FAIL (the browser should render some flash content, not this).
Detect a Leak
These methods work for small leaks only. Clamps should stop most leaks for several months if they’re used with a solid rubber blanket. It’s a good idea to buy a sheet of rubber, as well as some clamps sized to fit your pipes. You can purchase these items at a hardware store and keep them on hand just for this purpose. A sleeve clamp that exactly fits the pipe diameter works best. Wrap a rubber blanket over the leak, then screw the clamp down over the blanket. An adjustable hose clamp used with a rubber blanket stops a pinhole leak. If nothing else is at hand, use a C-clamp, a small block of wood and a rubber blanket. In a pinch, try applying epoxy putty around a joint where a clamp won’t work. The pipe must be dry for the putty to adhere. Turn off the water supply to the leak and leave the water off until the putty hardens completely on the pipe. If you don’t have a clamp or putty, you can still stop a small leak temporarily by plugging it with a pencil point.
How to remove a Drain Trap

Clear out the area under the sink and place the bucket beneath the trap.

Use the pliers to loosen the slip nuts located on each side of the trap. Once the slip nuts are loose, unscrew them by hand and push them to the side.

As you loosen the trap, the water that is trapped inside will gush out. Let it run into the bucket, along with any debris that has accumulated.

Once all the water and debris are out of the trap, remove it and use the wire brush to clean it thoroughly. Rinse it with hot water to get rid of accumulated greasy material, but don't forget – you'll need to use another water source because you've disconnected the drain.

After the trap has been cleaned thoroughly, set it aside and inspect the slip nut washers. Do they look stiff or cut? If so, replace them. Doing so now will save you a leak later on.

Once you are satisfied that the slip nut washers are ready, add pipe joint compound to the surface of each washer, and fit the trap back into place, making sure it is seated properly on either end. Holding the trap steady with one hand, slide one of the slip nuts back into place and tighten it. Then, slide the second slip nut back into place and tighten it.

Use the pliers to make sure the slips nuts are snug, but don't over tighten.

Turn on the faucet and check for leaks. You may want to put a sheet or two of newspaper under the trap to help you spot drops of water
Care for a Septic system

Practice water conservation. The more wastewater you produce, the more the soil must be treated and disposed of. By reducing and balancing your water use, you can extend the life of the drainfield, decrease the possibility of system failure, and avoid costly repairs.

Keep accurate records. Know where your septic tank system is and keep a diagram of its location. Records of its size and location may be available at your local health agency. It is also wise to keep a record of maintenance on the system. These records will be helpful if problems occur, and will be valuable to the next owner of your home.

Inspect your system once each year. Check the sludge and scum levels inside your septic tank to assure that the layers of solids are not within the early warning levels. Also check the tank to see if the baffles and tees are in good condition. Periodically inspect the drainfield and downslope areas for odors, wet spots, or surfacing sewage. If your drainfield has inspection pipes, check them to see if there is a liquid level continually over 6 inches. This may be an early indication of a problem.

Pump out your septic tank when needed. Don’t wait until you have a problem. Routine pumping can prevent failures, such as clogging of the drainfield and sewage back-up into the home. Using a garbage disposal will increase the amount of solids entering the septic tank, requiring more frequent pumping.

Never flush harmful materials into the septic tank. Grease, cooking fats, newspapers, paper towels, rags, coffee grounds, sanitary napkins, and cigarettes cannot easily decompose in the tank. Chemicals such as solvents, oils, paint, and pesticides are harmful to the system’s proper operation and may pollute the groundwater.

Keep all runoff away from your system. Water from surfaces such as roofs, driveways, or patios should be diverted away from the septic tank and drainfield area.

Protect your system from damage. Keep traffic, such as vehicles, heavy equipment, or livestock off your drainfield or replacement area. The pressure can compact the soil or damage pipes. Before you plant a garden, construct a building, or install a pool, check on the location of your system and replacement area.

Landscape your system properly. Don’t place impermeable materials over your drainfield or replacement area. Materials, such as concrete or plastic, reduce evaporation and the supply of oxygen to the soil for proper effluent treatment. They can also hinder access to the system for pumping, inspection, or repair. Grass is the best cover for your system.

Never enter any septic tank. Poisonous gases or the lack of oxygen can be fatal. Any work on the tank must be done from outside.

Copyright © 2008, Murano LLC
Roc# 233204 Roc# 233205 Roc#233206
HomeAbout UsServicesTips & HintsContacts