Expert Contributor by Dave DiGregorio & TJ Dell’Arciprete Delaware Valley Septic, Sewer & Storm
Maintaining Your Septic System Properly There’s a lot of bad information out there about how to maintain your septic system. Unfortunately, there isn’t a signal or alarm to tell you it’s time to get your system pumped. By the time your system does let you know, there is a much bigger issue at hand! The best way for you to maintain your septic system is to pump it on a consistent basis. Just like heating and air conditioning units need periodic maintenance to avoid the big problems, so does your septic system. Heating units get a break in the summer and air conditioning gets a break in the winter, but your septic system is used 24/ 7/365. How will you know when it’s time for a septic system pumping? It all depends on a few factors: The number of people in your household A septic system should be pumped at least every one to three years, depending on the number of full-time occupants in the home. The more people living in your home, it’s likely that you will use more water and need to service your septic system more frequently. Use this breakdown tool to estimate when your system is likely to need pumping: 1 person = 3 years 2 people = 2.5 years 3 people = 1.5 years 4 people or more = annually
Whether or not you have a garbage disposal If you have a garbage disposal, you will typically need to pump more frequently because a good amount of small particles enter your tank regularly. Those particles form a “mat” that greatly impacts the septic tank environment pre-treatment capabilities because the “mat” moves onto and damages the draining components. Many homeowners think that after you pump a septic tank, it doesn’t fill back up for years. That is, however, not the case. Your tank will fill back up within a week or so depending on water usage in your home. Keeping accumulated solids and debris to a minimum keeps the effluent cleaner before it reaches the septic system’s drainage components. It’s also a great idea to have the overall system inspected every few years, to make sure everything is functioning as intended. A big misconception is that pumping tells you how your overall system is functioning. Just like a car, there are many different parts to your septic system. Following these maintenance tips can help your septic system provide many additional years of use, perhaps even decades. That is the main goal! Spend a few hundred dollars in maintenance to save multiple tens of thousands of dollars to replace septic system drain fields. NS
Newtown Square’s Experts for Septic, Sewer & Storm Services! Delaware Valley Septic, Sewer & Storm is a family run business that has been prioritizing customer service & providing the most reliable Septic, Sewer & Storm services for over 30 years. Our services include:
Our hard working crew!
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• Septic, Sewer & Storm Water Installations
This company went above and beyond when I experienced a sudden malfunction with my pump. Everyone I interacted with provided great service.
• Septic & Sewer Inspection • Septic & Storm Pumping • Sewer & Drain Cleaning • Repairs & Maintenance
610-947- 4800 26
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~ Chris H.
www.4DelVal.com
Newtown Square Friends & Neighbors
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info@4DelVal.com
November 2021
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504 Eagle Road, Suite B, Springfield
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