JASON PAYNE
SEPTIC SERVICES

1. Timing – If you can't remember the last time you had your system serviced, then its time. This is the most important because it’s your septic system and following to it can save you big on time, stress and money. Not to mention a potential backflow into your home. Depending on the number of users, not bedrooms or bathrooms, septic tanks generally need to be pumped every one to three years. Determining the size of your tank is best recommended by professionals. The best person to recommend a maintenance and pumping schedule that’s right for you is your septic service provider.

2. Sluggish Draining/Flushing – If you’ve noticed your tubs drains, showers, washing machines or, worse, toilets, slowly draining and that they are just not as “energetic” as usual, it’s probably a good indication you need your tank pumped. This is one of the most common signs, so you should consider yourself lucky that you’ve been given a chance to fix things before something worse happens.

3. Odor – As your septic tank fills up, odor-causing gasses have nowhere to go and can end up emanating from your toilets, drains, outdoor septic tank area or your drain field, causing a problem that’s not only gross, but unhealthy. If you suddenly notice sulphur or sewage odors in or around your home and property, it is time to call as soon as possible. 

4. Surprisingly Lush, Green Lawn Over Drain field – The grass is not all greener on the other side. Normally, the grass over your drainage field should look similar to the grass in the rest of your lawn. If you notice a patch is suddenly looking greener than the rest of your lawn, it could mean that it’s been getting a little extra “fertilizer” in the form of excessive waste liquid and your tank is not draining properly.

5. Standing Water – When your septic tank’s full, water can start to pool in any number of places around your property or can slowly start back flowing into your basement. The most common is around the tank itself and the drain field. Pooling water in or around your home is a serious indication that, at the very least, you need your septic system pumped and immediately inspected.

6. High Nitrate Content in Well Water – This only applies to homeowners relying on well water and is very important. If you have well water, it is recommended that it be tested at least once a year. If higher than normal nitrate levels are detected, it can be an indication that waste water is overflowing from your septic system and leaching into your drinking water. 

7. Sewage Backup – The most unwanted scenario and no doubt the one you would least like to experience. If you are not on a regular pumping/maintenance schedule and you choose to ignore all signs of your septic system, having raw sewage backup into your house is ultimately the final straw.  Sewer piping is usually considered something that is “out of sight, out of mind” until there’s some sort of water backup.

8. Orangeburg piping and tree roots: What is Orangeburg Pipe? Orangeburg pipe is a type of home sewer pipe used on many properties built from 1945 to 1972. Also known as “no-corrode” pipe, it is a type of bituminized fiber pipe made from a mixture of hot timber and wood pulp. It gets its name from Orangeburg, New York, where it was originally produced by the Fiber Conduit Company; which later became the Orangeburg Manufacturing Company. Although various forms of bituminized fiber pipe have been used since the 1800s, Orangeburg owes its origins to World War II, when the iron and steel commonly used for sewer pipes were critical to the war effort. Because of shortages, Orangeburg pipe was invented so more iron and steel could go toward producing war materials. Following the war, Orangeburg continued to proliferate because it was cheap. Once installed, standard Orangeburg sewer pipes were expected to last 50 years’. Unfortunately, many systems began to weaken after a mere 30 years of use. Most of these structural complications resulted from the material used to manufacture the pipe. Essentially, Orangeburg pipe is no more than asphalt-soaked paper and pulp. It may seem obvious in retrospect, but if you soak paper (even tar paper) with water for long enough, it will eventually deform. Combined with the pressure from the soil and trees growing above it, it's not surprising these pipes began to fail quickly.

   1. Assessing Orangeburg Pipes in Your Home: Assessing the presence of Orangeburg pipes in your home, typically, we need to only know the age of the home and approximate year of pipe installation. In most cases a home built between the years 1945 and 1972 would most likely have a Orangeburg pipe systems. Additionally, most real estate records and city documents will typically have this information on file.

   2. When the decline of Orangeburg pipe lines integrity starts, home owner may notice the efficiency of their home’s sewer system change; slow draining more clogs in drains; this is the sewage system starting to fail. If this problem is left undetected or ignored, it can threaten the safety and health of your home and its inhabitants.

   3. First and foremost, if you’re buying a home that was built before 1980, you should have a professional plumber do an inspection to ensure there’s not Orangeburg piping. If you find Orangeburg pipes in the home, you can subtract the replacement estimate from your offer. If you are already established and are uncertain whether you have Orangeburg piping, the previous homeowner or city documents may have the answer; if not, it’s best to bring in a professional plumber who can do an inspection for you.

   4. Signs of Pipe Failure: Homeowners of properties with Orangeburg pipelines may start to notice poor pipe flow, diminishing efficiency of service over time. This gradual decline in quality, often overlooked, can develop into more expensive and severe pipe collapses. By knowing common signs and indicators of weakening systems, homeowners can detect pipe damage earlier and avoid major, costly renovations.

   5. If you notice any of the following indicators of Orangeburg pipe failure, it may be time to call a professional plumbing expert to assess damages:

• Frequent or persistent blockages

• Decreased flows and water pressure

• Indentations and dampness on lawns

• Lush grass concentrations

• Progressing or sudden pipe collapse

• Tree root/biological penetration into pipelines

• Frequent toilet back-ups

• Foul sewer odors inside the home

• Mold issues

• Sinkholes in the foundation

• Sudden high spikes in your monthly water bill

​

The right solution for your damaged Orangeburg pipe depends on a few important factors, which can change based on circumstances. Things like pipe depth, the type of break, and the severity of the break all affect what solution is best suited for your home. To evaluate pipe systems, call a service professionals to assess the system. In the meantime, have your plumber send a camera down into the sewer every six months to keep tabs on the situation. If the inspection reveals damage but no imminent danger, your plumber may be able to extend the life of the pipes a bit longer by snaking them or having Roto-Rooter service done. 

The minute you see any sign of sewage backup, it’s important to call your septic service provider immediately. If you’re lucky, a mere pumping may be all you need. If your maintenance schedule has been neglected, there may be more septic tank problems involved or septic rings drainage issues. Paying attention to the number one sign will give you the best chance of never having to deal with the other six. A well maintained septic system can last up to 30 (sometimes 40 or 50) years and save you loads of money, hassle and heartache.

Jason Payne Septic Services is a full-service septic system company with its own Master Plumbing division.

We are  capable of any maintenance and repair both for septic and any plumbing in your home.  

​

We are experienced, fully insured, local company equipped to handle any type of septic emergency. Although, we would much rather put you on one of our scheduled service plans and help you stop disasters from happening long before they start.

Call or email today to schedule an appointment!

631-255-8563 or 631-276-4759