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Maintaining a septic system is crucial for homeowners who live in areas without centralized sewage treatment. Over time, septic systems can wear down, leading to inefficiency, unpleasant odours, and even costly replacements. However, with septic system repairs  and upgrades, you  can ensure your system operates smoothly for years to come! If you’re looking to extend the life of your septic system, here are a few upgrades worth considering:  Why Consider Septic System Repair and Upgrades? Before diving into the specifics, it’s helpful to understand the importance of septic system repair and upgrades. A well-maintained system not only protects your home from backflows and leaks but also safeguards your environment by keeping untreated waste away from local water sources. Overall, regular septic system maintenance and repairs can extend the life of your septic system, and save you money in the long run. Upgrading Your Pump One of the most critical components of a septic system is the pump. If your system is equipped with a pump, upgrading can make a huge difference in its function and performance. Older pumps can become inefficient and could lead to system failure if they can't handle the flow of wastewater. When considering a pump upgrade, look for energy-efficient models that can handle the volume of wastewater produced in your household. These modern pumps often come with features that allow for better waste processing, reducing the risk of clogs or backups. Regularly replacing or upgrading your pump as necessary ensures your septic system operates at peak performance, making it a vital part of septic system repair. Installing an Alarm System An alarm system is another essential upgrade for any septic system. This system serves as an early-warning indicator that something is amiss. If your septic pump fails, this alarm will alert you before the system can overflow and cause extensive damage. Modern septic alarms are equipped with sensors that monitor pump activity and tank levels. If the water level in the septic tank rises above a certain point, the alarm will sound, giving you a chance to address the problem before it escalates. It’s a small investment that can prevent significant repair costs and protect your home from water damage. Adding Pump Screens Pump screens can also play a huge role in your septic system's overall health, as they prevent large solids from entering the pump and reduce the likelihood of clogs and system failures. Upgrading to a quality pump screen can enhance your system's efficiency and prolong the life of the pump. It’s recommended that you regularly check and clean your pump screens, as any blockage can lead to backflow, costly repairs, and health hazards. Investing in more durable or advanced screens can provide an additional layer of protection, ensuring your system remains trouble-free. Regular Maintenance Checks While not a physical upgrade, incorporating regular maintenance checks is an essential part of septic system repair. Routine septic system inspections  allow you to catch potential issues early, whether it's checking for leaks, pump performance, or scum and sludge levels in the tank. By planning these inspections with a professional every few years, you can address minor concerns before they escalate into major repairs. This proactive approach not only improves your system's performance, but also boosts its life span.  Upgrading Drain Field If your septic system struggles with drainage issues, it may be time to consider an upgrade to your drain field. The drain field is responsible for filtering the effluent that comes from your septic tank, allowing it to be absorbed into the earth. An overhaul might include expanding the drain field or using advanced materials for better drainage. This upgrade can prevent backups and bad smells while helping your septic system process waste more efficiently. Consult with a septic professional to explore the best options available for enhancing your drain field. Investing in septic system repair and upgrades is essential for maintaining a healthy, efficient wastewater management system in your home. From upgrading pumps and installing alarms to implementing maintenance checks and improving drain fields, each step contributes to the overall effectiveness of your septic system.  Don't wait until a problem arises—take a proactive approach and stay ahead of your septic maintenance today!

When buying a home, it's important to think about getting a septic inspection  to help protect your investment and ensure a healthy home environment. A thorough septic inspection can save you from future headaches, unexpected costs, and potential health risks. Understanding the Importance of a Septic Inspection In many rural areas, homes use septic systems instead of being connected to municipal sewer lines for waste disposal - this makes understanding how these systems are functioning even more important for homebuyers. A septic system inspection looks at the entire setup, including the tank, drain field, and pipes connected to the system, with the goal of finding out if there are any problems. Overall, a septic inspection gives you valuable insights into the condition of the system, which can help you make better purchasing decisions. Reason 1 = Avoid Costly Repairs One of the biggest reasons to schedule a septic inspection is to steer clear of expensive repairs down the road. If there are hidden issues, like a failing drain field or a damaged tank, fixing or replacing these parts can be very costly. An inspection can spot these potential problems early on, allowing you to address them BEFORE you close the deal on the home.In the event repairs are necessary, you might be able to negotiate a lower purchase price or ask the seller to handle the repairs before you move in.  Reason 2 = Ensure Safe Waste Management Another important reason to invest in a septic inspection is to keep your family safe. A malfunctioning septic system can lead to health risks, such as sewage backups or contamination of groundwater, which can affect your family's well-being. A professional septic system inspection checks to ensure the system is functioning correctly and effectively handling waste. This process helps you spot any potential hazards that could develop into unsafe conditions over time, giving you peace of mind about your new home. Reason 3 = Protect Your Investment Buying a home is a significant financial commitment -  and an inspection is a fairly small cost compared to the potential expenses related to a failing septic system. By getting a detailed assessment of the septic system, you can understand its current state and what maintenance might be needed in the future. This guidance can help you budget for upcoming costs and avoid surprises, helping you maintain your investment in the long run. Reason 4 = Identify Maintenance Needs Septic systems require regular maintenance to keep them running smoothly. By getting a septic inspection before buying, you’ll learn about any necessary maintenance that may arise later on. For example, the inspection will check the tank’s sludge and scum levels, letting you know when it’s time to pump it out. Being aware of these maintenance needs early helps you plan ahead and keep your septic system in good shape. Reason 5 = Take Advantage of Expert Knowledge When you hire a professional, like ProFlow,  for a septic inspection, you’re not only getting a comprehensive report on the system but also benefiting from our specialized knowledge and experience. We can provide valuable advice on maintaining the system and extending its lifespan. This expert guidance is particularly beneficial for first-time homebuyers who may be less familiar with septic system management , helping them feel more confident in their home purchase. The Bottom Line on Septic System Inspections Overall, getting a septic inspection  when buying a home is a crucial step that can save you time, money, and stress. From avoiding costly repairs to ensuring safe waste management, the benefits far outweigh the small expense involved. Don’t leave your investment to chance—ensure your new home has a safe and functional septic system! See also: Septic Secrets Unveiled: Mastering Real Estate Inspections, Maintenance, and Your New Septic System

Ah, the humble septic system. The unsung hero of your acreage. A modest workhorse quietly chugging along and processing your household wastewater with the poise of a seasoned professional . But alas, time spares no one, not even our underground feculent friends. After years of faithful service, your septic system may start to show its age, no longer aging as gracefully as it once did. But how do you know when it's time to give your septic system the attention it deserves? The following guide will help you identify the key signs indicating when it's time to say farewell to your old septic system and welcome the new. Saying goodbye is never easy. It becomes even more challenging when bidding adieu comes with a hefty five-digit price tag. In Alberta, the average cost to replace a septic system is between $30,000- $50,000. To brace yourself for that financial shock, consider the current age of your system. Typically, with the recommended maintenance, most septic systems are constructed to last around 25-30 years. If your system is approaching or exceeding this age range, it may be time to start thinking about a replacement, rather than enduring endless costly repairs. Hang tight for this next bit... it's a gripping examination! In a previous blog, we discussed the importance of baffle wall conditions in a conventional 2-chambered septic tank. Over time, the anaerobic digestion of organic material from wastewater produces hydrogen sulfide. The resulting gas produced from this occurrence is primarily responsible for the deterioration of concrete within the tank. When the baffle wall starts to collapse, and the retention time of settling sewage is reduced in the first stage of treatment, a high concentration of poorly treated effluent flows into the pump/dose chamber. From there, this highly concentrated effluent is delivered to your onsite soil-based treatment area, aging drainfields, leach fields, and treatment mounds at an accelerated pace. Failures become evident as the drain media in the soil begins to clog, and the percolation of effluent slows dramatically. If the effluent cannot percolate down, it becomes upward bound, creating lush green soft spots on the grass or ponding effluent on the surface. What comes next? If you detect a baffle wall failure early and the soil-based treatment area shows no signs of failure, you might consider replacing the septic tank with a similar capacity one. In Alberta, a private sewage permit is necessary to install or alter septic system components. Whether a "tank-for-tank" replacement is permitted would be at the discretion of the relevant county's safety codes authority. Typically, a private sewage installer will size any new septic tank based on the projected wastewater flow and strength. These estimates are derived from the criteria outlined in the current Alberta Private Sewage Systems Standards of Practice. This calculation considers the total number of bedrooms in the residence, standard plumbing fixtures, and high-flow capacity devices. Now let's turn our attention to the soil-based treatment area. If it's found to be undersized for the new septic tank or if failures are noticed, a permitted design will be necessary. Soil investigations are decisive for designing onsite private sewage disposal areas, as they dictate the size, location, pressure distribution requirements, and overall cost of the installation. As they say, when it comes to septic systems, it's all about getting down and dirty with your soil knowledge! Spring and early summer is typically viewed as the optimal season for septic system installation . The ground is softer and easing excavation. The warmer weather aids in establishing new grass seed and vegetation over any disturbed soil. Postponing septic system replacements or septic repairs can often result in a number of issues. Undertaking significant projects during colder temperatures in late fall can lead to prolonged or delayed installations and messy landscaping come the following spring. So, the next time you're enjoying the peace and tranquil of your acreage, take a moment to thank your septic system. After all, it's the quiet hero keeping things running smoothly under your feet.

If you are an acreage owner, understanding your septic system is crucial for maintaining a healthy home environment. Septic systems are an integral part of your rural properties. They are responsible for treating and disposing of household wastewater. Here's a quick rundown of how septic systems work and what you need to know to keep yours in top condition. If you're eating while reading this, you may want to pause snacking for a moment: 1. How Septic Systems Work: Septic systems consist of a septic tank, and in most cases, a drain field or soil-based treatment area. Wastewater from your home flows into the septic tank, where solids (known as "sludge") settle at the bottom and scum floats to the top. To paint a similar picture for you, imagine a fun, three-layered shot you may enjoy at a local watering hole. An almost identical layered separation occurs in a septic tank... except not nearly as fun... and definitely not a beverage! Bacteria in the tank then break down the solids further. This process is called "primary treatment." The liquid in the middle layer of wastewater is called "effluent." This remaining liquid is then delivered into the drain field by gravity or septic tank effluent pump, where it is further treated by filtration through the soil. 2. Maintenance: As the homeowner, it's best to avoid flushing items like wipes, grease, non-organics, or chemicals that can clog the system. Regular maintenance is key to keeping your septic system functioning properly. This includes having a vacuum truck pump your tank every 2-3 years, depending on usage, tank size, and occupancy. This interval is determined using a fancy "anticipated sludge and scum accumulation rate" formula. Having a technician provide annual service is another great way to monitor accumulation levels. They will also check mechanicals, clean effluent filters and provide some TLC to your septic system. ProFlow Tip: Any unique suggestions from friends and family directly adding raw hamburger, yeast, dead chickens, chopped cabbage, etc. into the septic tank should be avoided... 3. Signs of Trouble: Watch out for signs of a failing septic system components, such as slow drains, sewage backups, high level alarms or pooling water on the drain field. If you notice any of these signs or ever in doubt, contact a septic professional immediately. 4. ProFlow Septic Services: If you're in need of septic services in Parkland County, Sturgeon County, Strathcona County, or the surrounding Edmonton area, ProFlow Septic is here to help. We offer affordable septic services, including septic inspections, annual maintenance, custom septic repairs, and installations. Our team of installers is committed to ensuring your septic system operates efficiently and effectively. For all your septic system needs, trust ProFlow Septic. Your septic system superheroes! Contact us today to schedule a service, troubleshoot or complete an assessment.

Are you buying or selling a home with a septic system? Or perhaps you're a homeowner just looking to extend the lifespan of your system? A septic inspection is a crucial step in understanding the health of your system and identifying any potential issues. Here at ProFlow, residential septic systems are more than just our expertise, they're our passion... Like an amazing partner in a committed relationship, we are attentive to all wastewater disposal needs. This special septic "love language" adds value to our customers and is reflected by providing in-depth inspections. Our specialized septic assessments are conducted by experienced service technicians who are certified in private sewage disposal systems. Simply put, we understand septic systems inside and out because we work "hands-on" with unique wastewater treatment packages each day. Whether it's completing repairs, troubleshooting deficiencies or installing new equipment, we are in contact with every component. After that lengthy, yet subtly boastful introduction, you can rest assured that the following recommendations for septic inspections are reliable and trustworthy: 1. Keep all contents in the septic tank: Please ensure that the septic tank's contents are retained before any inspection takes place. This is crucial for several reasons, primarily to allow the 2-chambered septic tank to perform its primary treatment of wastewater effectively. In the first chamber, solids settle, which is a key part of the primary treatment process. The remaining forbidden drain juice, known as "effluent," then passes through the baffle wall into the second chamber, or typically referred as the pump chamber. We check the pump chamber for any solids that may have transferred. If we observe solids, we will further investigate the issue or recommend vacuum truck services to have the septic tank pumped out. Figure 1.1 2. Baffle Wall Inspection: Capturing images and documenting the baffle wall's condition is a essential aspect of the septic tank inspection. The concrete baffle wall or separation wall's condition is vital as it determines the septic tank's ability to provide primary treatment of incoming sewage. If the separation wall has partially collapsed or if the transfer baffle plumbing becomes detached, there is a high risk of solids being transferred into the pump chamber. Without a screen or some form of effluent filter protecting the pump, these solids and rocks from eroded concrete walls can clog the equipment's impeller. More commonly, the scum and sludge can get pureed, creating a septic smoothie that wreaks havoc when it reaches the drain field. Figure 1.2 illustrates a common scenario in aged septic tanks where the baffle wall has collapsed. Figure 1.2 3. Effluent Pump and High-Level Alarms: The effluent pump and high-level alarm must be tested during the inspection. This can be done by manually engaging the control floats or bypassing switches to verify equipment function. The high-level alarm should have both audible and visual alerts. If a high level alarm is not present, occupants won't know if the effluent is unable to leave the septic tank (due to pump burnout, obstructed plumbing, etc.). This can lead to rising wastewater levels and sewage backing up into the home, turning the basement into an unwanted pool party venue. Any absence of these safety measures should be noted in the inspection report. 4. Verify Drain Back Hole: The drain back hole in a septic system plays a fundamental role in freeze prevention. If you've ever heard of a septic mound or septic field freezing during cold Alberta winters, it's primarily caused by the absence of a drain back hole within the internal plumbing of the septic tank. Figure 1.3 Without a drain back hole in a pressurized septic system, there is a risk of effluent remaining the delivery line, the drain field laterals and also crossover plumbing. After a pump cycle, the drain back hole allows any remaining water in the delivery line to drain back into the tank. During a cold snap, if the system isn't being used for an extended period of time, that standing fluid can then freeze in frigid temperatures. These blockages can cause potential system damage and sewage back ups into the home. ProFlow Septic frequently handles emergency calls during winter, efficiently thawing out these unwanted poop-sicles from frozen lines. More often, our technicians will be lowered into the septic tank to install the drain back hole or replace the plumbing entirely. 5. Inspect Drain Field: Toss on a pair of rubber boots, because next step on the septic inspection is a real swamp dance! We will be identifying soft spots, mushy areas, unusual wet spots, black slimy substances, and pooling of water on the leach field. These are indications of a saturated or failing drain field. Additionally, physical damage from vehicles, equipment or livestock, can compress soil and damage pipes, hindering effluent flow. Here's a fun knowledge nugget: During the lifespan of a septic drain field, large volumes of effluent is treated through natural soil filtration. The effluent percolates through the soil, removing harmful bacteria, pathogens, viruses, and other contaminants from the wastewater. This treatment process and additional bacterial action creates an accumulation of tarry biological material "biomat" in the soil. This leach field pudding can block or hinder effluent flow into the soil, leading to surface discharge. Summary: In addition to the above, we also inspect all other components of the septic system. Whether you're buying, selling, or maintaining a home with a septic system, a septic inspection, assessment or on-going maintenance by an experienced septic professional with extensive field experience is paramount. It's recommend that real-estate septic inspections should be performed by certified Private Sewage Installers. ProFlow Septic is fortunate to have a team of technicians and installers listed as certified contractors with Alberta building & safety codes, along with Alberta Onsite Wastewater Management Association. If you're located in Parkland County, Sturgeon County, Strathcona County, Leduc County or surrounding Edmonton areas, please contact us for any septic system services.