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Emergency Septic Services: What to Do When Your System Fails

Mijael • December 19, 2024

A failing septic system can quickly turn into a homeowner’s nightmare. From sewage backups to foul odors, these emergencies can disrupt your home and create costly damages. Knowing how to respond effectively can minimize the impact and prevent further issues.

At First Call Septic Services Inc., we specialize in handling septic emergencies across Miami-Dade and Broward counties. Here’s what to do when your septic system fails.

1. Identify the Signs of a Septic Emergency

The first step is recognizing when there’s a problem. Common signs of a septic failure include:

Sewage backups in sinks, tubs, or toilets.
Unpleasant odors around your property or near drains.
Standing water or soggy soil over the drain field.
Slow draining plumbing fixtures throughout your home.
Gurgling noises from your pipes or toilets.

If you notice any of these issues, it’s time to act immediately.

2. Stop Water Usage

To prevent further strain on your septic system, minimize water usage until the issue is resolved. Avoid using:

Toilets
Sinks
Showers
Washing machines

Reducing water flow helps prevent sewage backups and gives your system a chance to stabilize.

3. Keep Your Family Safe

A failing septic system can pose health risks due to exposure to harmful bacteria and pathogens. To ensure safety:

Keep children and pets away from standing water or areas near the septic system.
Avoid direct contact with sewage or contaminated soil.
Wash your hands thoroughly if you come into contact with affected areas.

4. Call a Professional Septic Service

Handling a septic emergency on your own can lead to more problems. Contacting a professional service ensures the issue is resolved quickly and safely. At First Call Septic Services Inc., we provide:

24/7 emergency services to address urgent problems.
Comprehensive diagnostics to pinpoint the root cause of the failure.
Fast and effective solutions, from septic tank pump-outs to drain field repairs.

5. Avoid Common Mistakes During an Emergency

Homeowners often try quick fixes that can worsen the problem. Here’s what NOT to do:

Don’t use chemical additives: These can damage your system and disrupt natural processes.
Don’t dig around the system: This can harm components or contaminate the surrounding soil.
Don’t delay calling for help: The longer you wait, the more severe the damage can become.

6. Schedule Follow-Up Maintenance

Once the emergency is resolved, plan for regular maintenance to prevent future issues. Regular pump-outs, inspections, and upgrades keep your system in optimal condition and reduce the risk of emergencies.

Trust First Call Septic Services Inc. for Emergency Support

At First Call Septic Services Inc., we understand the stress of a septic failure. That’s why we’re committed to providing fast, reliable emergency services to homeowners in Miami-Dade and Broward counties. Our experienced team uses advanced tools and proven techniques to restore your system quickly.

We’re Here When You Need Us

Facing a septic emergency? Call First Call Septic Services Inc. at (305) 842-3216 (English) or (305) 590-5974 (Español). We’re available 24/7 to provide expert support and peace of mind.

Don’t wait—contact us today and let us resolve your septic emergency quickly and effectively.

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Mantenimiento de Trampas de Grasa para Restaurantes: Mejores Prácticas para Cumplir con las Normas

By Mijael • February 26, 2025

Introduction For restaurant owners, maintaining a clean and functional grease trap is critical to avoiding costly plumbing issues and staying compliant with local regulations. A poorly managed grease trap can lead to clogs, foul odors, and even fines. At First Call Septic Services Inc. , we help restaurants across Miami-Dade and Broward counties keep their operations running smoothly with professional grease trap cleaning services. Here are the best practices for maintaining your grease trap and staying compliant. 1. Understand How Your Grease Trap Works A grease trap separates fats, oils, and grease (FOG) from wastewater before it enters the plumbing system. Over time, FOG accumulates in the trap, requiring regular cleaning to prevent blockages. Knowing how your grease trap operates and its capacity will help you plan an effective maintenance schedule. 2. Clean Your Grease Trap Regularly Cleaning frequency depends on your kitchen’s volume and the size of your grease trap. As a general rule: Small grease traps should be cleaned every 1-2 weeks. Larger grease traps may require monthly or bi-monthly cleanings. Failing to clean regularly can cause grease to overflow into your plumbing, leading to clogs and costly repairs. 3. Monitor and Record Maintenance Activities Many local regulations require restaurants to maintain records of grease trap cleaning and inspections. Keeping a detailed log of maintenance activities helps you: Stay compliant with health and safety codes. Prove due diligence during inspections. Identify trends that might indicate underlying issues. 4. Train Staff to Properly Dispose of FOG Preventing grease from entering the drain in the first place can extend the life of your grease trap. Train your staff to: Scrape plates into the trash before rinsing. Dispose of liquid oils in designated containers rather than pouring them down the drain. Use strainers in sinks to catch food particles. These small changes can reduce the amount of grease reaching your trap and lower maintenance costs. 5. Work with a Professional Grease Trap Service While some restaurant owners attempt to clean grease traps themselves, hiring a professional ensures: Thorough cleaning with specialized equipment. Safe disposal of grease and other waste materials. Compliance with local environmental regulations. At First Call Septic Services Inc. , our trained technicians provide fast, reliable grease trap cleaning services that keep your kitchen compliant and functional. 6. Schedule Routine Inspections Regular inspections by a professional service can identify potential issues before they escalate. Cracks, leaks, or worn-out components can compromise your grease trap’s effectiveness. Inspections ensure that your system remains in top condition and avoids unexpected breakdowns. Stay Compliant with First Call Septic Services Inc. Our team at First Call Septic Services Inc. understands the unique needs of restaurants in Miami-Dade and Broward counties. With years of experience, we provide tailored grease trap cleaning and maintenance services to ensure your business stays compliant and your plumbing system operates smoothly. Contact us today at (305) 842-3216 (English) or (305) 590-5974 (Español) to schedule your grease trap cleaning and enjoy peace of mind. Protect your business and keep your kitchen running efficiently with First Call Septic Services Inc.

Cómo Encontrar un Servicio Séptico Confiable Cerca de Ti

By Mijael • February 26, 2025

En este artículo, te explicamos cómo elegir la mejor empresa de servicios sépticos en tu área y por qué First Call Septic Services es la mejor opción para los propietarios de viviendas.