Everyone knows the electricity will go out from time to time, be it because of ice or wind knocking down trees and taking out power lines, an automobile accident taking out a pole, or, God forbid, running out of money before you run out of month. One of many problems you may encounter during this time is that, depending on how long the power is out, you will for one reason or another still need to run the water. After all, even Batman has a bladder. And, one aspect of your home you may not necessarily associate with electricity is your septic system. But the pump that keeps things moving al ..read more

The Tri-State has already been through one round of polar vortex-induced plunging temperatures and a snow dump to boot. And it’s only February. The list of infrastructure and structures to be worried about in such situations can be long: roads, bridges, roofs, windows, sheds, garages, barns, decks, gazebos, homes. Believe it or not, one thing to add to that list is underground: your septic system. In particular, the pipe that carries wastewater from the house to the tank, the pipe from the tank to the drain field, and the drain field itself are all susceptible. The liquid inside the tank it ..read more

Many of the pieces to our septic systems are well-known, from drain to tank. One of the potentially most valuable components that is a little less talked about is the sump pump. Sump pumps collect and remove liquid from low spaces. Many houses in places with high risk of flooding contain sump pumps in the basement, as a means of keeping the home protected from unwanted water. Simply put, the sump pump, when it detects water, moves it away from the home through pipes. A small hole is located in the floor of the basement, collecting floodwater that penetrate ..read more

Knowing that flushing anything aside from a very short list isn’t recommended, and that wipes aren’t on that list, people who want to sell you things on the basis of convenience have instituted the “flushable wipe.” It should be noted here that just because you can do something doesn’t mean you should. Leaving aside for now the ethical path this blog post has begun careening toward, but maintaining the same principle – many things CAN be flushed, sure, but there is no assurance they will navigate your septic system, nor avoid wreaking havoc once they get there. “Flushable” wipes are no diff ..read more

Planning a large-scale outdoor event in an venue without built-out plumbing infrastructure? Acquiring the use of portable toilets – port-a-potties, port-a-johns, what-have-you – is perhaps the best, most viable solution for such activities – especially if it’s a long-running or recurring happening. It isn’t necessarily enough just to provide a place of business for people’s, well, business, though. What else should you consider when bringing portable bathrooms into the mix? Here are a few thoughts: Toilet paper is a must-have. Seems obvious, right? But who among us hasn’t woken up in a col ..read more

Somewhere between 20 and 25% of all American homes rely on septic systems to dispose of their waste, it’s estimated – with that number higher in largely rural areas, such as our Tri-State. Looking at buying a house that doesn’t have city sewer service? You’ll be pleased to know there are several positives to having your own septic system. Here’s a review: Generally low-maintenance. Aside from normal maintenance to keep things running as they should, your septic tank doesn’t need to be top of mind on a regular basis. With that maintenance, only flushing things that should be flushed (LINK ..read more

One thing to keep in mind when approaching the idea of purchasing an older property including a home, especially one that hasn’t been in continuous use, is what the septic system situation is. Maintenance of the septic system hasn’t always been top of mind, and in the past, leaving old septic tanks where they were constructed once a home was abandoned, or once city sewer connection became available, was somewhat commonplace. Just because a septic system is abandoned or out of current use doesn’t mean it can’t be a hazard on your property, however. Following are a few tips on why this could ..read more

Even before the COVID-19 pandemic hit and many people began primarily working from home, that trend was developing, of companies’ workflows becoming conducive to getting more things done from the house. The coronavirus only accelerated that trend, and while there can certainly be benefits to conducting your business from your home office – or potentially your couch, we’ll tell no one – it’s also worth thinking about the effects extra time in your abode might cause. One of those is the potential impact on the septic system. Imagine the extra workload from eight to 10 hours’ worth of toilet f ..read more

Yes, septic systems are built to last. And, if they’re taken care of well and properly routinely serviced, and with a little luck, they will last, for decades. But, they are not built to last in perpetuity. And besides that, good fortune is not always with us, is it? Here are some reasons why it may be time to look into getting a new septic system: Your current system can’t handle the water flow or consumption for your household. One (easier, less expensive and better-for-the-environment) workaround for this is to reduce how much water you use. In some situations, of course, this is infeas ..read more

It’s no one’s idea of a good time first thing in the morning to hit the alarm button, stumble to the bathroom sink and catch a whiff of stink coming up the drain before even having time to brush teeth or brew coffee. And a smelly sink when you’re trying to set the mood for a romantic evening? Forget about it. However disappointing, discouraging and annoying that scent may be, it can oddly be beneficial in that it could indicate certain maintenance required in a septic system. And in some situations, it’s easy and relatively surface-level. Try these ideas on for size when a stink becomes unb ..read more