Add a Basement Bathroom with an Ejector Pump

The basement in many homes is an under-utilized area. It may be used for a laundry room or storage, maybe a rec room for the kids. What if your basement could add more bedrooms and useable space to your home? Often the reason this area is not used more is the lack of a bathroom on this level of the home.

The reason many homes do not have a bathroom in the basement is a simple plumbing problem. Most plumbing is gravity driven; water and waste travels downward to the main sewer line with the use of gravity. In basements, waste needs to go up, so simple plumbing methods are not functional. The solution is an ejector pump that can propel water and waste up pipes to the main sewer line.

How an Ejector Pump Works

Ejector pumps are similar to sump pumps. They are automatically activated to pump waste water up and away from the home. With the installation of an ejector pump, you can add a half, three-quarter or full bath to your basement. The ejector pump will replace gravity to move the waste water from your bathroom fixtures. Most ejector pumps are electric require little maintenance to continue performing for many years.

Adding a bathroom to your basement can give you more living space for your family and inflate the value of your home. To learn more about how and where an ejector pump can be installed, contact your local plumbing company that offers ejector pump service. Your plumbing professionals can help you plan and install your ejector pump and bathroom fixtures to give your basement a new bathroom.

Posted on behalf of:
Kiddco Plumbing Inc
Sterling, VA 20166
(703) 435-4441

Septic Maintenance Basics for New Homeowners

If you are a new homeowner, you have a long list of maintenance items that come with your property purchase. Owning a home is a wise investment, but it also requires preventive care to help maintain the value and minimize unexpected repair costs. One system that may be new to you is a septic system. While it may seem daunting to be in charge of your own waste disposal system, if you keep up with maintenance, you may be able to avoid many costly repairs. Understanding the basic of septic maintenance is key to avoiding expensive septic repairs and replacements.

Avoiding Unnecessary Disposal

One of the main aspects of maintaining your septic system is reducing the waste that goes down your drains. Make water efficiency a priority, using water conservation fixtures and techniques. Also, the items that go down your drain impact your septic system. Practice keeping chemicals, grease, non-biodegradable items and solid food products out of your drains to reduce stress on your septic system.

Protect Your Underground Plumbing

The majority of your septic system is underground. You need to protect the tank, pipes, drain field and distribution box from damage. Keep vehicles and heavy machinery off your lawn or property where septic equipment resides underground. Also avoid planting trees too closely to septic pipes; root invasion can cause serious sewer pipe damage.

Routine Inspections, Pumping and Repairs

You do not need to do much of your septic maintenance on your own. Hire a septic professional to come out at least once a year to inspect your system, perform pumping when needed, and repair/replace components. This can prevent expensive septic emergencies and keep your system working reliably throughout the rest of the year. It is a wise investment and one that will help protect the value of your home.

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

When to Replace Sewer Lines Vs Repair

Your main sewer lines can last for decades – if you have an older home, your existing sewer lines may already be decades old. The good news is that many people never need to replace their sewer lines and many can be repaired when a problem arises. However, when should you invest in replacement versus a repair? Here are some circumstances when replacement may be a better option.

Multiple Repairs

If you have already needed to fix a cracked or leaking sewer line and are having more problems, it may be best to replace the pipe. Patching the pipe over and over can cost more in the long run than replacement, and it is a major inconvenience each time it occurs.

Poor Pipe Material

Many older sewer lines were made with cast iron, cement or other corroding material. These pipes were made to last, but they will also corrode over time. If you have a broken or corroded pipe, it is probably the beginning of a long line of problems. Replace with a more durable material to avoid future repairs.

Location Problems

Did your sewer line burst from tree root invasion or weight from vehicles? If your sewer is located in an area where it is susceptible to damage, it may be best to replace and move it to a better spot.

It can be a hefty investment to replace sewer lines, but it may be more cost effective than multiple repairs. Before you spend money on a repair, consider whether it may be best to complete a full replacement to avoid more expense and headaches down the road. Talk to your sewer professionals about your options.

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

Pre-Holiday Tips for Your Septic System

Before you start planning your holiday parties and feasts, there is one area of your home that may need preparation. If you own a home with a septic system, it is important to consider how the holidays may affect your system. Extra cooking, cleaning and people all put stress on septic systems – you don’t want a septic failure to occur in the middle of your festivities. Here are some tips to limit stress on your septic and help prevent unexpected problems over the holidays.

Spread Out Water Use

Holiday preparations can mean extra loads of laundry, many dishwasher cycles, more toilet flushes and extra people taking showers. Excessive water use can impact your septic system. When possible, spread out water use. Try to stagger use of the dishwasher, showers and loads of laundry throughout the day; do as much as possible before your guests arrive.

Septic Tank Pumping and Maintenance

When was the last time your septic tank was pumped or inspected? If it has been a year or more, it can be worth the investment to schedule an inspection before your first big party or holiday event. A quick inspection and pumping if needed can prevent problems when you have friends and family to your home for the holidays.

Use Disposable Items

Many holiday traditions revolve around food. Every dish and fork you need to wash adds to the food, grease and water that goes down your drains. Consider using disposable plates, napkins and silverware to reduce the stress on your septic.

Give yourself of a holiday season free from septic emergencies. Plan and prepare to reduce stress on your septic system to minimize the chance of any backups or failures during the holidays.

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