Septic systems help dispose of household waste, treat the wastewater, and help prevent the contamination of surrounding land, groundwater and surface water. Proper maintenance of the septic system helps prevent these health hazards.
Understanding septic systems
Your septic system consists of many different parts that control the flow of wastes.
Septic tanks
All the waste water from your house flows into the septic tank. Solids sink to the bottom where bacteria breaks them down and converts the solids into gases and sludge. Lighter substances float up to the surface, forming a layer of scum on top.
The outlet
A T-shaped outlet regulates the outflow and prevents scum and sludge from flowing out of the tank.
The drain field
This is the area where pumped out wastewater is safely disposed. A network of pipes is laid out on a section of land with gravel-filled trenches. The water flows through the pipes, through the gravel, and then enters the ground.
How to go about maintenance
Proper septic system maintenance not only benefit individual households, but they prevent land and water contamination too.
Inspection
You should preferably have a maintenance contract with a septic system maintenance provider. Every year, you should call a professional to inspect the tank, sludge and scum levels. If the bottom of the scum layer is within six inches of the T-shaped outlet, or if the top of the sludge layer is within 12 inches of this outlet, the inspector will alert you about the need to pump the tank.
Besides this, if you notice any seepage, detect foul smells, have blocked drainages, hear gurgling sounds in the drain pipes and so on, call your septic system maintenance provider to carry out an inspection.
Pump the tank
Every three years, you need to pump the tank as this will keep the septic system in good working order.
Good practices to help maintain the health of your septic system
All the wastewater you generate, from your bathroom, toilets, your kitchen, and every other area that has a drain outlet, flows into the septic tank. This tank has a limited capacity. To prevent overflows, control your water usage. A typical household of three is said to generate around 300 gallons of wastewater each day.
- If you have an old flush system in your toilet, switch to a new system that uses lesser water.
- Use water regulators like faucet aerators and flow regulators in showers to restrict water usage.
- Use your washing machine only when you have enough clothes for a full load.
- Never flush down solids like diapers or napkins, cigarette butts, oils, paints, chemicals, egg or nut shells, etc. down the toilet.
- Restrict the usage of chemical drain cleaners.
- Don’t use your drain outlets to dispose of substances like solvents, paints, floor cleaners, etc. These can destroy the good bacteria that reside in the septic system and also contaminate the surface and groundwater.
- Do not cover your drain field with concrete or plastic. They restrict the flow of air and cut off the oxygen needed by the bacteria to break down waste. Grass is the ideal cover for a drain field.
- Divert water that flows from the roof, patios, paved walkways, etc. away from the drain field.
- Never use the drain field as a parking area for vehicles.
Adopting these good practices, scheduling periodic inspections, and pumping the septic tank can all work together to keep your septic system functioning well.
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GMC Canyon deals you need to know
Read moreGMC canyon deals add advantages and benefits to already great vehicles. For example, the 2017 Canyon small pickup truck is a highly maneuverable and efficient machine that has managed to make a powerful and long lasting impression. It comes with innovative cargo box features and a strong built on the foundation that strikes as stylish.
The functionality of the unique cargo box offers many functional features that make using the cargo and truck bed super simple. With some great GMC Canyon deals, one can avail many features like upper tie downs across 13 location to help manage the cargo of different sizes and shapes, EZ lift and lower tailgates and a spray on bed liner.
The attention to minute details is reflected in the design aspect of the Canyon that includes chrome grille surround, LED signature front lighting, and projector beam headlight. Further, the SLT models offer chrome mirror caps and door handles.
In terms of performance, the 2017 Canyon small pickup truck has an engine that offers power and efficiency in the form of a Duramax diesel engine that has the specifications of 2.8L I-4 Turbo Diesel engine. It delivers abundant torque and horsepower along with other features like B20 biodiesel capability, max trailer rating of 7,700 lbs square, 6-speed automatic transmission, integrated trailer brake controller and a 181 horsepower that runs at 3400 rpm and 369 lb-ft of torque at 2000 rpm. Another striking feature is the segment-first exhaust brake that uses engine compression to slow the truck down, thereby efficiently reducing the amount of conventional braking that is required while driving on downhill terrains.
The active fuel management concept comes from the 3.6L V6, with specifications like the maximum trailering rating of 7,000lbs (5) that is available with the GMC Canyon Trailering package deal and an 8-speed automatic transmission.
The Duralife Brake Rotors come with a coveted ferritic nitro carburizing technology that is GM exclusive patented process. It has proven to strengthen the rotors, and the Duralife further protects against corrosion in addition to doubling the life of the rotors in comparison with the more commonly used conventional rotors.
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4 popular brands offering a great selection of floor mats
Read moreFloor mats are a necessary part of every household no matter how big or small. There are a plethora of floor mats available in the market; these vary as per their size and price. If you’re looking for a basic, designer, or an affordable floor mat, the following four popular brands provide great alternatives that will help you make a good choice.
Basic designs
The basic necessity of a rug is to cover your living space floor, and this can be done by using any type of area rugs. One of the easiest and best choices is to go for is a West Elm floor mat. Although these are definitely top of the line, they have frequent sales and so can provide you with cheap carpets.Ornamental mats
If you are looking to cover a part of the floor mainly for decorative purpose and are willing to spend a bit of money on it, Urban Outfitters provides some of the best designer floor mats at good prices. However, you need to be careful with the usage and maintenance of these mats.Smaller sizes
If you are not really looking to cover the entire floor and just a part of it to go with a couch maybe, World Market is one of the best places that has a really good collection of small rugs that are perfect for any living space. Make sure to buy a rug pad if shopping from World Market, as smaller rugs usually require a decent rug pad to ensure that the appearance is not wasted.Budgeted designs
If you are redesigning your home on a budget but need a decent quality rug, Rugs USA is undoubtedly one of the best options. Not only do they have a large collection of rugs at very fair prices, they also run constant sales and deals going up to even 70%. You can find woven as well as printed designs and definitely some of the best carpets for sale.Some other popular brands that produce good carpets and rugs include Joss & Main, HomeGoods, Overstock™, and many more. While shopping for a rug, the key thing to keep in mind is where will you be placing it and exactly the amount of wear and tear it is going to be facing. Keep the decor of your room in mind as well. Rugs and carpets can complete the look of your home. A carpet reduces an echo and is a very beautiful addition to any home.