Every Potomac Falls VA septic system needs an alarm. The problem is that septic tank owners cannot see exactly what the problem is when it sounds. While it should be a simple high-level warning, heavy rains can force their way into a septic tank, especially if the servicing hatch was left unsecured after the last servicing. The alarm can also sound off if there is a broken pipe near the septic tank and the outflowing water begins to seep into it.
At SES Mid-Atlantic, we take any Potomac Falls VA septic system alarm activation as a warning that helps prevent both a sewage spill and a major repair of the tank or other parts of the septic system. When we install the tank and alarm, our technicians carefully advise the homeowner on potential problems and encourage them to call immediately when the alarm sounds.
A system alarm uses two components: A float control switch and a sewer ejector pump. Working together, they allow the alarm to provide the overfill warning and to release partially treated sewage, or wastewater, into the immediate area. When functioning properly, the alarm sounds soon enough to schedule a waste removal.
If the tank continues to fill, then the float rises higher, triggering the alarm for the second time. That is what starts the sewer ejector pump to release the top level of wastewater or effluent. Once enough has been released and the float returns to a safe level, the pump stops, and the alarm switches off automatically.
The same situation applies to deliberately adding water. Once your septic tank is certified the county authority, adding water does nothing to improve its function. It does not increase the growth of bacteria or break down solid matter. All it does is raise the level of wastewater higher, triggering the alarm and forcing you to call for an unscheduled tank service removal.
One thing a Potomac Falls VA septic system alarm cannot do however is detect odors. There should be no sewage smell, even if you are standing on top of the tank. If there is one, the first item to check is the servicing access hatch. It is possible that it was not secured after a recent removal. If it is secured, then there is the possibility the intake or outlet pipe is cracked and slowly leaking into the soil around the tank, causing the smell without activating the alarm.
We maintain our in-house design team to develop the exact system you need for a new home, housing subdivision, or factory operation. We have even designed and installed systems for municipal buildings and private hospitals. So regardless of the size or location of your requirement, contact SES Mid-Atlantic to begin the process of installing a waste system tailored to your needs. Call us today at 866-249-5630.