• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar

Accessibility Statement

Follow Us on FacebookFollow Us on TwitterFollow Us on InstagramFollow Us on YouTubeRSS Feed

Kimberly Howell Properties

San Antonio Real Estate

office@kimberlyhowell.com
(210) 493-6888
  • Blog
  • About Us
  • Agents
  • Buyers
    • Neighborhoods
    • Relocation Information
  • Sellers
  • Listings
    • Available Rentals
    • Homes for Sale
    • McNair Custom Homes
    • Open Houses
  • Contact
  • Rental SearchHomes for Rent
  • REALTORS®Find an Agent
  • McNair Custom HomesNew Construction
  • Property SearchHomes for Sale
You are here: Home / Homeowner Tips / How to Maintain an Existing Septic System

How to Maintain an Existing Septic System

September 18, 2011 by khproperties 1 Comment

The plumbers at work

Many San Antonio area homes, particularly in rural areas, are not tied into a public sewer system. Instead, these homes are generally equipped with an individual septic system for handling waste. As far as daily use goes, most people don’t notice a huge difference in the systems, but if you own, or are looking at property that is set up with a septic system on site, there are a few maintenance and minor use issues of which to be aware.

When it comes to septic systems, the most common type has been an in-ground tank. Waste material flows from the house out to the storage tank through underground pipes. As with any volumetric system, close observation of both the tank and plumbing connections are important. For plumbing guidance and options visit the Mac-Vik Plumbing and Heating homepage.

Know Your Septic System

First, know your system and its layout. Pipes run underground from the house to the tank, which is usually a short distance away from the house’s foundation. This will also  help you make sure you get a good bidet for your toilet pipelines.  It’s important to make note of the boundaries of the tank so that you don’t accidentally dig into the tank, or drive over the area. Any improvements, such as a pool or deck, should be kept away from these areas to prevent leaks.

Second, keep shrubs and roots away from the system (and all plumbing). Roots from large shrubs and trees can work their way into the pipes and cause clogs or leaks. Rectifying the damage can be costly. Grass growing over a septic tank is actually beneficial, however. The short roots do not pose a threat to the pipes, yet the grass itself provides valuable ground cover that prevents erosion.

Also, you want to make sure to lookout for signs of trouble. Exposed parts can often be seen with just a quick glance every few months. Lush, bright green grass growing over the tank area can indicate a crack or leak in the tank. And a foul stench emanating from the area of the tank can also be a warning sign of possible trouble. Consider this as a sign to get basement pump servicing immediately.

Pump the system regularly. The septic tanks have a limited capacity, and inevitably will fill up. How quickly this happens depends a lot on the number of users and the size of the system. If you have one or two people using the system, it will likely fill much more slowly than if you have eight people dependent upon it. On average, septic tank pumping is done every three to five years. The cost for this service ranges from $200-$500. When a licensed septic company comes out to install a sewage pump or perform septic pumping, you should have them check for cracks and leaks each time. If your home is connected to a sewer system, you may need to find out more about sewer line maintenance and repair.

Tip for Septic System Maintenance

Control what goes in. Septic systems are designed to create a unique balance of good bacteria and water to dilute and combat the unmentionables stored in the tank.  Too much water can actually harm the system. Try using energy efficient toilets, and diverting gutters away from the parts to minimize risk of oversaturation. At the same time, too many solids can be harmful as well. Scraping dishes into the trash before rinsing can help tremendously. Always avoid putting fat down drains, as it can clog pipes and overload the storage tank. Some people suggest specialized toilet paper that dissolves more quickly in septic systems.

Avoid Certain Products and Chemicals. Cleaning products, while great for inside our homes, can wreak havoc on a septic system. Most notably are bleach and drain cleaners. Bleach is designed to kill bacteria. All bacteria. And an important component of a septic tank is the good bacteria in the system that breaks down waste product. A cupful of bleach on occasion will probably not cause a noticeable amount of disruption to the system. Drain cleaner, while killing bacteria, can also eat away at system parts and should be avoided completely.

There are also a wide variety of products, such as Rid-X, which, when introduced to the tank regularly, help to restore the good bacteria and chemicals into the system. Always check with a reputable septic company before introducing new products into the system.

When it’s time to clean or repair your septic system, Home Choice Plumbing: plumbing company in Jupiter, FL may be able to provide the services you need.

Aerobic Systems

In addition to the standard tank systems, aerobic systems are an increasingly popular option. These systems utilize a unique network of spray heads to dissipate waste material. Care should be taken to ensure proper spray pattern, and avoidance of any breaks in the plumbing structures or spray heads. These systems should be evaluated annually by a professional septic company.

Note: This information is intended as an overview of septic care and maintenance and should not be the sole source of information on the subject. Any questions about a specific system, should be directed to a licensed septic company. Kimberly Howell Properties is not liable for any damages or injury as a result of following this information.

image courtesy of ErikBerndt

Related Posts

  • Why Good Real Estate Photos MatterWhy Good Real Estate Photos Matter
  • Things to Do After You Move InThings to Do After You Move In
  • 6 Steps to Take Before Selling Your Home6 Steps to Take Before Selling Your Home
  • Fix Up Your Home Before Putting It On The MarketFix Up Your Home Before Putting It On The Market
  • Moving Day – Are You Prepared for Your Move?Moving Day – Are You Prepared for Your Move?

Filed Under: Homeowner Tips Tagged With: advice, septic, septic system, maintenance, care, plumbing, aerobic, how to, tips

Quick Search

Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. JaydenEden says

    July 1, 2014 at 5:04 PM

    Knowing where your septic system runs seems like a smart thing to know. I never thought about trees or shrubs growing into it, though. I will have to check out mine to make sure I haven’t put any trees too close to it.
    Jayden Eden

    Reply

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

Primary Sidebar

Confused About The Housing Market?

Confused About The Housing Market? Lean On Your Realtor

If you’re thinking about buying or selling a home, you probably want to know what’s really happening with home prices, mortgage rates, housing supply, and more. That’s not an easy task considering how … [Read More...] about Confused About The Housing Market? Lean On Your Realtor

Homeownership Is An Investment In Your Future

Homeownership: An Investment In Your Future

There are many people thinking about buying a home, but with everything affecting the economy, some are wondering if it’s a smart decision to buy now or if it makes more sense to wait it out. As Bob Broeksmit, … [Read More...] about Homeownership: An Investment In Your Future

Ready for Homeownership?

What You Need To Know If You’re Ready For Homeownership

If you’re a young adult, you may be thinking about your goals and priorities for the months and years ahead. And if homeownership ranks high on your goal sheet, you’re in good company. Many of your peers are … [Read More...] about What You Need To Know If You’re Ready For Homeownership

Prioritizing Your Wants and Needs

Prioritizing Your Wants And Needs As A Homebuyer

There’s no denying mortgage rates are higher now than they were last year. And if you’re thinking about buying a home, this may be top of mind for you. That’s because those higher rates impact how much it costs … [Read More...] about Prioritizing Your Wants And Needs As A Homebuyer

Winter Selling Checklist

Your Winter Home Selling Checklist

As you get ready to sell your house, add these items to your to-do list. A real estate professional will also provide other helpful tips based on your specific situation. Have questions, let us … [Read More...] about Your Winter Home Selling Checklist

Search Our Site

Real Estate Topics

  • Buying a Home
  • Homeowner Tips
  • KHP News
  • Local Events
  • Local Laws
  • Miscellaneous
  • Mortgages and Financing
  • Open Houses
  • Real Estate
  • Real Estate Market
  • Renters and Landlords
  • San Antonio Places
  • Sell Your Home
  • Technology
Our real estate agents can help you with properties anywhere in Texas. If you need assistance finding agents in other parts of the country, please contact us.

Search Homes

Explore Cities

  • Alamo Heights 36 Listings
  • Bandera 385 Listings
  • Blanco 187 Listings
  • Boerne 712 Listings
  • Bulverde 419 Listings
  • Canyon Lake 465 Listings
  • Castle Hills 22 Listings
  • Castroville 94 Listings
  • Cibolo 376 Listings
  • Comfort 59 Listings
  • Converse 671 Listings
  • Fair Oaks Ranch 54 Listings
  • Floresville 238 Listings
  • Garden Ridge 11 Listings
  • Helotes 147 Listings
  • Hill Country Village 4 Listings
  • La Vernia 172 Listings
  • Lakehills 141 Listings
  • Leon Valley 23 Listings
  • Live Oak 81 Listings
  • Mico 123 Listings
  • New Braunfels 1530 Listings
  • Olmos Park 9 Listings
  • San Antonio 10789 Listings
  • Schertz 295 Listings
  • Seguin 638 Listings
  • Selma 75 Listings
  • Shavano Park 12 Listings
  • Spring Branch 422 Listings
  • Terrell Hills 17 Listings
  • Universal City 93 Listings
  • Windcrest 32 Listings
  • Hollywood Pk 2 Listings

Stay up to date with the latest from Kimberly Howell Properties.

San Antonio real estate and property information provided by Kimberly Howell Properties. Kimberly Howell Properties does not assume any liability or responsibility for the operation or content of any of the linked resources, nor for any of the interpretations, comments, graphics, or opinions contained therein. All information deemed reliable, but not guaranteed.

KJH Properties, Inc. is a licensed real estate brokerage in the State of Texas, Equal Opportunity Employer, and supporter of the Fair Housing Act.

TREC Information About Brokerage Services | TREC Consumer Protection Notice | Privacy Policy

All content © 2009-2023 Kimberly Howell Properties, unless otherwise noted.