Smart Plumbing & Septic is one of the few companies that legitimately offer 24/7 emergency septic service. Our customers are unlikely to have a septic system emergency as long as they maintain their systems according to our instructions, including periodic inspections. Our Smart Loyalty Program Customers are even less likely to experience an emergency septic system failure due to the annual free comprehensive septic and plumbing inspection included in the program. There are no guarantees against septic emergencies, though, because a number of factors are unpredictable: nature, equipment failure, volume fluctuation, etc. There are a few telltale signs that you have a septic system emergency:

Due to recent experiences with customers selling and/or buying property (and their REALTORS®) with on-site wastewater treatment and disposal systems, we at SMART Plumbing & Septic find it necessary to revisit the transfer of ownership responsibilities of all parties involved. Whether you are selling or buying property with a conventional septic tank system, or an alternative on-site system, it is important that you understand the rules and regulations that must be adhered to before and after the transfer of ownership.

We have discussed what should and should not be flushed down your toilets in previous blogs; flush nothing but toilet paper and human excrement. “Flushable Wipes” are NOT toilet paper. They do not breakdown like toilet paper. Therefore, “Flushable Wipes” are a primary enemy of your septic system. They can clog your pipes, break your pumps, and disrupt your septic system’s ability to properly treat your sewage.

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.

Whether you have a septic system or you are on a public sewer system, it is important to remember that what you put into your drains effects the operation of your plumbing and septic systems. Toilets are not trash cans and drains are not chemical, pharmaceutical and petroleum products disposal systems. Nothing but toilet paper and human waste should be flushed down your toilets. Toilet paper is specifically designed to breakdown/dissolve in your septic or sewer system. Petroleum products and household chemicals like paint/thinners, pesticides, oil, grease, gas, antifreeze, pharmaceuticals, feminine hygiene products, photographic solutions, etc., can clog your pipes, and they can degrade your septic system’s effectiveness.

Septic systems should be inspected at least every 3 years, although Arizona law only requires the property owner to do a Transfer of Ownership Inspection when selling the property. Some states require periodic inspection, and the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) recommends that septic and other onsite wastewater treatment systems be inspected at least every 3 years. The EPA also recommends that septic tanks be pumped every 3-5 years.

A SMART hydro-jetting will optimally clean your system of grease, debris, and roots, extending the life of your sewer, drains, and septic system, often saving you major expense on repair and replacement costs. Hydro-jetting your system is safe for your pipes, fast, and highly efficient. It is a SMART Solution which adds up to great value.