Septic Tank Cleaning &
Services in Sacramento

Septic Service

While many homes in the Sacramento area are connected to city sewer systems, that’s not true of every property. And if Ace Plumbing Heating and Air Conditioning has learned anything during our decades in business, it’s that septic systems need TLC in much the same way you’d call for sewer services and repairs in Sacramento. Here’s what you need to know.

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Septic System 101

Understanding how your septic system works helps you to understand the kind of maintenance and repairs it needs from time to time. In brief, pipes carry wastewater from your toilets and drains to a tank that gathers the waste. That tank also contains a host of microorganisms that break down the lighter solids, while the heavier waste settles to the bottom of the tank. The resultant liquid proceeds to a leaching bed and then passes to the soil, where it filters down to the groundwater. It’s a simple and surprisingly effective system, but if there’s a problem anywhere in the chain, things can go wrong.

Why Septic Tanks Need Cleaning

Those bacteria do a wonderful job, but they can’t take care of everything. The heavier solids we mentioned earlier will eventually accumulate to a point where they need to be pumped out. Depending on the size of your septic system relative to the number of people it serves, that pumping should take place about every three to five years on average.

Septic Tank Maintenance 

Pumping is a must, but it’s only one of many things that should be maintained. Here are a few of the other services we provide.

Effluent Filter

The breakdown of solid waste to liquid isn’t always as efficient as it could be, especially if you flush something you shouldn’t. The waste products that are too small to settle out, but big enough to cause you problems, are called “effluent,” and an effluent filter keeps those solids from entering and damaging the drain field. The effluent filter needs periodic cleaning and occasional replacement.

Hydro-Jetting

Even though a septic system works differently than a sewer system, you’ll still face some of the same problems, including the buildup of grease and fats in the pipes, and root incursions that can cause damage. These problems can be identified via video septic system inspection and remedied through hydro-jetting that blasts out roots and clogs using water under high pressure.

Septic System Additives

There are many septic system additives available over the counter. Some are ineffective but harmless. Others aren’t only useless, they’ll actively harm or kill the bacteria in your septic system, causing a world of trouble. Ace Plumbing uses septic tank additives that help your system without harm.

Septic Tank Repairs

Even when you’re diligent about maintenance, repairs sometimes come up. Call us if you notice any of the following. 

  • Plants and grasses grow faster over the drain field
  • You notice standing water or pooling water, even when there’s been no rain
  • You smell a foul odor, indoors or out
  • Your drains or toilets don’t function properly
  • You suspect root incursions into any part of the septic system

Keeping Your Septic System Healthy Between Visits

Another way to stave off repairs is to ensure you’re doing all you can to keep your septic system safe. 

  • Don’t park vehicles on or near the septic system
  • Limit activity, especially by pets and kids, in the area
  • Insulate the system in colder weather using mulch or a frost blanket
  • Be aware of your water use, since higher use or waste places a heavier load on the system
  • Don’t flush additives, antifreeze, salt, drugs (legal or illicit), solvents, or cleaners; don’t put them down the drain, either
  • Likewise, don’t flush common “flushable” products like personal care wipes

Call Ace Plumbing Heating and Air Conditioning for Sacramento Septic Service

When we say “plumbing,” we mean all of it. Ace Plumbing Heating and Air Conditioning address everything from new toilet installations to irrigation systems and practically everything in between, so for installation, maintenance, and repairs, call us first. We’re happy to schedule in advance, but with 24/7 emergency plumbing service, we’re here whenever you need us.

Septic Dos and Don’ts

  • Do record the location of your septic tank. Make a map showing where your tank is.
  • Do install risers for the access lids at ground level. This makes any maintenance easier.
  • Don’t plant trees or shrubs near the septic system. Trees and shrubs can grow roots that clog the system.
  • Don’t construct anything on top of the drain field. Proper water flow is necessary for your septic to work.
  • Don’t put non-organic waste into the septic system. Keep diapers, paper towels, etc. out of the system.
  • Don’t drive heavy vehicles over the system. Pipes can be damage, and the soil compacted preventing proper drainage.
  • Do call Ace Plumbing if you have any septic needs.

Service Areas

We provide septic services in Sacramento, Folsom, Fair Oaks, Davis, Woodland, Lincoln, Rocklin, Roseville, El Macero, Elk Grove, Granite Bay, El Dorado Hills, Mather, Rancho Cordova, Citrus Heights, West Sacramento and all the communities between. Call us for an estimate or plumber dispatch.

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