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Septic Pumping

The Essential Guide to Buying a Home: Understanding Septic System Inspections

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Congratulations on your decision to buy a home! As you embark on this exciting journey, it’s essential to consider all aspects of the property you’re interested in, including the septic system. While a septic system might not be the most glamorous feature of a home, it plays a crucial role in its functionality and value. Here’s everything you need to know about septic system inspections when buying a home:

  1. Why Septic System Inspections Matter: A septic system inspection is a vital part of the home buying process, especially if the property relies on a septic tank for wastewater management. This inspection helps identify any issues with the system, such as leaks, blockages, or structural damage, which could be costly to repair if left unchecked.
  2. When to Schedule the Inspection: It’s crucial to schedule a septic system inspection as part of your due diligence before finalizing the purchase of a home. Ideally, this inspection should take place after you’ve made an offer on the property and it has been accepted but before closing. This timing allows you to uncover any potential issues and negotiate repairs or adjustments with the seller if necessary.
  3. What to Expect During the Inspection: A qualified septic system inspector will conduct a thorough assessment of the entire system, including the tank, distribution lines, drain field, and any associated components – that can be visibly seen when the tank is pumped. They will look for signs of deterioration, damage, or malfunction, such as standing water, odors, or lush vegetation over the drain field. The inspector may also perform tests to check the system’s functionality and capacity.
  4. Potential Red Flags to Watch Out For: During the inspection, be on the lookout for any signs of trouble with the septic system. These may include slow drainage, gurgling sounds from drains, sewage odors, or wet spots in the yard. Additionally, if the property has a history of septic system issues or if it’s been several years since the system was last inspected or pumped, it’s especially important to thoroughly evaluate its condition.
  5. Negotiating Repairs or Replacements: If the septic system inspection reveals any issues, you’ll need to decide how to proceed. Depending on the severity of the problems, you may negotiate with the seller to cover the cost of repairs or replacements as a condition of the sale. Alternatively, you may choose to walk away from the deal if the issues are too significant or if the seller is unwilling to address them.
  6. Future Maintenance Considerations: Once you’ve purchased the home, it’s essential to prioritize ongoing septic system maintenance to ensure its longevity and proper function. Regular pumping, inspections, and responsible usage habits can help prevent costly repairs down the line and protect the value of your investment.

Septic system inspections are a critical step in the home buying process, providing valuable insights into the condition of the property’s wastewater management system. By understanding the importance of these inspections and knowing what to expect, you can make informed decisions and ensure a smooth transition into your new home.

If you are looking at a property and would like an experienced operator to pump and provide a visual inspection – give us a call today 519-323-2000!

Selling Your Home? Don’t Forget to Pump the Septic Tank!

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Are you gearing up to put your home on the market? From staging to curb appeal, there are numerous factors to consider when preparing to sell. However, one often overlooked aspect is the maintenance of your septic system. While it might not be the most glamorous part of home ownership, ensuring your septic tank is in top condition can make a significant difference when selling your property.

Here’s why pumping your septic tank should be on your to-do list before listing your home:

  1. Boost Your Property’s Value: A well-maintained septic system is a sign of a well-cared-for home. Potential buyers are more likely to be interested in a property with a properly functioning septic system, as it indicates that the home has been taken care of. Regular pumping and maintenance show that you’ve invested in the longevity and functionality of your property.
  2. Prevent Last-Minute Surprises: Imagine having a potential buyer ready to make an offer on your home, only to have the deal fall through because of a septic system issue discovered during the inspection. Regularly pumping your septic tank reduces the risk of unexpected problems arising during the selling process. It’s better to address any issues proactively rather than dealing with them when time is of the essence.
  3. Ensure Smooth Inspections: Home inspections are a standard part of the home buying process. A failing septic system can be a red flag for buyers and might lead to negotiations or even scare them away entirely. By pumping your septic tank before listing your home, you can provide potential buyers with peace of mind knowing that this critical aspect of the property has been taken care of.
  4. Compliance with Regulations: Depending on where you live, there may be regulations or requirements regarding septic system maintenance and inspection before selling a property. Failing to comply with these regulations could delay the selling process or even result in legal issues. Pumping your septic tank ensures that you’re meeting any local requirements and can proceed with the sale smoothly.
  5. Demonstrate Responsibility: Taking care of your septic system isn’t just about selling your home—it’s about being a responsible homeowner. Regular maintenance not only extends the lifespan of your septic system but also helps protect the environment by preventing leaks and contamination. By showing potential buyers that you’ve prioritized septic system maintenance, you’re demonstrating your commitment to responsible home ownership.

Its smart to not overlook the importance of pumping your septic tank before selling your home. It’s a simple yet crucial step that can make a significant difference in the selling process. By ensuring your septic system is in top condition, you’re not only enhancing the value of your property but also providing peace of mind to potential buyers. So, before you put that “For Sale” sign in the yard, be sure to schedule a septic tank pumping—it’s an investment that pays off in more ways than one.

Give us a call today to book your septic pump – we not only pump we do visual inspections as well for all kinds of home and property sales! Call 519-323-2000

Septic System Tips

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Maintaining a septic system is essential for the proper functioning of your household plumbing and to prevent environmental contamination. Here are some tips for septic system maintenance:

  1. Regular Pumping: Have your septic tank pumped regularly by a professional. The frequency will depend on the size of your tank and the number of occupants in your household. Typically, it’s recommended to pump every 3 to 5 years.
  2. Watch What You Flush: Only flush human waste and toilet paper down the toilet. Avoid flushing items such as diapers, wipes, feminine hygiene products, paper towels, or any non-biodegradable materials, as they can clog the system.
  3. Be Mindful of Water Usage: Reduce water usage to prevent overloading the septic system. Fix any leaks promptly, install low-flow fixtures, and spread out laundry and dishwasher loads over time rather than doing them all at once.
  4. Avoid Harsh Chemicals: Avoid pouring harsh chemicals down drains, as they can disrupt the balance of bacteria in the septic tank needed for proper decomposition. This includes bleach, drain cleaners, and antibacterial soaps.
  5. Use Septic-Safe Products: Use septic-safe cleaning and personal care products labeled as such. These products are designed to be biodegradable and won’t harm the bacteria in the septic tank.
  6. Protect the Weeping Bed (Drainfield): Avoid driving or parking vehicles on the weeping bed, as this can compact the soil and damage the pipes. Plant grass or shallow-rooted vegetation over the weeping bed to prevent soil erosion and absorb excess moisture.
  7. Maintain Proper Drainage: Make sure gutters and downspouts are directed away from the weeping bed to prevent excess water from saturating the soil.
  8. Regular Inspections: Schedule regular inspections of your septic system by a qualified professional. They can check for signs of damage, leaks, or other issues that may require attention.
  9. Be Careful with Landscaping: Avoid planting trees or shrubs with aggressive root systems near the septic system, as their roots can infiltrate and damage the pipes and tank.
  10. Educate Household Members: Make sure everyone in your household understands the importance of proper septic system care and knows what can and cannot be flushed or poured down drains.

Following these tips can help extend the lifespan of your septic system, minimize the need for repairs, and protect the environment. If you ever notice any signs of a problem with your septic system, such as foul odors, slow drains, or sewage backups, don’t hesitate to contact a professional for assistance.

Spring Septic Pumping

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Our spring septic pumping is well under way – did you know we actually pump all year round!

It helps having a knowledgeable operator who has worked along side our plumbers and heating tech’s for years – he knows the in’s and out’s of your homes in’s and out’s!

Call today to get on our septic pumping list to ensure you are flowing freely all year 😉

Welcome Spring – With Snow & Showers

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Its been an interesting start to 2023 Spring, however Im sure all would agree this is a “normal” Ontario Spring where we are teased with some gorgeous summer like weather and then are hit with the snow again 😉

As we are eagerly awaiting the return of our spring weather here are some tips and hints to make the most of your own property!

  • Pump your septic – the spring is a great time to get your septic cleaned out so that you are confident you will be flushing great all year long! We pump out BOTH sides of the septic tank – the liquid and solid. Our driver is extremely knowledgeable and can also pick up on any potential issues for you! A royal flush is better than a full house!
  • Clean and Service HVAC System – this is for your Furnace/Boiler, Air Conditioner, Water Heater, HRV etc. They work hard for us and are able to last even longer when cared for with maintenance! Preventative maintenance can also pick up on issues before they get bad – like the furnace quitting in the middle of the winter!
  • Turn on your outside taps – we highly recommend turning the water supply off to your outside taps during the winter to prevent any freezing or possible water damage. The frost free faucets are much better, however its still good to turn off. Also if you possibly forgot this fall, its a good thing to remove your hose before the winter also, they can hold water and potentially cause issues!
  • Keeping in mind, being friendly to nature, “they” say its not good to do yard or garden clean up too soon, the bee’s also appreciate the dandelions as their first feed so if you can stand a bit of yellow, let it mellow for a bit 😉
  • Clean up around outside vents – ensure they are clear from any debris (especially plastic) and any plant material.

The spring is a great time to begin any projects you were thinking of over the winter

Give us a call today at 519-323-2000 or Email us to book your appointment today!

How Often Do I Need To Pump My Septic Tank | Septic System

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How Often Do I Need To Pump My Septic Tank

The septic system for your home or business is designed to operate efficiently on its own for many years. There are a few factors that will determine its effectiveness of operation.

What To NOT Do When You Have A Septic Tank
• Do not put any unnecessary “Septic Tank” chemicals down the septic – a septic system is designed to do the work itself.
• Do not pour any household chemicals down the drain or toilet – especially bleach, paint, solvents, paint thinner, nail polish remover etc. All of these will disrupt the natural chemical balance in the septic system.
• Do not pour oils, grease or fat down the sink or toilet.
• Do not put any Feminine products into your septic system.
• Do not use excessive amounts of water in one or two days – spread the use over the week.
• Do not leave leaky water taps or toilets – this can accumulate to gallons of water entering your system unnecessarily.
• Do not drive any vehicles or large equipment over your septic tank or pipes – this will cause major damage.
• Do not plant any trees or flower gardens in, on or too close to the weeping bed.
• Do not build over your septic tank or weeping bed – if there is ever a problem OR when your tank needs to be pumped this will cost extra and may need to be removed or damaged to do the repair/pump.

All of the above issues can lessen the effectiveness of your septic system and cause pre-mature blockages or backups.

Depending on how many people live in your home you should check your septic tank yearly to ensure there are no visible blockages going out to the weeping bed and to ensure the “sludge” level is manageable. As the sludge level “solids” increases in the tank, the effectiveness of the tank to breakdown lessens due to the smaller capacity. The septic system is designed to work as a system with the tank and bed by breaking down the biologicals before the liquid wastewater goes out to the weeping bed for proper drainage and treatment. .

The average time between pumps for a typical household of 4 people would be approximately 3-4 years. This is in ideal conditions where none of the above “What NOT to do’s” are being done.If you have more than 4 people in your home you will need to consider pumping more often, as well the opposite if you have less people you could get by a couple/few more years before needing to pump.

It is important in the Spring to keep an eye on water levels in and around your septic system. With snow melting this can cause excess water in the system. Excess water in the system will disrupt the natural abilities of the septic system to properly decompose before the wastewater flows out to the septic bed.

If a tank is left too long between pumps the sludge or solids, can begin to clog the outlet to the weeping bed or worse clog parts of the weeping bed. When this happens the water and solids have nowhere to go and this is typically when sewage back up’s occur in the home.
When in doubt always call a professional – ensure that when you do call and book a cleaning they are removing all liquid and solids from your tank!

A Royal Flush Is Better Than A Full House!
Book Your Pumping Today 519-323-2000

Is Your Septic System Healthy!? | A Royal Flush Is Better Than A Full House

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If you have a Septic System, how do you care for it?

A Septic System is in fact very simple – yet it requires regular maintenance to ensure it can still perform every vital task it is designed to do. The septic system is a network of pipes which begin in your home, drain into one pipe which is underground and is connected to the septic tank where the liquids and solids flow. The sludge sinks to the bottom and the liquid flows out to the weeping bed. As solids break down they will then flow out to the distribution box and leach out into the bed as well.

septic-diagram2

The sludge is what can cause your system problems. As the sludge accumulates, this will decrease the volume of your tank which then also decreases the retention of liquid before it leaves to the bed. If sludge is left too long this can cause your bed to plug up as there will be less space for the solids to break down and could flow out with the water into the bed. Worse is when the sludge reaches the outlet level and begins to plug up the distribution box, or worse the pipes in the weeping bed. If the system is left too long, unfortunately the weeping bed and tank will need to be replaced.

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How do you know if your septic is healthy?

  • Do you know where your septic tank and weeping bed are?
  • Keep track of when it was pumped last. Also ensure that when it is pumped that ALL of the tank is cleaned out – not just the water.
  • Do not put any unnecessary “Septic Tank” chemicals down the septic – a septic system is designed to do the work itself.
  • Do not pour any household chemicals down the drain or toilet – especially bleach, paint, solvents, paint thinner, nail polish remover etc. All of these will disrupt the natural chemical balance in the septic system.
  • Are your drains draining slowly? If so there could be a potential problem.
  • Is your grass exceptionally green or spongy to walk on near the weeping bed.
  • Do not pour oils, grease or fat down the sink or toilet.
  • Feminine products can also cause issues or clog a septic system.
  • Try to space out all of your water usage. Doing all of your laundry excessively on just Saturday and Sunday all day both days could cause potential issues with excess water entering the system. By using your water as equally as possible during the week this will allow the system to properly treat all of the water that enters and exits.
  • Repair any leaking taps or drains – leaking water – even just one drop per second can waste tens of thousands of litres of water per year!
  • Do not drive any vehicles or large equipment over your septic tank or pipes – this will cause major damage.
  • Do not plant any trees or flower gardens in, on or too close to the weeping bed.
  • Do not build over your septic tank or weeping bed – if there is ever a problem OR when your tank needs to be pumped this will cost extra and may need to be removed or damaged to do the repair/pump.
  • Have your tank checked at least every 5 years and pumped when necessary.
  • When in doubt – ask a professional!