If you are a first time home buyer or presently live in a home with a septic system please read.

Usually Bacteria is not a friend but since they work morning, noon and night watching over your septic system, we'll say they do a very good job, BUT YOU NEED TO DO YOUR PART

This is Part 2 with simple suggestions to help you maintain your septic system and avoida failed system.

OK - We know the bacteria work 24/7/365 but you have to do your part. Here is your system.          The Sludge is what will need to be pumped.

Simple Steps

1. Strongly recommended only products go down the drain that are biodegradable. Try to avoid mop water and food particles or grease, cleaning items.  Try to use your garbage disposal sparingly. There are additive products on the market that claim to help keep your system clean but I would recommend you do your research prior to using.

2. It is recommend having your system pumped every 3-5 years depending on usage and age. The bacteria does a very good job of reducing your solid waste but it cannot completely eliminate all of the waste..  If the tank is not periodically pumped, this sludge eventually builds up high enough that it is forced to enter the drainfield.  When that happens, you ruin the drainfield and you're looking at a new system. (see example above.

3.Trees - Keep trees and tree roots away from your sytem. Tree roots can cause problems. Never build a structure over your system or drive over your system.

4. If you are going to purchase a home find out when it was last pumped. Please do not move into that home until it is pumped. Your home inspector can run a flow test or an more invasive test if necessary to make sure the system is working properly. Believe me, it is not fun to not be able to flush a toliet or take a shower while your septic system is being replaced, but it does happen.

5.Replacing a system is quite costly depending on the type system it can range from $3,000 to $7,000; therefore, I encourage you to follow the simple stemps of maintaining your stem - Remember what goes down the drain will end up in the septic system, even though the bacterial does a good job....have that system pumped every three to five years.

     I hope this information has helped you understand the Importance of a good Maintenance Program.

----Buying a home? Building a home? Need a septic inspection? ----Call Carl Winters, Licensed by TAREI #3630, and Registered by TRCC. Complete Inspection Service - 830-660-0131 or 830-899-2441. Service area: Comal, Kendall, Guadalupe counties. We've been in business since 1994 and live in Comal County.

No. 1 Blog  Link: Thought Provoker - It works morning, noon and in the dark of night 

Blog March 2, 2009 (Localism.com/NewBraunfels/CanyonLake) Texas

                                                     Thank You Carl & Ceil Winters

Website: Complete Inspectin Service