The grass is always greener over the septic tank. Erma Bombeck penned a famous quote of hers into a bestselling book. She was right. The grass is always greener over the septic tank and the septic field and the cesspool and/or entire septic system.
Why?
A septic system handles all the wastewater from your home. It is like having your own mini sewer plant on your property. If this system is not working correctly (malfunctioning) then the immediate signs are lush, green grass over parts or the whole septic system. There are other signs as well.
3 warning signs you might be missing
1) Slow running drains or toilets? Gurgling sink drains?
This all can be an indication that your Septic System Drainage Area (otherwise known as a leach field, disposal bed, seepage pits, absorption area, lateral lines or trenches) are not draining correctly. Also can be a sign that your tank is overdue for pumping & cleaning. Or a clog has formed in the outlet lor inlet line.
2) Wet mushy spongy ground? Lush, green grass?
This can be an indication of effluent breakout (sewage leaking) from the Septic System Drainage Area. If drainage area is not draining correctly, Septic effluent will be present resulting in a spongy, wet, pond-like area. Usually you will see this wet area on the lowest part of the septic drainage area. Lush green grass can be present over the break-out area.
3) Backups into the house/basement?
This can indicate that there may be a clog between your Septic Tank & House. Also can indicate a Septic Tank that may need cleaning/pumping or a Disposal Area that is not draining correctly (malfunctioning)
Keep your septic system happy & healthy. In the long run it will keep your home, property and environment healthy & working well for many years to come. Consult with A-Norton Septic Contracting. We know Septic!
Remember it is the most expensive utility in your home-make it last!
Do April Showers really bring May Flowers?
Not in the septic system world. April showers bring headaches & backups for a septic system that may be malfunctioning. (Not draining correctly)
When there is a lot of rain, a marginally working septic system will have trouble operating correctly. And when your water usage in your home is high this will contribute to ongoing issues the system may be having. So what to do?
Routine preventative maintenance is always your first line of defense. Follow these rules!
Have your septic tank routinely pumped and cleaned.
Curb excessive water usage. Good for your septic system & the environment.
Install preventative maintenance options that are easy & cost effective way of maintaining longevity for your septic system.
Know the warning signs. Do not ignore a problem or issue. In the long run it will be more costly to correct.
Septic System codes are changing to prevent people have continuously failing septic systems.This is a state & local health code violation. So repair and/or remediation may be very costly if you have to upgrade your septic system to the New 2012 Septic System codes in New Jersey.
Contact us at A-Norton Septic Contracting We know Septic Systems! And we are always glad to help!! We are a full service company that handles Septic Tank pumping & cleaning, Septic System repairs & installations, Septic Inspections & consultations/troubleshooting and Septic preventative maintenance option.
Septic code changes for Onsite Wastewater Disposal Systems (commonly referred to as "onsite or "septic" systems) will be in effect April 2nd, 2012. This ruling from the NJDEP allows changes to the current N.J.A.C. 7:9A (aka Chapter 199) rule in regards to Septic Systems. We at A-Norton Septic Contracting have been implementing these new changes already on the Septic Systems we have installed, repaired and maintained for the past several years. As a full Septic System service company we have the most up to date knowledge & expertise on Septic Systems in New Jersey. We know septic. So consult with us on any questions you may have regarding Septic Systems and the New changes that will be in effect for New Jerseys' property owners with Septic Systems
Whether selling or buying a home with a Septic System be alert to these new changes. As a property owner with a Septic System you need to be aware of these rules to stay in compliance with local and state environmental laws.
Contact us at A-Norton Septic Contracting We know Septic Systems! And are always glad to help!!
For Septic System repairs & installations, pumping and preventative maintenance options see our webpage @ anortonsepticandwaste.com
Green Septic Systems? Yes, it can easily be done. Your home septic system is composed of only two basic components: A septic tank and a disposal area. Each is an integral function in the treatment & disposal of domestic wastewater resulting from laundry and bathing, kitchen wastes and body wastes. This relatively simple system of wastewater renovation can effectively remove disease-causing pathogens and chemical nutrients from domestic wastewater for the life of the home when properly designed, constructed, operated and maintained. So how do you properly maintain an existing septic system? Think Green!
Sewage which enters the septic tank is retained for a short time during which it breaks down into scum, sludge and liquid effluent. Most solid matter will settle to the bottom as sludge while buoyant grease, fats and hair will float to the surface and form a scum layer. Between these two layers is a clear liquid effluent which drains into the disposal area. The solids in the tank will be digested and converted into gases by microorganisms such as bacteria. This bacterium needs a “green” environment to function & do their job properly. That is where you as the homeowner come in to keep these bacteria happy & healthy.
Don't send bacteria-killing toxins down the drain. These include: Drain cleaners, antibacterial soaps, disinfectants, bleaches-whiteners, discarded medications and the worse one-paint! This clogs both the septic tank & disposal area.
Don't send anything down the drain that can’t be broken down. It will clog the disposal area resulting in premature failure of your septic system. Cooking grease, cigarette butts, paints, coffee grinds and feminine products, cat litter, etc.
Don't install a garbage disposal. If you already have one use it sparingly or disconnect it.
Keep your water softener backwash (wsbw) out of your septic system. WSBW should be disposed of on the property in accordance with NJDEP rules (NJAC 7:9A)
Non-Degradables: Grease, disposable diapers, plastics, cigarettes, baby wipes, feminine products, cat litter, cotton balls/swabs, dental floss, medications/vitamins, lint and hair.
Poisons: Gasoline, oil, paint thinner, paint, pesticides, antifreeze, bleach, mop water, drain cleaners.
Try these green-cleaning items from your pantry or medicine cabinet or buy products that are safe for the environment like Simply Green, Mrs. Meyers or Method cleansers/products.
Try these helpful hints for using five non-toxic cleaners:
Vinegar: Cleaning glass: Use it like a store bought spray. Removing soap & or hard-water build-up: Put tissues over the stained area; pour vinegar. Let sit for 30 minutes; scrub, rinse and buff dry with soft cloth.
Baking Soda: For banishing stinky odors: Sprinkle a few tablespoons into sneakers or empty gym bags, leave overnight, and then shake out excess in am. Pour a liberal amount in trash can before putting a new bag in.
3 percent Hydrogen Peroxide: For killing mildew on tiles and cleaning plastic cutting boards: Pour enough to cover area, let sit ½ hour, scrub, rinse and dry.
Isopropyl Alcohol: For erasing fingerprints from chrome & stainless steel and cleaning cell phones (but not their screens) wipe with an alcohol-dampened microfiber cloth.
Salt: For scrubbing gunk off wooden cutting boards, glass baking dishes and pet bowls: Sprinkle a healthy amount on a damp sponge, scrub, rinse off and wipe dry.
Thinking and acting green can be less expensive and better for the environment, our families and pets.
Contact us at A-Norton Septic Contracting We know Septic Systems! And are always glad to help!!
For Septic System repairs & installations see our webpage for
The Green Choice in Septic Systems!
Show your Septic System some love and care & it will take care of you!
This time of the year people are thinking of others-loved ones, family and friends. Well we at A-Norton Septic Contracting think of septic systems. While everyone deserve some nice things on Valentine’s Day we think your septic system does too. No, not flowers, candy or fragrant toilet paper-We are talking love & care. Just like anything or anyone else in your life-your septic system deserves to be treated well. Here is what we recommend for many years of service that your septic has provided you that you can do for your septic:
Gift #1 Pump your septic tank (and pump tank if you have one) Your Septic Tank is a filter that gathers all the wastewater you generate, it needs to be cleaned and checked for proper operation at least every 2-3 years. More so if the system is older and/or water usage is high.
Gift #2 Know the location of you septic system: DO NOT DRIVE vehicles or build deck, patios, landscape over any part of the septic system.
Gift #3 Practice water conservation.Large volumes of water, especially when delivered to the septic system over short periods-flush suspended & untreated particles into the drain field and will form a clogging mat. Wash full loads of clothes or set washing machine water levels for smaller ones. Front loading machines use less water also. Scatter loads throughout the week. AVOID doing multiple back to back loads. Adjust water softeners for minimum amount of regenerating that will still give you acceptable water. If allowed: Have water softener discharge into a drywell-NOT your septic system.
Gift #4 DON’T send bacteria-killing toxins down the drain. These include: Drain cleaners, antibacterial soaps, disinfectants, bleaches-whiteners, discarded prescription medicines and the worse one-paint. Paint clogs up the septic tank and drain field which can result in the malfunctioning of the septic system.
Gift #5 DON’T send anything down the drain that can’t be broken down. It will clog the drain field and septic tank which can cause back-up of sewage into your home. Cooking grease, cigarette butts, paint, coffee grinds and feminine products are some examples. DON’T install a garbage disposal. If you have one already, use it sparingly or disconnect it.
Gift #6 Install an effluent filter onto your existing septic tank. This small option will promote longevity to your septic system by filtering out unecessary debris that would normally be flushed into your septic tank & clog your drain field. Resulting in a malfunctioning of your septic system that can cause a major financial & emotional heachache for you. (picture below shows an effluent filter doing its job-preventing debris, hair, lint, etc from passing thru the septic tank into your drain field or seepage tank)
You may get away with abusing or not cleaning your septic for a significant period of time, but trust us the end result could be expensive and inconvenient. Treat you septic well and it will take care of you when you need it! In the long run it will keep your home, property and environment healthy & working well for many years to come.
Remember it is the most expensive utility in your home-make it last!
Contact us at A-Norton Septic Contracting We know Septic Systems! And we are always glad to help!!
Selling a home? Have a client buying a home? You have been on both sides of the picket fence if you are a realtor. Have you had the following happen to you? Had a great client, lovely home or property involved, looking to close real soon-ONLY to have the deal fall thru due to a Septic System issue? Well you shouldn't have if you called us. In this housing market no-one can afford to lose a sale.
We @ A-Norton Septic Contracting are here to help.
If you are a listing agent-you know that in order to sell a home the experts recommend to FIX IT! Which means: Anything that is not operating, including windows, leaking roofs or appliances should be repaired or replaced. It is cheaper to fix it than to deduct from the sales price. That includes the Septic System (which is the most expensive, most utilized appliance/utility in the home) We can guide you accordingly if you are under contact or better yet consult with us if your client is listing a home with you to have us a do an on-site evaluation of the current Septic System. This simple effort can go a long way to make a deal instead of break one.
By knowing the status of the Septic System before you are under contract-that repair may be able to be made with minimal cost & time as a opposed to having a war with your client, the listing or selling agent & their client, both parties’ lawyers, the mortgage company & the local Health Department, then postponing the closing or losing that sale.
Get it sold! Consult with us!!!
Contact us at A-Norton Septic Contracting We know Septic Systems! And we are always glad to help!!
A septic system resolution? For New Year's?
As we all try to start the New Year with good intentions, ideas, and commitments we should keep in mind that some may last & others may not. Some people have been quoted as saying:
“Cheers to a new year and another chance for us to get it right”. ~Oprah Winfrey
“Ring out the old, ring in the new, Ring, happy bells, across the snow:
The year is going, let him go; Ring out the false, ring in the true” .~Alfred, Lord Tennyson, 1850
“People are so worried about what they eat between Christmas and the New Year, but they really should be worried about what they eat between the New Year and Christmas” ~Author Unknown
At A-Norton Septic Contracting what we want people not to worry about is their septic system-all year long. Since your most important utility in your home is your Septic System, your everyday living depends on it working correctly. Your showers, toilets, sinks and washing machines are all involved with your septic system. A faulty system can wreck havoc on your lifestyle, environment and home. So keep this in mind when making your resolutions this New Year. Your Septic System should be care for regardless if you made a resolution or not. The US Government Department of Health, Education and Welfare Public Service says, “A septic tank system will serve a home satisfactorily only if it is properly designed, installed and adequately maintained. Even a good system which does not have proper care and attention may become a nuisance and burdensome expense”
So resolve to keep your septic system working well past Jan 2nd.
Regularly!
If you have a pump tank for a mounded system-Pump that too!
And “May all your troubles last as long as your New Year's resolutions”. ~Joey Adams
Tis the season to be jolly! Is your septic system ready for the holidays? With winter almost here, the hustle & bustle of the holidays approaching who has time to think of their septic system. Well, we recommend you do. The reasons: We’ll give you twelve good reasons!
1) Have you pumped out your septic tank lately? If the answer is no-we strongly recommend that it be serviced. With holiday entertaining and more water usage this will help alleviate any problems.
2) When there is snow on the ground & your tank needs to be serviced does someone has to dig 1-3 feet to access the tank lid? If you answered yes. Either have your ice pick & shovel ready or save yourself the trouble and backache. Have a access riser installed on the tank lid to bring them just below surface. If you have to have the tanks serviced for routine septic tank maintenance or an emergency they will be easy to access at this time of year or any time of year.
3) Does your tank have an effluent filter? Has it been checked lately? If you answered no then you better get outside & check or have us check for you. An effluent filter traps unwanted debris, hair, lint, etc that may normally clog your drain field-but left unchecked the filter can clog too & act like a dam by not preventing any water flow. This will result in your tank backing up & maybe into your home too. Not a pretty holiday sight!
4) Going away for the holidays? Make sure you have no toilets running in the house. A running toilet can deposit a large volume of water into your septic system which can result in premature failing of your drain field.
5) Having a lot of people over for the holidays? Make sure your guests are “septic educated” by letting them know what to flush & what not to flush. (Contact A-Norton Septic Contracting for our Septic 101 information brochure) Clogging toilets can happen quite quickly which an emergency service visit may be needed to unclog.
6) Holiday baking, cooking, cleaning? Be careful what you wash, rinse or throw down the drain. Food items, cooking grease, too much bleach can cause problems for your septic tank & septic system.
7) Invited all your friends, family, and neighbors over for the festivities? Make sure no one parks on your septic system. Unless you have a heavy duty traffic bearing (must be HD rated) septic tank NO-ONE should be driving or parking on your septic tank. Absolutely NO driving on the disposal area. (the heaviest item that can go over your disposal area is your lawnmower)
8) Selling your home? Make sure your septic system can pass the home inspection. At this time of year-repair and/or replacement can be costly and time consuming due to frozen soil and winter conditions.
9) Buying a home? Make sure you have a Septic Contractor inspection of your future home’s septic system. A home inspector may not have the credentials or experience to check this important home utility. Consult wisely.
10) Leaking drain field or overflowing septic tank? This leaking effluent can cause icing in and around your property. Fix problems now before issues occur. Local Health Department violations can be issued at any time of year.
11) Is your Septic System working part time? Holiday time is not the time to be fussing with your most expensive utility in your home. Make sure all components are working including your effluent pump. With winter approaching make sure this pump is working well and all electrical connection are correct. A non-working pump will not pump sewage out of the pump tank into the your drain field which can result in back-ups into your home and basement. Winter storms bring power outages. Septic Systems that utilize a pump system (mounded septic systems) will not work without any electric. Think about have a generator connection to keep those pumps working so showers, toilets etc can work efficently and drain correctly.
12) Call A-Norton Septic Contracting for all your Septic System needs.
Happy Holidays to you and yours!
A-Norton Septic Contracting wishes everyone a Happy & Healthy Holiday Season now & always! Thank you to all our customers for your loyal patronage throughout the years!!
When a homeowner is in need of any type of home improvement a good contractor is what one wants. Fair with price, completes work as per estimate & plan, and works in a timely matter along with bringing you the agreed final product without headaches & hassles is what we all wish for. Now do we get that with just any contractor? Usually not. That is why it pays to research a contractor. Just don’t pick one based on price. Compare estimates based on apples to apples, not apples to a lemon. Looking into their company, years of expertise, long satisfied referral list, project completion time, knowledge of the product or field they are working in is what make one stand out from another.
Asking around-by checking with neighbors, local authorities and even checking with local supply companies (such as plumbing & building) can help you out. Some web-based consumer sites such as Angies List or Service Magic can lead you to reliable pre-screened contractors. But when the decision needs to be made it is always your decision. So make a good one. People learn from mistakes is the old saying-but try to avoid the costly mistakes if you can. A lot of contractors can talk the talk but can’t produce in the end. When it comes to installing & repairing Septic Systems there is a lot of confusion & “hidden agendas” with some local contractors. Your Septic System is your most expensive utility in your home. Leaving it to the “cheapest” contractor can do more harm than good. Some contractors only "excavate" for Septic Systems. They don’t even service them. So if you had a problem-lots of luck trying to get them to handle the issue let alone have them call you back. Once the job is done so are they. Or the contractor that doesn’t have the resources to complete the entire job. They use other contractors to sub contract the work out. So you are getting a few contractors involved in your project instead of one full service company. The contractor offering “will beat any estimate” will mostly likely be shortchanging you & the project (by compromising material, labor, end result) than themselves. Or the best is the bait & switch contractor. They offer a low price to get you hooked & then start the job only to state that “more materials are need as required by the local health department” which then requires more money that what was originally estimated for. (if this is the case with a job of yours-best to consult with the local health department to verify this information is correct before handing over any money to that contractor) Read all the fine print in an estimate. This can make or break your budget by hiring a contractor that won't do the final grading (as required by most health departments) or fix your sprinkler system or restore your lawn (resulting in you having to hire another contractor for additional costs that you pay for) The saying goes “Quality workmanship & materials costs money, poor workmanship and materials cost more money” The following list should be a guide line to finding that "good contractor"..........
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Experience Make sure they have it! A long list of referrals will let you know.
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Trust Licensed & Insured is a must! Ask the local health departments.
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Dependability Make sure the job is finished promptly! and most of all-correctly!
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Quality This is a big factor in having a long lasting septic system!
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Service Get referrals-Ask around! Are they a full service company?
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Communication Is key! Do they call you back? Explain & guide you?
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Price Find the best overall "value" not the cheapest price!
Try to avoid the following scenarios that may occur if you don't choose well!
Front yard left a rutty mess! Now have to pay someone else to fix it!
Left this mess for the homeowner to clean up! You get what you pay for!
Digging for septic gold? No-this is just how they left their excavation-This is where experience is lacking! Note the safety fencing.
Job well done? Other contractor's final grading!
Contact us at A-Norton Septic Contracting We know Septic Systems! And we are always glad to help!!
Is your septic system scary? Is your septic system showing you its ugly dark side?
Lush green grass, black oozy liquid, horrible smells, slow-moving toilets & drains??? If so-You may have the Septic System Failing “Monster”. If you are experiencing one or all of these situations you may have a problem. Various conditions can wreck havoc on your septic system. It is important to address any issues you may be having before it becomes a major headache. With winter soon approaching in NJ you don’t want to have any Septic System issues when there is snow or bad weather conditions that can prevent you from making any needed repairs or remediation. Your Septic System is your most utilized & costly appliance in your home. Just like you winterize your sprinkler system or your pool-Your septic system can use some seasonal care too. Preventative maintenance will keep your Septic System functioning properly. Consult with us at A-Norton Septic Contracting. We'll take the scary part out of your septic system care and/or repair.
Treat your Septic System Well!!!!!!! or it will get ugly on you!!!!!!!
