Septic tank safety should be on the minds of septic homeowners, or at least noted to do inspections every couple of years. Along with routine inspections, homeowners should consider other vital factors for our family’s safety, environment, and system integrity.

Homeowners should schedule their septic tanks for routine maintenance every few years, depending on the number of people living in the home. Service visits from All Cen Tex provide you with an excellent opportunity to discuss any concerns you may have about the safety and operation of your septic system. We are always happy to help answer questions. Conversely, we will ensure that your tank is cleaned and operating correctly. We would be glad to educate you on doing simple inspections between routine maintenance appointments.  

A few things homeowners can do to ensure the safety of their family, especially the kiddos, is to inspect the septic tank lids or riser lids for cracks, loose bolts, and screws. Too often, we hear of a child falling into the tank, causing severe injury or even death.

• Treat the area in and around your septic tank like you would a hot tub or a swimming pool. Hot tubs are always covered with lockable lids. Pools are also covered; some are even fenced in.
• Do not install playgrounds, playscapes, or swing sets near or around the septic tank or the drain field.
• Keep vehicles parked away from where the septic tank is buried, especially away from lids, to eliminate the risk of creating cracks. 
• Periodically ensure lids are secured.

Most of the stories we hear about children falling into septic tanks were due to lids that were not secure and flipped when stepped on. Often, homeowners are aware of cracked or loose lids but don’t realize the hazard and do or say nothing. These severe injuries and deaths are 100% preventable. Septic tank safety is a genuine concern and should be on the minds of families with septic tank systems.

Have a large family in your household? Check out our post titled “Septic Maintenance Tips for Larger Families.”

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Signs of a Full Septic Tank

Pooling of water near the drainfield. The drainfield is a series of pipes that drain water that flows through the system into the soil. Solid waste should get trapped in the actual septic tank. If a septic tank becomes too full of solid waste, however, the sludge can move into the pipes of the drainfied and clogs up these pipes. As water gets into the field, it will not flow through the pipes as designed and instead can pool in a particular area. You might even notice your grass in that area looking more lush and green than other areas of your lawn. If it hasn’t recently rained and water is pooling around the drainfield, this is a sign of an overflowing tank. You should have your system inspected immediately before an unsafe and hazardous situation develops.

Gurgling pipes, slow drains, and issues with flushing are other signs that the septic tank may be full. More specifically, if this is occurring with multiple pipes and not just one. Issues with one specific pipe or drain may just be a clog in that pipe. Notice if your water is slow to drain or if toilets are sluggish in flushing. Multiple issues may point to the septic tank needing to be addressed.

Foul Odors and Sewer backup. Hopefully, you realize that your septic tank needs pumping before drainfield clogs or backs up. When a septic system works properly, foul smells are trapped within the system and underground. Periodically sniff the air around where your septic tank and the drainfield area. Should you notice a foul smell where your septic tank and drainfield are, however, the smell suggests that gases may be escaping from the drainfield. Worse yet, you’ll notice these odors coming from your drains and toilets. They are a sign that your septic tank has started to get full.  Call us immediately to take care of this problem.

Overflow issues can be avoided with regular maintenance pumps. Septic tanks should be pumped every 3-5 years depending on household size, septic tank size, amount of wastewater/solid waste.

All Cen Tex Septic & Vacuum Pumping is happy to answer your questions about your septic system! Call us at 512-258-4000. Our office staff will answer your call 24/7.

Read our reviews on Fresh Chalk!

Click here -> 10 Ways to be a Good Septic Owner for more tips on maintaining your septic tank.

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The more the merrier!  We love large families but the more bodies in one home, means your septic system may need extra attention too.  Or not!  We laid out a few things that can be done to prevent septic system malfunctions in a home with larger families.

Maintain the septic system regularly

• Septic systems should be pumped every 3-4 years for homes with 4-6 people, or
• Closer to 3 years for homes with more than 6 people.
• Having the septic system pumped as scheduled will prevent back-up.  Signs of back-up would be overflow creeping into your plumbing, slowed drains, gurgling toilets and foul odors.
• The biggest misconception is getting the system pumped only when the system’s light turns on.  When the light turns on, this could indicate that a problem may already be present.

Educate the family

• Basic plumbing and septic education early on, may save you a headache later.
• For younger kiddos:  teach them what is okay and not okay to put in the toilet.  They should know not to flush items like toys, wipes, Q-tips, dental floss, hair from a brush or drain clumps, and diapers.
• For kids who are ready for kitchen chores: teach them that the garbage disposal is not a trash can and that grease, oil, fats, potatoes, pasta, and bones should not go down the drain.  Have them properly clean the dishes before loading them into the dishwasher and to save water, teach them to only run the dishwasher when full.
• For adolescents with independence:  they should know how to use a plunger and how to shut the water off to the entire house in case there is an emergency leak.

Septic System location

• Keep cars and heavy vehicles parked away from the drain field and the septic tank
• Follow the systems manufacturer’s directions when using septic tank cleaners and additives.

With all septic pump services, All Cen Tex will inspect the condition of your tank, clean the filter, and clear inlet lines.  If you don’t have a riser installed, we’d be happy to provide you with an install quote.  Read more about Risers here.

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A septic tank riser is a portal at the ground surface for easy access to the septic tank for inspection and maintenance pump outs.  Without one, many homeowners won’t know where the lid to their septic tank is located because it’s buried anywhere from 1 to 3 feet underground.  Some will consult a map which can be obtained from the county permit record office, others will look for signs such as a dead patch of grass, and others will try following pipe lines from the home.  Either way, once it’s located the next challenge is digging.  Homeowners may decide to do this themselves or simply pay the additional charge for their technician to dig and locate the septic tank lid for them.  Having a riser installed eliminates these challenges.

Here are some benefits for installing a riser:

• Easy to locate under any weather condition
• Quick access to the septic system for inspections and pump outs
• No more digging up your yard for every maintenance service call
• Know where your septic tank is located

            The septic tank risers that All Cen Tex installs are made of a highly UV resistant HDPE polyethylene which is sealed to the top of the tank and creates a vertical portal up to the grounds surface.  This will provide secure access for servicing and inspecting the septic tank.  We install all risers, per Texas State code, with two barriers (an outer lid and an inner lid) for additional security reasons.

            It is recommended that your septic tank is pumped every 3-5 years depending upon use.  The one-time cost of installing a riser will pay for itself with the savings from the elimination of future repetitive digging and uncovering for inspection and pumping.

Our technicians will happily provide you with a free bid and plan for an install during your next service call. Contact us at 512-258-4000!

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We listed ten things you can do to be a good septic system owner. It’s important to take care of your system with regular pumps and inspections to prevent disruptions in your system, environmental hazards, and costly repairs down the road.

• Have your system inspected every three years by a qualified professional, like us!
• Have your septic tank pumped every 3-6 years depending on the type of system and how many people live in the home.
• Avoid pouring harsh products, such as oils, grease, chemicals, and paint down the drain.
• Discard non-degradable products in the trash, such floss, disposable wipes, hair, or cat litter instead of flushing them the toilet.
• Keep cars and heavy vehicles parked away from the drain field and tank.
• Follow the systems manufacturer’s directions when using septic tank cleaners and additives.
• Repair leaks and use water efficient fixtures to avoid overloading the system.
• Maintain plant and vegetation near the system to ensure roots do not block drains.
• Use soaps and detergents that are low-suds, biodegradable, and low- or phosphate-free.
• Prevent a system overload from larger gatherings by getting it pumped before the event.

Call us at 512-258-4000 with any questions you may have regarding your system or to schedule your next maintenance pump out. Thank you!

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Texas rainfall is plentiful during the Spring, but with it comes potentially many septic system-related issues that mainly involve your system’s drainfield, such as ground flooding and clogging.

Flooding may be seen around the drainfield which is where purified water can be safely dispersed into the surrounding soil. Your septic tank is designed to hold a certain amount of wastewater but if rainwater merges with that wastewater, the tank may have more liquid than it can handle. Water will not flow out of the septic system as intended and instead can come out of the tank and pool in your yard or worse yet, it can back up into the drains and toilets of your home. This overflow can creep into your plumbing and cause slowed drains, gurgling pipes and foul odors. A clogged drainfield can also allow untreated sewage to flow into the groundwater, where it can seep into local streams and risk serious environmental contamination.

Be on the lookout for signs of a flooding drainfield;

• Sluggish drains in the house
• Toilets draining slowly when flushed
• Gurgling sounds in toilet and drains

There are many types of septic systems and to learn more about your type of septic system, check out epa.gov.

If you have questions about YOUR septic system, experiencing issues or have concerns, we can help! Call us at 512-258-4000, our office staff will answer your call 24/7. Click here -> Septic Tank Servicing to learn more about our service. Thank you!

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What kinds of businesses need a Grease Trap Pump?

Austintexas.gov says “In Austin, a grease trap is required for any commercial or institutional food service operation.”

What is a grease trap/grease interceptor?

A grease trap (or interceptor) is a plumbing device designed to physically separate grease and solids from kitchen wastewater.

What is the difference between a grease trap and a grease interceptor?

Grease traps and grease interceptors are both plumbing devices for grease removal from industrial wastewater discharge streams. The grease trap is generally thought of as the smaller indoor device, usually with between 20 and 150 gallons of liquid holding capacity, and, until recently, typically installed below a sink. Grease traps are usually made of steel and often designed with just a single compartment. The grease interceptor is generally considered a large pre-cast concrete tank, typically with a liquid holding capacity anywhere from 250 to 5,000 gallons and designed with two separate compartments. For the purposes of this website, the term “grease trap” is used to describe both devices.

How often must my grease trap be cleaned?

The Austin City Code specifies all grease traps must be completely emptied and cleaned by a licensed hauler at least once every three months or more frequently if, before three months, the grease and solids in the trap’s final compartment accumulate to 50% or more of the wetted height of the trap. The perfect clean-out frequency will vary for each business. Most grease traps should be pumped at least once every 30 to 45 days.

What’s included your Grease Trap Pumping Service?

We do a thorough pump-out and rinse of the grease trap. Once clean, we check the inlet and crossover to make sure they are clear, then check the outlet to make sure it is draining out properly. Finally, we’ll inspect for any issues, such as cracks or problems with the inlet or outlet T.

The picture above is looking down into a grease trap with our hose in it ready to begin the pump.

The pic above is after a few minutes of pumping out the grease.

The pic above is of another super full grease trap. It should never be allowed to get this full.

The pic above is looking down into another grease trap that had recently been pumped (not by us), and the job was not done properly. This clogged the pipeline caused a major backup and overflow onto city streets. After pumping out all the grease, the trap should be thoroughly washed out, something we do every single time. Unfortunately, this happens too often when clients try to save a few bucks.

Where does the grease go?

Grease trap waste must be transported to a properly permitted disposal site by a liquid waste hauler licensed by the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality and permitted by the City of Austin. Trip ticket manifest documentation procedures must be followed in accordance with applicable regulations. The Austin City Code specifies that grease trap waste manifest records must be made available for up to the past three years in which the facility has been in business. We are fully licensed:

What sets All Cen Tex apart from other companies?

Reasons Why You Should Use Us:

1. We are readily available for emergencies 24/7!

2. We return the required, fully completed FOG manifest forms to your municipality, city, or county so you don’t have to worry about it and can feel confident that everything has been done to your county’s or city’s standards.

3. We offer fully licensed, trusted, and reliable service. Customer satisfaction is our number one goal.

4. Our customers speak for our quality and professionalism. Read what they have to say about us on Google Reviews.

We deliver clean, affordable, and licensed grease trap cleaning solutions for your business. Hundreds of businesses in the Austin, TX area trust us with their grease trap cleaning needs! Read more about us by visiting our home page. Call us at 512-258-4000

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All Cen Tex Septic System Pump

The biggest misconception about when a septic system needs a pump is only when the system light turns on or is sounding an alarm. At this point, it might actually mean your system is experiencing an issue. For example, it might be too full to function properly which may cause damage to the system itself and become more costly than a simple pump-out.

So, proper maintenance of your system is not only critical for its performance, your system also:

• Protects the health of the people living on and near your property
• Helps safeguard your property values
• Helps preserve the quality of groundwater and prevents your sewage from degrading nearby waterways
• Prevents from worrying about sewage backups (our technicians will remove solid waste from the tank before it builds to a level that’s likely to cause a backup)
• Saves you money in the long run by preventing major damages and needed repair work (we also keep our eyes peeled for potential problems like cracks in the tank and growing blockages in the pipes leading from your home to the septic tank. These regular inspections ensure that problems are caught early on before they lead to more dangerous, costly problems)

Generally, it is recommended to schedule for a system system pump every:

• 5 years for home with about 2-3 or
• 3-4 years for homes with about 4-6 people

If it’s about time for your next septic system pump, our experienced technicians are available to help. Learn more about us by viewing our home page. We’re also now on Facebook. Call 512-258-4000 for more info and scheduling availability. Thank you!

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Septic system (and basic plumbing) education for young family members early on, may save you a headache later! We break down bits of info appropriate by age category.

Young kiddos:

Have such curiosities with water, toilets, and everything else they can get their sticky hands on. Teaching them what is okay and not okay to put in the toilet early on may be help avoid issues later. They should know not to flush:

• Toys – Save that for bath time
• Wipes – Baby wipes, cleaning wipes, and even the marketed “flushable” wipes
• Q-Tips- May be an issue for your pipes should they become an obstruction
• Dental Floss – Floss could snag onto something and cause blockage overtime
• Hair – From a hair brush, or clumps from the shower drain, it should always go in the trash
• Diapers- Kids learning to potty train might think that it’s okay to dispose of their diaper it in the toilet. Smart kiddos, makes sense, but a big no-no

Kids who are ready for kitchen chores, like handling dishes:

Kids can be great help around the kitchen and they love the idea of building some autonomy. A few things for them to know:

• Remind them that the garbage disposal is NOT a trash can
• Stuff like grease, oil, fats, potatoes, pasta, bones, fibrous veggies
• Teach them how to properly clean the dishes before loading them into the dish washer
• To save water, teach them to only run the dishwasher when full

Kiddos responsible enough for some independence:

When the kids are ready for the responsibility to be alone in the home, make sure they know how to:

• Use the plunger in case they experience a clog in the toilet OR
• In case the sink backs up
• Shut the water off to the entire house, just in case there is an emergency leak

Raising kids with basic plumbing skills and septic knowledge could be helpful for you as a parent and beneficial to them for having foundational knowledge to be able to handle issues on their own now, and in the future.

Read our PDF for more information about how to care for your septic system. Call us at 512-258-4000 if you’re experiencing septic issues or ready for your next pump. Thank you for visiting our blog!

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