Jones Septic

Common Septic Problems You May Be Experiencing

Mon, 30 Jul 2018 00:00:00 -0400

Common Septic Problems You May Be Experiencing

An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure. When it comes to a septic system, this adage applies time and time again. The septic professionals with Jones Plumbing & Septic Tank Service want to help your septic system stay in top shape by discussing these five common septic problems and sharing tips for how to avoid them.

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Encroaching Tree Roots

Trees provide charm and comfort but a tree’s root system can wreak havoc on any septic system. As the roots grow, they are strong enough to break through septic tank walls. Once the walls are pierced, sewage and other effluents can seep from the tank and cause issues in the surrounding environment.

To avoid tree root issues, contact a professional tree service company to remove trees with aggressive roots and ensure any new trees are planted at least 10 feet away from septic systems.

Perpetual Drain Clogs

From time to time drain clogs can happen, but if they’ve become a part of everyday life, there’s likely an issue with the septic tank. As solids build inside the tank, wastewater is unable to efficiently flow through the pipes and may begin to either drain more slowly or back up.

The best way to avoid this issue is to pay attention to what is being flushed down the toilet and washed down the drains. A septic system is meant to break down organic materials, not toilet paper, hygiene products, and other inorganic solids. Another way to avoid drain clogs is to have regular septic tank pumping and maintenance performed, as needed, by Jones Plumbing & Septic Tank Service. Our technicians inspect the septic lines and tank after pumping is complete. If cracks or other structural issues are found in the tank, we’ll let you know what needs to be done to repair the issue.

Soggy, Swampy Or Discolored Lawn

A common sign of a septic tank leak is the presence of unusually thick or deeply colored grass in your yard or lawn. These spots are generally found in parts of the lawn that have also become soggy or swampy when walked through. There may also be puddles of sewage as the leak becomes more pronounced.

Since the septic tank is buried, it may be difficult to immediately spot any leaks that cause soggy or swampy areas in the lawn. But, regular septic inspection from septic tank companies in Gainesville, FL, such as Jones Plumbing & Septic Tank Service, can spot potential or developed leaks before they become serious problems.

Vehicle Damage

Whether it happens one time, such as during a party, or it’s a regular occurrence, driving and/or parking vehicles over the drainfield and septic tank is a major faux pas. The weight of a vehicle can cause these parts to collapse, leading to the need for a full septic system replacement.

If you know the location of the septic system, have guests park elsewhere to avoid a collapsed tank or drain field failure. If the location is unknown, contact Jones Plumbing & Septic Tank Service for expert septic tank service, homeowners rely on. Our technicians can locate the system and create a map to help you identify which areas to avoid driving and parking on.

Lack Of Septic System Maintenance

Ways to improve the health of your septic system include:

Make sure gutters and downspouts direct water away from the septic tank and drain field;
Keep drains clear by using screens and drain covers to prevent hair, food debris, and other waste from entering the plumbing; and
Schedule septic tank cleaning with Jones Plumbing & Septic Tank Service as needed, usually every two to three years.

Jones Plumbing & Septic Tank Service provides a range of septic tank services that help maintain any residential or commercial septic system. Call us today to schedule a septic inspection or to learn more about our services.

Benefits Of Drain Cleaning

Wed, 19 Sep 2018 00:00:00 -0400

How Drain Cleaning Benefits Septic Tanks

If your home relies on a septic system to remove effluent, the benefits of regular drain cleaning are nearly innumerable. The professionals with Jones Plumbing & Septic Tank Service discuss four major benefits of drain cleaning. Hint: it helps you prevent emergency septic tank pumping!

1. Giving Proper Maintenance to the System

Anything that lasts at least 20 years is worth taking care of. That’s how long a septic system can last if it’s properly maintained. Septic tank services, such as drain cleaning, let the technicians with Jones Plumbing & Septic Tank Service identify and repair potential issues early. Additionally, there are several ways in which homeowners can take care of their septic tanks between drain cleanings, such as:

Never pour household chemicals and cleaners down the drain;
Control or reduce the amount of water entering the septic tank each day;
Don’t use a garbage disposal if your home has a septic system; and
Have all septic issues repaired as soon as possible.

2. Preventing Major Issues

A clogged septic tank can send effluent and sewage back into the home or business through the plumbing. Not only does this situation smell awful; it also poses a health risk to anyone exposed to the sewage. Without regular cleaning, the septic system is susceptible to broken pipes, clogged intake and outflow lines, and drainfield failures. These three are major issues that are costly to repair. Replacement costs in the event of drainfield failure can quickly reach $10,000 or more.

3. Eliminating Slow Drains

Slow drains can quickly become annoying. They happen when food scraps, hair, soap, and other materials fail to go down the drain and build up inside the plumbing. Regular drain cleaning, combined with other forms of septic tank cleaning, can remove clogs to get rid of slow drains.

However, if the home has more than one slow drain at a time, this could indicate that the septic tank is full. Gurgling coming from bathtub and/or shower drains or toilets after flushing is another sign that it's time to call Jones Plumbing & Septic Tank Service.

4. Prolonging the Life of Your Septic System

Jones Plumbing & Septic Tank Service recommends drain cleaning once a year for most septic systems. While drain cleaning acts as maintenance for the septic system, it can also extend the lifespan of the entire plumbing system. When the plumbing and septic systems are in good condition, you’ll be able to keep more money in your pocket by not paying for premature replacements or preventable emergency repairs. Yet, when the system reaches the end of its functional lifespan, Jones Plumbing & Septic Tank Service can install a new system for your home or business.

How To Avoid Clogged Drains

Tue, 23 Oct 2018 00:00:00 -0400

5 Septic Tank Tips To Avoid Clogged Drains

Avoiding clogged drains is important for any plumbing system. But for homes and businesses with septic systems, a clogged drain can place unnecessary strain on the septic tank. Jones Plumbing & Septic Tank Service provides a range of professional septic tank services to keep your septic system in top shape.

Call us today to schedule an appointment! In the meantime, these five tips can help you avoid the hassle of a clogged drain.

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1. Pay Attention To What Goes Down The Drain

Remember that a little bit of food can build into larges blockages, especially if other people in the home also rinse food particles down the drain. This is especially true of fat, oil, and grease (FOG). Even in small amounts, FOG in food residue can cause serious damage to your septic system. Also, pasta and rice continue to expand and swell when exposed to water. As these fragments of food accumulate, pipes become extremely prone to clogs.

2. Brush Or Comb Your Hair Before Bathing

Brushing or combing your hair before bathing or showering removes loose hair that could flow into the drain and clog the pipes. Make sure the drain is protected with either a steel mesh or silicone drain cover and clean the cover as necessary. If you wash a pet in the bath or shower, cover the drain with a washcloth. Pet fur can also cause stubborn drain clogs.

3. Be Careful When Using A Garbage Disposal

Septic tank companies, such as Jones Plumbing & Septic Tank Service, strongly discourage the use of garbage disposals but understand if your home already has one installed. In that case, our technicians want you to remember thee following two tips.

Run cold water before, during, and after using the garbage disposal. The temperature prevents food and particles from adhering to the sides of the plumbing.
Never pour FOG into a garbage disposal. Not only does it create foul odors as it solidifies, but FOG coats mechanical parts, including the blades, and can cause a system breakdown.

4. Only Flush Toilet Paper & Waste

There are a lot of everyday products labeled as flushable, but the catch is that only toilet paper and waste should be flushed down the toilet. Flushing other items can cause clogs in the drain pipes and harm necessary bacteria inside the septic tank. Household cleaners, chemicals, medicines, and vitamins can also kill the bacteria. Without bacteria to break down organic matter, solids build up inside the tank. When this happens, be sure to call Jones Plumbing & Septic Tank Service for septic tank pumping or repair right away.

5. Schedule Regular Drain Cleaning & Inspections

Professional drain cleaning should be scheduled and performed each year. This allows technicians the opportunity to inspect the plumbing for other issues, such as cracks and leaks. Most drain cleaning companies use a high-pressure stream of water — known as hydrojetting — to remove clogs while simultaneously cleaning the inside of the plumbing.

Bonus Tip: Don't Overlook Septic Tank Cleaning

A bonus tip is not to overlook having the septic tank professionally cleaned every three years to five years, even if you keep a keen eye on what is going down the drains. Our technicians check the septic tank for tank damage and other issues along with noting the level of solids and liquids inside. If the solids level is nearing the intake and outflow pipes, we’ll provide a timeframe for when a septic tank cleanout should be done. For professional septic tank service home and business owners can rely on, call Jones Plumbing & Septic Tank Service today!

Septic Pumping Is Just What Your System Needs

Tue, 27 Nov 2018 00:00:00 -0500

Septic Pumping Is Just What Your System Needs

Out of sight, out of mind applies to many residential septic systems. But just because you don’t see your residential septic system every day doesn’t mean it’s self-sufficient. Instead, it’s likely in need of a septic tank cleanout and inspection. Jones Plumbing & Septic Tank Service provides all of the septic tank services required to effectively maintain and repair any residential system. Call us today to schedule an appointment for residential septic pumping!

How Septic Tank Maintenance Helps

You may not realize how daily actions can either help or hinder septic tank maintenance. But, some of the easiest ways you can help a septic system include:

Having a professional inspection done once a year;
Washing small loads of laundry so the septic tank isn’t overwhelmed with water from a large load;

Installing water-efficient fixtures and appliances in the home; and
Knowing and recording the location of the septic tank and drain field.

Not all septic tank companies are the same, but Jones Plumbing & Septic Tank Service stands out from other companies. We’re always happy to explain how septic issues occur and what steps you can take to avoid them. For comprehensive septic service, call us today!

Without Pumping, Your System May Have These Issues

A residential septic tank should be pumped out every two to three years, depending on the household size, among other factors. Without regular septic tank service, homeowners suddenly find they have a huge mess to clean up and expensive repair bills to pay to fix these issues.

Lush Patches Of Lawn

Homeowners want healthy lawns, but if your lawn has lush grass in only one or two areas, these vibrant patches are likely located over the septic system. When the septic tank is full, the system still attempts to handle waste. But, because the tank is full, waste is forced to seep out into the surrounding soil. Patches of lush grass are the result.

Slow Drains

A slow drain is usually a sign of a localized clog in the plumbing. More than one slow drain in the home means your system needs professional septic tank services from Jones Plumbing & Septic Tank Service. Since the plumbing and septic systems connect, an increase of effluent inside the septic tank causes drainage speed to decrease.

Excess Tank Water

You likely know the dangers of solids building up inside the tank but what happens when there is too much water? An excess of water can carry solids into the outflow line, allowing solids to either clog the outflow or deeper regions in the drainfield. The bacteria and enzymes inside the septic tank may also be flushed out, which will cause solids to build up too quickly.

Signs It’s Time To Schedule Septic Tank Pumping

Since the septic tank is buried under the lawn outside, knowing when it’s time to call Jones Plumbing & Septic Tank Service for a septic tank cleaning can be tricky — unless you look for these three signs.

Unusual Odors & Noises

Organic solids usually have an smell, but so does gray and black water that comes from bathing, washing dishes and laundry and flushing the toilet. These types of water combined make acrid odors. Conversely, if you hear a belching or gurgling noise coming from the drain, the septic tank is most likely full or nearly full.

Water Pools But No Rain

Other than a sewage backup, having pools of water in one part of the yard without rainfall is a tell-tale sign the septic tank needs a cleanout. Once the tank is full, solids begin to clog the drain field and force liquids to the surface. The ground quickly becomes saturated and the result is pools of wastewater and sewage.

Sewage Backup

Sewage backup is almost always the No. 1 sign that lets residents know it’s time to schedule septic tank pumping. Backups generally occur in drains located in the lowest point of the home. If you notice or smell raw sewage, call Jones Plumbing & Septic Tank Service immediately.

Maintenance Is Critical to Septic Tank Systems

Wed, 26 Dec 2018 00:00:00 -0500

Maintenance Is Critical To Septic Tank Systems

Whether you own a home or business, you likely understand the importance of keeping the physical structure in safe shape. But what about the out-of-sight systems you rely on each day, such as a septic system? While it might seem like one more chore, being too lax in residential or commercial septic system care can affect more than your pocketbook. Jones Plumbing & Septic Tank Service provides expert septic tank services to keep your system in top shape! For more information or to schedule an appointment, contact us today.

3 Benefits Of Septic Tank Maintenance

Septic tank companies such as Jones Plumbing & Septic Tank Service can speak for hours about the benefits of regular maintenance, but for brevity’s sake, here are our top three benefits.

1. Maintenance Is Cheaper Than System Replacement

The cost of installing a new septic system can quickly reach thousands of dollars, depending on the type of system. For many home and business owners, this replacement cost usually exceeds an everyday budget. Regular maintenance, which includes an annual inspection, is usually significantly cheaper and can be done in a matter of minutes.

2. Increased Property Value

Whether you plan to sell the property now or in the future, a healthy septic system will increase the property value. It will also make the property more appealing to buyers, as they won’t have to replace a failing septic system earlier than expected.

3. Healthy Septic System, Healthy Environment

Septic system failures can impact the health of occupants of the home or business, as well as neighbors and the surrounding environment.

Exposure to and contact with sewage through a plumbing backup — which commonly occurs without regular septic tank pumping — can unleash the potential for many health issues.

Plus, since septic systems are located underground, any leaks and/or overflows can quickly contaminate groundwater and other potable water supplies.

Easy Ways To Maintain Your Septic System

Maintaining a septic system isn’t a task that only professionals can handle. With these three easy-to-use tips, home and business owners can have the peace-of-mind their system likely won’t require emergency repairs between service appointments. But if you need an emergency septic tank service, residents know they can count on Jones Plumbing & Septic Tank Service!

Practice Water Conservation

Any septic system needs a certain amount of regular water flow to help solids separate inside the tank. But too much water can overwhelm the system and instead force solids into the outflow pipe and into the drainfield. Once a blockage or clog occurs, wastewater is unable to filter through the drainfield and the entire system backs up.

Here are three easy ways for you to practice water conservation each day:

Only running a dishwasher or clothes washer when it's full;
Immediately repairing all leaky faucets and toilets; and
Switching out older toilets and shower heads for newer, low-flow models.

Watch The Drains

The professional technicians with Jones Plumbing & Septic Tank Service know that sometimes fat, oil, and grease (FOG) and other food waste will accidentally wash down the drain. But these accidents should be few and far between to maintain the health of your septic system.

Schedule Septic Tank Cleaning As Necessary

A system needs to be pumped and cleaned every 3 years to 5 years, but more frequent cleaning may be needed depending on tank size and how many people are using the system daily. During a septic tank cleaning, our technicians remove all waste from the tank using an industrial vacuum then inspect the tank and drainfield for leaks and other issues.

Why Your Septic Tank Needs Professional Cleanings

Tue, 08 Jan 2019 00:00:00 -0500

Why Your Septic Tank Needs Professional Cleanings

The No. 1 reason why your septic tank needs professional cleanings is for your safety. While the idea of cleaning a septic tank is relatively straightforward, you should never attempt to open, clean, or enter a septic tank yourself. As solid waste is digested by bacteria and microbes, various gases form as byproducts, including methane. Methane gas is highly flammable and can be set off by any type of igniter, such as static electricity. Plus, many of the fumes created inside the septic tank are toxic when inhaled.

As a full-service provider of septic tank services, the technicians with Jones Plumbing & Septic Tank Service are certified and trained to effectively and safely clean all types of septic systems. Proper safety equipment and tools are used during each job, which keeps our technicians and customers safe.

Benefits of Regular Septic Tank Cleaning

Don’t worry! When we say regular cleaning and pumping is necessary for all septic systems, it doesn’t mean septic cleaning is needed as often as you vacuum the living room. Instead, most septic systems need a professional cleaning every 3 years to 5 years. Call Jones Plumbing & Septic Tank Service today to schedule a septic inspection and our professional technicians will let you know how often your system should be cleaned. In the meantime, here are three major benefits of having a septic tank cleaned on a regular basis.

1. Protect The Property & Value

Though the focus of a septic tank cleaning is on the tank itself, these regular appointments provide a boon to the drainfield and by extension, the property itself. Signs of a drainfield failure usually include excessive green patches of grass or a perpetual soggy or swampy part of the landscape. The cost to repair and replace the drainfield can quickly exceed thousands of dollars, while the surrounding landscape generally also requires repair. If left unrepaired, the value of the property will begin to decline.

2. Odors & Smells Stay At-Bay

The pesky yet unknown odor you’ve started to notice will disappear after professional septic tank service locals rely on for an odor-free environment. Odd odors and smells happen from time to time, but if a smell becomes part of everyday life, it can be due to a septic tank that has reached capacity. Broken and leaking plumbing, including the septic tank itself, can also be a source of odors as sewage seeps into the ground.

3. Enjoy Free-Flowing Drains

Without excess solids building up in the tank, wastewater is able to freely flow down the drains and out of the home or business. A full septic tank can cause a drain to back up, to which reaching for the plunger is generally ineffective. If the drain backup does clear after using a plunger, it usually becomes clogged again after a short amount of time since the wastewater is unable to enter the tank.

What Happens When A Septic Tank Isn’t Cleaned?

Calling Jones Plumbing & Septic Tank Service for septic tank pumping when needed help you avoid a host of issues both for your home and the surrounding areas. To schedule a septic tank cleaning, call us today!

Health Hazards

Along with the health hazards posed by attempting to clean a septic tank yourself, not cleaning the tank is problematic for occupants of the home or business. The fumes and gases released by a septic system may cause bacterial and respiratory infections if inhaled over a prolonged period of time. Contact with sewage backups, a common sign it’s time to call one of the septic tank companies, such as Jones Plumbing & Septic Tank Service, can cause gastrointestinal issues and other serious illnesses.

Environmental & Water Pollution

A leaking septic tank can cause untreated wastewater to seep into the surrounding ground and groundwater. Since many homes rely on in-ground wells for potable water, contamination from wastewater can render a water source undrinkable. Ground contamination from sewage can also stunt the proper growth of plants, shrubs, and trees, affecting the appearance of the landscape.

Potential Plumbing Problems

Blockages and clogs do more than create a stink in the home or business. They also strain the pipes and other plumbing components, setting the stage for a possible cracked and/or burst pipe. If this happens, a home or business owner faces the expense of repairing or replacing the septic system along with any affected plumbing components.

How To Tell If Your Septic System Needs Repair Or Replacement

Thu, 07 Feb 2019 00:00:00 -0500

How To Tell If Your Septic System Needs Repair Or Replacement

Most home and business owners who use a septic system usually don't think about their septic system unless an issue arises. Jones Plumbing & Septic Tank Service provides high-quality septic system installations, maintenance, and repairs. We'll help you determine if a new septic system is in your future — call us today to schedule septic tank services!

Common Indicators Of Septic System Repair

A septic system is bound to need repairs and it’s important to schedule for necessary repairs to be addressed as soon as the issue presents itself. By being proactive, it’s hopeful that you’ll extend the longevity of your septic system.

Slow Drains

If the drains begin to slow — or clog — then there's likely a septic system issue. Remember that a septic system relies on clear pipes and plumbing to function properly so ignoring a slow drain could cause a chain of events requiring a major repair.

Sewage Backups

The purpose of drains is to carry away waste, so if it comes back as backed up sewage, you need emergency septic service. While regular tank pump-outs generally help avoid this situation, a sudden backup signals a problem.

Putrid Odors

The more waste — solid and liquid — that accumulates in the septic tank, the more noticeable the related odors will be. Yet, if the odors suddenly appear, there may be a clog in the plumbing which will affect the entire system.

Common Types Of Septic Tank Repairs

Distribution Box

In most septic systems, the distribution box is the name for where the drain field pipes connect to the tank. Since it’s responsible for evenly dispersing liquid waste into the pipes, if the distribution box collapses or is otherwise damaged, too much or too little liquid can enter the drain field. Depending on the age of the system, the box may be made from concrete which is subject to degradation from gases inside the septic tank.

Defective Septic Tank Seal

All septic tanks are sealed to prevent waste and byproducts, such as toxic gases, from escaping. Yet over time, the seal may begin to crack, whether because of physical or natural, weathering damage to the tank. Every septic system maintenance check-up should include a thorough examination of the seal and appropriate repairs, if necessary.

Damaged Pipes

Damage to septic tank pipes can occur if an animal burrows deep enough to access and damage septic pipes or a vehicle drives or parks over a system. Additionally, tree roots can grow too close to a septic system, causing damage.

Warning Signs Of Septic Tank Replacement

Though most septic systems last several decades, septic tank companies such as Jones Plumbing & Septic Tank Service know how to tell when a system needs to be replaced. Below are the most common signs indicative of system replacement that we see.

Puddles Form In The Yard Overnight

Puddles or swampy patches in the yard that appear overnight are common warning signs it's time to replace the septic system. The basic function of every system is to move wastewater through the drain field where it then percolates into the surrounding soil. Clogs or breaks in the piping or a cracked tank impede water from flowing through, instead, the water gradually rises to the surface.

Household Size Has Increased

How many people regularly contribute to the septic system determines how big the tank is. If your household size has increased — or if you’re buying a home with a smaller than recommended tank — the system should be upgraded to handle the added demands.

System Needs Frequent Repairs

As with all repairs, there comes a point when the cost of frequent repairs exceeds replacing the system. Plus, repeated repairs usually signals a failing system that will need to be replaced soon.

Well Water Is Contaminated

Most septic system inspections include water quality testing for wells and other potable water sources. If contaminants such as bacteria and/or nitrates are found, and a septic system is nearby, the focus will shift to checking the septic system for leaks. Addressing any contamination immediately is crucial to prevent or reduce environmental and health impacts.

Inspection Reveals An Incorrect Tank

The only way to know if the current septic tank is appropriate for your area is with an inspection. Most systems are gravity-fed and unless the tank was installed at an adequate soil depth, gravity is unable to effectively move waste. Depending on other factors such as soil structure, our technicians can determine what style of septic tank would best suit the location and your needs.

Jones Plumbing & Septic Tank Services is dedicated to providing high-quality service. We have over 30 years of experience in diagnosing, repairing and replacing septic systems. If you experience septic system malfunction, call us to get your system up and running again!

Does Your Septic System Require A New Pump?

Thu, 07 Mar 2019 00:00:00 -0500

Does Your Septic System Require A Pump?

Waste and sewage is removed from a septic tank into the drain field either through gravity or with the help of a septic system lift pump. Generally, a septic pump isn’t needed if the waste can flow at a rate of at least two-feet per second with gravity only. Pumps are usually necessary for septic tanks that sit lower than the drain field and gravity is unable to carry and/or push the effluent out of the tank.

Know If Your System Uses A Septic Effluent Pump Or Septic Grinder Pump

Knowing what type of pump your septic system uses is essential to the overall function of the system. A septic effluent pump moves waste from the septic tank to the drain field. A septic grinder pump grinds and moves human waste and toilet paper. If you’re unsure what kind of pump the system uses, or where it’s located, contact one of the septic tank companies in Gainesville, FL, such as Jones Plumbing & Septic Tank Service. Our technicians will locate the pump and inspect the septic system to inform you of the necessary steps to keep all components in working condition.

How Septic Pumps Work

A septic pump is a type of submersible pump located in either the last chamber of the septic tank or a separate chamber outside the main tank. As waste fills the chamber, it triggers a float switch that turns on the septic pump. An impeller then pushes waste up the outflow pipe, into the drain field.

A great way to avoid unnecessary septic tank cleanouts is to have a septic tank pump alarm installed. One of our technicians will wire the float switch to an alarm panel that sounds if the pump fails. Without a functioning pump, the sewage level continues to rise and the alarm lets you know the waste isn’t being removed from the tank. This alarm will sound and alert you before a sewage backup occurs.

Maintenance For A Septic Pump

Maintaining a septic pump goes hand-in-hand with general septic system maintenance. To avoid needing emergency septic service, and to extend the functional life of the pump, never drain or flush these common household items:

Baby wipes;
Cat litter;
Fats, oils, and/or grease created by or used in cooking;

Dental floss;
Personal hygiene items; and
Q-tips or other cotton swabs.

Other maintenance steps include not using garbage disposal as this can fill the septic tank more quickly and push water into the tank. If too much water enters the septic system, it can cause solids to enter the septic pump, causing a possible blockage in either the pump or the drain field. When or if this happens, call Jones Plumbing & Septic Tank Service for fast and reliable septic tank repairs.

Common Septic Pump Issues

A septic pump can develop several issues over time, even with regular maintenance, including:

Noise Or No Noise

Sometimes it's possible to hear the septic pump working inside the chamber. If it sounds as if the pump is struggling or failing to move waste, don’t hesitate to call us for our septic service.

Leaking Into The Septic Tank

The septic pump has a check valve which creates a pressure gradient to keep the waste moving through the pump and into the drain field. If the valve wears out or breaks, waste flows back into the septic tank, causing the tank to back up into the plumbing.

Faulty Float

Floats can stick open or closed or become damaged by debris that enters the septic tank. A technician with Jones Plumbing & Septic Tank Service can remove the debris or may need to replace the float if the damage is extensive.

Burnt Out Motor

If the motor inside the septic pump burns out or breaks, the pump won't be able to move waste — even with electricity still flowing to the device. Installing a new pump generally resolves the issue.

Installing A New Septic Pump Or System

If septic tank replacement is necessary, Jones Plumbing & Septic Tank Service will install a new pump. All installations begin with an application, required by the Florida Department of Health, and we’ll always help you fill out the application and apply for necessary permits. Our technicians are happy to explain the process and answer any questions you have.

Septic Tank Service

Whether your septic system already has a pump or you’re curious if installing a pump would improve the system’s efficiency, Jones Plumbing & Septic Tank Service can handle any septic issue. Our technicians consider household or business needs when providing septic tank repairs in Gainesville. To schedule a septic service appointment, call Jones Plumbing & Septic Tank Service today!

Get The Low-Down On Septic Tank Drain Fields

Mon, 08 Apr 2019 00:00:00 -0400

Get The Low-Down On Septic Tank Drain Fields

To fulfill its intended purpose, a septic system needs all components and parts to work together, including the drain field. A drain field, also called a leach field, acts as a natural underground filter for effluent leaving the septic tank. Organic material in the effluent is broken down by microbes in the soil as it slowly filters in.

Because a drain field is a critical part of the septic system, Jones Plumbing & Septic Tank Service provides full-service Gainesville septic tank repairs to all types of drain fields. Call us today to schedule a septic system inspection.

Types Of Drain Fields

Gravity Drain Field

In a gravity drain field, effluent flows into a series of parallel, perforated pipes located in gravel-filled beds or trenches. The effluent then percolates into the gravel before entering the soil. A gravity drain field is the most common type of drain field installed and repaired by Jones Plumbing & Septic Tank Service and other septic tank companies in Gainesville, FL.

Pressure Distribution Drain Field

This type of drain field uses septic, or lift, pump to move effluent from the septic tank to the drain field. Most homes and businesses with either gravitational or geographic discrepancies between the tank and drain field have a pressure distribution drain field.

Holding Tank

Holding tanks are rare but are made from a non-permeable material meant to temporarily hold the effluent. This style of drain field needs frequent septic tank cleanouts to avoid septic system problems such as sewage backups.

Cesspool

Generally found in older businesses and homes, cesspools allow the effluent to trickle out of the holding chamber into the surrounding soil. This method is considered significantly less efficient than a drain field.

Mound System

A mound system is generally used in septic systems with high water tables or porous bedrock. An artificial drain field is built above ground inside a man-made mound of soil. This is to allow an adequate amount of space for the effluent to filter.

Aerobic Treatment Unit (ATU)

A supplement to a drain field, an ATU creates an environment favorable for aerobic bacteria growth. This aerobic bacteria is able to break down solids inside the septic tank more quickly than naturally occurring anaerobic bacteria.

Dry Well

Also called a seepage pit, a dry well relies on another crushed rock layer to increase absorption around the holding chamber.

Why Drain Fields Are Necessary

The drain field supports the health of the surrounding environment and soil. Since its purpose is to filter the effluent, an inefficient or ineffective drain field allows harmful bacteria, chemicals, and other contaminants to seep into the groundwater and soil. This can affect the water quality of wells used by homes and businesses, along with natural bodies of water. A range of health issues can develop for any person or animal who ingests the contaminated water. The best way to avoid this issue is by scheduling annual septic system inspections with Jones Plumbing & Septic Tank Service. Our technicians inspect all parts of the system, including the drain field. We’ll always let you know if an issue is isolated to the drain field or another part of the system, and what repairs, such as a septic tank replacement, is necessary.

Signs Of A Drain Field Failure

A drain field failure can have many causes, such as driving or parking vehicles over the septic tank area, invasive tree roots, and excessive rainfall. But, it’s not uncommon for home and business owners to not realize a failure has happened. Signs to look for include:

Frequently clogged and/or slow drains
Damp spots and/or puddles form in the lawn without recent rainfall

Permeating sewage odors and smells
Bright or intensely colored grass in one area of the lawn

If you notice any of these signs, call Jones Plumbing & Septic Tank Service for emergency septic service.

Gainesville Septic Tank Repairs

The average drain field will last 20 years with regular maintenance and repairs. If you believe your drain field is entering its twilight years, give us a call at Jones Plumbing & Septic Tank Service. Our technicians can inspect the drain field and if necessary, begin helping you decide on a new, replacement drain field. For high-quality septic tank service Gainesville, FL, home and business owners can count on, call Jones Plumbing & Septic Tank Service today!

3 Ways Septic Tank Maintenance Saves Money

Tue, 07 May 2019 00:00:00 -0400

3 Ways Septic Tank Maintenance Saves Money

One of the easiest ways to save money is also among the least obvious: septic tank maintenance. Unless you work in the plumbing and septic tank industry, you probably don’t have many reasons to think about your home’s septic tank — unless there’s an unwelcome stench. But the money-saving power of septic maintenance should give you a second reason. More specifically, here are three ways that paying for septic tank maintenance now can keep more cash in your pocket later on.

1. Avoid Major Septic Repairs

Septic tanks use pipes to transport waste from the household to the tank and then to the drain field. The fact that these pipes are subterranean means they’re reasonably protected from the elements, but also costly to replace. All it takes to break a pipe is one rogue tree root colliding with a pipe. This broken pipe can create a roughly $1,500 repair. Through regular maintenance and inspections, technicians can spot these risks early to prevent such a hefty repair.

Drain fields are land reserves designated for wastewater. Once treated by anaerobic digestion in the septic tank, the remaining wastewater is transported to the drain fields (leach fields), where it percolates through coarse soils. This process extricates any remaining waste from the water, which then reenters the water cycle. An unmaintained septic tank won’t break down the solid waste, which will end up at the drain field. Soon the field becomes clogged, and the result is a big mess that requires a new drain field to be dug at an estimated price of between $7,000 and $20,000. Routine maintenance can prevent a leach field clog and septic tank overflow.

2. Prevent Unnecessary Medical Treatment Costs

Pick a letter of the alphabet at random, and chances are there’s at least one disease beginning with that letter that can be caused by exposure to sewage. Hepatitis A, Gastroenteritis, Typhoid Fever — these are just a few of the numerous diseases that can be caused by the ingestion of sewage-contaminated water, let alone exposure to raw sewage. Now, coming into contact with sewage isn’t a concern when a septic tank is well maintained. It’s only neglected, mistreated septic systems that develop serious problems capable of leaking toxic sewage near humans. If there is a leak already present, a technician can spot this during an inspection and before the sewage penetrates the water supply and wreaks havoc.

Ultimately, health and wellness are bigger concerns than money. But the financial realities of becoming ill with a serious disease from sewage exposure (such as medical and insurance bills, medications, and treatment costs) are quite a burden. That’s why septic tanks should be inspected regularly as part of a preventative maintenance schedule. Any first signs of leaked sewage should be brought immediately to the attention of our septic service company in Gainesville, FL. It’s never worth risking one’s health.

3. Stop Damaging Environmental Issues

The environment plays a pivotal role in the function of septic systems. Soil shields septic tanks and piping, while the earth’s lower layers perform an organic purification of the process for wastewater. Septic systems don’t always repay kindness, though. A broken pipe or clogged drain field can produce sewage backup that reaches to the surface of the ground and damages living organisms, especially plant life.

The tragedy of a polluted environment stands alone. But the financial costs of sewage leaks become apparent, as well, when you have landscaping on property near a septic system. Wastewater near or at ground level can kill trees, grass, and flowers. Remedying the situation is likewise dramatic. First, you’d have to schedule septic tank repairs; then, replace any damaged landscaping.

An inadequately maintained septic system can require serious and costly repairs, damage the health of people or the environment around the system, or both. And while the worst isn’t guaranteed to happen, it’s more likely because of a lack of maintenance. So do your wallet a favor; invest in routine maintenance to avoid bigger, costlier septic system problems down the road. Call Jones Plumbing & Septic Tank Service to schedule septic tank maintenance today!