, though it is slightly different from a sink plunger.

Toilet plunger – Its end looks like a ball cut into half with an opening. Its shape is thus that it can fit onto the toilet’s waste opening. It is made up of plastic and is very effective and it has an appearance of accordion. To direct the waste into the waste opening is its main function.

The main thing it does is that when the plunger is plunged up and down. The plunger fills with water, when it is plunged up and blocks the waste opening that is called as a force cone. When it is plunged down, the water filled in the plunger pushes the clog with all its force. So the main thing to do with a plunger is just to put it onto the waste opening and plunge it up and down randomly and repeatedly.

While you are plunging the toilet, you have to be fairly forceful because the foremost aim is hitting the blockage hard enough with water so that the blockage breaks. But you don’t need to put all your force! While doing if you have not splattered some water out of the pot then maybe you’re not trying hard enough. May be that’s why plumbers charge you so much! Kidding!!

Sometimes it may happen that your plunger is not able to break the blockage…its high time that draw the closet auger out!

Closet auger - To deal with stubborn blockages closet auger is used. It has a long, flexible cable that is shaped like a ‘J’ and long enough to go through the drain pipe, with a handle attached to it just as long as the cable. The cable is present inside a metal case.

First, you have to pull out the cable from the metal case and then put it into the waste opening ensuring that the cable is inside the drain-pipe. When the blockage gets cleared flush the toilet while you are removing the cable out of the bowl so that it gets cleaned. And it will be good if you put some toilet tissues into the bowl and flush it a couple of times before removing the cable out just to make certain that the blockage has been cleared completely.

Due to growing water scarcity, many toilet manufacturers are trying to manufacture such toilets that use less water per flush. But in spite of their hard work to improve their performance, many toilets face the same problem – a plugged toilet. So it’s my advice to you to learn how to unclog your toilet then maybe you’ll save some money and time of yours.

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This potential danger of possible damages in coming future makes regular home inspection an essential aspect of maintenance. Doing this, the profit is yours. While the fixing of small issues can hardly cost you few dollars, if you don’t pay your attention, most of the problems related to your home have potential to become major complex issues that can cost you significant amount of money. One of such examples where your small overlook can really cost you a huge amount in future is damage or crack to your sewer line.

So, to avoid this potential future hazard, you need to call your plumber and get a thorough inspection done regularly. The technology in plumbing field is advancing with every day and video sewer line inspection has become very popular among plumbers and clients alike of late.

Video Sewer Line Inspection

The primary signs to call your plumber for such video inspection include your draining system showing the signs of sluggishness, taking multiple flush attempts before the sewage get cleared. Obviously, the main reason behind this can be clogging or any similar kind of obstruction in your drain line. To identify the precise location of the damage, video inspection is carried out. Basically, it is a process in which video camera is pushed through your drain line with use of cable and your plumber can actually see the inside section of the pipe without excavating and exposing the whole pipe.

The whole process is quicker compared to the traditional method of repairing such damages and you can precisely locate and identify the location and gravity of the problem. Once you identify this, your plumber can do only the required excavation to expose particular section of pipe and start cutting and replacing it. With the less time required for the whole procedure and ease of doing the work reduces the cost considerably for you.

So, next time if you feel that you might have problems with your sewer line, video sewer line inspection is the best option you got.

Root invasion in main drain is a real problematic plumbing issue. Getting rid of these tree roots can be a cumbersome task and you need a professional Atlanta plumber with plenty of experience of handling such issues. Removing tree roots from sewer line is a major plumbing task and I am afraid that it may be a very costly affair for you. A simple sign of such invasion can be identified through development of sink holes or wet areas in your yard or foul smell of sewage.

If your plumber recommends you a sewer repair job then its cost depends on numerous diverse factors. These factors include ease of access to the pipe, single or multiple damages, gravity of the damage involved and amount of excavation required.

As these drain lines are buried at quite a depth in the soil, to access the precise location, you need to excavate and expose the main drain. Although with modern technology of trenchless repair and video inspection, you can minimize the quantity of excavation; this is still going to be a big job. After excavation, depending on the gravity of damage your professional plumber will decide on repairing or replacing or relining the sewer line.

Can You Do It Yourself?

Another thing you can do is to apply anti- root treatment to your sewer line to avoid any potential root invasion. This can be done easily with the help of augers. You can also use power drain auger to run through your sewer line. Once you retract the drain snake then you will probably find lots of roots tangled up at its end. This will convince you that you have removed most of the roots from your sewer line. However, you should remember that not all drain augers are efficient enough for such root removal and in most of the cases you need a heavy duty auger. You can get such power augers at online auctions at a very cheap rate.

While do it yourself job can make a lot of saving, it is only possible if you have the right tool for the job. Otherwise it is always advisable to seek help from your local plumbing contractor to carry out this complex repair job.

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Atlanta Plumber Sewer Repair

Do-It-Yourself projects can be fun. If you are one of those who love to take DIY approach when it comes to minor plumbing repairs, you are certainly going to save money besides ensuring that there is no dripping faucet in your home. However, you can’t do all repairs when it comes to major and complex plumbing issues. You must hire professional plumber in Atlanta to carry out such jobs.

Sewer repair is one of such issues. Sewer line carries all raw sewage containing enormously dangerous materials that can seriously affect the health of your family. Moreover, if you are not able to handle the issue in proper way, the main line can develop more problems and situation can only worsen. So, instead of saving few dollars, you will be at risk of losing more money besides risking your own health quotient.

It Is The Time To Call Atlanta Plumber

Here are some pointers that will tell you that you need professional assistance from qualified skilled plumber…

• Drainage flow from your tub gets slow. You might think it as simple clogging issue, but even after your try the situation doesn’t improve then its time to call your plumber. Simple way to check the possibility of sewer line problem is…place your palm over the drain. If you don’t feel the strong suction, then remember, the problem lies with your sewer line. In such cases, call your plumber for sewer repair.
• In your basement drain, water gets backed up. This is a sure indication of sewer line problem. Most often, along the years, roots of your backyard trees invade the sewer line. There may be possibility of clogging of any foreign object in sewer line. Whether you opt for trench-less sewer repair or sewer line replacement, it is time to call the Atlanta plumbers. They have necessary equipments, skills and experience to deal with such plumbing issues.

So the verdict is simple…Never take chances when it comes to sewer repair. It is the job that has to be best left for professional plumbing contractors.

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Leaking faucet

Leaking faucet is a subject of annoyance besides wastage of precious water. Although it is always a good idea to hire a professional Atlanta plumber to fix your plumbing issues, if you know the basics and have few handy tools, you can very well do minor repairs yourself. So let us start from basics…

The main function of any faucet is to allow water when it is in “on” status and close water when it is in “off”. As we are dealing with dripping faucet issue, let us focus on closing mechanism.

Two types of closing mechanisms

Washer mechanism

Most of the older types of faucet deigns incorporate use of washers made up of neoprene or rubber that gets tightened and compressed against the faucet seat. Seats are nothing but part of valve that have recesses in shape of square or hexagonal. If you feel their touch as rough by inserting your finger in valve, you need to replace them using wrench.

Water leak issues from such designs can be solved by replacing either seats or washers. If you feel, that the handle of your faucet feels harder while turning it off, then you are most probably having washers in your faucet. Following steps will help you in such plumbing repair works.

• If you want to fix a dripping bathtub faucet, you need to turn the entire water supply off before you remove any faucet parts except the outer trim.
• First, you need to remove the handle by removing handle screw that can be accessed by removing conceal cap. Remove the handle using channel lock pliers.
• Once you remove handle, proceed to take off sleeve over the stem. It can be either threaded directly to valve or used connector in between.
• Now comes your valve stem. Normally stem is threaded into valve and you need to unscrew it. Easy method is …unscrewing the stem through halfway and allow relieving the pressure and then unscrewing it fully.
• Now you have reached to the root of problem – valve. Use deep socket to remove valve. You need to identify the correct nut and need to loosen it. Once the valve system is removed, you would be able to locate the washer. Replace it and start putting back everything together in precise reverse way you opened it.

Washer-less Mechanism

The modern design and most of faucets incorporates washer-less mechanism and use of cartridge. Obviously such repairs evolve around replacing those cartridges. You need to remove the handle and trim same way as described above. Retaining clip or Retaining nut is used to hold cartridge in place. Remove it then simply replace the cartridge and assemble back the whole thing. You are done!

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Remodeling Bathrooms

Do you feel your bathroom is a little dowdy? So, do you want to convert this ho-hum place into a lavish place for leisure and repose? Do you enjoy the feel of warm water throbbing against your tired muscles in the shower or just like reading by candlelight in a fragrant bath? Are you ready to remodel your bathroom to create a sanctuary within the confinements of your home? Well, for most of us bathtub is the most relaxing place where we can shut out pets, kids (and spouse?!) and find escape for some private time.

Installing Luxury Bath Tub

When we think of making our bathroom a lavish one, the first thing that comes to our mind is a luxury bath tub. With just single addition of such bathtub, we can redefine the luxury of our bathrooms while remodeling them. Fortunately, there are numerous kinds of such bathtubs displaying their own diverse luxury features.

So many varieties…

From walk in tub showers to bathtub enclosures, from jetted bathtubs to deep soaking tubs and from claw foot bathtubs to garden tubs, the variations are myriad. While the Claw foot bathtubs offer you the elegance of Victorian era through its design and style, walk in bathtubs offer you great accessibility. And if you want to take pleasure of soaking, garden bathtubs are just made for you!

Jacuzzi – a synonym for spa and hot tub

And what about the famous Jacuzzi tubs? Jacuzzi has become a synonym for spa and hot tub. Although bit expensive, big Jacuzzi bathtub with bubbling water and lots of frothing jets is a perfect concept for luxury bathroom, huh? However, it is important to take note of few finer details while shopping for Jacuzzi.

First of all, you need to identify the precise location for proposed Jacuzzi installation. While garden and patios offer the best location for them, you can also install it in your present bathroom provided you have made arrangement for sufficient ventilation to facilitate ample airflow circulation. You can also go for construction of gazebo. While they come in many shapes and sizes (and you can also get a custom size and shape!), they come with numerous jets and their settings offering you an array of speeds and angles.

Need of maintenance

It is also important that you need proper regular maintenance. It is best to consult your Atlanta plumber to get more details. You need to check water levels frequently and need to maintain water quality. To maintain water quality, often various chemical treatments are needed to get rid of those bacteria.

So when it comes to decision making about installing luxury bath tubs, decide first on the features you would like to get. Luxury bath tubs are not great addition to your bathroom but you can literally create your small oasis from your daily hectic schedule. After all, on a wintry morning, nothing can match a little warmth trickling up to stir you up tenderly and gently.

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