If you’re preparing to buy a home in a rural area, you’ll likely acquire a septic system, as opposed to having access to a sewer. As these systems require a bit more maintenance and upkeep, there’s a number of items you’ll want to consider before signing on the dotted line. To prepare you for your big move, P & H Septic Service has shared three tips for purchasing a home with a septic system.

What to Know Before Owning a Septic System

1. Understand How the System Works

Before purchasing a home with a septic system, you should have an understanding of how the system works. This will prepare you for what to expect so that you can maintain a healthy, efficient septic system. Essentially, it takes the place of a sewage system by draining wastewater away from your home and depositing it in a watertight underground tank. The tank houses solids, or sludge, at the bottom while everything else, like grease, rises to the top. While the soil in your yard works to filter out contaminants and break down organics in the wastewater, sludge and scum will remain in your system until they’re periodically pumped out by your professional septic service technician.

2. Keep Up With Maintenance

To effectively remove the natural buildup of sludge and scum, you’ll need to enlist the help of a qualified professional for regular septic maintenance. A specialist will complete a thorough septic pumping as well as inspect for leaks and clogs in your system. Keep in mind that there’s no one-size-fits-all maintenance schedule, and that it will largely depend on the size of your tank as well as how much wastewater your home generates. In the meantime, avoid using septic tank additives, as these can damage your system.

3. Calculating Drainage Costs

In addition to regular septic pumping and maintenance, you’ll also want to have your system periodically drained. Similar to pumping, no designated schedule will work for everyone. Instead, drainage costs will depend on the size of your tank, the drain field size, and the distance to haul away the waste. Telltale signs that you’re overdue for draining include pooling water, slow drains, and foul odors.

If you’re in need of septic maintenance for your new home, look no further than P & H Septic Service LLC, in Uncasville, CT. With over 35 years of experience, their certified septic service technicians have provided residential and commercial customers with everything from septic tank installation, maintenance, and replacement to leach field repair. To speak with a professional about your septic system, give them a call today at (860) 848-8507 or visit their website for more information.