How a Septic Tank Works

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Septic tanks are big, concrete, underground tanks that hold household sewage and wastewater. A septic system works when microorganisms digest the sludge and scum layers in your tank and then the liquid effluent percolates through the soil to treat the wastewater.

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All wastewater from your home’s toilets, showers, bathtubs and garbage disposal flows into the septic tank. Wastewater contains disease-causing germs and environmental pollutants, along with solid materials from your household. These are separated into sludge and scum in the septic tank. Heavy solids sink and form the sludge layer, while lighter fats and oils float to the top and form the scum layer. The liquid portion of the wastewater, called effluent, leaves the septic tank through the outlet pipe and into a buried drain field or leach field.

The septic system’s drain field is designed to further treat the wastewater. It is a series of perforated pipes or slotted panels, typically surrounded by a trench filled with clean, gravel-like soil. This soil acts as a filter and breaks down any remaining germs and other contaminants in the wastewater.

A baffle or sanitary tee located at the tank’s outlet prevents solids from leaving the septic tank with the effluent. Newer systems also include an effluent filter at the tank’s outlet to further separate solids from the sewage effluent.

If the septic tank is not pumped regularly to remove the sludge and scum, these solids can wash out of the tank into the drain field, clogging it. If this occurs, the entire system will need to be replaced.

To keep your septic system running properly, add a bacterial treatment to the tank on a regular basis. Bacterial treatments come in both powder and liquid form, with each having its own benefits. Liquid treatments are much easier to use because you don’t have to measure and can just drop them in. Powders require some work, but they are effective and don’t have to sit for long to get to work.

Never dump hazardous wastes, such as paint, cleaning products and oils into the septic system. These chemicals kill the bacteria that help break down sludge and scum. Instead, choose natural septic tank cleaners like Cabin Obsession’s Septic Tank Treatment, which comes in a dissolvable pod and supports the bacteria that keep your septic system working.

Drain Field

The drain field is the next step in the sewage treatment process. It consists of perforated pipes that distribute wastewater evenly throughout the soil. These pipes are usually made of PVC or other hard resins, with a layer of gravel that acts as a buffer to allow the liquid effluent to trickle out into the soil, while keeping larger solids contained.

As the liquid sewage leaves the tank and enters the drain field, aerobic bacteria do the final phase of sewage treatment in the subsurface soil. As it percolates, the bacteria break down organic waste into simple nutrients. These are then absorbed by the surrounding soil and groundwater.

Over time, the drain field can become clogged by debris. Insufficient pumping or the improper disposal of septage can cause sludge particles to wash out into the drain lines and leach field, blocking the absorption of waste water.

Regular inspections and timely septic system pumping keep solids from building up to the point where they can be washed out into the drainfield. In addition, proper disposal of household products and judicious landscaping practices keep the drain field healthy.

A septic system drain field that is not functioning properly can lead to expensive damage to the lawn, home and surrounding environment. Foul odors and septic tank leaks are sure signs of a poorly performing drain field. Liquid sewage that backs up into the home is another ominous warning sign.

Proper care of the drain field will help to extend its service life. It is important to plant only grass or shallow-rooted shrubs and keep trees at a distance away from the drain field. It is also vital to maintain the required setback distances* when adding buildings or other improvements to the property. Diverting surface water runoff and avoiding unnecessary irrigation will also minimize excess flooding in the drain field. Keep detailed records of septic tank and drainfield pumpings, repairs and maintenance. This will provide important information for future maintenance and to verify that the septic system is up to date with state regulations. Keeping records also helps in establishing a timeline for when the septic tank needs to be pumped.

Pumping

The septic tank is a large underground container that holds wastewater and solid waste. The heavier solids sink to the bottom of the tank and undergo bacterial digestion to reduce their volume. The lighter scum waste floats to the surface. A professional septic tank pumper removes both the solid and sludge waste from the tank. Keeping up with regular pumping ensures that the septic system is working properly.

The frequency of septic tank pumping depends on how much wastewater enters the system. When a household uses more water than usual, the septic tank will fill faster. The sludge layer that forms at the bottom of the tank will also become thicker. If this layer becomes too thick and blocks the inlet pipe that leads to the absorption field, it’s time to have the tank pumped.

While it is possible to go a few years between septic tank pumping, this should be avoided as it will cause the bacteria in the septic system to die off. To avoid destroying the bacterial ecosystem, homeowners should use water wisely and take steps to prevent clogs and other issues. Homeowners should also avoid using caustic drain openers, commercial septic tank cleaners, or yeast.

Once a homeowner contacts a septic service, the technician will inspect the tank and determine if it’s time for pumping. He or she will look at the size of the sludge layer and how full the tank is. The technician will also inspect the inlet and outlet tees, ensuring they’re clear of obstructions.

When it’s time to have the septic tank pumped, the technician will use a specialized truck to empty the contents of the tank. This process takes a few hours and involves the technician climbing into the tank to remove the sludge. He or she will then clean the tank and flush the lines with a high-pressure water jet. The technician will inspect the septic tank again to make sure it’s ready for operation.

To facilitate future cleanings and inspections, a homeowner should keep their septic system and tank clearly marked. Place a marker or other easily visible landmark near the septic tank to help family members locate it when it’s time for pumping. The drain field should be kept clear of playgrounds and other buildings. It’s also a good idea to divert downspouts and other surface water away from the drain field.

Maintenance

A properly maintained septic system works well for years. Regular inspections and frequent tank pumping help prevent clogs, leaks and failure, which can cost thousands of dollars to repair or replace. It is best to follow simple maintenance guidelines to protect the health and safety of your family, friends, pets and neighbors.

The septic tank is a settling chamber that allows time for sewage solids and scum to separate from the clear wastewater, which then flows into the drain field. Sludge and scum must not get too close to the inlet and outlet baffles, or they will block the pipe to the septic tank and cause a costly clog in the drain field.

A septic tank should be cleaned, or deslugged, every one to three years, depending on household size and use. To check when a septic tank needs cleaning, place a towel over the top of the tank (Mark A), wait a few minutes, then slowly lift it straight up to see how thick the sludge layer is. If the sludge layer is within 12 inches of the bottom of the outlet, or more than 25% of the liquid depth is sludge or scum, it’s time to call a septic tank professional for a cleaning.

Keep chemical cleaners, bleach, disinfectants and other harsh chemicals out of a septic system. They can kill the bacteria needed for septic system function and increase the risk of a clog. There are biological additives available that promote bacterial growth, which helps to break down solids in the septic tank. However, they should never be flushed down a toilet or drain because they can enter drinking water supplies and cause groundwater contamination.

Keeping heavy vehicles, machinery, livestock and plants away from the septic tank and drainfield helps prevent erosion that could compact the soil and damage the pipes. Diverting downspouts and surface water — especially irrigation sprinklers — away from the drainfield is also important. Planting grass or native shrubs over the drainfield area can help prevent erosion and water runoff, too.

Learn where your septic system is located, and mark its location with an easily recognizable landmark – such as the lid or marker post. It’s also helpful to draw a diagram or map of the septic tank, drainfield and replacement area and keep it with your septic tank records.

What Is a Barbecue?

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A barbecue is a social gathering at which food cooked outdoors on a grill is served. In colonial America and up through the Civil War, a barbecue could also refer to cooking whole animals on spits over a fire.

Sauces can make or break a barbecue, but they are 4th on the list of the Big 3. The meat and the spices come first. Visit Our Website to learn more.

Smoke is a key ingredient in BBQ but is also a significant pollutant that can impact air quality. When barbecued meats absorb smoke, they leave behind a creosote residue, which can contain toxic volatile organic compounds (VOCs). Smoker or grill users can inhale these compounds, or they can be absorbed through the skin or ingested when the cooked food is eaten.

VOCs inhaled or absorbed can lead to a variety of health problems, including asthma and cancer. Children and pregnant women are especially vulnerable to the effects of VOC exposure because their vital organs are still developing. Because most outdoor cooking methods, such as grilling and smoking, use wood for fuel, they generate substantial amounts of smoke pollution.

There are ways to reduce the amount of smoke generated by your BBQ and the resulting pollution. First, make sure that your grill or smoker is properly vented. Make sure that the vents are open and not covered, so that you can have good airflow and keep the fire in control. This will help prevent a fire from blowing out and producing too much smoke, which can pollute your air.

The temperature of your coals also impacts the amount and type of smoke they produce. A hot fire will produce more black smoke, which tastes acrid and off-putting on meat. A cooler fire produces more white smoke, which is what you want for your BBQ.

Another factor is the type of wood used for the fire. Hickory has a strong, pungent flavor and produces the most smoke, while maple and alder are more mild.

When choosing the right wood for your barbecue, consider the length of time you plan to cook your meat. Longer-cooked meats have a more intense, richer smoky flavor and need more time to absorb the smoke.

To get the most out of your smoking experience, experiment with different types of wood and different techniques to find what you like best. For example, try using a spritz bottle to lightly spray your meat with water to prevent it from drying out while smoking. This will allow the smoke to penetrate more deeply into your meat and create a juicier, fuller flavor.

Spices

The perfect BBQ seasoning has just the right balance of sweet, smoky and savory flavors. This homemade rub is easy to make, and it can be customized to your preference. For example, if you prefer it a little sweeter, you can add more brown sugar or cinnamon to the mix; if you want it a bit spicier, increase the amount of chili powder; and if you want it extra herby, use more garlic powder. Homemade BBQ seasoning is also much more cost-efficient than buying a pre-made spice blend, since you’ll have all the ingredients at home already.

There are a few key ingredients that are essential for any good BBQ seasoning recipe: smoked paprika (not regular paprika, which is not as flavorful), brown sugar and ground cumin. The smoked paprika provides the smoky, sweet flavor that is so characteristic of BBQ; the brown sugar adds sweetness and creates a delicious caramelized crust when the meat is cooked, and the ground cumin brings some earthy, warm flavors to the mix.

In addition to these basic spices, a good BBQ spice blend should include some dried herbs and pepper for flavor and a little heat. You can choose to use any combination of these herbs and spices that you like, but it is important to keep in mind the flavor profile of the meat you’re using the rub on. Beef, for example, pairs well with more savory spices and flavorful herbs, while pork works best with a blend of sweet, smoky and spicy flavors.

While store-bought BBQ spice blends are convenient, they can be expensive and often contain additives and preservatives like silicon dioxide to prevent caking. Making your own dry rub is cheaper, less expensive and contains only high-quality ingredients that you can trust. Simply combine all the ingredients in a small bowl and stir them with a fork or whisk until they are well blended. Then, taste a pinch to see if you need to add more of any ingredient. Once you’ve found your perfect mix, store it in an airtight container like a mason jar to ensure it lasts for as long as possible.

Sauces

Barbecue sauce is a condiment that adds flavor to your barbecue. It can be used as a marinade, a glaze for the meat, or a dip. A good barbecue sauce can make or break a meal, so choose carefully. The best sauces will have a balance of sweet, salty, and acidic flavors. Sweeteners such as brown sugar, molasses, honey, or maple syrup are common in BBQ sauce. Vinegar is often added to help with the acidity of tomatoes and to add a tangy flavor. Salt and pepper are also frequently added to a sauce to provide savory and spicy flavors. Other ingredients can also be used to add unique flavors and textures. Worcestershire sauce is a popular ingredient that can add umami to the sauce. Liquid smoke is another commonly used addition to give the sauce a smoky taste. Smoked tomato paste and chili powder are other common spices in BBQ sauce.

Many different kinds of BBQ sauce are made, and they reflect the regional styles of cooking. Some are immediately recognizable, such as the playground-yellow mustard sauces of South Carolina or Big Bob Gibson’s mayonnaise-based Alabama white sauce. Other styles are less well known, such as the ketchup-like Kansas City sauce or the Baltimore-style sauce with a hint of vinegar and horseradish.

When choosing a BBQ sauce, it’s important to consider the type of meat you are grilling. Thick, sugary sauces should not be used on grilled meat, since they will burn. However, if you are using the sauce as a mop or baste on an indirect heat cook, sizzling the sauce about 30 minutes before the cook is finished will allow it to caramelize and impart a sweet smoky taste.

Making your own BBQ sauce is a fun and delicious way to personalize your BBQ experience. Combine a combination of your favorite spices, liquids, and seasonings until you have the perfect flavor. Then, simmer the mixture over medium heat until it begins to bubble and thicken. Allow the sauce to cool and then transfer it to a jar for storage in the refrigerator. Then, when you’re ready to use it, simply slather it on your meat and enjoy!

Side dishes

The brisket or pulled pork may steal the show at a BBQ, but don’t forget that BBQ is all about the side dishes. Whether it’s gooey mac and cheese, savory baked beans, crispy coleslaw, comforting potato salad, refreshing pickles, or a sweet summer salad, these sides will help you make the most of your grilling time.

These barbecue side dishes are perfect for any cookout, backyard party, or picnic. All of them are easy to prepare, and they spotlight seasonal produce at their peak.

Crisp bacon adds a pop of flavor to this show-stopping warm-weather salad. Fresh herbs add a bright finish and a touch of sweetness to this tangy dressing. The classic combo of grilled corn, zucchini, and scallions gets a bright boost from cilantro and ancho chile powder. This mashup of two traditional Hanukkah foods is a crowd-pleaser that’s ready in no time and pairs perfectly with BBQ meats like brisket and pulled pork.

A vinegar-based, dairy-free slaw is the perfect complement to creamy potato salads and other rich BBQ sides. In this slaw, red cabbage, tart granny smith apples, and the slight heat of jalapeno are combined with sweet mint and cilantro for a refreshing side that goes great with any barbecue.

Creamy, herb-flecked pasta salad is a summertime staple that can be served with almost anything. In this version, smoky grilled corn, summer squash, and crisp peppers mingle with al dente pasta and a creamy herb-flecked dressing. Fresh herbs, like parsley, chives, and tarragon, add brightness to this light and summery salad.

This creamy, no-mayo potato salad is the ideal addition to picnics and barbecues. It’s full of tangy, flavorful veggies and herbs—including chives, tarragon, and cilantro—and a touch of white wine vinegar provides a balance to the rich mayonnaise-based dressing. This recipe is also a breeze to put together at a moment’s notice, making it the perfect go-to BBQ dish for potlucks and picnics. It also travels well, so you can easily bring it to a friend’s backyard barbecue. You can even use it as a topping for tacos, sandwiches, or pulled pork.

The Importance of Land Surveys

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Whether it’s a dispute with an encroaching neighbor or closing on a new home, having accurate, legal knowledge of property lines can save money and headaches. Utah Land Survey helps provide that knowledge.

Land Surveys

Surveyors use a variety of techniques, including radiation, traverse and triangulation. They can also employ specialized equipment like drones.

Boundary surveys, sometimes called property boundary surveys, are a critical part of land surveying. They establish a property’s legal limits, helping owners determine what exactly belongs to them and avoiding disputes over neighboring property lines. Land surveyors use boundary surveys to draw up a detailed map of a property, highlighting the boundary line and providing a written description that can be used in legal documents.

Depending on the specifics of the project, the costs of a boundary survey can vary significantly. The complexity of the property’s terrain and the availability of existing records are major factors in determining costs. Surveyors may also need to spend more time researching and analyzing properties with complex legal descriptions or irregular shapes, which can add to the overall cost.

Boundary surveys are a necessity for homeowners, builders, and developers, as they offer key information about property ownership. They can also help local authorities approve building permits for property subdivisions and ensure that construction projects comply with zoning regulations. In many cases, mortgage lenders require a boundary survey before approving a loan for a new home or commercial development.

While it is possible for a boundary survey to be conducted without the assistance of a licensed professional, the results may not be accurate. For this reason, it is often best to hire a qualified surveyor for the task. A thorough boundary survey can save time and money by reducing the risk of disputes, costly legal complications, and construction setbacks.

When performing a boundary survey, the land surveyor will need to verify the location of any existing easements on the property. These are the rights granted to third parties to access and use parts of a property for a particular purpose, such as a utility company’s right to locate and maintain utility lines. A boundary survey will validate the location of these easements, preventing future conflicts or misunderstandings between the property owner and the surveyor.

Boundary surveys are also used by landowners to prepare for property sales, ensuring that the boundaries of the property are accurately documented in the sale contract and reducing the likelihood of encroachments or boundary disputes with neighbors. In addition, a boundary survey can be used by home buyers to gain confidence that they are purchasing a property with its full legal boundaries.

Topographical Surveys

Topographical surveys are the surveying method for examining, mapping, and documenting natural and man-made property features. Unlike boundary surveys, which focus on property lines, these assessments examine land elevations and grades, ground contours, physical property features, and construction sites to assess the feasibility of a given area for use in a specific way. These assessments provide valuable insights into what can and cannot be done with a parcel of land, which is vital to making informed decisions about future development.

Using the data from a topographical survey, engineers and architects can then create detailed design work that incorporates existing conditions. With the help of these comprehensive maps, it becomes easier to plan out grading designs, infrastructure layouts, and foundation works that will be able to fit into the surrounding landscape. This can help reduce project delays and costly errors later on down the line.

In addition to highlighting a property’s boundaries and features, these reports can also include details about underground and above-ground utilities. For example, this information can be used to locate sewer pipes, water channels, electrical and gas lines, and communication cables. This can then be input into CAD software to allow a drafting or engineering professional to model how these features will interact with a proposed construction site.

This type of survey requires more advanced equipment than a boundary survey, and a skilled surveyor is required to ensure accuracy. This is because the measurements for a topographical survey are taken using a high-quality GPS unit or an electronic EDM instrument. This enables the surveyor to produce a 3D map of a site, showing contour lines for different elevations across a parcel. This is then used to reference different surface and underground features, such as retaining walls, lakes, gas lines, roads, buildings, fences, and utility poles.

Some clients will order a topographic survey to determine the height of existing buildings or structures on their property. This is important when planning renovations or building new structures because it will affect the structural integrity of the building and how it will sit in relation to surrounding properties and public streets. Others will order a topographical survey to see how the soil will respond to changes in water flow during rainy seasons.

Deeds and Title Records

There’s a lot of information that goes into a property deed or title and a land survey is an integral cog in the process. Whether you are buying or selling, a survey should be part of the package to avoid any legal trouble down the road.

There are various types of land surveys depending on the circumstance and need. Some examples include boundary surveys, location surveys, topographic surveys and more. Boundary surveys are the most common and are used to identify and establish property lines for any parcel of land. A land surveyor can also determine if there are any existing easements or encroachments on a property that could lead to future legal issues.

A survey can also help a potential buyer or seller resolve any disputes between neighbors concerning property lines. This can prevent a lot of hassle down the road in regards to property ownership and can save money in the long run by not having to deal with legal fees.

While a property owner can find out a lot of information about a piece of land through local government records and the internet, it’s best to have a professional survey conducted to ensure accuracy. Not only will a professional surveyor check the current deed to see what the boundaries are, but they will also research all previous deeds that have been filed and recorded at the local property or recorder’s office. A surveyor will also look for plat maps and other information that will be important to know when it comes time to sell or buy a property.

A surveyor can also conduct a topographic survey to map the elevations of a parcel or provide a detailed description of an area’s features. A topographic survey can be useful for commercial properties or residential lots that are being subdivided, and it can even be used to delineate wetlands for protection. Another thing that a surveyor can provide is a legal description of a parcel, which will be helpful in providing to a title agent when it’s time to prepare the official deed.

Zoning and Land Use Records

Land surveyors use a variety of tools to assess property boundaries and legal status. These include examining historical documents, accessing plat maps and past surveys, and analyzing land tax records. Additionally, examining environmental records is important when identifying potential hazards or restrictions. A thorough understanding of these documents allows surveyors to perform accurate measurements and ensure legal compliance for their clients.

While obtaining these documents can be time consuming, they are crucial to conducting a successful survey. To learn more about how to access these documents, consult a professional surveyor. They can provide valuable insights and help you avoid common errors.

Using online resources can also help you find and interpret property records. Sites like the Virginia Land Development Information History (LDIH) consolidate building, site, and zoning data from numerous county systems into one convenient search tool. Its easy-to-use cataloging system features make it the fastest and most efficient method for locating site and building-related records.

In addition to examining historic documents and maps, you can also use online resources to research property taxes, deeds, titles, and other legal records. These documents can reveal a property’s legal description, ownership rights, and restrictions. Reviewing these records can also aid in resolving disputes with neighbors over property boundaries and encroachments.

Another important resource is reviewing local zoning ordinances and regulations. These laws determine how a particular parcel of land can be used and can have a significant impact on the outcome of a survey. It is important to understand the zoning restrictions of a parcel before attempting any improvements or establishing legal rights.

Whether you are purchasing a home or planning for an expansion project, it’s critical to understand the boundaries of your property. A land survey can help you prevent costly mistakes and achieve your construction or renovation goals safely and efficiently. By utilizing these resources, you can avoid legal issues and protect your investment. By taking the time to familiarize yourself with these records and documents, you can make informed decisions about property improvements and ensure compliance with local zoning restrictions. Contact us for more information about our land surveying services or to schedule an appointment with a qualified professional.