| Hickory Hills Excavation 540.837.3008 |
| To schedule estimates or obtain more information about our diversified services or service area, please call Hickory Hills Excavation 540.837.3008 |
| Diversified Excavation Services for Commercial & Residential Clients* |
| "If you need reliable excavating services... we can dig it!" |
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| * An unblemished VA Class A License plus full insurance coverage means we can act as general contractor OR as subcontractor to other GC's, builders, developers and landscapers. VA Class A Lic # 2705-041598A |
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| If your property lacks the space or permeable soils to meet local compliance codes for a replacement conventional system or new leach field, don't despair. Hickory Hills Excavation not only installs conventional septic systems, but offers TWO proven high tech alternatives - AdvanTex & PuraFlo® - each designed specifically for poor soils and shallow water table applications. Don't pollute your drinking water or the environment! Call today for details. |
| So, do you think everything is hunky-dory below ground, or do you suspect a septic system gone awry? Either way, you'd be wise to bookmark this page and review it periodically. It's a good idea to put your boots on, walk outside and take a look around while answering these questions. You might be surprised at what you find: Q: When was your septic system installed? [When properly cared for, septic systems have an estimated lifespan of 2 to 3 decades before repairs or replacement are needed. That's under IDEAL CONDITIONS! Poor maintenance, or ignored pumping schedules can significantly reduce a septic system's useful life. New designs are much improved over those from the 1970's.] Q: How long has it been since your septic system was last inspected/pumped? [The recommended interval between inspections is no more than 3 to 5 years, based on 3 factors: septic tank capacity, household size, volume of waste input - water and solids.] Q: Time sneaks by quickly. Could your system be overloaded due to a growing family, changes in lifestyle or new irrigation systems? Q: Could downspout misalignments, landscape regrading or a newly paved driveway inadvertently be redirecting rainwater and surface water TOWARD the absorption field? Q: Could your system have been installed improperly, or constructed on poor soils or too close to the water table without your knowledget? Have you personally measured the distances between your septic tank, absorption field and the closest well to verify that each meets code? Has an inspection confirmed that the tank hasn't settled or shifted over the years? Q: Could someone have driven across or parked atop the area with heavy landscaping or construction equipment (or even cars), possibly collapsing trenches or compacting the field? Q: Have nearby trees matured so that dense feeder root systems now encroach on drainage areas or penetrate pipes? Did anyone plant a tree or garden OVER the drains or the field, or let wild sown invasive trees/shrubs take root? Q: Could unusually heavy rains have elevated water tables above historic norms; or, has the field been compromised by flood waters? Q: Could someone in the household have abused/misused the system by flushing inappropriate material down the drain? Topping the No No's List: Hair, coffee grounds, dental floss, disposable diapers, kitty litter, sanitary napkins, tampons, cigarette butts, condoms, gauze bandages, fats-greases-oil, paper towels. NO chemicals or petroleum products, such as - paints, varnishes, thinners, waste oils, photographic solutions or pesticides/herbicides. |
| 1} Toilets become slow to flush; sinks and tubs drain slower than usual despite use of plungers, drain cleaners or household augers; persistent gurgling noises. 2} Drains or toilets back up with a dark liquid and foul odor present. 3} Wastewater is ponding in depressions; the ground over the septic field is spongy; liquids seep along the surface of the septic system... with OR without a strong odor. 4} A patch of lush grass thrives just over the absorption field, even during dry weather. 5} Prolific concentrations of aquatic weed or algae growth in lakes or ponds near or downhill from your leach field. 6} Foul odors arise from near or under the house. 7} Excess nitrates or bacteria are found in your drinking water well. Large municipalities check water quality regularly as a proactive safety precaution. If you are on well water, you, too, should provide water samples to your local health department for testing to catch irregularities and contaminants before your family's health is threatened. |
| Consumer TIP Ignore the miracle powders, potions and bacteria additives often touted as cheap ways to rejuvenate a failing septic system. They are considered no more useful than are products that claim to add bacteria to compost piles. Both septic fields and compost piles are in constant contact with soil and organic matter... so ample amounts of NATURAL bacteria and microbes are always present. Due to the costs and hassles associated with septic system repair/replacement, we don't expect you to simply take our word for it. The links provided here take you off-site to authoritative information resources. Certain specifics or references contained therein may not be applicable to your particular jurisdiction or site. Always double check with your local zoning and health departments. FINAL CAUTION: Periodic testing by an accredited facility is the only way to accurately identify certain health threats and possible code violations associated with failing systems - e.g., excess ammonia, chemical or bacterial contaminants - that might be present even when your septic system appears to be functioning normally. |
| LINKS Virginia Cooperative Extension Service - Septic System Knowledgebase National Environmental Services Ctr - "Septic System Information" and "Maintaining Your Septic System" [PDF file] [download brochures, including a recordkeeper] Ohio State University - "Why Do Septic Systems Malfunction?" [Note the inspection port installation tip] Michigan State University Extension - "Septic System Failures & Long Term Options" University of Florida - "Your Home Septic System" Missouri Extension Service - "Septic Tank/Absorption Fields" and "Household Wastewater: Septic Systems & Other" Idaho Dept of Environmental Quality - "Homeowners Guide to Septic Systems" [PDF file] An Engineer Explains - "What Septic Systems Are, How They Work" The Septic Book On-Line Purdue University - "Rural Sewage Treatment Alternatives for the Next Century" Natl. Small Flows Clearinghouse - "Maintaining Your Septic System" [PDF file] and "Septic System Alternatives" [PDF file] The Internet is in a constant state of flux, so thanks in advance for notifying us about broken links. |
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