Residential
Town Spotlight: Fall in Norwalk and Preparing for Winter
Fall in Norwalk is an unpredictable season, sunny and warm one day, chilly and crisp the next. The changing color of the leaves paints a beautiful tapestry against the sky. Fresh tomatoes, delicious corn, crisp apples, and sweet berries are everywhere. It’s also a time of closing the pool, covering the boat, the house needs readied for the cold days ahead and, of course, the ever falling leaves need raked. Fall is a season that is beautiful, tasty, and filled with preparation for winter
And no place is more attractive in autumn than Norwalk, Connecticut. The Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (DEEP) says that, depending on the weather, fall foliage color is at its peak between October 5 and November 13. The Norwalk region offers a lot of places to get outside, savor the colorful landscapes, and enjoy the fall beauty. While any fall day is perfect for leaf viewing, you will find less traffic, and more peace and solitude if you can sneak away for a few hours midweek.
As you enjoy the crisp fall weather and begin to prepare for this upcoming winter, remember to consider your septic system. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) states that 20% of households, 60 million people, depend on septic systems to treat home and business wastewater. The topic is so notable that the EPA has created a program called Septic Smart, an initiative dedicated to instructing homeowners and neighborhoods on the proper care of septic systems.
The program provides homeowners, who depend on septic systems, the opportunity to learn how to maintain their system and avoid problems. The first recommendation they make, to ensure your septic system and the associated plumbing is ready for fall, is to inspect and pump frequently. Regardless of what part of the country you are in, sludge buildup is unavoidable, but regular inspections and pumping reduce repairs by identifying possible issues before they happen, and is inexpensive when compared to high repair bills.
Not regularly having your septic system pumped is the top cause of all septic system problems and can end up costing thousands in avoidable repairs. Many people neglect their system and go for years and even decades without septic pumping or inspection of their system. As you enjoy what many consider the most beautiful season of the year in Norwalk, Connecticut, and prepare for the bitter cold of winter, remember to have a professional inspect your system and avoid costly repairs in the future.
To learn more about preparing your septic system for fall in Norwalk or anything else contact us today.
Residential
Knowing What To Look For: Ejector Pumps
An ejector pump is an integral part of your pressurized septic system. Here’s how it works and what to keep in mind when it’s time for maintenance.
The System
Waste from your home is taken by gravity to the septic tank. There, the waste separates into one of three products. Sludge sinks to the bottom, scum floats to the top and effluent water remains center and flows through the system.
The ejector pit accepts effluent water from the septic tank and ejects it to the leach field using an ejector pump.
The ejector pump is located on the floor of the pit. There are three floats that control the pump. The on/off float, located mid-pit, and the redundant off float, located closer to the bottom of the pit and an alarm float.
The on/off float is triggered by new water entering the chamber. The redundant off float is triggered by water dropping to a low level. This float prevents the pump from overheating.The alarm float triggered by high water level.
If you hear this alarm you can shut it off on the control panel. Push to silence it and then call us here at Kiaser Battistone. We know what we’re doing. Do not attempt to fix this pump issue yourself.
Being Mindful
Here are three common reasons for needing to do maintenance or replacing your ejector pump altogether.
1. Grease
Grease is insidious which is why you should never dump bacon grease or any other type of oil down the drain. There are oils and greases already being rejected by your body and this process doesn’t need an expedition. What happens is these ejector pumps fill with grease. Grease is a nasty thing that can cause you a lot of problems that can cause your pump to stop working and lead to malfunction. No homeowner who had dealt with that would care to deal with it again.
2. The Pump Itself.
Every five to ten years you have to open up the pump and clean it out. Most times if you take them apart and put them back together the pump will start working again. The pumps themselves usually last for ten to fifteen years, then they need to be replaced.
3. The Float Switches.
If the float switch malfunctions then you may need to eventually replace the pump itself. Pay attention to the alarm that is attached and know what it sounds like.
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Residential
The Importance of the Leach Field
If you have a septic system, you are likely already aware of what the septic tank does. What you may not know as much about is the leach field, which is also a major component of the septic system. Just because you aren’t aware of the leach field doesn’t mean that the purpose it serves is any less important.
As a most basic definition and description, the leach field works as a disposal filter for contaminants and liquids after they have been anaerobically digested and pass through the septic tank. The leach field is for disposing of organic materials that have already been catabolized by a microbial ecosystem; it gets rid of what is left after the bacteria have eaten what waste they will eat. The leach field will typically contain a system of trenches and gravel (or another porous material) covered in soil. This prevents animals and surface runoff from being able to reach the material being distributed by the trenches. A properly designed leach field considers hydraulics so the material can properly move through it, and catabolism for the biochemical oxygen demands of the wastewater.
Leach fields will over-saturate for a couple of reasons: either the field was not properly designed, or the workload it was designed for is underestimated and it is being overworked. Pooling in and around the leach field or in the yard is a primary symptom, due to the biosolid sludge and liquids no longer properly passing through the trenches. A failing leach field will also give off strong odors and possibly cause pipes to back up inside the home. These are signs of much larger problems to come; problems that are dangerous to the environment, humans, and animals.
All is not lost though. Like any other part of the home, a septic system requires routine, preventative maintenance to stop any sort of disaster from occurring. At Kaiser-Battistone, our team of friendly professionals can properly survey the issues you’re having with your leach field and address them accordingly, saving you time, money, headache and worry. So if you’re noticing any of these signs of septic system distress, call us today and one of our friendly staff will educate you and put you at ease. Let’s prevent that problem that’s bubbling in your back yard.
Residential
How Trenchless Pipelining Gets the Job Done: Fast, Eco-friendly, and Durable
In the “good old days” a sewer line repair could be quite a project involving excavators, landscapers, plumbers, and perhaps an accountant to advise you on how to finance such a major repair project. Lawns and shrubbery were upended, sidewalks might need replacing afterward, and the domestic or business routine of the property undergoing such invasive surgery could be disrupted for days if not weeks. Finally, after all that time and effort, the result was a new system of pipes and seams just as prone to the same deterioration as the old ones you’ve just replaced.
CIPP: (Cured in Place Pipe): Patented Permaliner to the Rescue
Now imagine you could fix those old pipes without digging up everything which happens to live above the sewer-line. And wouldn’t it be nice if you could run one long continuous pipe without the worries of coupling failures or deterioration? Well, you’ve come to the right place. Trenchless pipelining is here.
Our patented Permaliner system uses state of the art epoxy to form a new pipe within a pipe. The Permaliner cures to a durable smooth finish on the pipe wall interior, improving flow and forming a durable sealed surface. Root intrusion is prevented to maintain that rate of flow over the years.
The new Permaliner “pipe within a pipe” provides the same tensile strength as a new replacement pipe, with the advantage of converting coupled pipe sections into one long seamless line, as the Permaliner treats joints and seams as we pump it along the line.
Contact us for all your trenchless pipelining needs. We can rehabilitate pipes between 2″ and 28″ with the Permaliner process described here, but we’ve also got special applications for larger jobs so don’t hesitate to give us a call for help with those too. Your lawn will thank you.
Residential
How to Preserve Your Leach Field
When the general public talks about septic issues, they are usually thinking of the septic tank. Most people don’t realize the tank is just one part of the entire septic system. Once wastewater leaves the tank, it goes to the distribution box which sends it out to the drain field or leach field. The leach field is wastewater’s final stop in the purification process before nature takes over. From here, the wastewater percolates into the soil where gravity will pull it down to meet groundwater. Several things can go wrong on this path from your toilet to the leach field, so here are 3 things you should do to preserve your leach field.
Do Not Use a Garbage Disposal
This one applies to both the tank and leach field. While the garbage disposal may seem like a convenient means of getting rid of food scraps, it can damage your septic system. A garbage disposal merely chops food into smaller pieces. Unfortunately, these food particles do not break down adequately enough and initiate clogs. Our advice is to feed food scraps to a pet or just toss in the trash.
Install a Septic Filter
A septic filter attaches to your tank’s outlet and will catch particles that the tank was unable to separate from the effluent. It is very important that solid elements do not enter the leach field because clogs in this part of your septic system are difficult and costly to repair. Avoid all that with this easy solution. Kaiser-Battistone carries a variety of filters, and our technicians would be happy to fit one to your septic system.
Don’t Plant Anything Over the Leach Field
A common problem we see with sewage piping is that it attracts plant roots. Your wastewater is rich in nutrients that trees and bushes seek, so they naturally break through pipes to reach it. For this reason, we advise you not to plant anything over your leach field except grass. Even some types of weeds have strong roots, so weeding and mowing over the drain field must be maintained as well.
Damage to your leach field is difficult to repair and can be very costly, so make every effort to keep it in great working condition. For more tips on caring for your leach field, Contact Kaiser-Battistone or Request Service now.
Residential
How to Stop Your Hot Water from Running Out Too Fast
You just started shampooing your hair, and the water is already getting cold! No one else has showered before you, the dishwasher isn’t running, and you haven’t done laundry today, so why is there no hot water? If no other appliances have been running and no one else has used up all the hot water, the problem is likely the water heater.
Water Heater Woes
Before we look at malfunctions, let’s consider the size or quality of your water heater. Your family may have grown or you may have purchased a home from a smaller family, and the heater can no longer accommodate the hot water needs of the household. Also, a lower quality water heater with a low FHR (first hour rating) cannot supply a lot of hot water within a short time. However, if neither of these is the problem, it may be time to call a professional.
He may find build up in the tank. If you have hard water, there are minerals in it that collect in the tank and take up a lot of space over time. This sediment can also damage the tank, so it needs to be flushed out. Another problem could be a broken dip tube. This long component goes to the bottom of the water heater and releases the cold water to be heated by the heating element at the bottom. If it’s broken, the cold water doesn’t always reach the heating element before mixing in with the hot water.
Leave it to the Experts
Making repairs on a water heater is a dangerous job, so please leave it to the technicians at Kaiser-Battistone. Our certified professionals have been specially trained to handle all types of water heaters and know what to do when trouble strikes. We also recommend having your water heater inspected on an annual basis to ensure uninterrupted hot water production for your business. Take advantage of our expertise, and Contact Us to inspect or service your water heater.
Residential
How Often Does Your Septic Need to be Serviced?
Wouldn’t it be nice if your septic tank had gadgets on it like your car that warned you of upcoming maintenance issues? Cars are equipped so they can tell you it’s time to change your oil, buy more fuel, put air in your tires, and some can even tell you you’re about to hit something. Unfortunately, it’s not so easy to know when your septic tank is full of sludge or if a pipe in the leach field is about to bust. There are no lights or sounds to alert you, but we have invented a little something that will be valuable in warning you of the need for an upcoming pumping service.
Septic Service Frequency Calculator
This handy little tool is simple to use and only takes a minute! Visit our Septic Service Frequency Calculator page and answer a few quick questions using easy drop-down menus. When you’re done, click “Calculate,” and you’ll see when your next recommended service should be. There is even a button for you to schedule your next service so you don’t need to remember to check back. We’ll do that for you going forward, so you’ll have one less thing to worry about.
Put Your Septic Maintenance On Cruise Control
Unfortunately, most people don’t know or don’t see the signs of a problem until it’s too late. That is why we recommend a scheduled maintenance routine based on your system and water consumption. Wind River can act as your check engine light by contacting you when it’s time for your septic pumping. With our professionals checking on things regularly, you’re also less likely to encounter any wastewater problems in between pumpings. Let us keep your septic facilities working properly and help you avoid wastewater emergencies. Contact Us and check out our calculator to find out when we can plan to see you next.
Residential
Preventative Maintenance for Septic Systems
The humble septic tank is the waste water workhorse of many homes across the country. Homes that are not serviced by public sewers must have a way to dispose of waste water and septic tanks do just that. Wastewater septic systems consist of a tank and leach-field. The tank separates the solids from the wastewater and houses the bacteria that decompose the solid waste. The leach-field, also known as a drain-field, is where all the wastewater drains to.
A well taken care of system will last for years and cost very little. On the other hand, poorly maintained tanks will cause pollution, property damage, and health concerns. Follow these simple steps for septic preventative maintenance.
An ounce of prevention will spare a month of headaches. Wind River Environmental recommends a 3 step maintenance plan for keeping your septic system running smoothly.
The 3 step preventative maintenance plan:
- Regular system pumping every one to two years removes the sludge that collects over time.
- Bacterial additives such as CCLS add high levels of beneficial bacteria to the tank to break down solid waste.
- Installing a filter will prevent large particles from settling in the leaching area.
Another part of septic preventative maintenance is avoiding things that harm the system. According to Public Health and Social Services, using too much water and pouring chemicals into the system are habits to avoid. Using too much water at once will flood the tank and prevent solid wastes from separating efficiently. Pouring the old drain cleaners and other toxic products down the toilet is a bad idea as well. These chemicals will destroy the beneficial bacteria that break down solid waste.
Septic systems are delicate systems that require maintenance and care. Having the tank pumped, adding beneficial bacteria, and installing a filter are important steps in maintaining a septic system for years to come.
Residential, Sin categoría
Why is Your Hot Water Running Out So Fast?
Unless you’re one of those crazy polar bear plunge participants, you probably aren’t a fan of cold showers. There are few things more unbearable than cold water pouring over your body, especially if it’s a chilly winter morning. So why does this happen? If no other appliances have been running and no one else has used up all the hot water, the problem is likely the water heater.
What’s the Problem?
Before we look at malfunctions, let’s consider the size or quality of your water heater. Your family may have grown or you may have purchased a home from a smaller family, and the heater can no longer accommodate the hot water needs of the household. Also, a lower quality water heater with a low FHR (first hour rating) cannot supply a lot of hot water within a short time. However, if neither of these is the problem, it may be time to call a professional.
He may find build up in the tank. If you have hard water, there are minerals in it that collect in the tank and take up a lot of space over time. This sediment can also damage the tank, so it needs to be flushed out. Another problem could be a broken dip tube. This long component goes to the bottom of the water heater and releases the cold water to be heated by the heating element at the bottom. If it’s broken, the cold water doesn’t always reach the heating element before mixing in with the hot water.
Leave it to the Experts
Making repairs on a water heater is a dangerous job, so please leave it to the technicians at Kaiser-Battistone. Our certified professionals have been specially trained to handle all types of water heaters and know what to do when trouble strikes. We also recommend having your water heater inspected on an annual basis to ensure uninterrupted hot water production for your business. Take advantage of our expertise, and Contact Us to inspect or service your water heater.
Residential
Happy St. Patrick’s Day! Make Your Septic System Feel Lucky!
The most important advice we can give our customers is to invest in preventative maintenance. I know I know…your budget is stretched thin and you think you can’t afford it. Well, consider this. Emergency situations are messy, expensive and stressful, while preventative maintenance is budgeted, predictable and averts costly mishaps. Wouldn’t you rather pay for health club fees and annual physicals to keep your body healthy knowing they will prevent a high-cost trip to the emergency room? Your body may look and feel fine, but it needs to be maintained on a regular basis to stay that way.
Eat Your Greens
Just as your body needs an annual physical, your septic system needs its annual inspection. This preventative measure is invaluable for detecting unforeseen problems and stopping early formations of clogs. Regular exercise and healthy eating habits are preventative measures for your body, just as bacterial additives and routine cleanings are preventative measures for your septic and plumbing. Be sure to include these in your preventative routine, and you’ll prolong the life of your septic system.
We’re Your Good Luck Charm
You’ll need more than the luck of the Irish if you trust just anyone to handle your septic needs. Your wastewater facilities need the care of a trained professional just as your body should have the care of a trained physician. On this St. Patrick’s Day week, make your system feel lucky by signing it up for a maintenance plan. Our technicians will treat it with goodies like bacterial additives, a septic filter, and a customized pumping routine. Spring is just around the corner, so get your system ready for the seasonal transition with care from the best in the business. To learn more about our 3-step maintenance plan or our other preventative maintenance services, Contact Us.
