Means dredged spoil, solid waste, incinerator residue, filter backwash, sewage, garbage, refuse, oil, grease, sludge, munitions, chemical waste, biological materials, radioactive material and other similar pollutants. Also includes any physical or nonphysical connection that discharges domestic sewage, industrial process wastewater, and/or noncontact cooling water to the municipal separate storm sewer system.
Crawl Space Drainage
Standing water is a serious problem in a crawl space. It breeds bacteria, increases relative humidity levels in your home, and saturates wood over time, which leads to mold growth. A crawl space drainage system can prevent this by keeping water moving away from your home.
Crawl space drainage systems are designed to prevent the accumulation of moisture in your foundation area and manipulate the movement of water when heavy rain occurs. They include perimeter drains, sump pumps, vapor barriers, and dehumidifiers. These systems work together to protect the health and longevity of your home’s foundation.
Poor crawl space grading and sagging floors can be the source of puddling. It may be caused by gutter downspouts draining too close to the foundation, negative grading in your yard or diverted water from your neighbors, or a high water table. In most cases, the solution is to install a crawl space drainage system.
In a dirt crawl space, we recommend the crawl space drain system. This features a filter fabric that prevents mud and other clogging materials from entering the drain, making it more resistant to blockages and clogs than traditional French drains. In addition, it has a 0% failure rate. This drainage system can be installed in conjunction with crawl space encapsulation to provide complete crawl space waterproofing.
If your crawl space has a good amount of slope, you can use a positive or gravity drain. A trench is dug around the outside of your crawl space, and perforated drainage pipe is placed in it. The pipe catches excess water in the soil and carries it to a sump pit. Once the sump pump is activated, it will remove the trapped water from your crawl space.
A sump pump system is a good choice for concrete or block crawl spaces. It is more effective than a French drain because it can be installed in places that aren’t easily accessible by crawl space workers. It is also equipped with battery backups and extended auxiliary power accessories that ensure continued operation during severe weather episodes, such as flooding or storms.
Sump Pumps
A sump pump is an essential piece of equipment for homeowners in areas that are prone to basement flooding. They are installed in the lowest parts of your basement or crawl space to collect and dispel water, keeping your home from being flooded by heavy rains and rapidly melting snow. They work by collecting the collected water in a pit (known as a sump basin) and then pushing it away through discharge pipe to prevent backflow. The process is activated by a float that lifts when the water level in the sump pit rises to a set height, adjusted by your professional.
Typically, your sump pump will come equipped with a check valve to make sure that the water that is pumped out does not continuously return to your basement. If your sump pump is constantly running, there may be a problem with the float switch or check valve. It could be clogged with debris or sediment that is stopping it from moving up and down as it should. Inspect the float and make sure that it is not propped up against something, as this can cause it to stay active.
If you notice that your sump pump is struggling to remove water, it might be time to replace the pump. A new, larger pump may be able to handle the task better.
A typical sump pump will last about five to ten years, but this can vary by brand and model, as well as how often it is used and maintained. You can extend its lifespan by inspecting it regularly, cleaning it when needed, and ensuring that it is the correct size for your property’s needs.
It is also a good idea to have a battery backup sump pump in case of a power outage, as this will allow it to continue to function during a storm or other emergency situation. This can protect your home from flooding and severe property damage that can be expensive to repair. Our experts can install one for you, if necessary.
Sewer Backups
Sewer backups are among the most unpleasant things homeowners have to deal with. Standing sewage poses a health risk and the clean-up process can be expensive. In addition, sewage may also damage floors, walls and furniture. To minimize the damage, there are several important steps to take. First, turn off the water and electricity to the affected area of your home. Then, call a plumber right away.
The most common cause of a sewer backup is that there is a clog somewhere in the system. This can happen in drain pipes that connect to the sewer line or in the main sewer line under your street. Many people try to use a plunger or bottle of drain cleaner to fix this problem, but the best solution is to have your sewer pipes professionally inspected on a regular basis. This will help you to spot early problems before they become serious.
Another common cause of a sewer backup is that a tree or other plant roots are growing into the sewer line. This can happen if the roots seek out moisture and nutrients that are found in sewage lines. Over time, this can cause cracks and holes in the pipe that will lead to a backup.
Heavy rain can also cause a sewer backup. The municipal sewer system can become so full of rainwater that it backs up into the homes that are connected to it. This can cause a lot of damage and may require professional cleanup services.
If you have a sewer backup, it is important to call a plumber right away. Sewage can contain harmful bacteria that can make you and your family sick if it comes in contact with you. You should also avoid breathing in the dirty water or touching it directly. If you have any concerns about your health, call a doctor immediately. You should also call your insurance company to see if the situation is covered by your policy.
Septic Systems
A septic system is an on-site wastewater treatment system that removes contaminants from your home’s sewage and waste water. It is commonly used when a public sewer line is unavailable or impractical. The septic system collects and treats the sewage or wastewater that leaves your plumbing system through a series of underground pipes. It then disperses the clean wastewater into the soil and groundwater. This process is essential to safeguard human and environmental health.
If you’re thinking of switching from a municipal sewer system to a septic system, consider the pros and cons carefully. A septic system requires a larger investment and is your responsibility to maintain. However, it provides greater flexibility for independent living in rural areas and saves you the cost of monthly fees for a municipal sewer service.
The septic system consists of four basic components: the septic tank; an effluent filter; the distribution box or Flow Divider; and the drain field. The septic tank is a concrete, fiberglass or plastic container through which domestic wastewater flows for basic sewage treatment. Wastewater is aerated to help support aerobic bacteria that digest suspended solids and organics. It is then deposited into the drain field for further wastewater treatment and disposal.
All of the household’s plumbing drains connect to the septic tank through a main sewer line that slopes toward the septic tank. The septic tank and the drain field are designed to work in tandem. Wastewater enters the septic tank through toilet, tub, shower and sink drains. Then it exits the tank through an outlet pipe to the drain field.
Excessive wastewater from the house may overload the septic system and cause problems. Surface runoff from roads and paved surfaces may also saturate the soil in the drain field to the point that it no longer absorbs wastewater.
In addition, improper maintenance can contribute to septic system failure. Avoid dumping hazardous materials into the septic tank or drain field, such as solvents, cleaning fluids, paint, motor oil, gasoline, and other chemicals. Kitty litter, hygiene products, waste food, and cigarette butts can also clog the septic tank.