“Regular septic maintenance—including pumping out and inspecting your system every handful of years—is critical to the upkeep of your property,” states Price. “Often, homeowners don’t really realize how their septic systems work, so they don’t look into proper maintenance for them,” Price continues. 

A septic system works by carrying wastewater from your home to your septic tank, where it separates solids, known as sludge, from grease and oil, known as scum. The waste-water then leaves the tank and enters the drainfield, and the solids remain. “The septic solids should be pumped every three to five years, or they will build up and cause major problems,” says Price. Price notes that if you have the tendency to flush small items down the toilet—such as cotton balls, q-tips or dental floss—you may be contributing to future clogs that will contaminate your water, and could be so damaging they will mandate expensive repair or the complete replacement of your system. Flushing chemicals down the drain can also contaminate your water, posing risk both to you, your family, and the environment. 

“How often you should have your septic tank pumped depends on a variety of factors, including the climate, house size and how many people reside there,” explains Price. To help ensure the health of your septic tank, and avoid costly repairs, be sure to get your tank pumped every five years—or sooner depending on the volume of water use—repair any water leaks immediately, and conserve water whenever possible. “If you have a garbage disposal, it’s important to minimize the grease and solids you feed it, as they will end up in your septic tank,” explains Price. 

If you are in the process of buying or selling, be sure that you have your septic tank—or the tank of the home you are looking to buy—inspected by a professional. Are you the seller? Price suggests getting your septic tank inspected and pumped before putting your home on the market. 

Please contact me with any of your Frederick Maryland real estate or mortgage questions toll Free, 24/7, at 1-800-395-9636 x7 or E-mail me at bill@homes2price.com.

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I am a long time Maryland resident having graduated from Annapolis High School, Johns Hopkins University (BSE) and the University of Maryland. I graduated from University of Maryland with a Masters degree in Engineering. I earned my REALTOR license in 2002 and the Graduate REALTOR Institute designation, GRI.

My focus is to assist my clients achieve their objective in their real estate transaction while saving them time and money. I believe that Real Estate Sales is about helping people.TM My goal is to help people save time and money by assisting them to buy and sell homes in the Maryland Counties of Frederick, Carroll, Howard, Montgomery and Washington. 

Some cities I specialize in are Frederick, New Market, Mt Airy, Middletown, Walkersville, Brunswick, Thurmont, Myersville, Ijamsville, Urbana, and Woodsboro.

Republished With permission by RISMedia © Copyright 2011