Category: Home Services

Home Services

Water Heater Repair – When to Call a Plumber

Penny Charles

Water Heater Repair Aurora CO can address problems such as a broken heating element, malfunctioning thermostat or plumbing connection issues. However, continued repairs may not offer good value if your water heater is nearing the end of its expected lifespan.

Licensed plumbers are trained to work with all aspects of water heaters, including piping and wires, heating elements, and gas lines. Water heater repair services provide the following benefits:

When your water heater makes loud noises or starts to leak, it may be time to call a professional. Licensed plumbers are trained to understand the components and tanks that make up your hot water heater, and can assess whether a repair or replacement is needed. They also have access to quality parts and materials at competitive prices, ensuring that any repairs made are cost-effective for the homeowner.

Many water heater issues can be fixed relatively inexpensively, such as a faulty thermostat or a pilot light that won’t stay lit. A leaking tank, on the other hand, can require more costly repairs or even replacement. If your water heater is more than 10 years old, it might be more economical to replace it with a newer model that can provide greater energy efficiency.

A puddle of water around your water heater indicates that it is leaking, which can cause water damage and mold growth if not addressed quickly. Leaks are typically not fixable, so a plumber will need to replace the unit.

Noisy water heaters are often caused by sediment build-up. If you notice popping or rumbling sounds, turn off your hot water heater and drain it by attaching an inner-threaded end of a garden hose to the temperature pressure relief valve at the bottom of the tank and then to a drain outside your home. Draining the tank helps reduce sediment accumulation, which can shorten its lifespan and lead to clogs.

A plumber’s labor costs are the most significant component of any Water Heater Repair cost, and vary depending on the location and technician’s experience. It is a good idea to compare price estimates from several plumbers and technicians before hiring them. This can help you determine the average Water Heater Repair cost in your area.

Warranty Protection

When purchasing appliances, such as a water heater, many homeowners are swayed by the offer of a warranty. While warranties are certainly convenient, it’s important to understand their limitations. A warranty will only provide protection when a product fails due to a manufacturing defect or other factors beyond your control.

When reviewing the terms of a warranty, pay close attention to its coverage timeframe, cost, and type of parts covered. You should also note any exclusions. Some common exclusions include sediment buildup damage, code violations, modifications, or environmental conditions.

Home warranties have evolved to meet the needs of consumers. Some plans are comprehensive and cover essentials like thermostats, heating elements, and gas valves. Others are more affordable and focus on less vital components. Knowing what your plan covers and does not cover can save you a lot of money in the long run.

Getting the most out of your water heater requires regular maintenance and timely repairs. However, as your water heater gets older and experiences more wear and tear, it may need to be replaced entirely. A water heater warranty can help you save money on a replacement by covering the cost of installation and labor.

Understanding what your water heater warranty covers will save you a lot of money in the future. If you’re not sure whether your system is protected, talk to a plumbing professional that can help you navigate the complicated language of warranties. They can determine whether your water heater is eligible for a warranty and what steps you need to take to get it covered. Then you can rest assured that if something goes wrong with your water heater, it will be covered by an expertly matched plan.

Accurate Diagnosis

Water heater problems often stem from a variety of sources. An experienced professional can accurately assess the situation and recommend solutions that resolve the problem. This process may involve assessing symptoms reported by homeowners and conducting inspections with the use of specialized tools like thermal imaging cameras and multimeters for continuity assessments. It may also include draining the tank systematically and removing sediment to prevent a buildup that interferes with heating elements.

Insufficient Hot Water

Having insufficient hot water is an indication that the unit’s heating elements are failing. These components corrode over time and can cause numerous problems, including inconsistent water temperatures, increased energy consumption, and higher utility bills. It’s important to have these issues addressed immediately by a trained technician.

Insufficient hot water could also be the result of a broken thermocouple or faulty gas control valve. A trained plumber can troubleshoot these issues to ensure your water heater is working safely and efficiently.

Discolored or Smelly Water

If you notice a strange smell or discoloration in your water, it’s likely due to the presence of hydrogen gas in your water supply. This is a common occurrence with well water and can be caused by your gas water heater or other factors, such as plumbing leaks. This is a sign that it’s necessary to increase your water temperature to 140 degrees and install thermostatic mixing valves at each point of use.

A leaking water heater requires immediate attention. Leaks may occur from a cracked tank, faulty pressure relief valve, or loose inlet or outlet pipes. To prevent future leaks, it’s recommended that you have your plumber flush your tank annually and replace the anode rod every few years.

Safety

If you’re planning to repair your water heater yourself, it’s important that you take the proper safety precautions. This will help to minimize the risk of fire or other hazardous conditions during the repair process. To begin with, make sure that the gas and power supply are turned off. You should also drain the tank to avoid sediment buildup or pressure problems. Additionally, you should use a non-contact voltage tester to ensure that all wires are completely disconnected from the water heater’s electrical system.

Next, choose a fire-resistant work area that’s away from any flammable materials. Be sure to keep a fire extinguisher nearby and familiarize yourself with its proper usage. Also, keep children and pets away from the work area to prevent accidents.

Water heaters have many important functions, including providing hot water for your daily routine. However, they can be dangerous to operate if they’re not properly maintained. Water Heater Repair can help you understand common problems and safely repair them yourself, saving you money in the long run.

If your water is ice-cold or just lukewarm, it could mean that your heating element has failed. In electric water heaters, a broken element can interfere with the thermostat’s signal and prevent it from heating up the water. The solution is to replace the broken one with a new one of the same wattage. In gas water heaters, a malfunctioning pilot light or an igniter can also cause the heater not to heat. In such cases, you’ll need to replace the burner assembly. Be sure to follow the manufacturer’s instructions carefully when accessing the burner. You may need to remove an access panel or loosen a screw to gain access.

Peace of Mind

A malfunctioning water heater can be a major headache. It can cause flooding and serious damage to your home’s plumbing, furniture, and belongings. It can also lead to scalding and other safety hazards. It is therefore essential to repair the problem promptly. Professional plumbers will diagnose the issue and perform repairs in a quick and efficient manner.

They can save you money in the long run. Unrepaired problems can result in high energy bills, whereas timely repairs improve the water heater’s efficiency. This results in lower utility expenses and a greener lifestyle.

A licensed plumber will have the right tools and training to ensure that your water heater is properly maintained. They can clean the tank and perform other tasks that improve the performance of your water heater. This will prevent them from deteriorating quickly and minimize future problems. You can try to carry out some of these tasks on your own, but they are better left to the professionals.

In addition to reducing repair costs, consistent maintenance can extend the lifespan of your water heater. A well-maintained water heater can last up to 10 years longer than an unmaintained one. The regular cleaning and inspection services that a licensed professional provides help to identify minor issues before they escalate into major problems.

Local water heater repair companies offer personalized service and are familiar with the specific types of hot water heaters commonly used in your area. They are also more likely to provide quick response times and offer affordable rates compared to national repair companies. Moreover, they can be more helpful when it comes to warranty protection. This is because most manufacturers’ warranties are only valid when repairs are performed by a licensed professional.

Home Services

Refrigerator Repair Basics

Penny Charles

A refrigerator that has been repaired can last for years. You can save money by repairing your refrigerator instead of replacing it. You may also save on energy costs if you repair your refrigerator.

Spiking energy bills are a sign that you need to call a refrigerator repair technician. The technician will diagnose the problem and fix it. Contact Refrigerator Repair Orlando now!

Your refrigerator’s thermostat is the brain that monitors your fridge’s internal temperature, triggering the compressor to turn on and off. If the thermostat is malfunctioning, it will give inaccurate readings, causing your food to spoil more quickly or even freeze unexpectedly. If you notice that your fridge’s temperature is constantly fluctuating, then it may be time to replace the thermostat.

To repair a refrigerator thermostat, first turn off the power to your fridge by unplugging it or turning off its circuit breaker. Next, remove any highly perishable foods and move them to another cooled area so that you don’t lose food due to power loss. You’ll also want to find something to support the control panel housing so that it doesn’t drop when you unscrew all of the screws.

Once you’ve removed the screws, you should be able to see several brackets holding the temperature control thermostat and sensing tube in place. Carefully pull back the brackets and remove the temperature control thermostat and sensing tube from their brackets. If an insulation sleeve covered the sensor tube, remove it and save it to use with the new sensing tube. Once you’ve removed the old thermostat, take a digital picture of the wiring or tag them with numbered pieces of tape to help you reconnect the wires correctly when you replace it.

Now you can screw the new thermostat into its place, making sure to put the sensor tube on the new one as well. Then you can connect the wires, reattach the cover over the thermostat and put the entire assembly back into its housing on your refrigerator. Once everything is in place, it’s a good idea to test the sensor with a multimeter and some ice water to make sure that there is electrical continuity between the sensor and the compressor (it’s easy to forget how cold the compressor actually is). Finally, if you hear a clicking sound as the compressor turns on and off, then it’s all done! You can now enjoy a cool and consistent refrigerator temperature. Thermostat problems are a common fridge problem that you should be aware of so that you can get them repaired in a timely fashion to prevent further damage and expensive repairs.

Water supply line

The water supply line is the main line that brings freshwater into a home. It includes pipes, fittings and valves that are owned by the homeowner and located between the water meter outlet service valve and the various appliances, devices and fixtures throughout the property. They may be made from copper, brass, or plastics and can vary in size. Often times they are used in kitchen and bathroom sinks, washing machines, refrigerator ice makers and other similar household appliances.

A properly working water line is crucial for your household. You depend on it for daily tasks like cooking and personal hygiene. When it breaks down, you need to have the lines repaired quickly so that you can return to your normal routine as soon as possible.

While most issues with your water line are relatively minor, there are some situations that require immediate attention. For example, if you hear banging noises coming from the water line, it could indicate a broken pipe or a clog. One easy fix for this is to drain the water line and replace it with a new one.

Another common issue is a leak in the water line. This is usually caused by corrosion and can lead to low water pressure. It’s important to regularly inspect your water line and test shut-off valves to ensure they work properly.

In addition, the quality of your water line depends on its material. Some lines are made from copper while others are made from CPVC or PEX plastic. Different materials have their advantages and disadvantages, so savvy homeowners choose the ones that provide them with the most value for their money.

When a plumber installs a water supply line, they will first turn off the water to the appliance in question. This will prevent any additional damage to the plumbing system and help them determine if there is any further issues with the appliance or the water line. Once the repair is complete, the plumber will reactivate the water and check that all connections are tight and secure.

Drain pan

A drain pan is a simple yet essential safety tool for protecting your home from water damage. Located underneath your refrigerator, this small device holds the condensation generated by the defrost process. It also protects the floor and substructures in the surrounding area from water damage, mitigating the risk of mold and mildew development. It is most often made of metal or plastic and has a drain hole that is connected to a drain pipe in your home to transfer the water to an area outside.

Like any appliance, drain pans can experience wear and tear. It is important to check for signs of damage or wear periodically. The best way to do this is with a visual inspection of the drain pan. A drain pan that is full of debris or clogged will require immediate attention. It can also be a sign of more serious mechanical issues with your air conditioning system.

Older drain pans are typically made of metal, which can rust or corrode over time. More recent models are usually made of a strong plastic that has a lifespan of five to 10 years. However, over time these pans can crack due to changing temperatures or the weight of water if it fills up. It is important to replace these pans if they become damaged or cracked.

Fortunately, replacing a drain pan is fairly simple. It is possible to do the job yourself if you are comfortable tinkering with your fridge. However, it is best to leave this task to a professional who has the proper tools and safety equipment for the job.

The cost of a new drain pan is typically less than the cost of water damage repairs. In addition, a professionally repaired drain pan will prevent costly repairs down the line and help keep your home safe from water damage. It is also recommended to clean the drain pan regularly, which can prevent the buildup of dirt and debris that can cause mechanical problems. It is also a good idea to install a new drain line if the existing one becomes clogged.

Home Services

How Handyman Services Can Help Maintain Presentable Living Spaces

Maison Sanders

Handyman Services Naperville IL helps households maintain presentable and functional living spaces. These professionals perform various tasks, from installing new fixtures to repairing existing ones.

Establishing a comprehensive list of available services helps ensure clear client communication and streamlines operations. It also promotes professionalism and builds customer loyalty. To illustrate this, create a service menu on your website that highlights your business’s unique offerings.

Handymen can help with a wide variety of home repair and maintenance tasks. Some are skilled at a number of specialties, while others may focus on specific areas of expertise like plumbing or masonry. This allows you to offer more complete and specialized services that set your business apart from other competitors.

One of the most common handyman services is patching holes in drywall, including smaller ones caused by thumbtacks and nail holes or larger ones from horseplaying children. This helps create a smooth surface for painting and wall coverings and makes your clients’ homes more attractive and well-maintained.

Another common service is installing new light fixtures, both to refresh a room’s decor and to improve its utility and ambience. Handymen also install ceiling fans to provide a comfortable environment and better air circulation in rooms.

Hanging pictures is a specialized skill that requires precision to ensure the artwork is properly mounted and positioned. Handymen have the skills to hang both simple and complex frames, as well as re-hang existing artwork.

Installing smart technology upgrades is a popular service that many handymen offer. This could include anything from a Ring doorbell to a smart thermostat. These types of innovations can make a client’s home more efficient and convenient, which is appealing to a lot of people.

Furniture assembly is a common service that a lot of homeowners need, but not everybody has the time or equipment to do themselves. Handymen can quickly and easily put together any kind of furniture, from beds to bookshelves to desks.

A handyman can spruce up a home’s curb appeal by recoloring the exterior trim and repainting siding, windows, doors, or shutters. This can add an instant boost to a home’s value and make it more attractive to potential buyers.

Most handymen will need to pay taxes on their earnings, and some may even have to obtain a license or permit for their business. Check with your local government for details on what is required in your area. You may also want to consider getting a dedicated business insurance policy to protect yourself against claims arising from your work.

Painting

Handymen often have a background in landscaping, home building, or construction and can take on a variety of tasks related to those industries. Some of these tasks might require a permit, but most handymen are licensed professionals who can handle tasks that are not hazardous. In many areas, handymen are licensed to perform home improvement and remodeling services, such as drywall repairs, interior painting, exterior siding repair, deck and patio staining or painting, and window replacement and installation.

Painting is one of the most popular handyman services offered. This can include repainting a room or a single wall, or it could be as involved as painting an entire house interior or exterior. Painting can be time-consuming and tedious, and many homeowners don’t want to take on the task themselves. For this reason, handymen are usually hired to handle these types of jobs.

Paint-related tasks also include sanding and priming wood surfaces, patching holes or nail pops in drywall, and applying a fresh coat of interior or exterior paint. Handymen can also repaint fences, hang window treatments, and apply caulking in bathrooms or kitchens.

Another common handyman service is hanging curtains or blinds for homeowners who do not have the time to do so themselves. Depending on your skill set and experience, you may also be able to offer additional window-related services like repairing or replacing window screens, or installing new window shutters.

Tile installation is another task that many handymen are capable of performing for their clients. While it might seem simple enough—put down the adhesive, smooth it out, lay the tiles—there is actually a lot of finesse and knowledge that goes into this type of job. Handymen who specialize in this service can do much more complex tile work than the average homeowner would be able to perform themselves, and they are also likely to get the job done quicker than the customer might be able to do it on their own.

Other common tasks handymen are able to do for their customers include washing windows (both inside and out), hanging mirrors or artwork, assembling furniture, mounting TVs, and even hanging light fixtures or other electronics. If you are a qualified and experienced handyman, having a list of the services that you offer makes it easy for potential clients to find the right person to take on their projects.

Plumbing

The wear and tear of daily life can result in broken or damaged home fixtures, and handymen are skilled at handling many different kinds of repairs. By creating a detailed list of repair needs and prioritizing them according to their urgency, you can ensure that all essential repairs are taken care of as soon as possible. To increase efficiency, consider grouping tasks by skill set, so the handyman can be sure to bring the proper tools and supplies for each job.

The vast majority of repairs are related to plumbing, and this is often one of the most popular services that handymen offer. Common requests include unclogging drains, faucet and shower repairs, and toilet repairs. Handymen are also able to handle small appliance installations, such as microwave ovens, washing machines, and electric car charging stations.

Although a licensed plumber is required to do some home appliance installation work, a handyman can usually tackle these smaller jobs without a license. However, if an issue is more complex and involves the water supply or drainage system, it may be best to hire a plumber with their licensing and specific training in these areas.

Another common request that handymen receive is drywall repair. This service typically takes just a few hours to complete, and most handymen can do it on their own with no need for a permit. However, it is important to note that repairing or replacing drywall can be difficult and dangerous, and if you’re not comfortable doing this yourself, it’s a good idea to contact a professional.

Handymen can also help with minor electrical work, such as installing or repairing outlets and light switches. They can even take on bigger electrical projects, such as wiring a new outlet or rewiring an entire room. However, it is recommended to always check a handyman’s background and insurance before hiring them for any electrical work.

Many homeowners also turn to handymen for other maintenance and cleaning tasks, such as lawn care, gutter cleaning, and window washing. Handymen are able to take on these kinds of duties with ease, and they can even install or repair small appliances like microwave ovens, washing machines, and dryers. In addition, they can do minor cleaning and reorganization work, such as rearranging shelves or painting a room.

Flooring

Many homeowners want to add new flooring as part of a home remodel or upgrade. Handymen can install new flooring or repair existing tile. They can also hang and install window treatments like blinds, curtains, and shades. They can even paint or stain fences to freshen up the appearance of a property.

Another popular handyman service is to repair, replace, or clean gutters and downspouts. This is a common project for both commercial and residential properties. Handymen can clear clogs, make repairs to downspouts and gutters, and install and repair gutter covers and extensions. Handymen can also offer senior-specific home upgrades to improve accessibility, such as walk-in tub installation, grab bars and toilet seats, and stairlift installation.

Walls tell a story about a house, and handymen are often called to refresh and revitalize them. Whether scrapes and holes caused by furniture or roughhousing kids, or simply dull and faded, handymen can restore walls to their original glory and provide a fresh canvas for decorating.

Kitchens and bathrooms are frequent spaces for handymen to work on. They can replace or repair sinks, faucets, drains, and garbage disposals. They can also install backsplashes and other decorative elements to enhance the look of a kitchen or bathroom.

Handymen are also called on to replace or repair doors, doors frames, and door knobs and handles. They can also handle more complex tasks, such as installing new locks and security systems, or building a deck. Handymen can also install and repair appliances, including washing machines, dryers, and dishwashers; clean windows; patch holes in walls or ceilings; paint interior and exterior surfaces; and do much more.

Unlike a licensed contractor, a handyman does not typically take on large scale projects that require extensive and sometimes dangerous construction or renovation work. But they can perform many of the same services, and most Taskers have licenses that allow them to do more specialized tasks. Check out the licensing requirements in your area to determine if you can offer specific tasks. In addition to licensing, bonding and insurance are essential for any professional handyman. This will protect you from financial liability in the event of an accident or incident, and it shows potential clients that you’re serious about providing quality work.

Home Services

Why Should You Have Your Septic Tank Pumped Out?

Penny Charles

When wastewater flows into a septic tank, solid waste sinks to the bottom, forming a sludge layer. Meanwhile, lighter materials float to the top and form a layer of scum.

Over time, these layers build up and reduce the space available for new wastewater to enter. This can lead to clogs, backups, and expensive repairs. Contact Septic Tank Pump Out Perth now!

  1. Reduces Risk of Clogs

If you wait too long between pumping out your septic tank, the solids from the sludge layer will flow into your drain field and cause clogs. This clogs can damage your system and require expensive repairs. Septic tanks need to be pumped when the sludge level rises above about three-quarters of the water level.

The best way to avoid this issue is to have your septic tank inspected regularly by an experienced professional. You can also take steps to reduce the amount of waste that goes into your septic tank. For example, you can use drain filters that fit over all your drain holes and trap food scraps, soap scum, and hair before they go into the sewer system.

When a professional is hired to pump your septic tank, they’ll arrive in a truck that has a giant tank and a suction hose. When the tank is opened, the hose will literally “suck up” the sewage and transfer it into their truck to be hauled away. The waste will be taken to a sewage processing plant where it is processed and reused.

The septic tank professionals will inspect the septic system during the tank pumping process as well. This will help them determine the current state of the septic tank and system as well as make suggestions about how to keep it functioning properly. It’s important to remember that septic systems don’t like anything but toilet paper, human waste, and water. Never flush cat litter, coffee grounds, cigarette butts, handwipes, feminine hygiene products, diapers, kitty litter, or left over medications. Grease should also be disposed of in a proper manner rather than dumped down the drain.

A septic system is a complex system that requires expert maintenance. The best way to keep your septic tank from needing to be pumped out too frequently is to have it inspected by a professional every one to two years and pumped at least every three to five years. Additionally, you can prevent clogs by using drain filters and practicing moderation with everything that goes down your drains or is flushed down the toilet, including food scraps, grease, and household cleaners.

  1. Reduces Cost of Repairs

Getting your septic tank pumped regularly removes the waste that accumulates in the system. This keeps your drains flowing smoothly and prevents sewage odors from developing in the home. It also reduces the risk of expensive repairs down the road. A plumbing company in Chattanooga can handle the pumping process with ease and safety, so you don’t have to worry about doing it yourself.

How often you need to have your septic tank pumped depends on the amount of solid waste that goes into it. Your septic tank holds three types of solid waste: biodegradable “organic” solids, slowly biodegradable organic solids (like toilet paper), and non-biodegradable solids (like kitty litter). The more quickly-biodegradable and non-biodegradable waste you add to your septic tank, the more frequently it will need to be pumped.

Septic tanks that are never pumped become full of sludge, and the input and output pipes clog and back up. This can result in major plumbing damage that costs thousands of dollars to repair.

It can take a few weeks for the bacteria levels to return to normal after having the septic tank pumped. This is why it’s important to get your septic tank pumped when needed. Taking steps to maintain your septic tank system decreases the risk of costly issues and improves the lifespan of the entire septic system.

The best way to lower the cost of septic tank pumping is to limit the amount of solid waste that enters your septic system. This can be done by using less water, by spacing out laundry sessions throughout the week, and by avoiding flushing items that aren’t meant for the system (like cigarette butts, tissue paper, handwipes, left over medications, plastics, etc).

By taking care of your septic system and having it pumped out on a regular basis, you can rest assured knowing that your septic tank is protected from the costly issues that often occur when they are neglected. Contact a plumbing company in Chattanooga to schedule your next septic tank pumping today! This is one maintenance task that’s well worth the investment!

  1. Reduces Risk of Flooding

During a flood, the septic tank is likely to be pushed up out of the ground by the rising water. When this happens, the sludge layer could be forced out into the drainfield and cause clogs there. In addition, the water and sludge could seep into the home’s plumbing and cause flooding in rooms and bathrooms.

In order to reduce this risk, it is important to schedule your septic tank pump out as soon as you think it may be due. In addition, you can help prevent a septic tank flood by limiting your water usage during and after heavy rains. This means reducing toilet flushes, doing laundry off-site, and minimizing showers and baths.

When your septic tank gets pumped, the professional will use a truck that has a giant tank with a hose attached. This hose is placed into the septic tank and begins to suction up the waste. Once it is full, the waste will be stored in the truck and transported to a sewage processing plant where it will be safely handled.

Regularly scheduled septic tank pump outs can reduce the need for expensive repairs and save you from the potential health risks associated with toxic septic system waste. However, it is important to note that a septic tank needs regular maintenance and inspections in order to work properly. Avoid using septic tank additives that claim to eliminate the need for routine pumping. These additives can re-suspend solids, moving them from the septic tank to the drain field and causing clogs and system failure.

A septic tank should be pumped when the scum layer is within six inches of the bottom of the tank or when the sludge layer reaches 25% of the liquid depth. While the average septic tank will need to be pumped every three to five years, you can determine how often yours should be pumped by placing a measuring stick into the tank through the sludge and checking the velcro strip on the bottom of the tank.

When a septic tank is flooded, the contents can enter your home’s plumbing and cause flooding in your basement. In addition, the untreated septic waste can contaminate the surrounding environment and water sources. This can lead to the spread of bacteria and illness in your neighbors and family.

  1. Reduces Risk of Disease

If the septic tank isn’t pumped out as frequently as it should be, solid waste and sludge will build up inside the tank. It can also clog the drain field or cause the system to fail, which will result in sewage seepage. In these circumstances, the bacteria and other toxic substances that are in the sewage will enter the groundwater supply. This can lead to health problems for people who drink the water.

How often your septic tank needs to be pumped out depends on the size of the septic tank, how many people live in the home, and how much water is used. In most cases, it will need to be pumped out every three to five years. If you have a large family or use more water than average, it’s important to schedule pumping more regularly.

The septic tank is designed to remove solid waste from household wastewater before it seeps into the soil absorption field. This is important because if solids are left in the wastewater, they can clog the soil absorption field and prevent it from properly filtering the wastewater that leaves the house. The septic tank also helps to reduce the risk of sewage backup into the house and other plumbing failures.

Sewage odors that come from sinks, toilets, and showers are often a sign that it’s time to have the tank pumped out. It’s a good idea to hire a professional who will use a special vehicle with a vacuum hose to remove the waste from the tank. The process usually takes 30 – 60 minutes.

Some homeowners try to avoid septic tank pumping by using septic system additives that claim to eliminate the need for regular septic tank pumping. However, these additives usually re-suspend solid waste and move it to the drain field, where they can clog the lines and cause system failure. The septic tank pumping process is much easier and less expensive than dealing with the damage caused by a failed septic system.

If your septic system isn’t pumped out when it should be, the bacteria and other toxic compounds in the sewage will enter groundwater supplies, where they can contaminate drinking water. If you have a well, this could affect the health and safety of your family members and neighbors.