But before you fly high free bird, and kiss the winter weather — and your home goodbye, there are a few things that you should do before you take off. One of those things is to thoroughly winterize your septic system. Sure, you probably know the basics if you’ve been spending winters in Southwest Florida for years. However, it never hurts to brush up on things from time to time. So, here are some helpful tips to consider before you pack up your home and head to “The Sunshine State” to ensure that you don’t face major septic issues when you return in the spring. 

Spruce Up Your Septic Tank

Since you’ll be away from your home for months, consider having your septic system pumped before you leave. When your system isn’t being used, the enzyme and bacteria balance tends to break down since the biosphere isn’t obtaining new bacteria from its usual sources — your home’s drains and toilets. When this occurs, waste won’t be processed efficiently. If you’re not so sure about this, it never hurts to call in the professionals for a septic tank inspection. A professional septic service can make sure your system is safe and sound from septic issues during the winter months and recommend the best course of action for preserving your tank. 

Pipe Down 

In the dead of winter, the last thing you want is a burst pipe when you’re hundreds or thousands of miles away. Even if you do plan on leaving the heat on while you’re away, it doesn’t hurt to drain the water supply lines for reassurance. Believe it or not, a constant, slow flow of water can cause the septic system to freeze. So, you’ll want to shut the water off where it flows into your house and drain the lines completely. You can also drain the pressure tank, any appliance hoses and even your water heater and softener if need be. 

Pro Tip:

Whatever you do, avoid using automotive antifreeze to keep your pipes from freezing. Automotive antifreeze contains Ethylene Glycol which is not good for home sewage systems. RV antifreeze is a better solution since it’s made with Propylene Glycol and safe to use with home plumbing systems. 

Don’t Forget to Protect Your Drain Field

Your drain field is essential to the effectiveness of your septic system. If water cannot pass through the soil in this area, your drain field won’t be able to convert wastewater into groundwater. This could result in contamination or septic system damage. To prevent potential drain field issues upon your return home, aerate the soil before you leave so water can drain properly.

When You Return to Your Winter Home in Southern Florida, Moon Site & Septic Can Help You with Septic Tank Inspection and More

Moon Site & Septic welcomes snowbirds from all walks of life to Southern Florida and we’re here to help should you need septic pump installation or maintenance. And if an emergency should pop up, we can help with that as well. So even though you might be miles away from home, you’ll still get peace of mind in knowing that you have help should you need it. Contact us today to find out how we can keep the septic system for your winter home in Southern Florida going and flowing smoothly. 

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1. How Do Commercial Septic Systems Work?

If you know how a septic system works for residential use, then you know how a commercial septic system works, too. Simply put, they work the same way. If you need a quick refresher, here are the basics:

• Waste goes down the drain from your toilet, sink or tub.
• It travels to the septic tank.
• Solid waste stays in the tank and is treated with bacteria.
• Wastewater flows into the drain field, also called a leach field.
• The drain field treats and filters the wastewater.
• Treated wastewater, called effluent, flows into the ground.

“Yeah, that’s all the same,” you might be thinking. So, what makes commercial septic systems different? Well, they’re bigger — and they have to operate on a much larger scale. That means a lot more wastewater and a higher-capacity septic tank, with some even requiring the use of an extension. In certain cases, a lift station pump might also be used to keep things flowing correctly.

2. Why Would You Need Commercial Septic Installation?

If you own or operate a commercial property — in an area that does not have access to a public sewer system — then there’s a good chance you’ll need commercial septic installation. Even if your commercial building is located in a municipality with a sewer system, the sewer might not be able to handle the amount of flow that your property pumps out. It all depends on the scale of your operation — but going by the EPA’s standards, if you’ve got more than 20 people regularly using sinks and bathrooms in your establishment, you’ll definitely need a commercial septic system installed. 

Commercial septic installation is required for businesses that are mandated by law to have restrooms. You’ll want to have a proper system to keep your bathrooms running, anyway. But, is there ever a case where a single-family home would need a commercial septic system? Unless your family is hitting the toilet enough for dozens of people per day, the answer is almost certainly no.

3. What Counts As a Commercial Property?

You may still be wondering if commercial septic installation is right for your property. Below are some common examples of where large-capacity septic systems are installed:

• Apartment complexes
• Retail or grocery stores
• Offices
• Industrial buildings
• Schools
• Houses of worship
• Campgrounds
• Hotels
• Restaurants

Remember that this is not an exhaustive list. It’s also worth noting that commercial buildings often produce different kinds of waste than homes, some of which may require additional considerations. For instance, restaurants need grease traps to keep fat, oil and grease from blocking up their plumbing. Any business that may deal with industrial or motor vehicle waste will need to take further precautions, as commercial septic systems are only approved to handle sanitary waste — the EPA regulates the use of these systems to prevent toxic chemicals from contaminating sources of water. Companies that offer professional commercial septic installation can provide some guidance to help you understand these complex regulations.

4. How Often Do Commercial Septic Systems Need Maintenance?

The short answer: commercial septic systems need maintenance and cleaning quite often. Because they deal with a larger amount of sewage than standard systems, they produce more effluent that enters the groundwater. As such, to prevent a commercial building from harming its surrounding environment, the septic tank must be pumped on a regular basis.

Commercial septic systems also require more specialized cleaners and equipment to handle a large amount of waste. Buildup happens a lot faster with so many people contributing, leading to a higher risk of broken tanks and flooded drain fields. You need regular pumping to remove solids. Working with a septic company to get on a maintenance and cleaning schedule is the best way to ensure that your commercial septic system works properly for as long as possible.

5. How Can You Save Money When Operating A Commercial Septic System?

Commercial septic systems are an investment, and there is no set way to determine the cost. Ultimately, it depends on your business or commercial establishment. Several factors impact the operating cost, including:

• The type and size of the septic tank
• The amount of waste and wastewater that is produced
• The conditions of the ground that may impact the leach field

Additionally, in a commercial setting, it is much more difficult to manage what people flush or wash down the drain. However, you can reduce the amount of water that is used so that your septic system doesn’t get overworked. Updating the bathrooms in a commercial building is one way to do this, particularly by investing in water-efficient toilets and faucets. Another way is by helping the people who will be using your system (e.g., employees and tenants) to understand how they can reduce their overall water use.

Ready for Commercial Septic Installation? Moon Site & Septic Can Help

If you’re looking for commercial septic installation or maintenance in South Florida, the experts at Moon Site & Septic can get the job done. We know commercial septic systems inside and out, and we can install a new system for you — or work with you to get on a regular maintenance schedule for your current system. Contact us today to discuss your options — we’re ready to go with the flow!

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What Makes Up a Septic System?

Septic systems are designed to treat wastewater, usually underground. This water comes from all of the plumbing in your home, not just your toilets — it includes showers, bathroom sinks, kitchen sinks and washing machines. Your septic system works by combining nature with reliable technology. There are two key parts that make up a septic system:

1. The Septic Tank
2. The Drain Field (also known as a Leach Field)

While some use methods that don’t involve drain fields, most of the septic systems in Florida’s residential areas rely on a drain field to help filter and discharge water. Along with the tank and leach field, these systems require a series of pipes and soil or a related material.

With The Necessary Components in Place, How Does Your Septic System Work?

In both the tank and the drain field, bacteria are essential for a well-functioning septic system. In fact, according to figures cited by the University of Florida, anaerobic bacteria break down waste to reduce sludge by 40% and other solids by 70%. But it’s not just bacteria working all by itself. A typical septic system works like this:

1. Sewage and other wastewater run from the house to the septic tank, which is buried in the ground outside.
2. Solids (known as sludge) settle on the bottom of the tank.
3. Lighter materials like oil and grease (known as scum) float to the top.
4. The sludge and scum stay in the tank where bacteria will begin to digest it.
5. The rest of the water (known as effluent) is filtered and flows into the drain field.
6. The underground drain field receives the effluent and discharges it into the soil.
7. The soil treats the wastewater with other bacteria to filter out remaining fecal contamination and harmful parasites so it can be dispersed as ground water.

If it’s overfilled, or if solids seep into it, the drain field can flood. This is how sewage ends up in your yard, causing patches of lush green grass and backups in your home’s sinks and toilets.

What Happens to the Sludge and Scum in Your Septic Tank?

While bacteria and other additives do take care of a lot of the solids that build up in the tank, a good amount just stays behind. This is why it’s so important to pump out your septic tank regularly. If there’s too much sludge and scum in your tank, it can cause a whole host of issues.

Now You Know How a Septic System Works — So Keep it Working Right!

Understanding how your septic system works is only one piece of the puzzle. Keeping it in working order is even more important. Otherwise, you could be facing all kinds of septic pump problems. If you’re a South Florida resident, let Moon Site & Septic help you. As the area’s best septic system installation company, we know how your system is supposed to work — and we’ll make sure it does. Contact us today!

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1. Toilets won’t flush properly.
2. Sinks and tubs have issues draining.
3. Gurgling sounds are coming from the pipes.
4. Puddles of standing water line the drain field.
5. Grass is extra green in parts of the yard.
6. Bad smells persist inside or out.

Since over one in five American homes have septic systems, and there are more than 2 million systems operating in Florida alone, this is a major concern for many. After all, no one wants to suddenly be wading through sewage water! We’ve told you how to avoid common septic problems, but if wastewater starts to back up into your house, it might be too late. Read on to learn more about these signs your septic tank is failing so you have plenty of time to get professional assistance.

Understanding the Signs of Septic Tank Trouble

While there may be other factors that indicate you’re experiencing issues with your septic system, these are the key things to look for. Spot any of these, and you’ll know it’s time to call in a professional.

Not-So-Royal Flush

One of the most common signs of septic tank problems is a toilet that doesn’t flush. Or it does flush, but very slowly. It could mean a couple of different things — either your tank is full or there is a clog in the line. Regardless, having your septic pumped will likely resolve the problem.

Slow Ride, Don’t Take It Easy

Is the water coming up to your calves while you’re taking a shower? Does brushing your teeth in the morning fill up your sink enough that you could bathe in it? If the water is draining very slowly — or not at all — in your bathtubs or sinks, it could be a sign of septic system trouble.

Hearing a Gurgle while you Gargle

When you’re going through your morning bathroom routine, do you hear something that sounds like a swamp monster creeping in your pipes? Don’t call in the monster hunters just yet. Gurgling sounds can be a sign of a full septic tank that’s in desperate need of pumping.

That’s Not a Pool!

When you go outside to enjoy your yard on a beautiful day, do you see a lot of puddles? Do those puddles stink? Unless it just rained, standing water by your drain field is one of the most concerning signs of septic tank problems. In addition to being unsightly, this wastewater can be hazardous to the health of anyone nearby, particularly children and pets that might play near it.

The Grass is Always Greener…Where There’s Sewage Filling Your Yard

If you see patches of extra green grass in your yard, it’s not because there’s a leprechaun planting magical seeds in the soil. No, this is another one of the signs your septic tank is failing. The wastewater may not be flowing into the drain field properly, or the drain field itself could be malfunctioning. Either way, if your grass is getting extra fertilizer from your sewage, it means the problem has been going on for a while.

Eww…That Smell

If your nose works, you’ll be able to sniff out most signs of septic tank trouble. If the scent of rotten sulfur is anywhere on your property, indoors or outdoors, it’s probably not because Uncle Jimmy ate month-old eggs. Rather, there’s a good chance raw sewage is leaking from your septic system — which means it’s definitely time to bring in an expert to investigate.

Seeing Signs of Septic Tank Problems? Call Moon Site & Septic!

Don’t wait until water starts backing up into your home to call for help. If you’re in the South Florida area, including Naples, Cape Coral, Lehigh Acres and Ft. Myers, get in touch with Moon Site & Septic. We’ll assist with all your septic pump problems to ensure your system is in tip-top shape. So, if you think you’ve sniffed out one of the signs of septic tank trouble, don’t hesitate to contact us today!

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Fat, oil and grease (sometimes called FOG) need to stay out of your sewer system, which is why grease traps are so essential. And if you don’t have the right kind of grease trap service to ensure yours is working, FOG can cause major problems for your septic system, including blockages and backups that can put the environment and the health of you and your employees at risk. Moreover, there are legal requirements, like the Florida Building Codes, that you need to follow — failing to do so can result in expensive fines.

Do I Really Need Professional Grease Trap Maintenance?

Simply put, yes. Absolutely. While there are a few things you can do to maintain the integrity of your grease trap, attempting to perform full grease trap maintenance yourself is just not practical or sensible if you don’t have professional experience. Frankly, if you ask us, it’s dumb. Do one thing wrong and you can cause significant damage to your grease trap, causing you more headaches down the road.

Additionally, professionals know the laws, rules and regulations you must follow. This goes for all local, state and federal guidelines. They can verify that your grease trap is up-to-code so you don’t incur any penalties.

How Often Should I Clean My Grease Trap?

Plenty of kitchen and restaurant owners wonder how often to clean a grease trap. The simple answer is: pretty often, and on a consistent basis. This is where it’s crucial to check your local regulations, as municipalities have different requirements for regular cleaning and inspection. It’s generally required every 60 to 90 days. Thus, most kitchens should schedule a quarterly or monthly grease trap service.

You’ll also need to consider how full the grease trap is — most should be cleaned when they’re at 25% capacity as a general rule. Though, again, the exact minimum requirement can differ depending on your area. As mentioned, professionals will be fully aware of this and can help you get on a schedule that will suit your needs.

What Kind of Grease Trap Service Can I Do In The Meantime?

There are several things you can do to keep your grease trap in good shape between your scheduled maintenance. Here are a few grease trap maintenance tips to keep in mind:

1. Make sure your grease trap is installed correctly.

The best way to do this is to look at your trap periodically. Unless it was just cleaned, there should be grease in it — otherwise, it might not be trapping it properly. You’ll also want to make sure that you’re using the right size grease trap for the needs of your facility.

2. Avoid using a garbage disposal.

Instead, throw as much food as you can in the trash if possible. If a garbage disposal is absolutely necessary, don’t install it in front of your grease trap. You don’t want the trap getting filled with sludge and food waste.

3. Clean off your dishes before using the dishwasher.

Again, you want to keep solid food from getting in your grease trap. Dump those plates, bowls and pans before putting them into your dishwasher.

4. Install filters on all of your drains.

This includes sinks, dishwashers and floor drains. Taking this step will help to prevent solid waste from entering your grease trap.

5. Never pour grease directly down the drain.

While this may seem like common sense, it bears noting. Even a fully working grease trap is not intended to withstand an onslaught of grease all at once. Pour your excess grease in a metal container to be recycled by the proper entities.

6. Schedule regular professional grease trap maintenance and inspection.

It might seem like we’re beating a dead horse, but that’s how important this is. In between cleanings, double-check that your next cleaning is on the books — and keep thorough records of maintenance.

What Else Should I Avoid?

Well, if we haven’t made it clear enough, don’t attempt to service the grease trap yourself. Leave that to the professionals. However, you should also stay away from commercial products that claim to break down grease in your trap, such as enzymes, solvents, bacteria, detergents and similar items. The claims these products make are usually dubious — at best, they’ll separate grease from water and move it down the pipe. More than likely, this will just clog the line or wastewater system further down.

Contact Moon Site & Septic For Professional Grease Trap Maintenance

For excellent grease trap maintenance in the South Florida area, look no further than Moon Site & Septic. We offer professional grease trap services on a schedule that works for your kitchen, including comprehensive cleanings and inspections. Don’t let your “squeaky wheel” get too much grease — contact Moon Site & Septic today!

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It’s crucial to consider every part of a house before putting a ton of money into it. Septic systems are common in rural, urban and suburban areas, so this is something many buyers should look into, as it could immediately impact their purchase as well as homeownership. 

The following are some key reasons to get a full septic system inspection before you sign the dotted line.

1. A Septic Tank Inspection May Be Required

Possibly the biggest reason to have a house’s septic system inspected is that it might be required by the local government. It’s always important to know the rules of the city or municipality where you’re looking to move. Many have strict regulations regarding septic systems that often include septic tank inspection and certification to document its current condition.

Additionally, many lenders, including the Federal Housing Administration (FHA), require a septic system inspection and documentation prior to approving home loans. They need proof that everything is in working condition and meets local standards. In some areas, inspections are legally mandatory before a title transfer can occur. Again, make sure you’re clear about the local rules. Remember that the financial obligation for the inspection usually falls on the homebuyer prior to the sale — if the seller had a septic inspection prior to listing the house for sale, the buyer can request a copy of the report.

2. You’ll Know What To Expect For Your New Home

A proper septic tank inspection will give you valuable information about your future home. This will help you plan and adjust your budget accordingly. Regular maintenance and septic pumping are necessary and crucial to living comfortably — after all, everyone uses the bathroom on a daily basis, so the last thing you want is to have your toilets backing up. If the previous owners did not maintain their septic system properly, it could spell problems, or even hazards, for you.

With a professional septic system inspection, you’ll learn how full the tank is and when it will need to be pumped. The age of the system is important to know as well — if it’s over twenty-five years old, you may have to get a replacement installed. You’ll also find out the location of the septic tank to ensure that it is a safe distance from other sources of water, as well as any other potential problems, like tree roots invading on the drain field. Each bit of information will help you plan accordingly.

3. You’ll Have More Confidence In Your Purchase

Oftentimes, the thing you want most when buying a home is a little peace of mind. A septic inspection will help you be more confident when making decisions — you’ll either know that things are in good shape or know what needs to be done to get them there. The septic system’s condition has an impact on the overall value of the house itself, so an inspection might even guide your offer amount. It will also ensure that the septic tank is suitable for your needs — if it was installed for a smaller family or a seasonal home, for instance, it may not be able to handle more regular use. An inspection will help you decide if the house is right for you.

As A Homebuyer, What Should You Do?

Homebuyers should always pay attention and ask questions when looking at a potential new home. This includes finding out about the septic system. Things could go wrong at any moment in the future, so just because the toilet flushes and water drains from the sink doesn’t mean you’re in the clear. In addition to finding out about the septic tank itself, you’ll want to know about the distribution box on the outlet side of the tank and the drain field. Again, information is the first step — find out as much as you can. Then, hire an expert to conduct a full septic inspection.

Other Benefits Of A Professional Septic System Inspection

Along with the reasons listed above and the information you can gain from asking questions, there a few benefits to hiring professionals to inspect the septic system of a home you’re seriously considering. They will:

• Conduct the inspection efficiently
• Identify unforeseen issues and give knowledgeable suggestions
• Accurately estimate the cost of repairs and maintenance
• Provide a septic inspection statement or certification

Going forward, septic professionals can also outline a treatment plan. This way, you can continue to use their services for regular pumping and maintenance once the home is yours.

Let Moon Site & Septic Help With Your Home Septic Inspection

If you’re in the Southwest Florida area, Moon Site & Septic wants to help you with all of your septic needs. We offer comprehensive residential septic tank inspection and certification services to make the process of buying a new home just a little bit easier. So, if you’re on the path to homeownership, contact us today!

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Ultimately, septic systems are designed to handle human waste. But we regularly force them to process other things. If those things aren’t biodegradable, there’s a good chance they’ll cause septic tank problems — maybe not immediately, but definitely down the road. Read on to learn about typical septic problems and how you can avoid them.

Septic System Clogs

If even one part of the septic system clogs, it can impact everything. Typically, this happens when people try to flush non-biodegradable items down the toilet. This includes so-called “flushable” wipes, feminine hygiene products, paper towels, condoms and more. However, clogs can also be caused by draining excessive kitchen waste, like grease and oil, or using too much laundry detergent, especially laundry soap powder. Even those long, soapy showers can contribute to problems with septic clogging.

How Can I Avoid Clogs?

First of all, only flush biological waste and septic-safe toilet paper. Any other items should be thrown in the trash to prevent clogging. Throw away food scraps in the kitchen as well, and never put grease or oil down the drain. Finally, stick to liquid soaps in your washing machine and dishwasher since they’re much less likely to cause septic problems.

Extra Water in the Septic Tank

Believe it or not, having too much water in your septic tank can cause problems too. If the tank fills up quicker than it should, the solid waste inside of it won’t break down properly, causing it to back up. This is often the result of using a lot of water on a single day — too much laundry, too many showers — a problem that affects larger families in particular.

How Can I Avoid Excess Water?

It might seem obvious, but try to use less water all at once! Instead of doing all of your laundry on one day, spread it throughout the week. When everyone in the house is getting ready, try not to shower one after another. If you’re still having septic problems, it might be worth it to install a low-flow shower head and toilet.

Septic Tank Leaks

Leaks are perhaps some of the worst, and most common, septic tank problems. They are often the end result of the other issues mentioned — if untreated, clogs and excess water can lead to leaks in the septic systems. Wastewater and even raw sewage can then seep into your yard, which is both disgusting and dangerous.

How Can I Avoid a Leak?

In addition to the tips for clogs and excessive water usage, proper septic tank maintenance is crucial to avoiding problems. It’s better to catch these issues before they spiral into something worse. The first step is regular septic tank pumping and then contacting your technician immediately when you spot a problem. And if you’re in the South Florida area, this is where Moon Site & Septic comes in.

Still Having Problems with your Septic Tank? Call Us!

As one of the leading providers of septic tank pumping services in South Florida, Moon Site & Septic is here to help. We are state-certified and have the experience to deal with all of your septic problems safely and effectively. If you’re in the Naples, Cape Coral, Ft. Myers, or Lehigh Acres, Florida area, contact us today!

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