Water Jetting

High pressure water jetting or hydro jetting offers an effective solution for most clogged drains and sewer lines.  Built up accumulations of grease, oil, sludge, hair, dirt and other debris as well as infiltration by tree roots and other foreign materials can cause drain and sewer lines to clog.

Traditional rootering techniques use a mechanical cutting head attached to a thick metal cable (often called a snake) to cut through clogs.  While this method works well to cut through clogs, it leaves behind a lot of residual debris that can soon start forming a new clog.

High pressure water jetting does a much more thorough job of clearing clogged pipes.  Water jetting uses water sprayed under very high pressure to cut through clogs in drain lines and sewer lines.  Special high pressure hoses with spray nozzles at the end are inserted into the pipe and pushed or pulled the length of the pipe while blasting water at very high pressure.  The high pressure water spray clears clogs by cutting through tree roots, grease, hair, paper, and other organic materials.

In addition, water jetting scours the inside of the pipe and removes all of the debris from the pipe walls including grease, oil, sludge, dirt, and other foreign materials.  Unlike rootering which simply cuts through a clog, water jetting actually cleans the inside of the pipe and returns it to nearly new condition.   The water spray then drains through the pipe, flushing away the removed debris.

For industrial and commercial drains that are subjected to high volumes of grease, oil, sludge, or other materials, regular water jetting can help minimize business interruptions by keeping your drain and sewer lines flowing freely.

Septic to Sewer Conversions

If your home is on a septic system, you may be wondering if there are any advantages to converting to a sewer system.  The first consideration is whether you even have the option of converting to sewer.  If there is no municipal sewer service in your area, your only option is to continue with your septic system.

If municipal sewer service is available, then you should consider whether the cost of the conversion makes sense.  Making the conversion is a big job that should be left to a local plumber or sewer-septic professional with experience in sewer installation.

The cost of the conversion varies depending on connection fees, the distance between your home and the municipal sewer line, and any obstacles in between such as driveways or swimming pools, but a typical conversion can cost in the neighborhood of $5,000 to $10,000.   Most sewer-septic professionals will be happy to provide a free estimate.

The advantages of sewer service include less maintenance and lower potential for problems to arise than septic.  Septic systems require regular maintenance including period septic tank pumping and inspections.  The life expectancy of a septic system varies widely depending on the installation and how well it is maintained, but typically 20 to 30 years is about average.  Some septic systems fail much sooner, especially if they are improperly installed or maintained.  A sewer connection lasts almost indefinitely.  In addition, most homebuyers prefer sewer over septic so the value of your home may increase.

The disadvantage of a sewer connection is primarily the cost of the conversion.  In addition, there are monthly charges for sewer service which are generally calculated based on water usage.

Your sewer-septic professional can help you decide if a conversion to sewer is right for your situation.

Septic Tank Inspections

Your septic system will usually provide good service for many years.  Regular maintenance is important to keep your septic system healthy and working great year after year.  In addition to having your septic tank pumped every 3 to 5 years, you should have your septic tank inspected on a regular basis.

A standard septic tank should be inspected by a qualified septic tank inspector every 2 to 3 years.  A septic tank that uses mechanical components such as float switches, pumps, or valves should be inspected more frequently.

Inspecting your septic tank regularly will help save money in the long run.  Regular septic tank  inspections help ensure that any problems with your septic system are identified while they are still minor and can be repaired before they become a major concern.  If you are buying a home with a septic system, a septic tank inspection will give you a good idea of the condition of the septic system before you complete the purchase.

The inspection begins with locating the tank using a rod or flushing an electronic locating device down your commode.  Once the tank is located and opened, the inspector will check your tank for leaks, cracks, and obstructions.  The inspector will also make sure that any baffles, filters and mechanical devices are working properly and that effluent flow through the tank is appropriate.

The inspector will measure the sludge and scum levels in your tank.  This will help the inspector determine if the tank is operating properly and whether it is time for a septic tank pumping.  The area around the septic tank and leach field will be inspected for any issues.  The inspector will prepare a report of the condition of the septic tank and let you know if there are any repairs that are needed.