Category: Home Services

Home Services

Septic Tank

Leyton Sumner

The wastewater from your home goes through a septic tank to be treated and then returned to the soil. If you flush non-biodegradable waste items like cigarette butts, cotton buds, swabs, or menstrual hygiene products, they can clog your septic system.

Solid waste sinks to the bottom, and liquid waste flows out of the septic tank into the drain field (also known as the absorption field). Water seeps through the soil, where microorganisms further purify it. Click https://www.septictankarmadale.com.au/ to learn more.

Septic tank systems are simple onsite sewage treatment systems that can be used in areas that don’t have municipal sewer connections. They are typically buried underground and consist of one or two tanks that collect domestic wastewater. Wastewater from toilets, washing machines, and sinks flows into the tank for basic sewage treatment. Solids and organic matter are separated from the liquid effluent, which then seeps into a septic drain field for further treatment and dispersal. Because the septic system relies on a large area for drainage, it’s usually unsuitable for densely built areas.

The septic tank consists of a concrete, fiberglass or plastic structure that houses a collection and decantation process that allows the sewage to separate into three layers:

  • Scum rises to the surface.
  • Solids sink to the bottom of the tank.
  • Partially clarified liquid effluent exits from the top.

The septic tank provides primary sewage treatment, which prevents sewage from polluting the soil and freshwater supplies.

It is vital to keep a septic tank properly pumped. This will help to avoid sewage backups inside your home, and it will also keep the tank from becoming full too quickly. If you’re looking at a property with a septic tank, make sure you ask to see its inspection records. If the tank needs to be pumped, you’ll want to know ahead of time so that you can plan accordingly.

Another important septic tank maintenance tip is to use septic-safe toilet paper and to limit your household water usage. Doing so will minimize the amount of sewage that enters your drainfield and leach field. It’s also a good idea to plant grass or other low-growing plants that won’t overgrow the septic tank and leach field.

Lastly, if you hear gurgling in your plumbing when you flush your toilets or wash laundry, it’s a sign that the tank is getting full. The gurgling sound is caused by air pockets that form in the lines when the tank is filling up. This is a sign that it’s time to have the tank pumped.

Septic Tank Design

A septic tank is a large underground concrete or fiberglass container through which domestic wastewater (sewage) flows for basic sewage treatment. Sewage from household toilets, bath and sink drains, kitchen drains and laundry flow into the tank. There it goes through a process of settling and anaerobic digestion that reduces solids and organic material. Eventually, the liquid effluent exits to an absorption field or other onsite sewage treatment system for further treatment.

The tank must be designed with devices that help ensure settling, retention of solids and venting. These include inlet and outlet baffles, sanitary tees and transfer pipes that connect the tank’s two chambers. The inlet and outlet baffles keep the inlet pipe clear of the scum layer that forms at the top of the effluent and the outflow pipe free of the sludge layer at the bottom of the tank. The sanitary tees and transfer pipe ensure that the liquid effluent is gently pumped into and out of the tank, avoiding any turbulence that could damage the tanks interior or cause blockages.

The liquid effluent leaves the septic tank through a distribution device, which ensures that equal amounts of liquid leave each drainpipe. It then enters the septic absorption field, which is a network of perforated pipes in the soil. The microbes in the soil, along with further bacterial action, treat the effluent so that it is safe for re-use in drinking water.

The tank size must be adequate for the number of bedrooms in the home. The tank must also be large enough to allow for a 48-hour retention time so that all of the solids in the sewage have a chance to decompose. It’s also important that the septic tank be situated so that rainwater doesn’t enter it, as this would affect the bacterial activity within. Moreover, the tank should be sited in such a way that it will not collapse or crack under the weight of the water and sludge inside. In general, septic tanks are made of materials that are resilient and strong enough to withstand ground movement.

Septic Tank Installation

While installing a septic system is not as difficult as it may seem, it requires specialized knowledge and equipment to ensure a safe and complete job. It also involves working with dangerous materials such as sewage and chemicals. It is highly recommended that homeowners work with a professional to avoid serious problems and costly repairs.

A septic tank is a buried, water-tight container usually made of concrete or fiberglass. A healthy population of anaerobic bacteria lives at the bottom of the tank and digests organic waste. A baffle or outlet prevents sludge and scum from leaving the tank, while liquid wastewater (effluent) exits via a pipe into the drainfield area.

The drainage field is a shallow area of uncovered land that filters untreated wastewater through rocks, dirt and sand to remove impurities. The water then seeps into underground aquifers or surface waters through transpiration and evaporation. A septic tank, perforated pipes and drainfield work together to treat waste and safely eliminate it from the home.

A septic tank installer should always obtain the necessary permits before beginning any excavation or construction on the site of the tank. Depending on where the installation site is located, you may need to obtain a building permit, permit to dig, utility permit or occupation permit. In addition, you must be aware of any underground utilities in the vicinity of the installation site and have them marked before excavation begins.

During excavation, the installer must create a hole large enough to fit the tank. The soil that is removed needs to be properly disposed of, or it could affect the performance and lifespan of the entire septic system.

A septic tank installation company can determine the size of the septic system required for your home and provide you with all the proper parts, including a tank, perforated pipes, baffles, lids, risers and a septic pump. They can also advise on the best location for your septic tank on the property. They will also inspect the condition of the existing drainfield to make sure it is up to code and ready for a new septic tank to be connected.

Septic Tank Maintenance

The septic tank is a water-tight container that holds wastewater until bacteria in the soil can break down solid waste and liquid sewage. The waste flows into the septic tank through drain pipes from sinks, tubs and toilets in your home. The solid waste sinks to the bottom of the tank in the form of sludge, while the oil and grease floats to the top as a scum layer. A baffle separates the inlet and outlet sides of the tank. Water enters the tank through the inlet side, where a network of perforated pipes extend into the drainfield area’s soil. The liquid wastewater (effluent) exits the tank through a T-shaped outlet.

Septic tanks need to be pumped regularly. A full tank can lead to clogs in the drainpipes and soakaway, as well as an overflow of the septic system. It is possible to reduce the need for pumping by following some simple maintenance tips.

Only use toilet paper that is septic safe. Don’t flush sanitary products, such as tampons, sanitary wipes and diapers, which contain plastic elements that are not digestible by the good bacteria in a septic tank. Also, do not pour toxic chemicals down the drains, such as paints or flammable cleaning formulas. These chemicals can kill the good bacteria in a septic system.

It is a good idea to keep track of your septic system maintenance records and have them available if you ever decide to sell your home. Having comprehensive maintenance documents can make your home more appealing to prospective buyers.

Avoid driving vehicles or parking large equipment over the septic tank and drainfield. These actions can damage the tank and absorption field and leave an unsightly mess.

Ensure that the drainfield is not covered with grass, gravel or other impermeable surfaces. Covering the drainfield with these materials can cause septic system failure and require costly repairs. Also, don’t plant trees or shrubs near the septic tank or drainfield, as tree roots can clog and penetrate pipes. Finally, add 8 to 12-inches of mulch around the septic tank and drain field to protect the ground from compaction by heavy vehicles or equipment.

Home Services

Tips For Painting New Drywall

Leyton Sumner

Painting New Drywall is relatively straightforward if the proper steps are followed, whether for a home remodel, new construction, or to spruce up an interior space. It’s also important to use quality paint for long-lasting results.

The wrong paint or primer can result in poor adhesion, uneven surfaces, and a less attractive finish.

Sanding new drywall before painting helps ensure that the paper face is smooth and free of dust. This can be a tedious process, but it should not be overlooked. A good sanding job can elevate the overall look of a room and make your paint job look professional.

To sand drywall, you will need a hand sander fitted with 150-grit or finer sandpaper and a sanding sponge for corners and detail work. You will also want to invest in a double-strap dust mask rated for nuisance dust and goggles to protect your eyes.

If you are not comfortable doing the sanding yourself, you can hire a professional drywall contractor to do it for you. However, this is a costly option and can take longer to complete the project than if you did it yourself.

The sanding process generates a lot of dust, so it is important to prepare the room for this. Ventilate the room as much as possible, and cover furniture with a drop cloth or plastic sheeting to keep dust from escaping the area into other parts of the house.

When sanding, be sure to use light pressure and pay special attention to the edges of seams and around fasteners. Doing so will help to prevent the edges from “fuzzing,” which can make the seams more visible after painting. In addition, be sure to feather the sanding inward around electrical boxes and other wall fixtures, as they may have sharp edges that could rip your sandpaper or tear off the drywall.

After sanding, inspect the walls and ceilings to identify any problem areas that need additional work. For example, if you noticed that you sank a screw too deep into the drywall and it has left a gouge or scratch, touch up those areas with more joint compound and sand again once it is dry.

Remember that if you try to skip the sanding step, you will likely have to redo all of the mudding and taping, which is much more time-consuming and expensive than simply doing it right the first time. This is why it’s often a good idea to enlist the services of a professional drywall contractor for larger jobs.

Dusting

Drywall installation and finishing can generate a lot of dust, even with proper precautions. This dust is light but omnipresent, and it can easily sneak into every corner of the room. Fortunately, a few simple cleaning steps can help prevent it from lingering and interfering with your paint job.

First, sweeping up the loose particles is crucial to prevent them from swirling around and irritating your eyes, nose, throat, and lungs. A vacuum cleaner with a wide or brush nozzle, preferably one that can be used in the closed spaces of your building, should be used to remove the majority of the debris. This should be done in the area where you’re working, while wearing a dust mask to protect against silica and other occupational hazards.

Next, a damp cloth or cleaning wipes should be used to gently clean the surfaces of the new drywall. Be careful not to saturate the fabric, as too much moisture can damage drywall and lead to mold growth. The drywall should then be dried thoroughly before painting.

If you skip this step, your paint job will likely suffer. Primers need to adhere to the surface of the drywall, and any dust will interfere with this. This can cause a poor-quality finish, resulting in flaking or peeling later on.

Whether or not you should clean drywall before primer also depends on the type of primer being used. Some high-quality primers are designed to adhere well to slightly dirty surfaces, but it’s generally best to start with a clean canvas for the best results.

If you’re not comfortable performing the cleanup yourself, or if your project is large enough to justify it, consider hiring a professional. A pro can handle the sanding and mudding processes for you, while still giving your walls that finished look once they’re ready to be painted. This will reduce the amount of time you spend worrying about the mess and allow you to focus on getting your paint job right the first time.

Primer

After light sanding for an even surface and removing any dust from the wall, it’s time to apply a coat of primer. Primer is a base coat layer that’s designed to improve paint application, block some stains and provide a better base for topcoats. There are a few different types of primers to choose from, and the one you select will depend on your painting environment and the type of finish you’re looking for.

Some primers are formulated to hide stains on the wall, while others are specifically suited for new drywall. Choosing the right primer for your project will help ensure that your finished product is high quality and attractive.

A quality drywall primer will also seal the surface, creating a smooth base coat that will be easier to paint. Most drywall primers are water-based, which makes them safer to use around the home than oil-based alternatives. They’re also quick to dry, making them an excellent choice for projects that need to be completed quickly.

If you are working in a damp area, like a bathroom, you may need a waterproof primer that can resist moisture and mildew growth. You can find waterproof drywall primers online or at your local hardware store.

Before you begin applying your drywall primer, be sure to read the label carefully and follow the manufacturer’s instructions for application. Typically, you’ll apply several thin coats and wait for each to dry before applying the next. A little patience will help you achieve a beautiful, professional-looking result.

If you’re looking for a primer that will be great for new drywall, consider Zinsser Bulls Eye 1-2-3. This water-based primer is versatile and suitable for a variety of surfaces. It promotes adhesion, blocks stains, and dries quickly to save you time. It’s also easy to sand and can be used with a wide range of paint colors. It’s ideal for a new drywall project and is available in a gray shade that helps maximize paint coverage. This primer is also odorless and contains no VOCs, which means it won’t be harmful to the environment.

Paint

A professional-looking paint job on a new drywall surface requires careful preparation. Inspecting the walls for unsightly dings and grooves, filling them in with a drywall compound, sanding the wall once again, cleaning it and then applying a high-quality primer before painting is the way to go. Doing so ensures that the finished product will look great and provide long-lasting protection for your walls.

Taking the time to carefully prepare new drywall will help you avoid many common mistakes, such as using too much paint, not waiting for it to dry between coats, and choosing the wrong type of primer or paint for the job. These mistakes can lead to bubbling, peeling and mildew growth of the paint surface.

The right drywall primer is critical because it will help seal the surface and enhance paint adhesion. It is also important to choose a quality paint that is specifically formulated for new drywall. This type of paint is often more expensive, but it provides superior coverage and a longer-lasting finish.

It is generally recommended to apply two coats of paint on new drywall, not including the primer layer. It takes at least 24 hours to give the first coat of paint a chance to fully dry, so be patient. After the first coat dries, it should be lightly sanded with 150-grit sandpaper to help with a smooth and uniform finish.

Once the second coat of paint has dried, it should be lightly sanded again with 150-grit sandpaper and then cleaned once more with a damp cloth. A third and final coat of paint should then be applied.

When painting drywall, it is always best to use a brush for small areas and a roller for larger areas. A lint-free brush with tapered bristles is best for getting into corners and around trim work, while a roller with a 1/2-inch or 3/8-inch nap is ideal to minimize roller marks. It is also a good idea to paint in a well-lit area, bringing in work lights if necessary. Then, clean up your tools, remove any drop cloths and replace the furniture you removed from the room.