Septic systems are a huge part of a home’s plumbing and wastewater treatment. Potential buyers want to see evidence of a properly cared for system, and it adds value to your property.
A well-maintained septic system treats household waste effectively, reducing the risk of sewage backups and foul odors. To help your system work more efficiently, avoid flushing paper towels or wipes (even those labeled “flushable”), harsh chemicals, and grease. Contact Septic Service Fresno for professional help.
A septic system may seem out of sight and mind, but it’s important to keep up with regular septic tank service to catch hidden problems before they escalate into costly emergency repairs. The best way to do that is with a comprehensive septic inspection.
Septic system inspections allow a certified professional to check the condition of the entire septic tank and waste-management system. Depending on the size of the system and usage, septic tank inspections should be performed every three to five years. If you have a large family, frequent guests, or other factors that affect usage, more frequent inspections may be necessary.
The first step of a septic tank inspection involves gathering crucial information about your system. Inspectors need to know how old the tank is and its location, as well as any issues you’ve noticed. This helps them tailor the inspection to your specific needs.
Inspectors also use property plans or maps to accurately locate the septic system components. They’ll note any signs of trouble, such as slow draining or foul odors. They’ll also ask that you refrain from pumping the septic tank prior to the inspection.
Next, inspectors conduct a visual examination of the septic tank and surrounding area. They’ll look for any signs of leakage or other damage, such as excess vegetation growth or standing water around the septic tank or leach field. If they notice septic water seeping into the home, that’s a sign of severe problems and requires immediate attention.
Once the visual inspection is complete, inspectors will remove the septic tank cover and observe its contents. They’ll also determine the sludge level and liquid levels in each compartment of the tank. They’ll then inspect the distribution box, ensuring that it’s free of blockages and directing wastewater to the drain field correctly. Inspectors will also check other components, including alarms and pumps, to make sure they’re functioning properly.
If your septic system is due for a full inspection, contact us to schedule an appointment. We’ll make sure your septic tank is clean, and we’ll help you set up a maintenance schedule to avoid costly emergencies in the future.
Let Us Pump Your Septic Tank
Many homeowners don’t think about their septic system until something goes wrong. But, like your car’s oil changes or home maintenance schedules, professional septic services protect the environment and your property by catching small problems before they turn into big ones that require expensive repairs or even a septic tank replacement.
Septic systems are underground wastewater treatment structures that treat and disperse household wastewater from toilets, showers, kitchen drains and laundry. Wastewater enters the septic system through perforated pipes and a drain field. The septic system separates solids from water, with the liquid wastewater or “effluent” exiting into the soil through the drain field, while the heavier solid waste (referred to as sludge) enters a septic tank.
The septic system relies on naturally occurring bacteria to break down the heavy waste, and aeration to circulate and purify the wastewater. This prevents the septic system from overflowing, and promotes a healthy, long-lasting septic system. To keep the septic system healthy, avoid flushing non-biodegradable materials down the drains. This includes things like diaper wipes, paper towels, coffee grounds and other cellulose-based products; harsh chemicals such as bleach; and kitty litter.
Keeping your septic tank pumped out regularly is another important factor in system longevity. If the septic system gets full of scum and sludge, the septic tank may overflow and cause wastewater to back up into the house. The septic system’s drainfield can also become clogged, requiring costly repairs or replacement.
A septic system is an investment in your home, and proper care reduces the risk of costly emergencies. If you haven’t had your septic tank pumped in awhile, pay attention to warning signs like slow drainage, back-ups and foul odors.
If you’re having your septic tank pumped, be sure to mark the tank risers with brightly colored tape or paint to help your septic service provider identify the tank and locate the access port. It’s also a good idea to be there for the appointment, so you can communicate clearly and establish rapport with the septic service provider. You can also help speed up the process by removing any large objects or obstacles that might prevent the truck from easily entering the tank area.
Save Money with Preventative Maintenance
When you have a septic system, day-to-day management and periodic maintenance are your responsibility. Many inexpensive precautions, such as reducing water use and avoiding grease, keeping the effluent filter clean, and pumping the tank periodically can greatly extend the life of your septic system. Diverting surface water away from the drainfield and planting vegetation that will keep roots from growing into the pipes, are also important.
Having a comprehensive maintenance program is the best way to save money in the long run. Regular service protects you from costly repairs, helps you avoid emergency situations and provides peace of mind.
A routine inspection is like a wellness check-up for your septic system. During the inspection, specialists look for early signs of failure and recommend corrective actions such as cleaning, repair or replacement. Addressing problems at their incipient stages will significantly lower the cost of repair, preventing more costly repairs down the road.
Your septic tank is the first point of waste disposal. It holds solid waste and liquid wastewater until it is time to be pumped. Waste is filtered by weight, with the solids sinking to the bottom of the tank and the liquid draining through the absorption field into the soil. Having your tank pumped regularly will prevent blockages and backups.
Once the septic tank is pumped, your technician inspects the lid and the access port. It is important to note that it is not safe for homeowners to attempt to clean their own tanks. In addition, using a high-pressure washer to clean the tank can damage the baffles and cause expensive repairs.
Your septic system can be overtaxed if you use the dishwasher, washing machine, toilet and shower all at once or overfill your drains. Adding water-saving fixtures and appliances to your home will reduce the strain on your septic system.
Avoid flushing non-biodegradable materials such as paper towels, kitty litter, cigarette butts, diapers, facial tissue and condoms. These items can clog your toilets, but more importantly they can contaminate groundwater. Planting trees or shrubs too close to the septic tank or drainfield can also be problematic. A septic system professional can advise you of the proper distance to plant.
Let Us Help You Sell Your Home
Septic systems are essential for rural homes, providing an independent way to manage wastewater. These systems process and treat household waste in the form of sewage, which is then disposed of in the soil. They are typically buried underground and consist of a septic tank, pump station, and leach field.
Regular septic system maintenance helps to protect the environment and reduces health risks for homeowners. Getting the system pumped regularly keeps solids and wastewater from building up inside the tank, which can prevent the drain field from functioning properly. It also helps to keep the septic system in good working condition and extends its lifespan.
A failed septic system can significantly limit the marketability of your home and delay your real estate transaction. However, if you act quickly and seek professional assistance, you can save money by not having to pay for septic tank repair or replacement at the time of sale.
Inspecting the septic tank is an important step in preparing your home for the market. It’s a great opportunity to provide potential buyers with information about the septic system and answer any questions they may have. This can help build trust and confidence in the seller, resulting in a smoother sales process.
Before conducting a septic inspection, make sure that you and your real estate agent are aware of the location of the septic tank. This will allow you to ensure that the tank can be accessed for pumping, and avoid any issues with scheduling or timing. It is also helpful to remove any physical obstructions from the area, including outdoor furniture, vehicles, children’s play equipment, and animals. This will ensure that the pumping process is as efficient as possible and prevent any damage to the septic system or property surrounding it.
Educating your clients about the importance of proper septic system maintenance can help them avoid costly repairs and maintain home value. This includes ensuring that the septic system is able to handle the current household size and encouraging water conservation practices like fixing leaks, using energy-efficient appliances, and spreading out laundry and dishwasher usage.