Septic Systems
Hell hath no fury like a septic scorned.

They aren’t glamorous.  They aren’t sexy.  They aren’t bubbly (well, maybe sometimes, but not in a good way).  They aren’t popular, either.

Septic systems are easy to forget about.  They silently do their job, accepting whatever is flushed their way, until they reach that point.  The toilets don’t flush.  The kitchen sink water ends up in the bathtub.  The lawn is wet, smells vile and you haven’t watered in days.   The septic system has had enough and it’s letting you know.  It’s been betrayed!

At Benjamin Franklin Septic, we can help you get back into the good graces of your septic system.  To begin with, we can find it.  (Do you know where yours is?)  We can diagnose and repair it as well.  We’ll also teach you how to keep your system in good order so it doesn’t seethe quietly underground, waiting for retribution!

How a Septic system works
The basics that aren’t so basic

A septic system is the most misunderstood part of a plumbing system. It is much, much more than a tank and trench for dumping the sewage from the house. (That’s called an outhouse.) It is a custom waste water treatment plant designed specifically for your home and when operating properly will protect ground water, which may be a source of your drinking water. A typical system consists of the sewer line from the house, a septic tank, effluent line to a distribution box and a leach field.

Waste from the home travels through the sewer line to a compartmentalized tank where it is directed to the bottom by an inlet tee. In the solids chamber of a septic tank, the waste separates into three general layers; heavier sludge at the bottom, the “clear zone”(it’s hard to believe this stuff ever gets “clear”) and the scum layer of lighter waste like grease, oil, and fat, some times called “cake”(and it isn’t tasty). A baffle in the dividing wall separates the two compartments and is positioned in the clear zone. The baffle allows the waste to move into the effluent chamber of the septic tank where it separates yet again to a more refined degree. From there it moves into the outlet tee where it travels to the leachfield and is dispersed into the soil.

The septic tank treats the sewage with naturally occurring anaerobic bacteria that are present in the waste. Anaerobic bacteria survive in an environment with little or no oxygen and they consume waste very slowly. This is where time and water flows are critical. The more time the bacteria have to consume the waste the more thoroughly they are able to do it. When new water is added to the tank it displaces water in the clear zone and shortens the amount of treatment time in the tank.
The distribution box directs equal flows of effluent to the leachfield where it continues to be treated by the anaerobic bacteria and by other microbes present in the soil. Some of the effluent is absorbed by plants, some is evaporated through the soil and most of it travels through the layers of soil and rock to become ground water.

Septic Pumping & Inspection

Your Reliable Solution for Septic System Longevity and Quick Repairs

At Benjamin Franklin Septic, we provide comprehensive maintenance and repair services to keep your septic system working smoothly and treat any concerns before they escalate into larger, more expensive problems. With our professional staff, you can relax knowing your septic system is in capable hands.

Preventative Septic Maintenance for Long-Term Reliability

Routine maintenance is essential for preventing malfunctions and extending the lifes of your septic system. We provide the following maintenance services:

• Regular System Checks:  We inspect every component, from the tank to the pipes and drain fields, to detect any problems early.
• Optimized Pumping Schedules:  Our team ensures your septic tank is pumped at the appropriate intervals, preventing overflows and obstructions.
• Bacteria Treatment Recommendations:  We may recommend safe bacterial treatments that improve waste breakdown and improve system performance.

With regular maintenance, your septic system will run smoothly and in top shape for years to come.

Swift and Efficient Septic Repairs

When a septic problem emerges, immediate and skilled repairs are required. Our repair services cover a wide range of typical issues, including:

• Tank Leaks and Cracks: We find and seal leaks to prevent waste from escaping and polluting the surroundings.
• Pipe Blockages:  Whether the source is trash accumulation or encroaching tree roots, we securely eliminate obstructions to restore appropriate flow.
• Drain Field Malfunctions:  Our team identifies drain field problems and proposes the best methods to restore operation.
• System Failures:  In the case of an unexpected failure, our repair professionals will swiftly analyze the problem and execute any required repairs to minimize additional damage.