Author: Nicole Lindsey

Controlling Mosquitoes: Tips for a Bite-Free Summer

Nicole Lindsey Pest Control , , , ,

Pests are more than just unwelcome visitors. They can carry germs that cause disease and damage property. Contact Bakersfield Pest Control now!

Control measures include prevention, suppression, and eradication. Preventing pests requires understanding their life cycles and needs, including food, water, and shelter. For example, raccoons can get into houses and damage property while eating garbage, pet food, and fish from garden ponds. Preventing them requires making these sources inaccessible and removing trash regularly.

A pest control strategy is most effective when prevention is the goal. Prevention strategies include removing food, water, and shelter sources (depending on the pest), maintaining proper sanitation, and closing off places where pests can enter buildings. For example, putting out trash containers with tight-fitting lids prevents pests from accessing the contents. Eliminating stacks of paper, cardboard, and wood scraps keeps pests from hiding in them. Caulking cracks and crevices and using steel wool to fill spaces around pipes reduces the entry of pests. Keeping garbage receptacles closed and emptied regularly keeps rodents from chewing through needed materials to build nests or get to discarded food.

Scouting and monitoring are also important preventive measures. This involves regular searching for and identifying pests, assessing numbers and damage, and determining the best course of action. Threshold-based decision-making focuses on the ability to identify pest populations at their lowest levels and taking action when a population starts to grow out of control. For example, noticing a few wasps hovering near a picnic table may not warrant intervention, but seeing them every day and in increasing numbers probably does.

Observing and understanding a pest’s life cycle, behavior, and preferred environment helps to predict when and how the pest will become a problem. This information can help you develop control tactics that are targeted at the specific pest’s sensitivity and impact to humans, property, or production.

Physical and cultural control methods can be used in conjunction with scouting and monitoring to keep pest populations below the threshold where they cause unacceptable damage. Trap crops such as zinnia can attract Japanese beetles, which are then easily killed with a spray of insecticide. Changes to soil conditions, such as adding compost, can also alter the environment and suppress pest growth, particularly root diseases and weeds.

Many pests can be prevented with the use of chemical controls. These can be used with little risk if applied according to the label and are kept out of reach of people and pets. Chemicals can be applied by hand, with traps and barriers, or with machines such as pheromone lures and nets.

Suppression

A primary goal of pest control is to suppress or prevent the buildup of damaging populations to intolerable levels. This is accomplished by reducing the number of pests through monitoring and intervention at low numbers before damage becomes apparent. Successful prevention requires a thorough understanding of the life cycle of a pest and its interaction with host plants. This type of management is most successful against regular pests such as greenhouse whitefly and aphids in ornamental plants, but it can also be used on weeds and other vegetable species.

Traditionally, suppression has been achieved by applying insecticides. Increasingly, though, managers are turning to non-chemical methods of pest control in order to reduce the dependence on costly and hazardous chemicals. Non-chemical controls may include manual removal, biological agents or cultural practices.

In the latter case, cultural practices may involve a modification of the environment that makes it unfavorable to the pest. This can be done by altering soil structure, water quality, temperature, light or other factors. Biological agents are introduced into an area to provide natural enemies (predators, parasites or pathogens) that will control the pest population. In general, this method is more cost-effective than spraying with pesticides.

The most common way of introducing natural enemies is through augmentation. Commercially available predators and parasitoids, mass-reared in insectaries for this purpose, are released into a garden, greenhouse or field. This is most often practiced against aphids, greenhouse whitefly, mites and other leafhoppers, but can be applied to many fruit, vegetable, and field pests.

A number of different kinds of natural enemy are available for use in augmentation, but careful research is necessary to ensure that the correct species are selected. The organisms must be compatible with the crop and the environment in which they are being introduced. The timing of the augmentation is very important since some natural enemies require time to establish populations that will effectively reduce the pest population, and many attack only certain life stages of the target plant.

If the augmentation fails or the pest population rises above an economic threshold, chemical control measures must be employed. This is generally more economical than repeated applications of the augmentation, but it can still be quite expensive.

Eradication

Pests are organisms that damage or spoil crops, forests, homes and urban landscapes. They may also cause disease in humans and animals or contaminate the environment. Control measures include exclusion or quarantine, repulsion, physical removal or chemical treatment. Eradication is the complete elimination of a pest from an area. Prevention, suppression and containment are less aggressive methods but still effective in keeping populations below damaging levels.

Biological controls are the use of natural enemies of a pest to keep it in check. These can include parasites, predators and pathogens. They can be supplemented by releasing sterile insects or using chemicals like pheromones and juvenile hormones to keep pest numbers low. There is a time lag between pest population increase and the number of natural enemies, so it can take a while for these methods to be effective.

Structured detection programs can help to detect exotic pests before they are too widespread. These include monitoring various insect traps and checking incoming agricultural products. The county can then develop an action plan to prevent or eradicate the pest. In some cases the county will establish a quarantine area and join a state/county eradication project.

If pests continue to damage crops, landscapes or contaminate the environment after other management options have been tried, then the use of chemicals may be necessary. There are herbicides to kill weeds, insecticides to kill insects and fungicides to manage diseases. The most important thing to remember when spraying is to follow the instructions on the label and be careful not to harm other plants or wildlife.

Eradicating pests can be expensive. It is also risky because a pest can be carried into an area by wind or water and could eventually return to its original site. To be cost effective, eradication must be completed before the pest reaches damaging levels. Educating people about good gardening practices and monitoring pest populations are the best ways to minimize the need for eradication. Regular inspections of your landscape for eggs, immature or adult pests can be very helpful as well. If you see a pest, do not wait for it to become a problem; hand-pick the pest and place it in a jar of soapy water to kill it.

IPM

IPM is an ecological decision-making process that combines pest biology and environmental data with technology to manage pests in a way that minimizes damage to people, property, and the environment. It can be used in agricultural production, home gardens, landscapes, schools, military landscapes, public buildings and natural lands such as national parks.

Prevention is the most important component of an IPM program. This involves reducing the available supply of food, water and shelter to pests, such as through sanitation, habitat manipulation, modification of cultural practices, or use of resistant plant species. Structural methods such as sealing entrance points to structures, maintaining clean dining and food storage areas, and insulating buildings can also be effective in preventing pests.

Monitoring is the second component of IPM. It allows the user to determine if there are enough pests present to warrant control and how severe any damage is to plants, property or aesthetics. Monitoring should include:

  • Regular inspections.
  • Scouting to identify pests and their host plants accurately.
  • An action threshold that defines the point at which pest populations or environmental conditions indicate control is needed.

If the action threshold is reached, an integrated treatment strategy is implemented. This should include correcting any cultural issues, using mechanical or biological controls if possible, and only utilizing chemicals when necessary. When a chemical application is used, it should be limited to the lowest toxicity material possible to reduce risk of exposure to humans and pets. Chemicals should always be used with a thorough understanding of the product and its label instructions.

The IPM program should be documented to ensure that the appropriate steps are taken to prevent the use of excessive pesticides in school buildings and grounds. This can be accomplished by maintaining an on-site record of all pest control services, including all pesticide applications, in a searchable, organized system. It is also helpful to have documentation that non-chemical control techniques were considered and applied before resorting to the use of a pesticide. In addition, IPM programs should include an evaluation of the effectiveness of each pest control measure.

What Does it Take to Be a Good Concrete Contractor?

Nicole Lindsey Concrete Contractor , , , , ,

The old saying, “Walk a mile in my shoes,” definitely applies to concrete contractors. This labor-intensive job requires extensive experience and knowledge.

Concrete Contractors collaborate with engineers and architects to plan concrete construction projects. They also prepare sites by assessing soil conditions, installing forms and reinforcements, and preparing the area for pouring. They perform quality control inspections and tests to ensure the concrete meets industry standards. Contact Concrete Contractors Conroe TX now!

The first step in construction is site preparation, which involves clearing the land and preparing it for building. This is an important part of the process because it ensures the construction is done properly and safely. In addition, proper site preparation will allow the project to proceed smoothly and quickly.

The site preparation process can include many tasks, including land surveying, demolition, soil composition, drainage, and zoning requirements. This helps ensure that the construction will meet local regulations and that the final product will be of high quality. It can also help you avoid costly delays and legal complications.

Site preparation contractors are experts at assessing the site and identifying potential challenges. They can then take steps to address these issues before they become problems later on in the project. They can also assist with obtaining any necessary permits and approvals.

During the site preparation process, it is important to check the site for any existing structures or vegetation that might need removal. It is also a good idea to check for underground obstructions such as sewer or electrical lines. If you are unsure where these lines are located, it is a good idea to call 811 before digging so they can tell you the location of the lines.

Another step of site preparation is grading and compacting the soil. This is done using heavy machinery to create a level surface for construction and to ensure that the foundation will be strong and stable. Erosion control and environmental compliance are also part of this process, as is determining the best way to deal with drainage and septic systems.

Mixing and Pouring

A concrete contractor has in-depth knowledge of different types of concrete materials, their properties and best applications. They use this expertise to help their clients choose the best concrete mix for their needs and budget. Concrete contractors also prepare and install forms for pouring the concrete, ensuring that it will take the desired shape.

Depending on the project, they may mix wet or dry concrete. Dry mixing, or dry-mixing, involves getting all of the concrete ingredients in bags and then adding water at the job site through a delivery hose. This method offers greater flexibility in mix design and on-site modification, making it suitable for challenging construction conditions and larger projects. Wet pouring, on the other hand, uses a concrete truck to bring pre-mixed concrete to the site in a concrete barrel. This method allows for faster placement rates and a more consistent, controlled concrete mix.

Once the concrete is poured, it must be compacted and consolidated to eliminate air pockets. This step also includes any decorative elements, like colored concrete or stamped patterns. It is important that the concrete finishes correctly in order to protect against cracking, imperfections and environmental damage.

Contractors must be able to work well under pressure and adhere to strict deadlines. They must also stay openly communicative with their clients about the concrete construction process, including time estimates and costs. Many concrete contractors belong to professional associations, which provide ongoing education and networking opportunities. These professional organizations also offer support in times of emergency, such as when a client is facing a critical deadline and requires immediate assistance. They are able to connect them with other concrete contractors, engineers and architects who can help get the job done.

Finishing

Concrete is incredibly versatile and used in a wide range of projects, from patios to buildings. One small detail that can make all the difference is how the concrete is finished – this can dramatically alter its appearance and functionality. There are many types of concrete finishes, from the simple smooth trowel finish to textured and decorative surfaces. A basic knowledge of the different finishing techniques is important for any general contractor.

The first step of finishing a new slab of concrete is to screed the surface to remove excess concrete and create a level surface. Masonry workers then use a bull float to even out any ridges left by the screed and a power trowel to smooth the concrete further, leaving it with a sleek finish. This is the most popular type of concrete finish and is often seen in garages and warehouse floors.

Other types of concrete finishes include a salt finish, which is applied to wet areas like swimming pools to create a rough and slip-resistant surface. A broom finish is another popular option, creating a rough and textural surface that’s aesthetically pleasing but not as slip-resistant as other finishes. A shot-blasted finish exposes the aggregate materials in the concrete, giving it a unique and textured look.

Another way to customize the look of a concrete surface is by staining or coloring it. This can be done either during the mixing process with color additives or post-fix with concrete staining products. Staining is also a great way to protect and preserve a concrete surface, especially when used in high-traffic areas. A concrete sealer can be added to further protect the surface and extend its life.

Curing

Curing concrete is the process of regulating temperature and moisture conditions within fresh concrete to ensure proper development of strength, durability, and quality. It begins immediately after concrete placement and finishing and involves maintaining desired conditions near the surface and within the concrete matrix for extended periods of time.

If not done properly, curing can negatively affect the final outcome of your concrete project. In order to minimize the effects of this, it’s important to follow recommended curing practices. Incorporating these into your construction projects will reduce environmental harm, promote resource efficiency, and increase the sustainability of your finished products.

Several methods can be used for curing concrete, depending on the size and shape of your construction. For example, large slabs can be cured by forming a pond around the concrete and filling it for an extended period of time. This technique helps to retain the moisture within the concrete and prevents it from drying out too quickly.

For smaller structures, such as walls and columns, you can wrap the concrete with plastic sheeting or blankets. This will protect the concrete from rain and wind and prevent it from overheating. Be sure to wet the concrete before wrapping it, and remove and replace the blanket or plastic sheeting daily.

Alternatively, you can spray a curing compound directly onto the concrete surface. This chemical solution forms an impermeable film over the concrete that slows moisture loss. It’s typically applied with a sprayer and can be either water based or resin based. It may also contain a fugitive dye to help identify areas that are not evenly covered. If you choose to use a curing compound, you must wait until the concrete is fully cured before allowing pedestrian traffic. You must also wait until the concrete is completely cured before driving heavy machinery on it.

Inspection

Concrete is a complex material that requires thorough inspections to ensure it meets design specifications. Concrete inspectors should be knowledgeable about the chemical makeup of concrete, its installation and weathering processes and other factors that could affect its performance. This will allow them to quickly identify problems, provide effective solutions, and make sound recommendations to builders and contractors.

Structural concrete used at any building under construction in New York City must be tested by a licensed laboratory to determine whether it meets the structural design requirements of the project. Concrete is poured into containers called cylinders, which are usually made of single-use plastic for large projects or, for smaller-scale jobs, reusable steel or cast-iron. These cylinders are then tested to check the strength of the concrete at various points after it is poured. Generally, a minimum of three tests are performed at different times after the pour to assess the concrete’s strength, with additional testing done if the results are erratic.

The Department of Buildings requires that a qualified special inspector be present during all concrete placements to verify the use of the proper design mix, continuously observe placement operations and communicate with the concrete safety manager to ensure compliance. Qualified special inspectors must also ensure that grout used to lubricate the placement boom is mixed in properly, that the concrete washing procedure complies with code and that the concrete reaches its destination in good condition.

In addition to testing and inspection, concrete contractors must also keep careful track of their work and document everything they do. This can be difficult for large projects that span multiple buildings or sites, but creating systems for documentation and sharing photos can help. This can reduce the need for inspections, reduce mistakes and improve the overall quality of the finished product.

Insects, Rodents, Pathogens and Pest Control

Nicole Lindsey Pest Control , , , , ,

Pests contaminate food and other daily-use items, cause health problems like asthma, and can spread disease. They can also harm pets and native wildlife.

Remove their food, water, and shelter to keep pests at bay. For example, put rubbish in a tightly closed bin and regularly empty birdbaths to remove mosquito-breeding puddles. Contact Pest Control Irving TX now!

Depending on their role and the conditions of life, insects can be pests or beneficial. The latter pollinate plants, produce useful substances, and control pest insects. They also act as scavengers and serve as food for other animals (see Importance). Insects are also valuable objects of scientific study, contributing significantly to our understanding of genetics, hormones, and sense organ function, among other things.

However, despite their numerous benefits, insects can also be vectors of pathogens and cause serious economic losses for humans. Arthropods such as cockroaches, flies, mosquitoes, ticks, fleas, and sandflies are responsible for 700,000 human deaths yearly because of insect-borne diseases. Insects can transmit pathogens in three ways: mechanically, by absorbing the contamination on feces, sewage, or other biological fluids; biologically, by obtaining the pathogen through a blood meal from an infected host; and chemically, by introducing microorganisms through contaminated feed and rearing conditions.

Insects that cause damage to crops are of concern because they may carry disease organisms and can reduce crop yield and quality. For example, the shoot fly Atherigona pulla and other flies infest proso millet in Africa and India, and the wheat stem maggot Meromyza americana causes severe damage to seedlings in the United States. In addition, thrips like Haplothrips aculeatus and mites such as Chrysomelidae, Acarina spp and Diabolocatantops axellaris attack leaves, earheads and stems of grain crops. The caterpillars Pelopidas mathias and Oedaleus senegalensis attack grass crops, causing distortion, curling, discoloration and poor emergence.

It is important that public health professionals address these issues, enforcing the role they play in regulating and exploiting the benefits of insects while minimizing threats to human and animal health. This includes ensuring that insect farming and processing is safe and efficient. To do this, public health authorities should establish effective surveillance and testing systems along the whole supply chain. Additionally, they should improve rearing and management conditions and animal welfare, in particular by addressing stress, the risk of injury and cannibalism, and euthanasia methods. They should also support research activities on different aspects of the insect-public health interface.

Rodents

Rodents are a diverse group of mammals that can be recognized by their prominent front teeth called incisers, which never stop growing throughout the rodent’s lifetime. They are the second most successful mammal species on Earth, inhabiting every continent except Antarctica and being found in a variety of habitats such as forests, rock crevices, burrows, leaf and bark structures, or clogged garbage bins.

Rodents can cause damage to human structures and the surrounding environment. In addition to gnawing on electrical wiring and insulation (posing fire hazards), they may chew through wood beams, create holes in walls and attics, and contaminate food. They also destroy crops, spread disease through direct contact or through the contaminating effects of their droppings.

On campus, rodents are a problem because of their large numbers and habit of seeking out shelter and food close to humans. In addition to their destruction of property, they pose a serious health threat to people by spreading diseases such as Hantavirus Pulmonary Syndrome, Leptospirosis, and Salmonellosis through bites or the consumption of contaminated foods.

Using preventative measures is important in reducing rodent problems. These include eliminating access points that rats and mice can use to enter buildings, removing sources of food and water, and reporting any large gaps around doors, vents, etc., to your local facilities group.

Keep garbage and compost bins as far away from buildings as possible and make sure they have a tight-fitting lid. Do not leave out pet food or water overnight. Remove weeds and other vegetation that provide shelter to rodents. Maintain at least a 2-foot space between bushes, shrubs, and fences and remove tree limbs that are within 3 feet of a roof or building.

Regular inspections are important in identifying rodent signs like gnaw marks, droppings, urine, and feces. Also, listen for noises such as scratching or scurrying during quiet hours. Also, inspect less visible areas like behind appliances and in cabinets for evidence of rodent activity. A good pest control program includes both prevention and extermination tactics, so the key is to be proactive.

Pathogens

Pathogens are microscopic organisms that cause disease. They can be bacteria, viruses, fungi, protozoa or even infectious proteins called prions. All of them have one thing in common: they must be able to enter their host and multiply to make you sick. They can also be carried on the skin of animals, transmitted by bites from infected insects and, in some cases, transmitted through air, water or food.

Infections caused by pathogens can vary in severity from mild inconvenience to assured death. They can affect the skin, eyes, lungs and gastrointestinal tract. They can be spread from person to person by direct contact, such as touching an infected hand or mouth after using a toilet or changing a baby’s diaper. They can also be spread by breathing in droplets of microorganisms when someone coughs or sneezes. They can be spread by consuming contaminated food or water and through blood-sucking insects, such as mosquitoes that carry the virus for malaria.

Some pathogens only infect a single species of animal, while others have an extraordinarily wide range of host species. For example, the bacteria that cause leprosy are restricted to a few species of wild animals, but they can infect human beings.

Pest control is often focused on preventing diseases that might otherwise affect plants and people. It might be a matter of suppressing the populations of certain pests to prevent them from growing into a nuisance, or it might be a matter of eradicating them entirely. Prevention is usually a goal in outdoor situations, where you can predict the conditions that will favor pest growth. Eradication is more common in indoor areas, where the conditions that support pests are less likely to occur.

Insects, like all other living things, are infected by bacteria, fungi, protozoa and viruses that can reduce their rate of feeding and growth, inhibit reproduction or kill them. These natural enemies are important natural controls of insect pests, and some of them have been cultivated and commercially formulated for use as insecticides. Bacteria such as Bacillus thuringiensis, or Bt, for instance, have been developed to produce a protein that interferes with an insect’s ability to eat.

Chemicals

Whether they’re used in the home garden or on large farms, pesticides travel through the environment after application. Pesticides may move from the place of application to non-target plants and environmental media by chemical degradation, evaporation into the air, leaching into ground water, spray drift or runoff. These movements are influenced by factors such as soil conditions, weather and temperature, and the type of pesticides applied.

A pesticide’s toxicity depends on its mode of action, which is how it kills the targeted organism. For example, organophosphates and carbamates act like nerve gas, interfering with nerve transmission. If ingested, they can cause headaches, dizziness, nausea, vomiting, chest pain and difficulty breathing. If they come in contact with the skin, they can irritate and burn the skin.

In addition, many pesticides can have negative influences on non-target organisms (e.g., birds, fish and honeybees). These effects occur through direct contact or as a result of pesticide residuals that remain in the soil after the target plant has been killed. Generally, the more persistent and hazardous the chemicals are, the more likely they are to be transported and accumulate in non-target plants and environmental media.

Before a pesticide can be sold, it is tested to determine its acute toxicity to mammals. Laboratory rats of known weight are fed a specific amount of the pesticide’s active ingredient and monitored for survival. The number of rats that die is the LD50, or lethal dose that causes 50% of the population to die. Often, the more specific a pesticide is to its target insect, the higher the LD 50 value will be.

The environmental behavior of a pesticide is influenced by its chemical characteristics, such as water solubility, soil sorption constant (Koc) and octanol/water partition coefficient (Kow). Those with high Koc and low Kow values will strongly bind to the organic matter in soils, which results in long-term accumulation and persistence in the environment.

Whenever possible, use organic materials to control pests rather than chemical methods of control. If a chemical is needed, be sure to follow label instructions for safety and dispose of unused or partially used containers on household hazardous waste collection days or with your local trash service. When hiring a pest control company, be sure to ask for an inspection and a written program before you sign a contract. The program should include specific names of pests to be controlled and the types and amounts of chemicals to be used, as well as a statement of any safety concerns you might have.

What Is a Septic Tank?

Nicole Lindsey Home Services , , , , , , , , , ,

Septic tanks are underground boxes that house a population of bacteria that treat and digest household wastewater. They are usually marked with green caps and have inspection pipes, maintenance hole access ports for pumping, and baffle walls.

As bacteria decompose the sewage, heavy solids sink to form a layer of sludge while lighter materials like oils and fats float to the top of the tank to form a layer of scum. The clarified wastewater between the sludge and scum is called effluent. Contact Septic Tank Armadale now!

The inlet and outlet tees control the wastewater flow into and out of the septic tank. Both are critical for your septic system to work properly. If the tees are too high, solids can be discharged into your drain field and cause problems there. If they aren’t at the right height, solids can accumulate in the septic tank and be pumped out too early.

Older septic tanks tend to have wall baffles—concrete tees built directly into the side of the tank. But these are being replaced by sanitary tees—plastic tees carefully shaped to reduce the risk of solids blocking inlet lines.

A sanitary tee is typically placed at the inlet of your septic tank to direct incoming house sewer waste downward into the septic tank. This lower position gives the solid waste a longer time to separate from the liquid waste and helps keep the floating scum layer from plugging the inlet line. The tee also reduces the amount of turbulence that occurs at the inlet of the tank.

At the septic tank outlet, the sanitary tee is shaped to prevent scum from moving into the drainfield. The tee is positioned to be above the top of the scum layer and below the bottom of the sludge layer. This keeps grease and other scum from passing to the drainfield, where it could clog the field.

Mr Waters’ photo of new PVC septic tank tee parts in place at the septic tank inlet shows that he had to chip away the remains of the concrete baffle that used to be there. The septic tank pumper must do this to install a new tee in a concrete or steel septic tank.

The inlet and outlet tees are the most likely places to see evidence of a problem with your septic tank. When a septic tank is emptied for cleaning or pumping, the inspector should carefully observe the condition of the inlet and outlet baffles to be sure they are working as designed. If you’re seeing sewage odors around your home, this might indicate that the inlet or outlet baffle is blocked.

Pumping

The septic tank is a settling chamber that gives solid waste, called sludge, time to separate from household wastewater, which is then filtered by the soil in your drainfield (also known as a leach field). It is important to have the septic tank pumped when needed, as untreated sewage can contaminate groundwater and expose humans and pets to disease-causing organisms.

A septic system should be inspected by a professional every three to five years. The frequency depends on the size of your home, number of people living in it, and what type of materials are flushed down toilets and drains. When a tank isn’t pumped when needed, solids build up to the point that they block the septic tank outlet pipe or clog the drainfield.

During pumping, the septic tank professional will find and locate your septic tank, dig up any part of your yard that is necessary to access it, remove the lid, and start removing all of the solid waste, sludge, and scum from the tank. They will take it out through the large central service hole in your septic tank and into their truck, where it is transported to a sewage processing plant.

Once the septic tank is completely pumped, the professional will clean the surface of the tank and replace the lid. They will also inspect the septic tank baffles and divider wall to ensure they are in good condition. They will also check for any root growth into the septic tank and look for cracks or deterioration in the outer surface of the tank.

Don’t flush chemicals, biodegradable cleaners, or other products that may disrupt the natural bacteria process inside your septic tank. These can interfere with the natural decomposition process, causing sludge and scum to build up and cause a clogged septic system.

If you need your septic tank pumped, call us today to schedule an appointment! Having your septic system properly pumped and inspected is one of the best investments you can make for your property. Not only will it help protect the health of your family and pets, but it will also increase the value of your home if you ever decide to sell it in the future.

Inspection Ports

Septic tank inspection ports are usually located near the manhole cover. They are used to access the inside of the septic tank for visual inspection and to remove a sample of septic tank wastewater (effluent) for testing. The purpose of septic tank inspections is to ensure that the septic system is processing waste efficiently and removing solids. This prevents overflows, backups, and costly repairs.

The septic tank is a buried, water-tight container made from concrete or fiberglass. It has a series of compartments and a T-shaped outlet that keeps sludge, sediment, and scum from leaving the septic tank and traveling into your drainfield area.

Sludge is the goopy stuff that sinks to the bottom of the septic tank and forms a layer. Scum is the lighter, floating stuff that consists of oils and fats. When the septic tank’s inlet baffle (sometimes called a partition wall) directs raw wastewater downward, it reduces surface scum clogging of the inlet pipe and makes it easier for solids to settle to the bottom. The septic tank also has an outlet baffle to direct liquid wastewater into the next level of the septic tank, keeping the sludge and scum from flowing into your septic tank’s vent pipe or clogging the septic system’s outlet drain field.

In addition, a septic tank contains a vent to release noxious gases from the settling process. Normally, these gases are absorbed into the ground and decomposed by soil microorganisms.

A septic tank may have one or two inspection ports, depending on its size. It may also have a clean-out or manhole cover, which is the entrance to the underground septic tank. If your septic tank has a manhole cover, a complete septic tank cleaning service is required to thoroughly remove all of the waste from the tank. Pumping through the clean-out or inspection ports does not remove all of the waste and will leave behind a large amount of water in the tank.

It is important to have your septic tank inspected and pumped every 2-3 years. It is even more important to follow the recommendations of your inspector and septic service company regarding the use of products in your home that can negatively impact your septic system. For example, it is very dangerous to flush baby wipes down your toilets. Regardless of the labeling, these wipes are not septic safe and should be thrown in the trash instead.

Absorption Field

Known as the soil drainfield or absorption field, this system is designed to treat the wastewater from the septic tank. The effluent from the septic tank flows to the absorption field through a watertight, 4-inch diameter pipe. The effluent passes into the soil, where it undergoes biological and anaerobic processes that help break down solids. As the sewage breaks down in the soil, the nutrients are taken up by the surrounding plant roots. The absorption field also protects groundwater supplies by preventing the spread of disease-causing microorganisms and pollutants, such as nitrates and phosphates.

During the septic tank installation process, it’s important to understand the soil type in which your septic system will be installed. Different types of soil have different capacities to hold and process waste. A soil evaluation can provide this information. If the soil in your absorption field is too dense to allow for proper sewage treatment, the system will not function properly no matter how well it’s constructed.

The tank size also plays an important role in septic system performance. The tank should be large enough to retain at least two days of sewage flow from the house. This allows time for the solids to separate from the liquids. Regulations specify tank size based on the number of bedrooms in the home.

A septic system that overflows with sewage will be subject to contamination and may require expensive repairs or replacement. The problem is usually caused by a blocked drain line or excessive water entering the system. To prevent this, regularly check your drains and appliances for problems, fix any leaks, and use water conservation practices.

When you’re having septic tank issues, call the professionals. They can diagnose the problem and install a new septic tank or repair your existing one.

Keeping the septic tank free from obstructions is essential to a reliable, long-lasting septic system. The septic tank should have baffles or sanitary tees to prevent floating scum from passing into the absorption field. The baffles or tees should be made of acid-resistant concrete, cast iron or plastic and extend above the septic tank’s ground surface. A series of 6-inch-diameter inspection pipes should be located above the baffles or tees and extend to the absorption field to allow for checking of solids levels and clogs.