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.
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
Service Areas
