Blog, Articles and Tips | Express Septic & Drain Cleaning

10 Things to Do Before Your Septic Pumping Service

December 15, 2023

Maintaining a healthy septic tank will extend its life and significantly reduce the need for repair. It will also help to ensure it remains in excellent working condition. This includes routine inspections, cleaning the components, and replacing worn-out parts. Neglecting maintenance leads to pump failures, wastewater backup, and potentially irreparable damage to the septic system. Septic pumping is a necessary form of maintenance for septic systems. It ensures that your tank remains in excellent working condition. Once you narrow down the list of local professionals, it’s time to start prepping for their visit. Taking proactive measures before they arrive to service the septic system will make it a smooth and pleasant experience for all. By following the steps below, your septic pumping service visit should run smoothly and efficiently. 1. Understand the Purpose of Septic Pumping The primary purpose of a septic pump is to assist with getting rid of the liquid waste that accumulates in the septic tank by transferring it to the system’s designated drainage area where it is absorbed by the ground or treated if necessary. The septic pump is usually placed inside of the tank or in its own separate chamber within the septic system. A

11 Common Septic System Issues and How to Prevent Them

December 4, 2023

Are you concerned about the health of the sewage system in your home? Learning about some of the typical issues that could affect your waste disposal system and its warning signs can help you protect your pipes and septic tank from significant damage. Discover some of the most common septic system problems and how to determine if you have an issue that needs to be corrected to avoid costly repairs in the future. Here, we’ll go into various malfunctions and the most appropriate maintenance measures you should take to prevent them from escalating into disasters. 1. Sinks and Toilets Drain Slowly One of the leading indicators that your septic system could be experiencing a malfunction is the slow draining of your toilets and sinks. The low speed shows the septic system is likely to be clogged, hence hindering water from exiting your home. You can prevent slow drains by ensuring the septic tank is regularly pumped and avoiding flushing any non-biodegradable materials down the toilet. If the situation becomes severe, you’ll need a professional plumber to clear the blockage. 2. Bad Odors Originating From the Drains A bad smell from the drains indicates the system is not operating properly. Also,

Nine Reasons You Have a Failing Septic Tank

November 15, 2023

Septic tanks are used in suburban or rural areas where there is no centralized sewage system. These wastewater treatment units collect, treat, and release water back into the environment. Like any other type of system, it can fail. Here are some of the top causes of these failures. 1. Lack of Routine Maintenance Like many other systems in your home, septic tank units must be routinely maintained. Neglecting this task can lead to several issues, such as accumulations of scum, sludge, and hard water. Eventually, this debris will create blockages in the tank, leaving you with a non-functioning system. You will want to have the tank pumped out about every three to five years. Along with that, you may want to have a service team inspect the unit for leaks or cracks. Plus, these professionals should also make sure that the distribution box and drain field are in working order. If you fail to have the system inspected on a regular basis, it could lead to an overloaded tank. In turn, that will cause a massive failure of your system. 2. Overloading the System Septic tanks are designed to hold a certain amount of wastewater. When the system is overloaded,

What Tankless Septic Systems Are and How They Work

November 9, 2023

The wastewater or effluence that flows out of your Nampa, ID home needs a place to go. For most properties, this is the municipal sewer system. All of their wastewater pipes converge on a single sewer line that leads to the municipal sewer main. If you live in a remote neighborhood or have poor drainage, having a septic system installed might be a necessary or better choice. However, not all septic systems are the same. While most homeowners with septic systems use underground tanks to capture and retain solid waste, there are a number of highly effective options in tankless septic systems. Read on to find out what these are, how they work, and when they’re used. What Septic Tanks Do and Why They’re Important When solid waste and wastewater first enter a standard septic system, it’s held in an underground tank. This allows solid materials like toilet paper and human waste to settle at the bottom. Enzymes within the tank break this waste down to a semi-solid sludge that must regularly be pumped out. Oil, grease, and other fats float atop this scum, and the remaining wastewater enters a nearby drain field. In the drain field, this effluence is

Who Fixes Septic Tanks? We Do.

October 22, 2023

Who fixes septic tanks? At , we do. We’ve been servicing septic tanks in the Nampa and Caldwell, ID, areas since 2006. Our goal as a company is to serve our customers with the best quality services and repairs possible while putting customer satisfaction at the top of our list. We offer many septic services, from inspections and locating services to repairs and replacements. Let us tell you more about what we do to keep your septic system running efficiently and effectively. Preventative Care and Maintenance Preventative care is the number one part of keeping your septic system running as smooth as possible. Taking care of your system before a problem arises saves you money and time later. Some of these preventative measures are basic things you can do every day. Other times, you may need to call a licensed and knowledgeable plumber to keep your system running at peak performance. Keeping the System Clear Your kitchen and bathroom sinks, bathtub, and toilet are all drains that need to be routinely cared for. Never put things down the drain that don’t belong. These items include food items such as grease and oils. Wipes should always be tossed in the trash,

Protecting Your Septic System in Winter: Understanding and Mitigating Freezing Risks

October 16, 2023

One of the most important steps in protecting your Nampa, ID home is caring for your septic system. Negligence in this area could leave you with an expensive, whole-house backup and a smelly, sunken yard. Unfortunately, when outside temperatures plummet, your septic tank and its drain field are in danger of freezing over. Knowing how cold weather affects these underground wastewater systems is key to keeping them running smoothly. The Potential for Septic Freezing and the Dangers of Using Antifreeze When freezing winter weather rolls in, all plumbing systems throughout Nampa are in danger of frosting over. Whether your wastewater travels to the municipal sewer main or leads to a septic tank that’s buried in your yard, your exposed pipes should be properly insulated. In septic systems, the components that are most likely to freeze first during a cold weather snap are the pipes that travel from homes to outdoor tanks. Freezing in septic systems is frequently a progressive issue. After all, the movement of water during cold weather plays a major hand in preventing icing. If the pipe to your tank is frozen and your wastewater is poised to start backing up into your home, water levels in your

Landscaping and Drain Field Maintenance: A Guide to Preventing Issues

August 31, 2023

If you have a problem with your drain field, it could be time to explore the outside factors contributing to it. Landscaping around a septic tank can be important in maintaining efficiency and avoiding issues like clogging or back-flushing sewage. While using soil and plants judiciously can make some great improvements to your property, too much vegetation or placing plants in certain areas can lead to big problems for your landscape design and drainage system. Below is a discussion of how landscaping can cause drain field problems, how to prevent them from happening, and when it might be time to call a professional. Planting Too Close to the Drain Field Planting too close to the drain field can cause roots to grow into the septic system, leading to clogged pipes and damaged components. Roots from large trees can easily puncture and clog drainage pipes, leading to sewage backing up into your yard. Fortunately, there are steps you can take to prevent these issues. Be sure to carefully plan your landscaping, and avoid planting trees or shrubs within 10 feet of the drain field area. Additionally, consider using shallow-rooted plants and ground covers or building raised beds to create a barrier

Understanding the Operation of Septic Lift Stations

August 31, 2023

Septic lift stations play a crucial role in managing wastewater in areas where the terrain poses challenges for natural gravity-based sewage flow. These systems are essential for maintaining public health and preventing environmental contamination in regions with elevation variations, flat landscapes, or low-lying topographies. Keep reading to learn more about septic lift stations, exploring their components, functioning, maintenance, benefits, and environmental considerations. Septic Lift Stations Septic lift stations are specialized systems designed to overcome the limitations of gravity-based wastewater collection systems. These systems are particularly relevant in areas where the terrain makes creating a consistent downward flow of wastewater toward treatment facilities challenging. The primary purpose of a septic lift station is to collect wastewater from lower elevations, pump it uphill to a higher point, and then discharge it into a main sewer line or a treatment facility. This technology finds applications in both urban and rural settings, addressing the needs of various industries and communities. Components of a Septic Lift Station Collection Tank At the core of a septic lift station lies the collection tank strategically positioned in areas with lower elevations. This tank serves as a reservoir for incoming wastewater, allowing it to accumulate before being pumped to

How Long Does an EarthBuster Service Take to Repair a Septic System?

August 14, 2023

The EarthBuster Deep Soil Decompactor is a specialized piece of equipment designed to repair and restore septic systems affected by compacted soil in the drain field. The process is relatively new and was only developed just over a decade ago, and it is a great alternative to digging up all of the compacted soil and replacing the drain field. Before we look at how our EarthBuster service works and how long it takes, it’s first important for you to understand how a septic drain field functions and the impact soil compaction has on it so you can know why an EarthBuster service might be needed and what effects it will have on your septic system. Understanding the Function of a Septic Drain Field A septic drain field is connected to the septic tank’s outlet baffle, and it functions to fully treat and dispose of the wastewater that flows out of the tank whenever you use your plumbing system. The water that flows out of the septic tank is partially treated since all of the bacteria in the tank quickly work to break down most of the waste in the water along with all of the solid waste in the tank.

Can You Fix Your Own Septic System? Essential Reasons for Seeking Professional Septic Services

July 11, 2023

Septic tanks require regular cleaning, maintenance, and to operate correctly. Consistent maintenance provides the added benefits of keeping your home environment healthy and helping to conserve property value. It is hard to understate the importance of septic tanks as waste management systems. According to the U.S. Census Bureau, over 60 million people in the country use septic systems. Moreover, one in four homes rely on septic tanks. For these families, any breakdowns in the septic system could have catastrophic health and infrastructure consequences. Even if you already have some knowledge about plumbing and piping, a professional septic services company has the resources necessary for accurate repair. A look at the benefits of using an expert septic service can help you make an informed decision for your home. How Do Septic Systems Work? A septic system is a sewage management system designed to treat wastewater on-site. It is usually an alternative to using municipal or city sewers. Other names for a septic system include domestic wastewater system, residential wastewater treatment system, on-site wastewater disposal system, or subsurface sewage disposal system. The typical septic system consists of a septic tank, several underground filters, and a drain field or soil absorption field. These

5 Things You Should Expect From a Septic Pumping Company

July 3, 2023

Septic systems are complicated and can have many issues if not properly handled. This makes it essential to carefully consider who to choose when you need your septic tank pumped or any other service. To make things easier, read on to learn some of the most important things that you should expect from a reputable septic pumping company. 1. Fully Licensed and Insured When it comes time to have your septic tank pumped, you should first make sure any company you choose has the proper state licenses and is fully insured. The Idaho Department of Environmental Quality must certify any company that operates septic pumping equipment, and you can only legally use a certified company for pumping or any other septic services. The state also requires that any person operating septic pumping equipment has the proper permit, and this permit must be reapplied for each year. Septic licensing and permits are essential for ensuring that the waste is transported safely and disposed of properly to prevent potential environmental damage. Another reason why it is vital that you choose a licensed, insured company is to protect yourself against potential liability issues. If the company does not have the proper insurance, you

Understanding Septic Systems: Risks, Maintenance, and Insurance Coverage

June 8, 2023

Rural areas are full of homes with septic systems. If you live in a city, you likely have a sewer line that transfers any waste from your plumbing to the town’s sewer system. Whether you live in a small town or a rural community, you may have a septic system that comes with a variety of possible perils. Find out what the system does, some of the issues you might face, and whether your homeowners insurance policy will cover you. How Does a Septic System Work? You can live in your home for years without knowing how your septic system works. The system consists of both a drain field and a septic tank. Every time anyone flushes waste through your plumbing system, it moves through the pipes and into the tank. Some things, such as grease, float along the top, while solid waste sinks to the bottom of the tank. A septic tank moves the liquid waste through special pipes that slowly push it into the drain field. The system may have chambers or other elements that prevent all of the waste from leaking out at the same time and flooding your yard. As long as the system works properly,

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