Maintenance Tips

It can be easy to write off the importance of regular septic system inspections and maintenance because your system is often out-of-sight and out-of-mind. However, proper maintenance and repairs to your septic system can greatly benefit your home, property, and local community for years to come. Here are some of the major ways you can benefit from maintaining your home’s system.

Reduce Repair Costs

Keeping up-to-date on your septic system maintenance can help to significantly decrease the cost of repairs over time. The EPA reports that regular maintenance every three to five years can cost an estimated $250 to $500 each time a repair is needed. However, if the system is not maintained, it may need more intensive repairs or need to be replaced altogether. These intensive repairs and replacement can cost anywhere from $3000 to $7000.

Increase Property Value

The property value of your home can actually increase if your septic system is properly maintained. Without proper maintenance, the value of your property decreases due to an increase in cost of repairs and/or replacement. If your system falls into extreme disrepair, there can be environmental impacts and accompanying potential for legal issues.

Reduce Environmental Impact

If not properly maintained, septic systems can begin to malfunction or leak. The EPA reports that “insufficiently treated sewage from septic systems” can lead to the contamination of groundwater and “can spread disease in humans and animals.”

The pollutants that come from the defective septic systems include bacteria, viruses, and toxic chemicals. These pollutants leach into the groundwater and then contaminate other water sources, leading to harm in the greater local ecosystem. By regularly maintaining your septic system and staying on top of any necessary repairs, the negative impact on your environment can be completely eliminated!

Taking care of your septic system doesn’t have to be an arduous, expensive task. Proper septic system maintenance can improve your home and property as well as benefit your community and the local environment.

When you’re ready to tackle your septic system’s needed maintenance, call in the experts at EcoSeptic! Give us a call and schedule a free phone consultation at (203) 293-0832 or schedule online today!

Failures in your home septic system can lead to costly repairs and extensive damage to your property and the environment in your local area. Many times, when septic systems fail or back-up, it can be too late to reverse the long term effects and damage that can occur to your home and the surrounding ecosystems and water tables. It’s crucial to the longevity of your system to keep up with routine maintenance and pumping schedules.

How do I tell if my septic system has failed?

• Sewage backup on your home and property
• Slow drains
• Standing water near your septic system components
• Foul odor near your septic tank
• High nitrate levels in local water wells

Common Reasons For Your System To Fail

There are many reasons why septic systems fail – here are some of the causes we encounter most often:

Clogged Pipes

When this occurs, it can be a simple fix if caught early. A professional can “snake” the system to relieve it of any clogs or blockages. Common causes for clogged pipes include flushing non-biodegradable items down the drain or toilet or environmental damage such as roots or animals.

Clogged Outlet Baffle Or Effluent Filter

This failure occurs when the component funneling waste from your septic system to the drainfield is clogged or damaged. This can result in waste back up in your home or on your property. If you have an effluent filter, we recommend having it cleaned annually to keep this part of your system functioning properly.

Drainfield Failure

This is the most damaging and costly failure when it comes to your septic system and it occurs when your drainfield stops processing waste, either due to excess waste or an old system that can no longer process waste efficiently. Drainfield failures can cause your septic to back up into your home, flood your property with waste, and leach waste into surrounding areas. Many times if the drainfield has failed, it may not be salvageable, therefore, we recommend not allowing your system to get to this point.

Typically, septic system failures can be prevented by adhering to a routine maintenance schedule. We recommend having your system inspected annually and pumped every 2-3 years. If you are unsure of when the last time your system was inspected or pumped, call in the professionals! Give us a call at (203) 293-0832 or schedule online today!

For more information about septic system failures take a look here.

Part of establishing a maintenance plan and schedule for your home includes knowing where your septic system is located, or more specifically, your tank cover. It’s important to know when the last time your septic system was serviced as well as where to find it when it’s time. After all,  how can you service your system if you don’t know where it is?

So, what does the tank cover look like?

You should be on the lookout for something that looks like this:

However, it’s not always that simple and sometimes the septic tank cover is buried underground. In that case, there are a several ways to find your septic tank.

How to find your septic tank

Here are a few tips to help you easily locate your septic system and pinpoint the septic tank cover:

1. Start Low.  Start in your basement by locating the 4 inch pipe leaving your home. This is your main waste line and it’s exit direction will indicate the general location of your tank.
2. Go High. Look on your roof for vent pipe. This pipe will usually line up with your waste pipe and thus your septic system so it is another good point of reference.
3. Probe. Use a small metal rod to probe the ground every 2 feet in the direction indicated by your waste exit pipe and  roof vent. Keep in mind that a septic tank must be more than 5 feet from your home and is usually more like 10-25 feet away. The lid can be buried anywhere from 4 inches to 4 feet underground depending on the age of your home. If you are on a hill it is possible the system was set up to use the natural land contours to aid drainage.
4. Check Health Department Records. Your local health department is only a short drive away and can provide detailed maps of your septic system called “As-Built Drawings”. These drawings show exact dimensions and details of your septic system and should be an accurate guide to help you find your tank access.
5. Call a Professional. You should not open the cover to your septic tank without a trained professional. While it is not dangerous to open the lid, it can be very heavy and you can potentially chip or damage the lid. This can compromise the seal on the tank and cost you money in repairs. Furthermore, opening the lid means risking a fall, and any accident where you fall into a septic tank can result in serious or even fatal injuries as a result of noxious fumes.

If you are unable to locate your septic system, call in the pros! EcoSeptic will happily locate your septic tank for *free*. Call us at (203) 293-0832 or book your appointment here.

Septic systems were developed as a way to properly and ecologically treat and process wastewater from homes and businesses that do not have access to city sewage systems.

When adequately and pragmatically maintained, they have the ability to process wastewater for 23 to 30 years. However, systems left without proper treatment can back up or become damaged, and thus have the potential to leach wastewater into local water tables, including wells, and surrounding ecosystems which leads to lasting environmental damage and health complications.

What are some of our recommended best practices for keeping up with your septic system maintenance?

Have your septic serviced every 3 years

To keep your septic system in order, we recommend a septic cleaning service every 3 years. Proactive care of your septic will prevent major issues in the future. We also recommend that if you are not due for a service to schedule an inspection to make sure your septic system is functioning properly and not at risk of a backup.

Service your septic in the proper seasons

a. Fall is here and winter is on the way, it’s the best time of year to make sure your septic system is serviced and prepared for the freezing temperatures. Once the ground freezes, septic systems run the risk of damage and potential leaks, especially if they are on the verge of overflow. Once this happens, issues become increasingly difficult to access and repair.

Hire a quality septic care company

At EcoSeptic, we are a family run business that cares deeply about those in our community as well as our beautiful ecosystem. If improperly managed, septic systems can be extremely detrimental to the environment as well as your home and property. Bring in the team that will not only service and maintain your systems to the highest standards, but will find your tank for FREE if you are unsure of its exact location.

Interested in learning more? Give us a call at (203) 293-0832.

Don’t wait until it is too late to maintain your septic system, especially as the winter months approach.

Your septic system is capable of cleaning and processing wastewater efficiently as long as they are kept at a functioning level. Neglecting your system can lead to lasting financial and environmental damage. Even if you are not due for a regular service on your system, we recommend scheduling an inspection today to ensure that your system is not at risk for backup or future issues. For more information, contact the experts!

We care about the quality of your septic system as well as your health and environmental wellbeing!