Nearly everyone in the Lower Mainland and across the Fraser Valley has heard of septic systems. Whether you are familiar with these complex systems firsthand or are new to the world of septic tanks and drainfields, maintenance might still be a mystery. The experts at Pete & Son Plumbing break down common septic services and what makes them so important.
We depend on plumbing systems to carry wastewater out of our homes and bring clean water in. There are more than 1,000 septic systems in the Fraser Valley alone, each of which depends on expert maintenance to stay running.
Septic System Maintenance: Services That Should Be Common Practice & Why
It’s easy to forget how much the average household relies on a steady influx of clean water and reliable wastewater removal. How many times per day do you turn on a faucet or flush a toilet? It’s probably not something that you consider readily, but as soon as you start to see backup or slow draining, these issues take top priority.
Regular maintenance of your septic systems is just about the smartest thing that a homeowner can do. Routine inspections and preventative maintenance plans help to keep systems running smoothly, reduce the risk of backups and blockages, and prevent premature replacements.
Septic Pumping: Over time, solid waste and debris will accumulate in septic tanks. This will lead to clogs and blockages that will only get worse. Having your septic tank pumped regularly reduces the risk of blockages causing backup and overflow. The frequency of residential septic pumping will depend on the size of your tank and the number of people in your household. Experts highly recommend that tanks be pumped out every 3-5 years based on average usage.
Tank Cleaning: Pumping out solid waste is a great idea, but that doesn’t mean the cleaning is over! Experienced technicians and plumbing professionals will clean tanks as needed, removing sludge and scum. Cleaning surfaces and lines ensures efficient wastewater treatment.
Septic Inspections: Regular maintenance practices should include an inspection of your systems. The service area of an inspection includes the tanks themselves, as well as the drainfield around them. This works to determine the overall health of the system, as well as identify whether or not there are any repairs or replacements needed.
Drainfield Maintenance: The condition of your drainfield is incredibly important to the overall function of your septic system. These fields are responsible for managing the wastewater that flows out of the tanks. Maintenance can include removing growth, roots or debris that prevents proper drainage or repairing any damage.
Septic System Repairs: Keeping up with a preventative maintenance plan can eliminate the need for expensive repairs or emergency service. Common repairs include replacing damaged pipes, fixing leaks, treating rust or corrosion, or replacing damaged equipment like pumps, floats, or alarms.
Replacement & Installation: Even with regular tank services, septic systems will eventually need to be replaced. This occurs when systems are past the point of repair and need to be fully removed and updated. Working with local plumbers simplifies the installation process, guiding you through the complex aspects and providing peace of mind with fully insured services.
