Laundry Day and Your Septic System: A Perfect Pair

Laundry day can be a simple chore, but it can have a significant impact on your septic system if not done correctly. Here are a few tips to ensure your laundry routine is septic-friendly:

• Choose the right detergent: Use septic-safe detergents that are designed to break down easily and not harm the beneficial bacteria in your tank.
• Smaller loads, more often: Instead of one large load, do several smaller loads throughout the week to prevent overloading your system.
• Skip the harsh chemicals: Avoid bleach and fabric softeners, as they can disrupt the treatment process. Natural alternatives like vinegar or baking soda can be just as effective.
• Dispose of detergent sheets and pods properly: Never flush these products, as they can clog your pipes and harm your septic system.

By following these simple tips, you can protect your septic system and avoid costly repairs. Learn more about the best ways to do laundry with a septic system here.

Schedule Septic Tank Pumping Maintenance for Your South Lyon Home Today!

When you’re mindful about the types of detergent you use when it comes to doing the laundry with a septic tank can save you from inconvenient and costly repairs down the road. As with any maintenance, it’s best to consult a professional if you’re unsure about your system’s needs or condition. 

For septic tank pumping in South Lyon, Michigan, call us today at 248-962-3670 or contact us today to get started. 

Winterizing Your Septic System: Reducing Water Usage and Scheduling Maintenance

In addition to insulating and protecting your septic system, it's important to reduce water usage and schedule regular maintenance.

Reducing Water Usage:

• Fix leaks: Repair any leaks in your plumbing system to minimize water waste.
• Upgrade fixtures: Install water-efficient toilets, faucets, and showerheads.
• Stagger appliances: Avoid running multiple water-heavy appliances simultaneously.
• Limit showers: Encourage your household to take shorter showers.

Scheduling Maintenance:

• Regular pumping: Have your septic tank pumped before winter to prevent backups and freezing.
• Professional inspection: Schedule a professional inspection to identify and address any potential issues.

Learn more about preparing your septic system for winter here.

Schedule Septic Tank Pumping Maintenance for Your South Lyon Home Today!

By reducing water usage and scheduling regular maintenance, you can help ensure the health and longevity of your septic system throughout the winter. When you hire an experienced, certified professional you’ll have the peace of mind knowing we have the expertise and equipment to ensure the job is done safely and effectively. 

For septic tank pumping in South Lyon, Michigan, call us today at 248-962-3670 or contact us today to get started. 

Winterizing Your Septic System: Insulating and Protecting

Winter can be harsh on septic systems. Freezing temperatures can damage pipes and disrupt the natural processes within the tank.  There are several steps you can take to protect your septic system and ensure it functions smoothly throughout the colder months.

Insulation:

• Mulch and straw: Spread a layer of mulch or straw over your tank and drain field to trap heat.
• Grass cover: Plant a thick cover of grass to insulate the soil.
• Avoid compaction: Refrain from driving or walking on the septic area to prevent compaction.

Diverting Water:

• Downspout extensions: Direct gutters and downspouts away from your drain field.
• Proper drainage: Ensure there are no areas where water accumulates.
• Avoid heavy equipment: Keep vehicles and machinery off the drain field.

Learn more about preparing your septic system for winter here.

Schedule Septic Tank Pumping Maintenance for Your South Lyon Home Today!

By taking these steps, you can help prevent freezing and ensure your septic system operates efficiently during the winter. From regular maintenance checks to emergency service, we have your back. When you hire an experienced, certified professional you’ll have the peace of mind knowing we have the expertise and equipment to ensure the job is done safely and effectively. 

For septic tank pumping in South Lyon, Michigan, call us today at 248-962-3670 or contact us today to get started. 

Festive Fun, Septic Stress: How Holiday Activities Can Impact Your System

While the holidays are filled with joy and celebration, they can also pose a challenge for your septic system. Increased wastewater from holiday meals, showers, and laundry can contribute to clogs and reduced system efficiency.

Here are some tips for minimizing the stress on your septic system during the holidays:

• Avoid pouring grease down the drain. Grease can solidify and clog your pipes.
• Limit the amount of food scraps you flush. These can also contribute to clogs.
• Use septic-safe products. Avoid using harsh chemicals that can damage your septic system.

Learn more about how the holiday season can impact your septic system here.

Hire Professionals for Septic Tank Pumping in South Lyon

 

If you're concerned about the health of your septic system, consider hiring a professional septic service provider for a thorough pumping and cleaning. This can help alleviate the added stress on your septic tank and ensure it operates efficiently throughout the holiday season. Contact us or call 248-962-3670 to schedule your septic tank pumping in South Lyon.

Things to Know After Your Septic Installation: Inspections and Maintenance

Getting ready for a septic installation in your brand-new home?

Congratulations on beginning the journey of building your dream home! If you’re feeling nervous about what to do after your septic installation don’t worry, we’ve got your back!

Our team of professionals will perform tests to make sure everything runs like clockwork, and after that future maintenance will fall into your hands. Don’t worry though, we’re going to make sure you’re prepared!

Here’s some important information to know after your new septic system is installed: 

Taking Care of Your Septic System  

Congratulations on your new septic system! As the years come and go your septic system will require regular maintenance to prolong its lifespan and prevent issues down the road. 

This type of maintenance includes routine tank pumping every couple of years, keeping an eye on water usage to prevent overloading your system, and avoiding flushing any non-biodegradable items and harmful chemicals. 

It’s important to educate yourself and your family members on proper septic system care to save yourself from messy surprises and costly repairs. 

Learn About Long-Term Care After Your Septic Installation in South Lyon! 

Armed with knowledge and a newfound appreciation for waste management, we hope you now have the confidence to tackle any home-building challenge you face in the future!

If you’re in the process of building a new home and searching for professionals who specialize in septic installation in South Lyon, contact us today to get started! 

One Stop Shop For All of Your Septic Needs

From regular maintenance checks to emergency service, LaChance Brothers Excavating has your back. Hiring an experienced certified professional like LaChance, we have the expertise and equipment to ensure the job is done safely and effectively. 

Learn more about how to be a good septic owner on our website.

Hire Professionals for Septic Tank Cleaning  in South Lyon

All septic systems require maintenance and work over their lifetime. Properly maintaining your system will keep it working properly and extend its lifetime. Contact us or call 248-962-3670 to schedule your septic tank cleaning in South Lyon.

How to Be a Good Septic Owner

Are you up to date with your septic tank maintenance schedule?

Do you use biodegradable products?

Do you avoid using harsh cleaning products?

If you answered “Yes” to the above questions, then you’re on your way to being the best septic owner possible. 

According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, there are 10 ways to be a good septic owner, including:

1. Having your system inspected every three years by a qualified professional.

2. Having your septic tank pumped every three to five years.

3. Avoiding pouring harsh chemicals down your drain.

4. Discarding non-degradable products in the trash instead of flushing them. 

5. Keeping your cars parked away from your drainfield and tank.

6. Following your system manufacturer’s directions when using septic tank cleaners and additives.

7. Repairing leaks and using efficient fixtures to avoid overloading your system.

8. Maintaining plants and vegetation near your system to ensure roots don’t block your drains.

9. Using soap and detergent that are low-suds, biodegradable, and low or phosphate-free.

10. Preventing your system from freezing during cold weather by inspecting and insulating vulnerable pipes.

Learn more about how to be a good septic owner on our website.

Hire Professionals for Septic Tank Cleaning in South Lyon

All septic systems require maintenance and work over their lifetime. Properly maintaining your system will keep it working properly and extend its lifetime. Contact us or call 248-962-3670 to schedule your septic tank cleaning in South Lyon.

The Effects of Winter Weather on Unoccupied Homes

 

Do you own a vacation home or rental property?

Do you own a home that’s unoccupied for an extended period of time? 

A rental home or vacation home may not receive the same level of regular maintenance and upkeep as primary residences, putting it at risk of damage from low temperatures, heavy snow and strong winds. 

Frozen septic pipes are common in unoccupied homes when temperatures drop below freezing. Frozen pipes can cause blockages, leading to backups and damage to the septic system. In addition, the pressure from ice buildup can cause cracks and leaks in the septic tank, which can be costly to repair.

Learn more about how to prevent damage to your septic tank in unoccupied homes here.

Hire Professionals for Septic Tank Pumping in South Lyon

All septic systems require maintenance and work over their lifetime. Properly maintaining your system will keep it working properly and extend its lifetime. Contact us or call 248-962-3670 to schedule your septic tank pumping in South Lyon.

Prevent Damage to Septic Tanks to Unoccupied Homes in the Winter

Do you own a vacation home or rental property?

Do you own a home that’s unoccupied for an extended period of time? 

To prevent damage, you should take several steps including:

1. Having your septic system inspected and maintained regularly to ensure it’s in good condition. 

2. Avoid flushing items that can clog your septic system, such as diapers, wipes, and feminine hygiene products. These items can cause blockages and backups, which can exacerbate the effects of freezing temperatures on the system.

Learn more about how to prevent damage to your septic tank in unoccupied homes here.

Hire Professionals for Septic Tank Pumping in South Lyon

All septic systems require maintenance and work over their lifetime. Properly maintaining your system will keep it working properly and extend its lifetime. Contact us or call 248-962-3670 to schedule your septic tank pumping in South Lyon.

8 Signs of Septic System Failure

If you’re experiencing any of the following, your septic system could be failing:

1. Water and sewage from toilets, drains, and sinks are backing up into the home.
2. Bathtubs, showers, and sinks drain very slowly.
3. Gurgling sounds in the plumbing system.
4. Standing water or damp spots near the septic tank or drainfield.
5. Bad odors around the septic tank or drainfield.
6. Bright green, spongy lush grass over the septic tank or drainfield, even during dry weather.
7. Algal blooms in nearby ponds or lakes.
8. High levels of nitrates or coliform bacteria in water wells.

Learn more about septic system failures here.

 

Hire Professionals for Septic Tank Pumping in South Lyon

 

All septic systems require maintenance and work over their lifetime. Properly maintaining your system will keep it working properly and extend its lifetime. Contact us or call 248-962-3670 to schedule your septic tank pumping in South Lyon.

Never Flush This Down the Toilet!

 Never flush the following items down your toilet or pour them down a drain:

• Automotive fluids*

• Bandages and bandage wrappings 

• Cleaning wipes of any kind 

• Condoms 

• Contact lenses 

• Cotton balls and swabs 

• Dental floss 

• Disposable diapers 

• Disposable gloves 

• Facial tissue 

• Face masks 

• Fertilizers, wee2d killers and other yard chemicals* 

• Mini or maxi pads 

• Paint, solvents, sealants, and thinners* 

• Paper towels 

• Pet poop (including "flushable" cat litter) 

• Poisons and hazardous waste* 

• Sanitary napkins 

• Tampons and tampon applicators 

• Unused medications* 

*Hazardous waste

Learn more about why you shouldn’t just flush anything, here!

LaChance Brothers Excavating has the experience you’re looking for in septic tank pumping for your South Lyon home. We’ve been serving South Lyon and the surrounding communities since 1956. We’re family run, and we’ll treat you like family.

Learn more about how to care for your septic tank on our website!

What's the Result of Flushing the Wrong Things Down the Toilet? You Don't Want to Find Out!

 Flushing the wrong things down the toilet can: 

• Clog your toilet or your pipes. 

• Cause a sewer backup into your home or building. 

• Damage the sewer system. 

• Create blockages that release sewage into the environment. 

Sewer backups into your home, business, or neighborhood are not only gross, but they can also be hazardous to your health and be costly to clean up. 

Learn more about why you shouldn’t just flush anything, here!

LaChance Brothers Excavating has the experience you’re looking for in septic tank pumping for your South Lyon home. We’ve been serving South Lyon and the surrounding communities since 1956. We’re family run, and we’ll treat you like family.

Learn more about how to care for your septic tank on our website!

If you smell a foul odor coming from your septic system, does that mean your system is failing?

There may be several reasons for the smell, which can occur inside or outside your home. If you notice an odor, it may be coming from a roof vent or other vent pipe that allows the system pressure to equalize. This is a normal part of your system. Sometimes these vents can become obstructed and clogged (from leaves, debris, etc.) or the vent pipe can freeze during prolonged cold spells. These situations could cause an odor inside or outside of your home. Another possibility is a down draft (changes to wind pattern) or other location-specific conditions, which can create an odor inside or outside your home. In these cases, the vent may need to be cleaned or raised. There are charcoal filters available for roof vents that may also alleviate the odors.

Find out if your septic system is failing by reading more here.

LaChance Brothers Excavating has the experience you’re looking for in septic tank pumping for your South Lyon home. We’ve been serving South Lyon and the surrounding communities since 1956. We’re family run, and we’ll treat you like family.

What are common signs of a failing septic system?

• Water and sewage from toilets, drains, and sinks backing up into the home’s plumbing
• Bathtubs, showers, and sinks draining very slowly
• Gurgling sounds in the plumbing system
• Standing water or damp spots near or over the septic tank or drainfield
• Sewage odors around the septic tank or drainfield
• Bright green, spongy lush grass over the septic tank or drainfield, even during dry weather
• Straight pipe discharging untreated wastewater to the ground surface
• Algae blooms in nearby lakes or waterbodies
• High levels of nitrates or coliform bacteria in surface waters or drinking water wells

Find out if your septic system is failing by reading more here.

LaChance Brothers Excavating has the experience you’re looking for in septic tank pumping for your South Lyon home. We’ve been serving South Lyon and the surrounding communities since 1956. We’re family run, and we’ll treat you like family.

Learn more about how to care for your septic tank on our website!

What Are Signs of Damage?

Most septic tanks are not damaged by flooding since they are below ground and completely covered. However, septic tanks and pump chambers can fill with silt and debris, and must be professionally cleaned if your system isn’t accepting water. If the soil absorption field is clogged with silt, a new system may have to be installed.

Learn more about how to care for your septic system after a flood here.

Have questions about how to keep your septic system running at peak performance? LaChance Brothers Excavating has the experience you’re looking for in septic tank pumping for your South Lyon home. We’ve been serving South Lyon and the surrounding communities since 1956. We’re family run, and we’ll treat you like family.

What to Do with Your Septic System After a Flood?

Is your drain field flooded?

Is your system clogged and struggling to accept more water?

You should contact a professional septic system and drain field specialist today! According to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), once floodwaters have receded, there are several things homeowners should remember:

• Don’t drink well water until it’s tested. Contact your local health department.
• Don’t use the sewage system until water in the soil absorption field is lower than the water level around the house.
• Have your septic tank professionally inspected and serviced if you suspect damage. 
• If sewage has backed up into your basement, clean the area and disinfect the floor. 

Learn more about how to care for your septic system after a flood here.

Have questions about how to keep your septic system running at peak performance? LaChance Brothers Excavating has the experience you’re looking for in septic tank pumping for your South Lyon home. We’ve been serving South Lyon and the surrounding communities since 1956. We’re family run, and we’ll treat you like family.

After a Power Outage…Protect Your Septic System!

A power outage may damage your septic system and make it unsafe. Always consult with a septic system service professional and follow these steps according to the NEHA: 

1. Turn off power to your system at the circuit breaker and unplug all power cords. 
2. Inspect your system and contact a septic system service professional if any of the following issues are found:
1. Damaged piping, risers or manway covers 
2. Exposed electrical wiring to control boxes 
3. Unlevel ground
4. Damage to the disposal field 
5. Odor or visible evidence of sewage 
6. Exposed septic system components 
7. Settling or breakage away from pipe 
8. Exposed electrical wiring to pumps 
3. If your system has a pump, it may have a high-water alarm that may sound when the power is restored based on your water usage during the power outage. 
4. Continue to reduce water use for several days. 

Have questions about how to protect your septic system during a power outage? Learn more here.

LaChance Brothers Excavating has the experience you’re looking for in septic tank pumping for your South Lyon home. We’ve been serving South Lyon and the surrounding communities since 1956. We’re family run, and we’ll treat you like family.

Learn more about how to care for your septic tank on our website!

During a Power Outage…Protect Your Septic System!

Your septic system won’t run if you have a pressure distribution system or components that require electricity in order to operate. Wastewater will collect in the system during the power outage and must be treated and dispersed when power returns. 

Have questions about how to protect your septic system during a power outage? Learn more here.

LaChance Brothers Excavating has the experience you’re looking for in septic tank pumping for your South Lyon home. We’ve been serving South Lyon and the surrounding communities since 1956. We’re family run, and we’ll treat you like family.

Learn more about how to care for your septic tank on our website!

What’s Setting Off Your Septic Alarm?

 

• The alarm itself can malfunction. 
• The float that activates the alarm could be bad. 
• The line between the pump and the field could be broken. Your septic company can check the line for you and replace it if needed.
• The drain field can no longer accept the water the pump is putting out. This generally requires a new drain field. 

Learn more about septic tank alarms and how you can resolve the issue here.

Have questions about how to keep your septic system running at peak performance? LaChance Brothers Excavating has the experience you’re looking for in septic tank pumping for your South Lyon home. We’ve been serving South Lyon and the surrounding communities since 1956. We’re family run, and we’ll treat you like family.

Learn more about how to care for your septic tank on our website!

What to Do if Your Septic Alarm Goes Off

When your septic system is installed, you may have an alarm to warn you when something goes haywire. Once the alarm sounds, you should have 2 to 3 days before things start backing up in your house. You can mute the sound with many systems, there is often a light that will continue to flash. The danger of an imminent sewage backup is still very real, despite a silenced alarm.

Learn more about septic tank alarms and how you can resolve the issue here.

Have questions about how to keep your septic system running at peak performance? LaChance Brothers Excavating has the experience you’re looking for in septic tank pumping for your South Lyon home. We’ve been serving South Lyon and the surrounding communities since 1956. We’re family run, and we’ll treat you like family.

Learn more about how to care for your septic tank on our website!