Don’t Be Fooled By Low Cost Septic Pumping Ads

Have you ever seen advertisements for septic pumping for $150? If you own a home with a septic system, that price may sound very alluring. Most septic tanks cost around $400 or more to have pumped, so how can these companies do the job so cheaply? The fact is that they don’t. Most of these ads are for the pumping alone, but do not include all the other costs. So that you know what to expect, here are some fees that a septic service company should disclose when you ask about their pumping costs.

  • Pumping. There is usually a base fee for pumping different sized tanks. Make sure their pumping fee includes all the costs of pumping, including labor, gas and equipment.
  • Waste disposal. After your tank is pumped, that waste must be properly disposed according to local regulations. In most cases, this fee is almost as much as what the cost of pumping the tank will cost, which is one of the main reasons those low price ads are misleading.
  • Digging up the tank lid. If the company needs to located the tank and dig up the septic lid, that is also an extra cost.

Most of the base costs for septic pumping are for tanks that are easy to access, have been well maintained and do not have excess sludge or scum. When getting a quote for a septic pumping, making sure to ask about any additional fees that could increase the price. While most septic companies are honest, there are those that may have hidden fees that could be a shock when you go to pay the bill.

Reputable septic companies will be more than happy to breakdown the costs of their septic pumping service so you know exactly what to expect. Just beware of those that claim to have unreasonably low fees – in the end, the bill may be higher than anyone else in town would charge!

Posted on behalf of:
A-Flo Free Septic
Lawrenceville, GA
(770) 927-7926

Four Reasons to Convert Your Septic to Sewer

Have you been notified that you can now tie into your local sewer system in your town or county? If you have been wondering whether it is worth the cost or effort to change over to the sewer system, you need to consider the benefits. While there is an initial investment, these four reasons may be enough to help you decide whether the time is right to convert from septic to sewer for your home or business.

  1. No more pumping and septic inspections/repairs. Septic systems require regular maintenance, pumping and repairs, much more than the average sewer system. Most working parts of the sewer system will be maintained by the utility company.
  2. Higher home/business value. Your home or business will be worth more with a sewer system than a septic. Many potential homebuyers will steer away from homes with a septic system due to the higher maintenance needs and possible high cost of septic repairs.
  3. Less expensive than a septic replacement. In most cases, converting from a septic to sewer is less expensive than replacing your septic system. If you have an older system, it is just a matter of time before some or all of your septic system will need to be replaced.
  4. Easier to use. Septic systems have quirks and limitations that sewer systems do not. Sewer systems can handle larger amounts of waste and certain items that septic systems cannot.

If you think you are ready to make the conversion to sewer, talk to your local septic/sewer service provider that is certified to make the conversion in your region and state. Once you make the switch, you will be glad you did!

Posted on behalf of:
Hunter’s Septic Service
Nesbit, MS
(662) 429-1686

Tree Roots and Sewer Lines Are a Bad Combination

One of the main causes of sewer line clogs and breaks are tree root invasions. Those water filled pipes are like candy to a baby for trees. Their long, strong roots seek moisture and most traditional sewer pipes are no match for the strength of a tree root. Before long, those roots create tiny cracks in the pipes or find ways to grow in at joints, quickly soaking up that moisture and growing into the pipes. So what can you do to prevent sewer line tree root invasions? Here are a few tips for preventing tree root issues in your sewer lines:

  • Don’t plant trees near sewer lines. The most obvious solution is to keep trees away from your sewer lines by not planting new ones near that area. However, you may have trees that are already on your property that are large enough to have roots dozens of feet long.
  • Schedule regular hydrojetting for your sewer lines. Hydrojetting is one of the best ways to clean out your sewer lines of tree roots and other debris to prevent clogs. It won’t stop future tree root invasions but may keep them from getting large enough in the pipes to break or clog the lines.
  • Consider pipe lining or new trenchless sewer pipes. Newer sewer line options use seamless polyurethane pipes or linings that can prevent tree roots from gaining interior access. If tree roots are a problem on your property, this may be your best long term solution beyond removing your trees.

Don’t let your trees destroy your sewer lines. Even if you haven’t had any issues, if you have large trees near your sewer pipes, it may be just a matter of time. Schedule a digital video inspection of your sewer lines with your local sewer service company to find out if tree roots are infiltrating your sewer pipes.

Posted on behalf of:
Bynum & Sons Plumbing, Inc.
2120 McDaniels Bridge Rd SW
Lilburn, GA 30047
(770) 736-8283

Septic Inspections: A Must When You Are Selling a Home

When you are trying to sell your home, you must jump through many hoops to impress potential buyers. You want to fix any small issues around the house that may detract from the value of your home as well as make it look as desirable as possible. But one thing that can be a deal breaker when trying to sell your home is a septic issue. Most home sales will require a septic inspection before the sale is finalized so why wait until the deal is almost done? Get a septic system inspection as soon as you decide to sell your home.                                             

Get a Thorough Septic Inspection

Nothing is worse than thinking that your home is sold, then finding out at the last minute you need thousands of dollars of septic repairs. In many cases, you may lose the buyer, even if you agree to fix the septic issues. Instead, get a thorough septic system inspection before you start putting up for sale signs. Call a local septic company that performs inspections and ask if they offer:

  • Septic tank inspections
  • Drain field inspections
  • Digital camera inspections of underground sewer and septic pipes
  • Certified septic technicians

You want to ensure the company you choose will look at every aspect of your septic to certify that it is in excellent working order. And if there are problems, you can get them fixed before putting your home on the market by the same local company. When it comes time to sign on the dotted line and sell your home, you can be assured that there won’t be any septic issues standing in your way.

Posted on behalf of:
Seagraves Plumbing Sewer & Septic
4980 Plant Atkinson Rd SE
Smyrna, GA 30080
(494) 792-2221

Is Your Drain Field Telling You it Is Sick?

Day in and day out, your septic system and drain field are hard at work disposing of waste from your home. You may even forget you have a septic system since everything always seems to keep going on like clockwork. However, you need to pay attention to small signs that should be alerting you that there is a problem. Your drain field needs just the right conditions to work properly or it can malfunction and lead to a major septic failure. Here are some signs your drain field may be sick and needs repair right away.

  • Slow or clogged drains. Does it seem like you keep getting clogged drains or they seem slower than usual? It may not be in your plumbing at all, but instead be a sign that you septic is backing up due to a drain field problem.
  • Toilet issues. An overflowing toilet is usually a sign of a clogged drain as well, but not always. If you continuously have toilet issues, it is a hint that there is an issue with your septic system or drain field.
  • Bad odor. Even though your drain field cleanses waste, it should not smell foul. A bad odor is a bad sign and should warrant a call to a septic professional for an inspection.
  • Green, green grass. Has the grass above your drain field suddenly flourished, turning a brighter green than the rest of your yard? While it may look nice, it is not a healthy sign for your drain field.

If you notice any of these signs, or see excess water pooling above your drain field, call your local septic service. You may have a major issue with your drain field that needs immediate attention to prevent an expensive septic failure.

Posted on behalf of:
Metro Septic LLC
1210 N Tennessee St
Cartersville, GA 30120
(678) 873-7934

Buying a New Home with a Septic System

You have found the home of your dreams, perfect for your family in every way except one major problem: it has a septic system. If you have never owned a home with a septic system, this may be a deal breaker for you. However, millions of homeowners have septic systems and are perfectly happy with their home. Don’t let something new scare you away from the home that has everything else you want. Here are some basic facts and even benefits to owning a septic system:

  • No monthly sewer bills! While you do have maintenance costs involved with a septic system, there is no monthly bill from the utility company. Plus if you have a septic system, you probably are on a well for your water too, so no sewer or water bills each month.
  • Pumping is not a big deal. You may have heard about needing to have your septic tank pumped and are worried about the cost. In most cases, tanks only need to be pumped every few years. There are plenty of things you can do to keep this at a minimum and the costs are not as high as you might think. In most cases it averages less than a $100 per year for pumping.
  • Maintenance can be performed by a professional. You don’t need to maintain your septic system yourself. Your local septic service can put you on a maintenance plan to ensure your equipment is inspected and maintained on a regular basis.

If it truly is your dream home, don’t let the fact that it has a septic system stand in your way. Talk to the local septic service about maintenance plans and even the possibility of converting to sewer. Either way, there is a solution so you can enjoy this home fully, even with a septic system.

Posted on behalf of:
Septic Service Pro, LLC
Peachtree Street NW
Atlanta, GA 30334
(678) 292-8728