Many homeowners in the Tri-State use septic tanks to treat organic waste water created by restroom usage. According to an Appalachian Regional Commission Report, roughly 52% of households in our area use septic tanks or "on property" waste water treatment systems (compared to 25% nationally). Since these systems are located underground and are out of sight, they are often out of mind and forgotten about. However when problems occur, homeowners get a quick lesson on how expensive these systems really are. Given the function on these septic systems and the cost associated with repairing or replacing them it is only natural for property owners to want to maintain their septic system and keep it working efficiently for as long as possible. Unfortunately, septic tank users often fall for the myth that additives will revive and keep septic systems flowing freely along with extending the time between septic tank pumping. These claims are unproven and absolutely untrue. The fact is that study after study (see the list with links below) shows just the opposite. Truth is that you could likely spend days searching the Internet and never find a single science-driven study that concludes that any septic tank additive actually works the way their producers say they do. Many of these producers claim that the bacteria in their additives are needed to help dissolve waste, when in fact the waste produced by human refuse itself supplies septic tanks with ample quantities of bacteria for the septic tank to break down waste efficiently.

List of scientific studies involving septic tanks and septic tank additive usage:

http://www.co.peoria.il.us/pcchd/sewage

https://www.bookstore.ksre.ksu.edu/pubs/MF947.pdf

http://www.aero-stream.com/wp-content/uploads/Additives-Dont-Work_Journal-of-Environmental-Health.pdf 

In truth, the only sure-fire way to make sure your septic tank operates properly is to have it inspected and pumped on a regular basis. Most recommendations suggest that you have your septic tank inspected annually and have it pumped out every 2 to 3 years. For more information on Johnny on the Spot and how we can help keep your septic system performing for years to come CONTACT US HERE or call us toll free at 888.388.7768. 

Septic Tank Services for Residential Properties from Johnny on the Spot

Over 25 percent of American households use septic tanks to process household toilet and sink waste water. In more rural areas of the country like the Tri-State of Ohio, West Virginia, and Kentucky that percentage is even higher. For customers in our region of the county Johnny on the Spot  has septic tank experts who can service and pump septic tanks at their homes. Septic systems like those serviced by Johnny on the Spot should be inspected and serviced on a regular basis. Some professionals recommend servicing at least every 3 years or sooner depending on the number of family members in your household. However regardless of how often you need to service your septic tank it is important to inspect it at least once a year.

When you call Johnny on the Spot we will inspect your septic system and pump off the excess waste for optimal functionality and use. In addition, we'll check the scum and sludge levels in the tank and advise on an appropriate pumping schedule.

For more information on Johnny on the Spot and to schedule your septic tank service CONTACT US HERE or call us toll free at 888.388.7768.

In addition to our portable toilet services Johnny on the Spot has been focused on providing exceptional septic tank service. In the name of better septic tank maintenance we'd like to discuss some of the DO's and DON'Ts of septic tanks.

DON'T

Don't put these into your system:

• Greases, oils, fuels
• Disposable diapers, tampons or condoms
• Coffee grounds, egg shells, nut shells
• Filter tip cigarettes, paper towels, or coffee filters
• Paints or chemicals

AND

• Keep traffic off your drain field: It is important that no vehicles, heavy equipment or livestock create traffic on your drain field because the pressure can compact the soil and damage the septic system.
• Do not plant a garden; construct a building or a pool near the septic system without checking with the health department first. Grass is the best cover for your septic system.
• Do not place impermeable materials over your drain field. Concrete, asphalt and plastic prevent oxygen from getting into the soil. Oxygen is needed by bacteria to break down the sewage. 
• Don't poison your septic tank. Drain cleaners, floor cleaners, toilet bowl cleaners, paints solvents, waxes, polishes, coating or strippers may destroy important bacteria in the septic tank and contaminate ground and surface water.
• Don't use a garbage disposal. Trash adds solids and grease to the system. If a garbage disposal is used, more frequent cleaning of the septic tank will be required.
• Don't dispose of water from hot tubs into the system. The large volume of water will overload the system and the disinfectant in the spa water can destroy important bacteria in the system. 
• Keep all runoff away from Your system. Water from roofs, driveways and patios could overwhelm the drain field, causing irreversible damage.
• NEVER enter any septic tank. Poisonous gases or lack of oxygen can be fatal. Any work to the tank should be done from the outside.
• Don't use septic tank additives. This is not recommended on a regular basis. Additives may provide a short-term benefit but create long-term problems. If used continually these products do not reduce the need for routine pumping.

Do

• Make sure to inspect your system once each year. Generally, septic tanks should be pumped every three to five years. Inspection, by you or a professional, may show that you need to pump more less often. Regular pumping ensures that solids will not flow from the septic tank into the drain field.
• Pump out your septic tank when needed. Don't wait until you have a problem. Routine pumping can prevent system failures. If you can't remember when your tank was last pumped, your septic system may be living on borrowed time.
• Keep accurate records. Keep a diagram of your system's location and keep a record of system maintenance for future owners. Keep this information in the house. (We've included space in this brochure to make this simple.)
• Practice water conservation. The less waste water you produce, the less strain on your system. By reducing your water use, you can extend the life of your drain field and decrease the possibility of system failure.
• Check with a certified septic technician for help with system problems.

For more information on Johnny on the Spot and our septic tank services CONTACT US HERE or call us toll free at 888.388.7768.

Did you know that the things you put into your septic system greatly affect your system’s ability to do its job?

Remember that your septic system contains living organisms which digest and treat the “traditional” waste that goes into your system, so as a general rule of thumb, you should not dispose of anything in your septic system that can – or should – be put in a trash can. Occasional pumping is necessary to maintain your system’s health, but placing what is essentially garbage into your tank (leading to an abundance of solid waste) may cause big problems, and may lead to the the tank needing to be pumped sooner than later.

In the kitchen, avoid washing food scraps, coffee grounds, and other food items down the drain. Grease and cooking oils contribute to the layer of scum in the tank and also should not be put down the drain. The same common-sense approach should be used in the bathroom.

In the bathroom, don’t use the toilet to dispose of plastics, paper towels, facial tissues, tampons, sanitary napkins, cigarette butts, dental floss, disposable diapers, condoms, kitty litter, etc. The only things that should be flushed down the toilet are wastewater and toilet paper. When used as recommended by the manufacturer, most household cleaning products will not adversely affect the operation of your septic tank. However, drain cleaners are an exception to this rule. A small amount of these products can kill the bacteria and temporarily disrupt the operation of your septic tank.

In general, household cleaners such as bleach, disinfectants, and drain and toilet bowl cleaners should be used in moderation and only in accordance with the instructions on the labels. Overuse of these products can be bad for your septic tank. It just makes sense to try to keep all toxic and hazardous chemicals out of your septic tank system. To avoid disrupting or permanently damaging your septic system, do not use it to dispose of hazardous household chemicals. Even small amounts of paints, varnishes, paint thinners, waste oil, anti-freeze, photographic solutions, pharmaceuticals, antibacterial soaps, gasoline, oil, pesticides, and other organic chemicals can destroy helpful bacteria and the biological digestion taking place within your system. These chemicals also pollute groundwater as they work their way through your system and out to the leach field.

For more information on Johnny on the Spot and our septic tank servicing solutions CONTACT US HERE or call us toll free at 888.388.7768.

Maintaining your septic system is crucial for a number of reasons. In this week’s edition of the JOTSandSOTS.com blog, we will take a look at 4 reasons why you should maintain your septic tank and septic system.

1) It'll save you money! Who doesn't want to save themselves some money? I mean, would you rather spend your money on a great vacation with your kids or significant other or would you rather spend it on repairing an unkempt septic tank system? For the cost of a short weekend trip, you can save yourselves thousands of dollars in costly repairs. Regular maintenance and service fees of $250 to $300 every three or four years is a bargain compared to the cost of repairing or replacing a malfunctioning septic system, which can cost between $3,000 and $7,000. The frequency of pumping required for your system depends on how many people live in your home, the size of the system, and the water usage in your household.

2) It'll protect your property value! Regardless of whether or not you are looking to sell your house anytime soon, it just makes sense to take care of things. From top to bottom, any and all preventative maintenance you can do to your home helps maintain its value. If you were missing a shingle or had a broken window, you’d more than likely repair that shingle before the whole roof needed replaced or replace a window as-needed rather than waiting on all the windows to be busted out. An unusable septic system (or one that is in poor shape) will lower your property value, not to mention pose a potentially costly legal liability and a health risk to you and your neighbors.

3) Speaking of neighbors, maintaining your septic tank helps keep you and your neighbors healthy. Household wastewater is rife with disease-causing bacteria and viruses, and has high levels of nitrogen and phosphorus. If a septic system is well-maintained and working properly, the septic system will remove most of these pollutants. Insufficiently treated sewage from septic systems can cause groundwater contamination, which can spread disease in humans and animals. Improperly treated sewage also poses the risk of contaminating nearby surface waters, significantly increasing the chance of swimmers contracting a variety of infectious diseases, from eye and ear infections to intense stomach illness and even hepatitis.

4) It protects the environment. Over four billion gallons of wastewater is dispersed beneath the ground every day. Groundwater contaminated by poorly or untreated household wastewater doesn’t just pose dangers to the water we drink—it also poses a danger to the environment. Malfunctioning septic systems release bacteria, viruses, and chemicals toxic to local waterways. When these pollutants are released into the ground, they eventually enter streams, rivers, lakes, and end up harming local ecosystems by killing plants, fish, and other marine life.    

For more information on Johnny on the Spot and all of our septic tank services CONTACT US HERE or call us toll free at 888.388.7768

1) Louisville, KY - A 56 year old man from Frankfort, KY died from positional asphyxiation after entering an 18-inch septic tank riser. The man was found wedged in "a pipe leading to a septic tank" at home in southeastern metropolitan Louisville, Kentucky when the homeowner arrived home. We can only guess that the dearly departed made at least two major mistakes: working alone on a septic tank as well as leaning over the septic tank riser, without considering that he might become overcome by fumes. 

2) Gallia County, GA - A five year old little girl fell into a septic tank and died in Addison Township, Gallia County, Georgia. The child had been missing for just 10 minutes before she was found and thankfully survived the accident. It sounds like a child-proof septic tank cover was not installed. 

3) Wyoming - Two men died while attempting to repair pumps in a septic tank. Apparently the homeowner had hired an independent septic tank servicing company to help him clean and repair the system. The two men entered the tank, un-witnessed, using a flexible "home escape" ladder. Both men died in the septic tank. Tests performed during the subsequent investigation found 1000 ppm of hydrogen sulfide gas in the septic tank. Although news reports [on file] stated that one of the men was "experienced" at septic tank work the deaths make evident that that experience was inadequate to assure following safe procedures.

4) Starke, FL - A  toddler fell into a septic tank in the woods near his home. In what may be a second report of the same incident, a local reporter said, "the toddler fell to his death in a septic tank", noting that "someone was too sorry, too lazy, or negligent to cover up a hole in a septic tank." 

5) Lakewood, NJ - The death of a N.J. girl resulted from a septic tank accident. The accidental drowning death of a toddler whose body was found inside a septic tank behind her home was caused by a 3-foot-wide hole in the yard that led to a septic tank. 

Untreated and without regular service a septic tank can become a serious hazard. These tragic accidents didn't need to occur and could have been prevented with a little foresight of home owners. The professional sanitation specialists with Johnny on the Spot will not only service and pump out your septic tank but we will also assess your system for any hazards.

For more information on Johnny on the Spot and to schedule your septic tank service CONTACT US HERE or call us toll free at 888.388.7768.

Johnny on the Spot is a full service sanitation and septic hauling company. Whether you have a temporary waste holding tank like those commonly found at construction sites and campgrounds, or you have a permanent below ground septic tank at your home, Johnny on the Spot has the crew, trucks, and equipment to meet your sanitation needs. We also provide portable toilets, hand wash stations, septic pumping services, and septic holding tank rentals for construction site trailers.

This week at the JOTSandSOTS.com blog, we'd like to take time to look at how much it costs to get your septic tank pumped. According to HomeAdvisor.com, the average reported cost (from more than 1,869 cost profiles) for a septic tank to be pumped is about $375.00. 

The lowest cost reported during surveys was $198.00 and the highest was $897.00, with the majority of homeowners paying between $279 to $515 to have their septic tanks serviced.

What does that mean to you and/or us here in the Tri-State? 

In short, our pricing is well below the national average. We offer high quality septic tank service for an average of $225.00 in the Tri-State area of Ohio, West Virginia, and Kentucky.

For more information on our Septic Tank Pumping Service feel free to contact us and check back as our blog is regularly updated.

Right on time for the septic tank service season!

This 2016 International 4300 is complete with a 1100 gallon waste tank, 500 gallon fresh water tank, 30' service hose, and vacuum pump. Newly decaled with Johnny on the Spot logos and contact info this truck makes the perfect addition to the service fleet.

Johnny on the Spot is the premier portable toilet and sanitation service provider in the Tri-State area of Ohio, West Virginia, and Kentucky. Johnny on the Spot has been renting portable toilets and servicing the sanitation needs of  our construction customers in the Tri-State area for a little over fifty years. Founded by the current owners grandfather, Robert B. Slagel Senior, the company has seen tremendous growth over the past few decades. As the needs of the customers has grown so has our sanitation business. 

Based in Ironton, Ohio we provide outstanding sanitation service to customers in about a 100-mile radius around the Ohio River Valley. From Charleston, WV to Portsmouth, OH and Louisa, KY our portable toilets and septic hauling services can be utilized on jobsites at commercial construction locations, power plants, residential construction sites, and major events in the summer. For larger long-term projects at industrial construction sites. We also provide our Sanitation Station, which is a climate controlled, self-contained running water restroom with containment tanks for both fresh and waste water. 

For more information on Johnny on the Spot and all of our septic tank services CONTACT US HERE for more info or call us toll free at 888.388.7768.

Septic Tank Services and Pumping

About 25% of households in the United States rely on septic tanks for their household waste. In rural areas (such as those found in the Tri-State area of Ohio, West Virginia, and Kentucky) that percentage is a lot higher. Here at Johnny on the Spot we have septic tank service specialists who service, pump, and offer advice on septic questions to customers in all three states. It is recommended that your septic systems be inspected and potentially serviced at least every three years. When you call Johnny on the Spot we offer quick and friendly service for your septic tank maintenance needs. We can also check the scum and sludge layers in the tank and recommend an approximate pumping schedule.

Most septic tanks need to be pumped every 3 to 5 years depending on the number of people in your household, and your usage. When you call Johnny on the Spot we will pump out your septic tank and haul away the waste to one of our approved treatment and waste processing facilities. We are licensed to dispose of waste in Ohio, West Virginia, and Kentucky, following environmental laws and regulations. To ensure that the septic tank waste we haul is responsibly processed and poses no environmental hazards, we go the extra mile not just for you, but for everyone in the community. 

Some Tips for Septic Tank Maintenance Include:

• Don't park cars or put buildings/structures over your septic tank
• Don't plant trees or root shrubs over your septic tank
• Don't put baby wipes, paper towels, Q-tips, or diapers in your toilet
• Use a bacteria like Rid X to break down solid waste in your septic tanks
• Have your septic tank inspected and serviced on a regular basis

For more information on Johnny on the Spot – or to set up an appointment to have your septic tanks serviced –CONTACT US HERE or call us toll free at 888.388.7768.