Feb 4
Duane KingArticles, Home & Garden, Plumbing, Septic drain, drainfield, maintenence, septic tank
I have been asked the following questions numerous times over the past several years and also recently, ” Why do I need to have my septic tank pumped? ” and ” How often should I have it done? ”
I have always felt that I can best answer these questions by explaining how a septic system works.
Basically the system has two parts, the SEPTIC TANK and the DRAINFIELD.
Household waste leaves our homes via drain pipes then enters the septic tank where solid waste is separated from liquid waste. Heavy solid waste sinks and accummulates on the bottom of the tank (sludge), light solid waste floats to the top and accummulates on top of the water inside the tank (scum). The area between the scum and sludge layers is liquid (effluent) which, in theory, should be the only substance that leaves the septic tank via drain tile and then enters the drainfield where it is distributed over the underlying soil, absorbed and filtered by the earth, and becomes part of the same water we get out of our wells for drinking, bathing, and cooking. What a lovely thought huh?!
Generally speaking, the septic tank should be cleaned out (pumped) every 3 – 5 years to prevent the accumulated scum and/or sludge from leaving the tank and entering the drainfield where it can clog the tiles and/or soil pores.
If you would like more information about Septic Systems or Wells please contact me
Feb 4
Duane KingArticles, Heating & Cooling alternative energy, chimneys, fireplace, heating, wood stoves
Like many of my clients and some of you, I burn wood this time of year.
I love everything about it. Cutting up the trees, splitting the logs, stacking the wood, and building the fire. It is so rewarding for me to know that I provided comfort for my family once again with my own two hands.
When I think of a “Fireplace” I envision the traditional stone or brick fireplaces that we see everywhere this time of year. You know, the ones Santa drops down. Typically these have a large, open firebox made of steel or brick with a damper above it and an ash pit below it, a concrete or ceramic hearth in front of the opening, and a stone or brick chimney with sections of clay tile inside going up the wall outside. Some have spark screens or doors in front of the opening as well.
Here is how a fireplace works. Logs burn inside the firebox creating heat. The heat warms the room and also creates a draft that pulls the smoke from the fire up and out of the chimney. The damper above the firebox is adjustable so that the draft can be regulated. The ash pit below provides a temporary place to store leftover ashes after a fire has burned out. The hearth acts as a shield preventing any stray sparks from landing on the floor and burning it. Screens and doors prevent sparks from escaping out of the firebox as well.
When inspecting a fireplace I start inside and first look at the hearth. It should extend at least eighteen inches into the room and be made of some type of non-combustible material. Next I examine the firebox for signs of deteriorated mortar and loose bricks. I then check the operation of the damper and determine how much creosote has accumulated. Outside I examine the exterior of the chimney for signs of deteriorated mortar and loose masonry. Finally, I look down inside the chimney from above for signs of blockages, broken or misaligned tiles and creosote buildup.
CREOSOTE = Creosote is a dark brown / black tar-like substance that accumulates inside the throat and chimney of all wood burning fireplaces and wood stoves. It can ignite and cause a dangerous chimney fire. Chimney should be cleaned when creosote becomes 1/8th of an inch thick.
Note – Hardwoods, such as Oak, Maple, Birch, Walnut burn better than softwoods.
Stay warm,
Duane
If you would like more information about Fireplaces, Wood Stoves or Chimneys please feel free to contact me
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