Help Cesspool & Sewer Blog

5 Risks of Delaying Cesspool Pumping

Mon, 18 Dec 2023 21:43:42 GMT

Cesspools are surprisingly common throughout the nation. These are usually concrete cylinders with perforated holes, letting water leak into the surrounding soil. Waste from toilets, sinks, and appliances winds up in the cesspool. However, hiring a professional with experience using a cesspool pumper is necessary.

1. Regulations

According to the EPA, local and state governments usually regulate small-capacity cesspools often used by residences. Owners must regularly use a cesspool pumper to comply with laws and regulations. You can get a hefty fine, water contamination, or severe consequences if you don't.

2. Sewage Backup

A cesspool may leak water through the holes in its sides, but it hangs on to larger pieces of waste and sludge. The cesspool will eventually fill up with this sludge. Once it's full, you'll notice problems with your drains, like slow draining. When it's too full, you'll get sewage backup. The sewage in the cesspool can back up in your house through sinks, toilets, showers, and other drains.

3. Gross Odors

One of the first signs that you need to hire a cesspool pumper as soon as possible is a foul odor. As the sewage in the cesspool builds up, it emits a toxic odor. More sewage leads to a more significant smell. You'll notice it when you are near the area. As the problem worsens, the smell may waft through the air surrounding the entire house. Instead of dealing with this, contact professionals when you notice a pungent smell.

4. Critical Damage

Cesspools are designed to be durable, but they are prone to damage when they are not pumped regularly. This is because the cesspool being too full of sewage puts additional strain on the system. This can cause significant cracks and leaks, often requiring a new cesspool. The system can become damaged, resulting in costly repairs. Regular cesspool pumping is necessary to prevent expensive repairs and replacements.

5. Groundwater

Many areas use groundwater. Usually, this is fine if someone has a cesspool. Only a tiny amount leaks out through the perforated holes in the sides. However, as more sludge builds up in the cesspool, the number of toxins headed into the ground builds up. This can lead to contaminated groundwater for yourself and nearby neighbors.

Contacting a professional cesspool pumper ensures you comply with local and state regulations and saves money. It keeps you and your family healthy. Give Help Cesspool & Sewer Service a call when you need your cesspool pumped. We offer nearly 50 years of experience to any home.

Who Needs Grease Trap Cleaning?

Wed, 16 Aug 2023 13:24:33 GMT

Grease trap cleaning is an essential service for many businesses. According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, there are about 400,000 sewer blockage reports every year, about half of which are due to grease. Some groups need grease trap cleaning regularly to ensure they are doing their part to protect the environment. Grease that enters the wastewater system can cause significant environmental damage. It can clog pipes, disrupt wastewater treatment processes, and pollute groundwater. Keep reading to see a few different businesses that require cleaning services for grease traps.

Restaurants

The leading group that needs grease trap cleaning services is the restaurant industry. Accumulated grease in the trap can produce foul odors and attract pests, creating an unsanitary and unpleasant environment. The high volume of food preparation equates to a high volume of grease being generated. In most localities, grease traps are regulated and must be cleaned using a specific schedule and set of rules. Maintaining commercial kitchen hygiene requires regular professional trap cleaning.

Hotels and Other Lodgings

Most hotels and other lodging facilities have a kitchen, which means these groups are subject to certain laws requiring periodic trap cleaning. These facilities need professional trap cleaning to stay up to health code standards. Of course, it is also an essential service necessary to protect the plumbing drains and sewer systems.

Educational Institutions

Most schools and universities have commercial kitchens where a great deal of food is prepared for the students and staff. Cleaning the grease trap is necessary to ensure a healthy student and staff environment. Of course, it is also necessary to protect the facility's plumbing.

Hospitals

Hospitals have commercial kitchens that prepare food for patients and staff. The large volume of food preparation in hospitals daily and the need to ensure health and safety make hospitals one of the most important groups for regular grease trap cleanouts. Every hospital should have their grease traps cleaned on a regular schedule.

When grease accumulates in pipes and plumbing fixtures, it can corrode and damage the system. By investing in regular grease trap cleaning , businesses can avoid costly repairs, maintain a safe and sanitary environment, and contribute to a sustainable and healthy community. Call Help Cesspool & Sewer today to schedule your cleaning.

How to Tell You Need Cesspool Pumping Services

Thu, 15 Jun 2023 12:13:27 GMT

Every time you flush something down the drain or your toilet, it goes into your residential cesspool. In other words, it holds all the waste matter from your home. To keep it functioning, you need to invest in regular cesspool pumping services. Here are some signs that it's time to call a local contractor for cesspool pumping.

Bad Odors

It shouldn't come as a shock that your cesspool doesn't have the best smell. After all, as many as 20 people can use a non-residential cesspool daily, according to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. Therefore, it can see a lot of buildup of smelly waste over time. Sometimes the smell may resemble sulfur or rotten eggs. However, under normal circumstances, it's contained. When bad sewer odors begin to permeate your property, you know it's time for your cesspool to be emptied by a professional.

Slow Drains

After you take a shower, wash your hands in the sink, do laundry, or flush the toilet, everything empties into your cesspool. However, if you notice ongoing slow drainage, it may be because your cesspool has run out of room to store more waste matter. Luckily, local cesspool pumping services can handle the issue. Just don't become tempted to use chemical products to unclog your drains, as they can damage your pipes and the cesspool itself.

Gurgling Noises

After you flush something down the toilet or your shower drain empties out, do you notice weird gurgling noises? Those noises occur because your pipes are becoming blocked by a backed-up cesspool. If you put off handling the problem, you may have a full backup soon.

Toilet Won't Flush

Can you imagine not being able to flush your toilet? That can happen if your cesspool is full to the limit. No matter how many times you hit the toilet handle, your waste won't go down if there's no room for it. In extreme cases, your toilet may overflow onto the floor, creating a bigger issue.

Using local cesspool pumping services can ensure proper sanitation on your property. A backed-up cesspool can make your home unsafe and uncomfortable due to nasty odors and clogged drains that prohibit flushing. If your home has a cesspool, call Help Cesspool & Sewer today, and we can check things out.

What Are the Different Types of Cesspools?

Wed, 12 Apr 2023 12:07:02 GMT

Cesspool pumping can prolong the life of your cesspool by removing solid material that can eventually block the holes and make the cesspool overflow. It's important to schedule your cesspool pumping regularly, but keep in mind that your cesspool may need to be pumped sooner rather than later depending on what type it is.

According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, it's recommended to have your septic system pumped approximately once every three to five years. That said, what are the different types of cesspools and how exactly are they different from a standard septic tank?

How Does a Cesspool Differ From a Septic Tank?

A cesspool is an underground waste storage system. Cesspools are unsealed, and they have perforated sides from which the septic liquid slowly flows out while the solid sewage settles at the bottom. They're lined with cement or stone, and they sometimes have an outlet to another pit.

A septic tank is a fully-sealed plastic or metal tank that holds wastewater and solid sewage together and keeps it separate from the ground. Cesspools are sometimes upgraded to septic tanks once they fail, but most often a cesspool that fails is replaced by connected city plumbing. In most cases, the EPA no longer permits new cesspools to be built. Instead, a cesspool needs to be pumped out and replaced with a sealed septic system when it's decommissioned.

What Types of Cesspools Are There?

Residential Cesspools

According to the EPA, a residential cesspool is a cesspool that serves one household of 20 or fewer people per day. Residential cesspools serve about 25% of the American population, mostly in rural areas where networked city plumbing is unavailable or infeasible. Residential cesspools must be pumped out usually about as often as septic tanks, roughly every three to five years.

Non-Residential Cesspools

The EPA reports that a non-residential cesspool may have the potential to be used by 20 persons or more in a day even if it's not used by that many people each day. Access restrictions must be in place for the area for these types of cesspools.

Large-Capacity Cesspools

A large-capacity cesspool is a cesspool designed to service multiple homes, up to 20 people per day. The EPA has banned large-capacity cesspools (LCCs) and an LCC must be properly abandoned by cesspool pumping and then closed and replaced with another septic waste disposal system like a septic tank or public plumbing connection.

A cesspool can be a safe and sanitary waste disposal solution if it's taken care of properly. Call Help Cesspool & Sewer today to schedule your cesspool pumping. We're available to answer any cesspool-related questions you may have.

What to Expect From a Cesspool Pumping Service

Mon, 13 Feb 2023 16:19:07 GMT

The last thing any homeowner needs is an unmaintained cesspool. Needless to say, pumping services are essential for homeowners who own one of these systems. What exactly should you expect from a professional cesspool pumping service? Read on to find out more.

Professionalism

When you hire a cesspool pumping service, expect them to send highly-trained professionals to your home. The team members have licenses and the proper certifications to work with septic systems. They should also be familiar with local, state, and federal regulations about cesspools, so you can rest assured that your system is in good hands.

Preparation

Before pumping begins, the technician should inspect your cesspool and any related components. They may also take photographs to document the condition of your system before and after pumping. The cesspool contractor brings all necessary equipment and supplies, such as a truck-mounted pumping unit, an excavation device, and hoses.

Pumping

The technician will use the truck-mounted unit to pump out the contents of your cesspool. They may also inspect and clean any filters and the cesspool walls. The technician will then use an inspection cover or patch any cracks caused by wear and tear over time.

Maintenance and Assessment

After the cesspool is pumped, expect your cesspool contractor to provide you with detailed maintenance instructions, such as how often it should be pumped and other necessary precautions. You may also receive an assessment of your system's condition as well as advice on how to extend its life and keep it functioning properly. Small-capacity cesspools may be regulated by state and local governmental agencies, according to the Environmental Protection Agency. Therefore, it's important to keep up with regular maintenance and inspections to ensure your system's longevity.

Disposal

The technician will also dispose of the wastewater in a safe manner. Many cesspool services will bring their own waste disposal tankers. Others may use a local wastewater treatment plant or another approved facility.

A professional cesspool pumping service can provide all the necessary services to keep your system functioning properly. From inspections and pumping to maintenance advice and disposal, they have the trained personnel and the necessary equipment to ensure your cesspool remains in optimal condition. Contact our team at Help Cesspool & Sewer Service today for more information.

How You Can Benefit From Regular Cesspool Pumping Services

Wed, 10 Aug 2022 11:15:33 GMT

As a homeowner, you have a lot of responsibility when it comes to maintaining your property. For instance, according to the International Association of Certified Home Inspectors, grease traps should be cleaned when 25% of the volume is occupied by grease. Similar to cleaning these traps, your cesspool needs to be pumped every so often as well. A cesspool is a tank that collects sewage and wastewater from your home, and it's important to ensure that it stays in good working condition. What are the benefits of cesspool pumping, and why should you make it a priority? Read on to find out.

1. It Prevents Sewage Backup

When your cesspool becomes full, it can cause sewage to back up into your home through your drains and toilets. There are a few problems with this. Not only is it unsanitary, but it can also be very costly to clean up. The best way to avoid this problem is by hiring a cesspool pumping service.

2. It Reduces Odors

Another problem that can occur when your cesspool is full is that it can start to emit unpleasant odors. This is not only a nuisance for you and your family, but it can also be embarrassing if you have guests over. Cesspool pumping services can help you keep these odors at bay.

3. It Prolongs the Life of Your Cesspool

Pumping your cesspool regularly can actually help to prolong its life. This is because pumping allows you to remove any built-up sludge and debris from the tank. Over time, this debris can cause your cesspool to crack or break down, which can be very costly to repair. By using cesspool pumping services, you can keep your cesspool in good condition for many years to come.

4. It's More Cost-Effective Than You May Think

You might think that having your cesspool pumped regularly is a costly proposition. However, when you compare the cost of pumping to the cost of cleaning up a sewage backup or dealing with other problems that can arise from neglecting your cesspool, it's actually very affordable.

5. It Protects Your Property

If your cesspool were to overflow, it could cause serious damage to your property. This is because the waste and sewage released could cause serious water damage. In some cases, it could even contaminate your drinking water. You can avoid this problem and protect your home by having your cesspool pumped regularly.

Are you looking for professional cesspool pumping services? Call Help Repair and Maintenance today to schedule an appointment!

Benefits of Working with a Grease Trap Cleaning Service

Tue, 31 May 2022 11:06:47 GMT

You may be tempted to save money by cleaning your grease trap yourself, but it is an essential (and unpleasant) component of the operations of a commercial kitchen. If you don't want to risk your health or the health of your customers, have a professional service handle the task for you. DIY may be an option, but it may be difficult to get the job done well and dispose of the used cooking oil and fat safely. When it's time to clean your grease trap, there are a slew of good reasons to call in a professional grease trap cleaning service . Here are a few of them.

1. Efficiency

Appropriate equipment and expertise are necessary for an effective grease trap cleaning job. While the cleaning process may appear simple at first, there are various intricacies and specifics that require extensive knowledge and training. Professional equipment is also necessary for effective cleaning of the grease trap. Using modern hydro jets, the experts cleaning your grease traps can have the job done in no time.

2. Focus On More Important Tasks

Running a restaurant is a complicated process with many moving components. To make your company a success, you need to put a lot of effort into a number of things. One of these responsibilities can be handled by a grease trap cleaning service. If you outsource this upkeep, you'll have more time for other priorities, such as expanding your business.

3. Disposal in an Environmentally Friendly Manner

The compounds in your industrial kitchen grease trap may do a lot of damage. For instance, a system can become clogged when oils and fats accumulate in drains. According to the United States Environmental Protection Agency, non-residential cesspools may be used by 20 or more people per day, even if they are not utilized by that many people per day. You won't have to worry about the legal or practical aspects of grease disposal if you hire an expert grease trap cleaning service. The grease that is removed will be processed in accordance with all applicable laws and guidelines.

4. Take the Stress Out of Your Employees' Day-to-Day Routines

To get the greatest performance out of your employees, you need to make sure they are healthy and happy at all times. This includes not requiring kitchen staff to undertake plumbing duties like this one or work in a kitchen that risks their health and safety. Everyone loves a supervisor or company owner who lets them do what they do best, whether that's cooking and serving food or washing dishes.

Cooking in a commercial kitchen requires the use of grease traps. Many business owners try to save money by cleaning them in-house. Even though it is feasible, it is not encouraged because it might lead to greater costs and problems in the future. Your local grease trap cleaning service is a call away, so give them a ring right now.

4 Dangers of a Clogged Grease Trap

Fri, 25 Mar 2022 15:02:52 GMT

If you have a commercial kitchen, it's important to have a grease trap. This is a device that helps to prevent grease and oils from entering the sewer system. When these items accumulate, they can cause serious problems. Here are the dangers of a clogged grease trap and how grease trap cleanings can help.

1. Kitchen Fires

One of the most dangerous things that can happen if you have a clogged grease trap is that it can cause a fire. When grease and oil build up in the sewer system, it can create a combustible mixture. If this mixture comes into contact with an ignition source, it can cause a serious fire.

It's important to have grease trap cleanings regularly. This will help prevent the accumulation of grease and oil in the sewer system. It's also important to ensure that you have a fire extinguisher in your commercial kitchen. If a fire does break out, you'll be able to extinguish it quickly.

2. Heath Hazardous

A grease trap that isn't functioning properly can cause serious health hazards. If the trap is full of grease, it can start to seep into your drains and contaminate your water supply. This can lead to gastrointestinal illnesses, skin infections, and other serious health problems. A clogged grease trap can also release foul odors into your home or business. These odors can cause respiratory problems, headaches, and other health issues.

3. Extra cost for Maintenance

If you have a clogged grease trap, it will cost you more money in the long run for maintenance. You will need to hire someone to come and clean it out for you, which can be costly. In addition, if your grease trap is not properly maintained, it can cause problems with your plumbing and drains. This can lead to even more costly repairs. Therefore, keeping your grease trap clean and free of clogs is important. Doing so will save you money in the long run and prevent problems with your plumbing.

4. Environmental Problems

A clogged grease trap can cause all sorts of environmental problems. The most common is a sewage backup. This happens when the grease trap becomes so full that it can no longer hold all the wastewater and sewage. The backup will eventually lead to raw sewage spilling out into the environment. This can contaminate drinking water, damage crops, and harm wildlife. According to the Environmental Protection Agency, grease is responsible for approximately half of all sewer blockages that occur every year.

A clogged grease trap can be very dangerous and cause many problems. It's important to have your grease trap cleaned regularly to avoid these dangers. If you have a clogged grease trap, be sure to call a professional to clean it out. They will have the proper equipment and knowledge to safely and effectively clean your grease trap. Call us today to schedule a grease trap cleaning.

5 Signs It's Time to Clean your Restaurant Grease Trap

Mon, 31 Jan 2022 16:22:59 GMT

If you're a restaurant owner, you know the importance of keeping your grease trap clean. Not only is it necessary for maintaining a healthy and safe environment for your customers, but it's also required by law. Here are five signs that it's time to clean your grease trap.

1. It's Been a While Since Your Last Cleaning

Most restaurant owners agree that it's time to clean their grease traps once they hit a certain level of buildup. That could mean as little as two months or as long as six months of use, depending on how many customers you serve and how much oil is released into the trap. If it has been more than three months since your last cleaning, then go ahead and schedule a cleaning – you have likely reached the point where your trap needs it.

2. You've Noticed an Increase in Clogging or Backup Issues

Another sign that it's time to clean the grease trap in your commercial kitchen is when you notice an increase in clogging or backups. Especially during peak hours, many restaurants experience clogs and backup problems because of all the oil released into the system. If you've noticed that these types of issues are occurring more frequently than usual, then it's definitely time to schedule a cleaning.

3. You've Noticed Odors Coming from the Trap

Another sign that it's time to clean your grease trap is when you smell unpleasant odors coming from your commercial kitchen. Odors are a telltale sign that the trap isn't working properly and needs to be thoroughly cleaned.

4. You've Noticed Grease on Surfaces in Your Kitchen

If you notice an oily sheen on your floor or a greasy film on the walls, then it's definitely time to clean that grease trap. Make sure you schedule a cleaning as soon as possible before your kitchen starts looking dirty and oily.

5. When Grease Is at or Above 25% of the Total Liquid Depth

According to Metro Plumbing, grease traps should be cleaned when 25% of the volume is taken up by grease and 75% by water. This ensures the grease trap is working properly, and you don't have to worry about clogs, backups, and other issues that come with an unclean trap.

Grease traps need to be cleaned at certain intervals, and it's time to clean yours if you see any of the five signs mentioned above. For more information about grease trap cleaning or to schedule a grease trap cleaning appointment, call us today.

3 Signs You Need Cesspool Pumping Services

Wed, 15 Dec 2021 17:03:00 GMT

Your home produces plenty of wastewater on any given day. Your septic tank or cesspool is there to accommodate the water so you don't have to deal with the unpleasant mess and odors. However, although your cesspool is always out of sight and out of mind, it does need to be pumped now and then. Below we outline the common signs that you need cesspool pumping services .

1. Unpleasant Odors

This is usually the first sign that your home needs cesspool pumping services. It might seem like all is well with your home's waste system, but if you notice that sewage smell in your home, it probably means your tank is overflowing, and the smell can no longer be contained.

3. Sewage Backup

Sewage backups are as nasty as they sound, and the smell alone will motivate you to contact cesspool pumping services ASAP. Not only does a sewage backup smell atrocious, but it's a serious health hazard and can be very damaging to your wellbeing in the long run. In addition, if your septic system is not pumped when it should be, it will overflow, and the sewage can spread all over your landscape, causing damage and affecting your home's aesthetic appeal. The best thing is to get the problem fixed once you notice the backup before it overflows to other parts of your home.

4. Clogged Drains

The wastewater from your home goes into your cesspool, whether it's coming from the sinks, showers, or toilets. As such, if there's a problem with your system, the drains in your home will likely be affected. For instance, when your cesspool is full or blocked, it means it can't accept any more water, so you'll notice water pooling in your drains or moving slowly.

This is often accompanied by strange gurgling sounds that indicate that your septic tank is struggling to deal with the overload. Clogged drains are a nightmare to deal with because it means you can't use the water in your home properly. Thankfully, this is something that can quickly be resolved by hiring cesspool pumping services.

Your septic tank or cesspool can handle a large amount of wastewater. For instance, according to the EPA, a non-residential cesspool can potentially be used by 20 people or more in a day even if it's typically used by far fewer people in a day. Still, it occasionally requires your attention, so if you notice any of these signs, our reputable cesspool pumping services are at your disposal. Don't hesitate to give us a call!