How to Maintain Your Septic Tank

Does your Anderson home use a septic system to treat wastewater? Caring for your septic tank is a simple yet essential component of maintaining your home’s plumbing. While septic tank maintenance is not difficult, failure to care for your system properly can cause damage that affects your health and requires the costly installation of a new system. Understanding how a few simple steps can improve the function of your septic system will save you time, money, and stress.

Don’t Use Additives

There are a variety of septic system additives available on the market today. These products claim to improve septic system performance, degrease your plumbing pipes, and even prevent the need for septic system pumping. However, multiple studies have shown that septic system additives often do more harm than good. Additive products contain bacteria, enzymes, or chemicals that can upset the balance of a healthy septic system. Too much bacteria can speed up the decomposition process, releasing gases that push solids into your drain field and affect the absorption rate of the soil. Chemical degreasers often contain known carcinogens, which can be distributed to local water sources—including drinking water—because they are not broken down inside your septic tank. Never use any additive in your septic system; if you experience a change in performance, talk to your plumber about a better long-term solution.

Have Your Tank Pumped

Regardless of how well you care for your septic system, it must be pumped regularly to remove solid wastes that build up over time. These solid wastes are an unavoidable byproduct of the way the system works. Neglecting to pump the tank can clog it, leading to plumbing backups and other problems in your home. You should have a professional plumber inspect your tank every year to determine when pumping is necessary. Although most septic tanks require pumping at least every one to three years, factors such as the occupancy of your home and your average water usage can affect the amount of time your tank will function between pumping services. Only a professional can tell you when your tank requires pumping, and it’s always best to pump your tank before you notice any problems. Once you start noticing plumbing issues, you’ve already done some damage to the system that could reduce its working lifetime.

Don’t wait until you’ve had septic system problems to call for help—contact your plumber today to ask about maintaining your septic system for trouble-free function and a healthier home environment. You can learn more about our septic system and plumbing services in Anderson by clicking through the information on our website. We also invite you to check out our blog for additional tips and information that can help you reduce water waste, prevent plumbing problems, and save money.

The Importance of Regular Roof Maintenance

Excerpt: You may not think about your roof very often, but it works hard to shelter your home or business every day. Regular roof maintenance is essential to protect this valuable asset—check out this article to learn more!

Roofs are subject to wind, weather, and intense sunlight on a regular basis, all of which can cause damage or wear that affects performance. A poorly-maintained roof represents not only an aesthetic problem, but an issue that affects your comfort and can cost you greatly to repair when something big goes wrong. Maintaining your roof is therefore not only important to keep your property looking its best, but to ensure indoor comfort and reduce your expenses as well.

Prevents Problems

Every problem, even a large problem, starts as a small one. Significant roof issues arise only after small problems have been allowed to persist over time without resolution. Both property owners and roofing contractors agree that the best type of maintenance program is a proactive one, rather than a reactive solution. This means that regular inspections and maintenance tasks are performed even when no obvious problem is observed. Reactive maintenance, which only calls for repairs when damage such as leaks become obvious to the property owner, can allow small, unseen problems to spread until they completely ruin your roof. Consistent exposure to water damages roofing materials, insulation, and eventually the infrastructure of your home or office building. Failure to regularly clean gutters causes them to overflow, affecting your foundation, or pull away from your roof, causing large-scale damage. Widespread damage and large leaks cost significantly more to address than small issues, especially if these problems affect other aspects of your home or business. Pursuing regular proactive roof maintenance will reduce your overall expenses by eliminating the need for costly repairs.

Improves Energy Efficiency

A leaking or damaged roof allows for air exchange as drafts enter and exit your property. Air exchange reduces the efficiency of your home or office building’s heating and cooling system because these appliances must work harder to offset temperature changes and maintain a consistent indoor temperature. This added stress on your HVAC system can cause components to wear out more quickly, costing you in repairs to your heating and cooling equipment to keep them functioning properly. Additionally, the more work your furnace and air conditioner must do, the more energy they require and the higher your utility bills. Maintaining your roof will prevent drafts and maintain a closed system inside your building, reducing the amount of work and energy required by your HVAC equipment.

Maintains Curb Appeal

Whether your roof covers your home or other property, appearances are important. A poorly-maintained roof will show deterioration, affecting the overall appearance of your property. Many homeowners’ associations require homeowners to maintain the exterior of their home, while an office or business building that looks to be in poor shape may drive away or disappoint customers and clients. Proactive maintenance ensures that any damage that could affect the appearance of your roof is addressed regularly to keep your roof looking its best.

Even if you’re not concerned about your roof right now, preventive maintenance will ensure you never need to worry about leaks and other issues affecting its quality or performance. We invite you to click through our website to learn more about how roof maintenance is performed and why it is so essential for your home or business. You can also contact a roofing professional online to get more information about maintenance, repairs, and roof replacement in Alexandria, Arlington, or Columbia. 

Factors to Consider Before You Build Your Fence

Building a fence can improve the aesthetics and value of your property while enhancing the usability of your outdoor space. Before you begin building your fence, however, it’s important to consider a few important factors that will impact the materials, design, and placement of your fence.

Your Fence’s Purpose and Materials

The first factor to consider before building your fence is the purpose of installing a fence on your property. Do you want to build a privacy fence to improve the atmosphere of your yard? Would you like a decorative fence that enhances the curb appeal of your home? In many cases, your fence’s purpose will dictate the materials you use. For example, chain link fencing is great for enclosing children and pets, but is not an ideal choice for decorative or privacy fences. Decorative fencing may be made from wood, vinyl, aluminum, or steel, depending upon your personal preferences and the style of your home. Privacy fences may be constructed from wood, steel, or vinyl to maintain security and block out unwanted sights and sounds. It’s also important to note that some fencing materials require more upkeep than others. While wood is a popular and handsome choice, it requires regular maintenance to look its best. Materials such as vinyl and aluminum low-maintenance or even maintenance-free options if you don’t have the time or the desire to regularly care for your fence.

Your Fence’s Size and Placement

Before you begin building a fence, check with your city or homeowner’s association to learn about any local building or fencing codes. Some areas have restrictions regarding the height or length of a fence that will impact your design. If you will be enclosing a pool or pond, there may be further guidelines you must follow for safety purposes. In some cases, homeowner’s associations also restrict the type of fences that may be placed on your property. Failure to observe these codes will result in conflict and the possible need to remove or change your fence. Additional considerations to make before building your fence include its placement on your property and the number of gates, if any, that you’d like to include. Privacy fences often sit at the edge of your property, while a decorative fence may be placed closer to your home. Gates should be located at important access points, such as near doors or driveways. When considering the placement of your gates, also take into consideration the amount of space needed for the gate to open. Gates that swing outward onto a driveway could damage vehicles or other equipment if you use the area frequently for parking or storage.

When you’re ready to add a fence to your home or business property, these considerations will ensure your fence perfectly addresses your needs. We invite you to check out our website to explore our products and fencing options. You can also visit us on the web to contact a fencing professional about installation, maintenance, and repair in Washington, D.C., Delaware, Virginia, and southern Maryland.

Threats to Your Home’s Plumbing Pipes

Excerpt: Do you know the risks that affect your home’s plumbing pipes? Hard water, clogs, tree roots, and more can damage your plumbing and lead to the need for extensive repairs. Check out this article to learn how to identify these risks—and how to protect your plumbing from damage.

Your home’s plumbing is a network of drains, pipes, and connections that work hard every day to accommodate your water usage. However, there are many factors that threaten the integrity of your plumbing pipes, risking clogs, cracks, and leaks that waste water and damage your property. Knowing how to identify and negate these risk factors will prevent many common plumbing issues and keep your home’s plumbing in top condition.

Hard Water

Hard water contains high concentrations of dissolved minerals such as calcium and magnesium. When hard water travels through your home’s plumbing, it deposits these minerals in your pipes and on your fixtures over time. As mineral deposits build up inside your pipes, the usable width of the pipe becomes narrower until the pipe can be completely blocked. The pressure of additional water trying to flow through your pipes can cause cracks, while blockages prevent any water from getting through to your faucet at all. Pipes that have been damaged by hard water buildup generally need to be replaced; talk to your plumber to discuss your options, as well as the possibility of installing a water softener to address your hard water at the source.

Chemical Drain Cleaners

When you experience a tough clog or a slow drain, do you reach for a bottle of chemical drain cleaner? While chemical drain cleaners are easy to find and inexpensive, they also pose a threat to your home’s plumbing. These caustic chemicals degrade the insides of your pipes even as they work to remove clogs. Chemical drain cleaners frequently produce heat to loosen clogs, which warps the shape of your pipes and can cause leaks or other damage when drain cleaners are used again and again. Rather than using chemical drain cleaners to clear clogs, try plunging a clogged drain, sink, or toilet. Alternatively, natural drain cleaners can be bought at your local home improvement store or made from ingredients in your own kitchen to break down clogs without posing a threat to your home’s plumbing.

Plant Roots

Your sewer line transports wastewater from your home to the city’s sewer main. These pipes are located underground and can be damaged by questing tree and shrubbery roots. Plants spread their roots in search of water and may break into pipes in search of essential nutrients. Broken sewer pipes can cause flooding in your yard, while root systems that have spread into the pipe may block it and cause and sewage backups in your home. Trees and shrubs should be located at least ten feet from any sewer pipe. If you want to add landscaping to your yard, your plumber can suggest choices that are safer to place near sewer lines due to shallow or short-reaching root systems.

Knowing the possible threats to your home’s plumbing will help you prevent some of the most common plumbing issues you’re likely to encounter. If you need the help of a professional plumber in Santa Rosa, click over to our website to view a full list of our services and place an online service request. You can find more information, tips, and do-it-yourself fixes to maintain your plumbing on the Mrs. Rooter blog. 

How to Maintain Your Septic System

Excerpt: Your septic system plays an important role in your everyday comfort. As a homeowner, you are tasked with caring for your septic system not only to prevent plumbing issues at home, but to protect your local environment as well.

A septic system manages wastewater from your home, removing solid wastes before returning treated water to your local ecosystem. Septic systems require regular care and maintenance to continue performing this duty without causing damage to your home or property. Keep reading to find out more about how to maintain your septic system for maximum performance and minimum environmental impact.

Protect the Drain Field

Once solid wastes have been separated inside your septic tank, the remaining water is distributed via pipes into your drain field. Protecting your drain field will prevent damage to these pipes that could cause your septic system to back up. Avoid driving cars or other heavy equipment over your drain field and never park vehicles in this area of your yard. The weight of vehicles can crack your drain pipes and cause flooding. Driving over your drain field can also compact the soil over time, preventing the flow of water and causing an unsavory sewage backup. Don’t plant bushes, trees, or shrubs anywhere on your drain field—keep these plants at least 30 feet away from your drain field to prevent their roots from damaging your pipes. If you’d like to plant more than just grass over your drain field for aesthetic purposes, there are many options to landscape your drain field safely.

Reduce Your Water Usage

Reducing the water usage in your home also reduces the strain on your septic system. Turn off the water when shaving or brushing your teeth and keep your showers short. Installing low-flow showerheads and sink faucet aerators will reduce the amount of water these fixtures use while maintaining comfortable water pressure for washing and bathing. If you’re considering a bathroom remodel, choose low-flow toilets to further reduce your daily water usage.  Other ways to conserve water at home include only doing the laundry when you can wash a full load and taking your car to a commercial car wash rather than cleaning it yourself with the garden hose.

Schedule Regular Inspections

Your septic tank should be inspected once a year by a professional plumber. Your plumber can spot signs of damage or wear and make the necessary repairs before your septic system experiences a large-scale problem. Annual inspections will also determine when your tank needs to be pumped. Most septic tanks must be pumped every one to three years to remove the solid wastes that build up during wastewater treatment. Allowing these wastes to accumulate inside your tank without regular pumping will cause the system to clog and back up, resulting in extensive water damage to your home.

If your property uses a septic system to treat wastewater, a professional plumber can help you evaluate the efficiency of your system and ensure it stays in excellent condition. Please visit our website to contact a plumber or to find out more about our plumbing, drain cleaning, and septic tank services in Houston. You can read through more tips and information on residential and commercial plumbing systems on our blog.