Who fixes septic tanks? At Express Septic & Drain Cleaning, we do. We’ve been servicing septic tanks in the Nampa and Caldwell, ID, areas since 2006. Our goal as a company is to serve our customers with the best quality services and repairs possible while putting customer satisfaction at the top of our list. We offer many septic services, from inspections and locating services to repairs and replacements. Let us tell you more about what we do to keep your septic system running efficiently and effectively.
Preventative Care and Maintenance
Preventative care is the number one part of keeping your septic system running as smooth as possible. Taking care of your system before a problem arises saves you money and time later. Some of these preventative measures are basic things you can do every day. Other times, you may need to call a licensed and knowledgeable plumber to keep your system running at peak performance.
Keeping the System Clear
Your kitchen and bathroom sinks, bathtub, and toilet are all drains that need to be routinely cared for. Never put things down the drain that don’t belong. These items include food items such as grease and oils.
Wipes should always be tossed in the trash, even if the packaging states they are flushable. They are too bulky and fibrous to be flushed down the toilet without risk. Feminine products are also dangerous for septic system health. Sanitary napkins are large and absorbent, expanding when soaked in water. These are the top things we see when dealing with clogged lines in your sewer.
Avoid harsh chemicals, even those designed for plumbing, as they can be tough on your pipes, leading to corrosion. A professional plumber is the only person who should be introducing additives to your septic system. Some stores sell enzymes and other septic additives that may actually harm your septic tank and sewer system. These additives can change the bacteria in your system if not used properly, causing a water safety issue.
Things that don’t belong in your septic system:
- Grease and oily foods
- Wipes of any kind
- Feminine hygiene products
- Kitty litter
- Chemicals, even if marketed for plumbing use
Inspection and Maintenance
Septic inspections should be performed every couple of years, with a licensed plumber using a scope and camera to check for clogs, leaks, and damage. Your plumber can spot issues arising that may not be causing you problems just yet. The plumber may also ask you questions about your septic system. Some septic concerns are not severe enough for a homeowner to realize they could be part of a more serious problem. These issues are often cheaper to repair when found early and can eliminate the need for emergency services.
Under the direction of a professional, enzyme treatments are another beneficial way to keep your septic system healthy. Enzyme additives keep your system functioning by breaking down solid waste, eliminating the amount of sludge in your tank, and maintaining balanced bacteria levels in the wastewater.
Functions of enzymes:
- Break down solid waste
- Digest grease, fats, and oils
- Break down starch and proteins
- Help eliminate odors
Septic System Locating
Knowing the location of the different components of your septic system may be critical if you are having work done around your property, especially if it involves digging. Marking your septic tank and sewer lines leading into and away from the tank helps you avoid damaging them and creating a costly disaster.
You may also want to pinpoint the location of parts of your septic system as a means of preventative care. If you know where your sewer and drain pipes are and where your septic tank sits, you can better spot potential warning signs of malfunction in your septic system.
Septic Pumping
Pumping out and emptying the solid waste from your septic tank is necessary every few years to ensure its best function. Sludge and debris build up inside your tank and eventually require removal. Septic pumping helps to ensure that your tank does not overflow and your sewer lines don’t clog up, which could cause a smelly backup inside your home or a filthy mess in your yard.
If your tank fills up more frequently than it should, this could indicate a blockage in your drainage system. This blockage may be due to debris or tree roots inside your pipes. It could also be caused by busted or sagging drainage lines or a loose connection where the waste isn’t fully draining out where it should.
Signs your septic tank needs to be emptied:
- Sewage backup in your home or yard
- Foul odors
- Yard damage from seeping sewage
- Lush greenery over the septic tank
Septic Repair
If your septic system shows signs of damage, you should reach out to a professional plumber immediately. There are many things that can fail in your septic system, from cracked walls to busted pipes. A plumber can consider the signs and symptoms you notice, inspect the system, and locate the issue to make repairs.
There are many parts to your septic system that could require repair. Your main drain from the house could become clogged, leading to a backup. Your septic tank may have a crack or leak, leading to a mess in your yard. Many tanks have a dividing wall that could eventually weaken and fall. Drain lines lead waste away and could become damaged by tree roots or other debris or corrode and wear out over time.
Septic tank malfunction warning signs:
- Lingering sewer odor in your yard
- Gurgling sounds coming from the tank
- Backups and slow drains in the house
- Exceptionally green plants near the septic system
- Yellow and dying plants near the tank
- Visible sewage in your yard
Septic Installation and Replacement
Whether you are building a new home or need to upgrade your current system, we have 30 years of experience in everything septic.
As with any part of a home, your septic system can fail after many years of use because of normal wear and tear. When that time comes, Express Septic & Drain Cleaning will expertly replace your system with new, quality parts designed to give you decades of function.
New construction homes require a septic system during construction. This process includes mapping out the drainage lines from your home, pinpointing a good location for your septic tank, and laying drainage pipes leading away from the tank. The process takes careful planning and expert installation to avoid messy problems down the road.
The septic and sewer systems in your home typically work quietly behind the scenes without you putting too much thought into them. However, when the system malfunctions, it can result in a nasty mess. You need a licensed, professional plumber to assess your needs and carefully repair the damage.
If your septic system in the Nampa or Caldwell area is in need of maintenance, repair, installation, or replacement, call Express Septic & Drain Cleaning today. We’ll send out experienced plumbers and get the job done right the first time, every time. We can also help you with preventive maintenance, including our enzyme treatments and EarthBuster soil decompaction to rejuvenate your drain field.
Reach out to Express Septic & Drain Cleaning to schedule an appointment.
