1. Alarm light is on due to little to no aeration.

Some systems like Hoot need treatment to the diffuser stones. If these stones get clogged it will cause the alarm to sound.

2. Aerator is not running or it is running but it just may not be pushing out any air.

3. Hi-water alarm. If you have an electrical or mechanical failure this will cause the tanks to over fill and set off the alarm.

4. Leaky toilet will cause the hi-water alarm to sound. Some systems will have an over-ride feature to allow the system to spray by-passing the timer. (Not all systems are on a timer. This is know as in-demand and can spray at any time.)

Do you add chlorine tablets? Certain systems have a chlorine grate that will clog causing the system to back up setting off the hi-water alarm.

Make sure your service provider is offering proper maintenance that can prevent premature pump outs.

Proper aeration and verbal communication with your service provider can help you prevent unnecessary expenses.

If your system is not routinely having parts cleaned or replaced be aware that this can cost more money in the long run.

Ask questions and be present to know and understand your septic system.

   Follow these small tips and your holidays should be less stressfull and a little more worry free.

1. Slow the flow of water that is entering your septic system.

2. Stagger your water use. ex: spread out laundry, not running water using appliances all at once and if you are taking a bath use a wash cloth over the drain to slow the flow of water from draining into your septic all at once.

3. More guests means more water. If you have a tablet chlorinator make sure the chlorinator is clean to avoid system backup.

   These are only a few things as the list goes on and on. Be aware that overloading the system with water is one of the leading causes of system failure.

  As always if you find that unfortunate issues arise with your septic system, please keep us in mind for your free consultation.

 Best wishes from our family to yours this wonderful holiday season.

   Most people don’t understand the magnitude of bacteria and diseases that can be spread due to carelessness and neglect. Living with children and animals that frequently roam and play in the yard can cause the most spreading with entering the house after being in the affected areas. 

   If you, as many seem to be forgetful about adding your septic tablets, then it may be time to rethink this method. Tablets can expel toxic gases when the bucket is opened, causing corrosion to tools, cars and any other metal objects left near them.  

   We offer an easier method and an all around cheaper means of chlorination. Old, new or any brand aerobic septic on the market, we can offer a means to help keep your family and animals safe and free of harmful bacteria and diseases.

   Liquid chlorination allows for less maintenance by allowing you to go longer without having to check for chlorination and no more weekly tablet maintenance. It also saves you time and money by allowing you to be able to purchase the bleach for the chlorinator at any local grocery store.

   Feel free to ask about our liquid chlorinator installation setup and how you can get one installed today.

   Weather you have a Clearstream, Jet, Hoot, Solar Air or one of the many other dozens of septic systems on the market, don’t settle for the answer from your service provider that it’s supposed to smell.

   While we service many septic brands, they tend to all be driven with the same one thing in common, they use aeration to treat the sewage. If your given a proper orientation and are familiar with your system, you should have a clear understanding that some systems either need parts replaced on a regular basis or parts cleaned to allow for maximum aeration. Clearstream and Hoot systems either need the diffusers cleaned or replaced on a regular basis, where as Jet systems need the aspirator shaft cleaned every visit.

   While aeration is only one key factor to keep smell at a minimum, other factors can play a key role as well. Next time your having odor issues you can do some detective work to help find out what the possible problem may be. If your service provider does more than kick on the sprayheads, he should be asking you a whole list of questions.

1. Have you switched cleaning chemicals or laundry detergents?

2. Is anyone on anti-biotics, receiving chemo or radiation treatments?

3. Any extra water usage? (example: Leaky toilets, bad water softener or extra guests)

4. Are you using liquid fabric softener or added rim hangers to the toilets?

   While this list can go on and be extensive, the one thing we found is that keeping a constant means of communication with the customer and asking questions when we discover new habits can stop a small problem from becoming a big one. This can also save the customer an unnecessary expense of paying for premature pumping.

   So next time you have an odor, just think if anything has changed or verify with your maintenance provider that your parts are being cleaned or replaced as needed to allow for the best results in the treatment of your septic system.

   To ensure the best results for your lawn and to get the most possible out of our reclaimed water, make sure your septic inspection is more than an inspection. Ask your aerobic service provider a few key things .

1. Are your sprayheads rotating properly to get the best possible coverage?

2. Is the submersible pump screen clean and free of debris to allow for an unrestricted flow of water to the sprayfield?

3. Does your septic system spray at night to keep your lawn from getting scorched from the day sun?

   Not only will this help save you money on a hefty waster bill by reusing your water but it will also save an expensive bill on relaying sod or struggling to bring your lawn back.

If you are experiencing any of the following symptoms, call us at Texas Wastewater Environmental Solutions so we can troubleshoot and narrow down the source of the problem to ensure your home septic system stays in good working order:

• Soggy ground near septic system
• Poor toilet flush
• Toilet and/or drain backup
• Detection of a foul smell outside the house

1. Conserve water to reduce the load on the septic system. One example of this is doing laundry throughout the week instead of all at once. Install flow reducer nozzles on showers and upgrade toilets using water-conserving methods.
2. Keep trees at least 100 feet away from the septic system. Tree roots that invade your septic system can do major damage.
3. Never use your toilet for items that belong in the trash. Flushing things such as cat litter, tampons, paper towels, facial tissues, coffee grounds, cigarette butts, or similar items down the toilet will quickly fill and clog your septic tank. Grease is the absolute worse and should be disposed of properly.
4. Use garbage disposals wisely. It’s best not to put food in them at all if it can be helped or consider installing one which will grind waste into smaller particles that break down more quickly when they reach the system.
5. Heavy cleaners, especially those containing bleach, kill beneficial bacteria preventing solids from breaking down as quickly. Check the labels before making a purchase. Many products now are made with septic systems in mind and are more easily biodegradable. Hazardous chemicals cause similar problems and in addition can find their way into the groundwater.

If you ever have questions, consult a professional. The technicians at Texas Wastewater Environmental Solutions have years of experience servicing septic systems in San Antonio, Boerne, Fair Oaks Ranch, Helotes, New Braunfels, Comfort, Kerrville, and surrounding areas. Call for a free consultation or post a comment on our website and we’ll be happy to answer your questions.