Home Improvements and Repairs

Most septic owners know that they need to have their septic systems pumped every 1-3 years, depending on the size of the family and overall usage. However, one of the biggest questions we get is what happens during a septic tank cleaning and where the septage goes afterward. It’s important to know your septic hauler is not only abiding by industry standards when it comes to cleaning, but also that they are adhering to state regulations when it comes to disposing of septage.

The Process of Septic Pumping

The process of septic pumping includes completely emptying the tank. It is critically important that homeowners have this process done every 1-3 years, depending on how many people live within the home, and the general use of the system. Larger households will generate more solid waste and, even with a larger septic tank, will require more frequent cleanings. The use of garbage disposals (which we advise against) will also fill up the septic tank faster. Even the type of toilet paper your household uses may necessitate more frequent cleanings. In order to avoid sewage backups into the home or solids finding their way into the drain field, septic tanks need to be pumped before the layer of sludge reaches the baffles.

During the process of septic pumping, a technician stretches a hose from a vacuum truck to an opening in the septic tank and pumps the contents into the truck. Generally, the process takes less than an hour, and during that time the technician will also inspect the tank level, baffles, sump pumps as well as clean the aerator shaft. If any issues are found during the inspection, the technician will be able to evaluate, diagnose, and repair the septic or aeration system.

Telltale Signs Your Septic Tank Needs to Be Pumped

One of the most concerning indicators that your tank is in need of immediate septic pumping is slow or gurgling drains. While there may be other reasons for gurgling drains, this is the most common and, if left unaddressed, often precedes sewage backing up into your house. Similarly, if you notice septic odors inside your home, a common reason is that your tank has exceeded capacity and needs to be serviced. Like gurgling drains, these odors are often the first warning sign that a sewage backup is imminent. If you notice any of these warning signs, you need to immediately stop all water usage and schedule an emergency service visit. An overfull tank indicates that there is a problem with the tank caused either by a failed pump or issues within the secondary treatment (typically the drain field).

Ignoring these signs could lead to sewage backing up into your home, which often occurs in the lowest drains first, such as those located in the basement. If you notice any of these signs, it is time to call your septic provider and begin preparing to have your septic tank pumped.

Preparing for Your Septic Tank Pumping

In order to prepare for your septic pumping, it is important that you clear away any debris that may be surrounding your septic system. During a cleaning, the cover of the tank will be removed so the technician can assess the tank and pump the contents out. Any yard debris that falls into the tank during this process can catastrophically damage your septic components. Particularly in spring, which is often a time when septic systems need extra attention, it is important to pick up any leaves or twigs that may have fallen during heavy storms.

Mulch is particularly harmful to septic systems, and many homeowners make the mistake of laying mulch around or near the septic system. Be sure mulch has been cleared away from the area surrounding the septic system. When landscaping around your septic tank, we always recommend using stones as a septic-safe alternative to mulch.

Have you noticed any of the telltale signs it’s time to have your septic tank pumped? Contact Mid-Tenn Septic & Plumbing today to schedule a service visit!

Mid-Tenn Septic and Plumbing
4470 old Lebanon dirt rd. Mt Juliet TN 37122
(615) 808-7898

Your roof and siding form the outer layer of your home. This means that they are exposed to a variety of harsh conditions and extreme weather conditions. Despite these harsh conditions, your roof and siding must be able to manage a high level of protection to keep the other portions of your home safe from water damage.

Therefore, it’s important that when there’s an issue with your roof or siding, you can determine whether it’s a minor problem that can be fixed or a huge problem that needs replacement. Here are a few telltale signs that will help you quickly diagnose the severity of the problem to avoid further issues:

Number of Problems

One way to determine whether your roof and siding need to be repaired or replaced is to identify the number of problems with these areas. For instance, if you notice a single leak in your roof due to a missing shingle or nail pop, then it’ll probably be far more cost-effective to simply repair your roof and fix a small amount of water damage. Nevertheless, if you notice several areas of damage to your roof or siding, replacement is likely to be the best option.

Age of Materials

The age of the materials in question is another important factor determining whether you need to repair or replace your siding or roof. Even the best materials that contractors setup have a finite lifetime due to normal wear and tear. If your siding or roofing materials are nearing the end of their manufacturer’s recommended lifespan, even a small problem may cause enough replacement instead of repair.

Location of Problem

Some areas are more crucial than others with regards to roofing and siding. If there is a problem with one of these components, a replacement may be necessary, even if the remaining materials are in good condition.

For example, areas around protrusions, such as attic vents and chimneys, often experience more wear and tear than other areas. The moisture barrier is an important component of siding. If the moisture is left behind, your siding will probably need to be replaced so that the moisture barrier can be replaced.

Quality of Materials

The quality of the materials originally used is another consideration when determining whether to repair or replace your roof or siding. If high-quality materials were used, it could be easier to repair than if low-quality disposable materials were used.

The key here is to separate the individual elements of a roof or siding from repairing only the element that is experiencing a problem. This modular feature is more commonly seen in high-quality materials, so they are more likely to be repaired than replaced.

Should You Replace Both Door and Siding at the Same Time?

Replacing your aging roofing or siding system could improve your home’s beauty and restore its structural integrity. However, are you supposed to tackle both projects at the same time or stagger them? While doing so simultaneously means a shorter period of disruption, it also means higher upfront costs. Here are some key factors to help you decide: 

Do You Have the Time and Energy?

On average, the setup of a new asphalt roofing system takes a week, while installing a new vinyl roofing system may take two weeks. With precise execution and good weather, your contractor may be able to finish it all in about 14 days.

Planning both projects will require careful organization at once. You ‘re going to have to set up a budget, choose materials, and monitor both projects’ progress. As you roll out two projects into one, you ‘re going to have more ground to cover. Evaluate your lifestyle to see if you have the time and energy to deal with everything simultaneously.

Does Your Budget Allow It?

Be realistic about your budget, please. Understand that getting a new roof might also mean getting new gutters and downspouts. And also, you need to set aside money as a contingency fund. A great rule of thumb is to save about one-fifth of your overall budget for additional work.

Do the math to determine if your bank account allows you to do both projects simultaneously. If it does not, consider staggering the projects.

Can You Arrange Temporary Accommodations?

While professionals will protect your unfinished home from the elements before leaving after a day’s work, consider staying somewhere temporarily. Construction will cause some disruption to your home. If you think that noise and clutter will be a problem, especially with your children, consider making other arrangements for your accommodation.

Look for an expert opinion.

When you have a problem with your house exterior, the first thing you should do is have a second opinion from a professional before deciding what to do. You may not be able to recognize what needs to be repaired properly. By having an expert look at the issue, you could be confident that your decision to replace or repair your roof or siding is most effective.