septic solutions

Septic Smart Initiative

Did you know about the Envirornmental Protection Agency’s Septic Smart initiative?

SepticSmart is a nation-wide public education effort that aims to inform homeowners living on properties serviced by septic systems on the importance of properly maintaining their system and provide valuable resources to help homeowners make important decisions regarding their wastewater management needs. The initiative also provides resources for outreach organizations and government leaders who seek to promote this message locally. Learn more about how your system works and simple, everyday tips on how to properly maintain it.

The Basics: Do you have questions about how septic systems work? Do you know whether or not your property is serviced by a septic system? Why should you maintain your system?: Learn the benefits to keeping a properly maintained system. The facts may surprise you. Find out more epa.gov.
For now, here are more tips on maintaining your drainfield:

Your drainfield—a component of your system that removes contaminants from the liquid that emerges from your tank—is an important part of your system. Here are a few things you should do to maintain it:

  • Parking: Never park or drive on your drainfield.
  • Planting: Plant trees the appropriate distance from your drainfield to keep roots from growing into your system. A septic service professional can advise you of the proper distance, depending on your septic tank and landscape.
  • Placing: Keep roof drains, sump pumps, and other rainwater drainage systems away from your drainfield area, as excess water slows down or stops the wastewater treatment process.
    • water heaters

    The Rising Cost of Water Heaters

    Buying a new water heater can be a stressful endeavor. What brand is best? What size is best? How much can I afford to spend on one? Well, unfortunately due to new federal regulations, buying a water heater has become even more complicated.

    This year Congress approved updates to the National Appliance Energy Conservation Act. This means that manufacturers have to comply with new energy efficiency standards. So how will this impact you?

    Well it means that the cost of buying and installing a new water heater has increased, by a fair amount. Some sites claim that the price increase will rise 15 to 35 percent. So last year a typical water heater might cost around $900 (including installation) but now will cost around $1250. A significant increase indeed.

    These new federal regulations also mean that newly manufactured water tanks will be taller and wider than their predecessors. This of course means that your new unit will most likely be unable to fit in the spot left by your old heater. Which will most likely be more expensive than a typical installation. And as an added bonus, just because new water heaters will be manufactured larger, doesn’t necessarily mean they will hold more water.

    So if you are thinking of getting a new unit you might want to consider buying a tankless water heater. Tankless water heaters already comply with the new regulations. Tankless water heaters, heat water on demand making them more efficient than water heaters with tanks.

    However, if you don’t think a tankless heater is right for you, you will have to decide whether it is worth it to upgrade to a water heater that meets these new energy efficiency standards. Upgrading will be more expensive. But if your water heater is nearing the 10 year mark, it just makes sense to bite the bullet and upgrade.

    If you’re having trouble with your water heater, we are experts in dealing with this. Don’t hesitate to give us a call or stop by.