SMART SOLUTIONS
All Septic Systems Are Not Maintained Equally
When was the last time that you had your septic system inspected and pumped? If your answer is more than 3 years ago, it is time to give SMART Plumbing & Septic a call at (928) 227-2091 and schedule an appointment. Alternative septic systems, with pumps, electrical floats, or mechanical parts should be inspected once a year.
Some people may wonder why inspections and pumping are necessary if the system isn’t broken? Do people wait for something to fail with their cars before changing the oil and filters, checking the belts, rotating the tires, etc? Those who do find out that the costs of repairs are far more painful than the $$$ that could have been spent on routine maintenance. Furthermore, your mode of transportation is safer to operate and more environmentally friendly when maintained properly.
The same goes for your septic system.
Maintaining your system begins and ends with a general understanding of what it is, how it works, and the simple but very important steps to follow to keep it running efficiently and safely for as long as you own it. While most septic experts would claim that the systems have four main components - pipe from the home, septic tank, drain/leech field, and proper soil - SMART Plumbing & Septic considers your home’s plumbing to be a fifth component. The other four may be maintained perfectly but if your home’s plumbing is not properly maintained the entire system may be overwhelmed and fail, requiring substantial investment to repair.
Your septic system was designed to handle a specific capacity of wastewater. A number of factors could lead to surpassing that capacity and the failure of the system. The number one factor taken into account when your system was designed and installed is the number of people who the system will serve. That generally considers the number of bedrooms and bathrooms in the home when it was built or when the system was installed. If there have been additions to the home since the septic system was installed, and the capacity of the system was not increased to handle the increased occupancy, your system may be getting overwhelmed, leading to failure.
Another factor that can lead to septic system failure is poor wastewater and solids management. Everything that goes down your drains and toilets ends up being treated by the system. Garbage disposals should be used sparingly, if at all, in homes with a septic system. Dishwashers and washing machines should not be operated simultaneously, nor multiple loads in succession. Clothes washing should be consciously scheduled to be spread out over the week. Nothing should be flushed down your toilet besides toilet paper and human excrement.
Your home’s plumbing should be well maintained. Faucet or toilet leaking add much more wastewater volume to the system than appearances suggest.
SMART Plumbing & Septic recommends that you include a home plumbing inspection with your typical septic inspection and tank pumping.
The piping from the home to the tank must be inspected for possible leaks and/or obstructions. SMART Plumbing & Septic utilizes a state of the art sewer camera to inspect both the pipes from your home to your septic tank, and from the tank to the drain field. If leaking and/or obstructions are detected, we have the equipment and expertise to repair the damage quickly and for a good value.
One of the most prevalent problems in our part of Arizona is tree root intrusion into your pipes. SMART Plumbing & Septic is equipped with a powerful, top of the line jetter capable of quickly clearing out most obstructions economically, avoiding more costly pipe replacement in the majority of cases.
A SMART Inspection always includes opening up your tank, checking scum and sludge levels, and thoroughly inspecting for leaks. Some homeowners have no idea where their septic tank and drain field are located. SMART Techs have the equipment and expertise to locate them quickly. It is very important for you to know where the components of your system are located, in order to avoid driving vehicles over them and causing serious damage to your system. By the time we have completed our work, you will be well informed about the location and operation of your onsite wastewater treatment system.
The drain field component of your system must be inspected to confirm it is properly treating your wastewater and it has not been overwhelmed. If the drain field is overwhelmed, the system may backup into your plumbing or into your yard, creating a very real health hazard. Your wastewater carries disease causing bacteria and viruses, among other things. It is important that these pollutants do not backup into your home, or enter the ground water insufficiently treated.
A SMART Inspection includes drain field and soil testing in order to confirm efficient operation.
Remember, when deciding on a company to pump your septic tank, that SMART Plumbing & Septic includes:
• Free estimates
• Free video inspection with pumping
All septic system inspections are NOT created equal. Make a commitment today to properly maintain your septic system, protecting the health and welfare of your family and community, while maintaining the value of your home.
Make an appointment for a SMART Inspection today, and sleep easier tonight. Call (928) 227-2091 now!!
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