Difference Between A Septic System and Sewer System Most people don’t put a lot of thought into their home’s waste disposal system. But if you are considering purchasing a new home one of the questions that you might have is- what is the difference between a septic system and a sewer system? If you want … Read more
Can You Sell A House With a Failed Septic System? If you are in the process of selling your home or perhaps purchasing a home with a septic system then a septic inspection is something that should be done prior to closing on the house. But what happens if your septic system fails inspection? That … Read more
Updated October 2026. Sizes checked against state septic code; your local health department sets the rule for your home. Most homes need a septic tank of at least 1,000 gallons, and septic tank size is set by the number of bedrooms, not square footage. Washington State, for example, requires at least 1,000 gallons for up … Read more
Updated October 2026. Checked against U.S. EPA guidance. A cesspool is an underground pit that lets untreated sewage soak straight into the soil. A septic system first holds wastewater in a watertight tank so solids settle out, then sends the liquid to a drainfield where the soil treats it. The EPA warns that untreated waste … Read more
How To Know If Your Septic Tank Is Full When was the last time you had your septic tank checked? If you can’t remember, it’s time to pay attention. A full septic tank can lead to sewage backups, bad odors, and even property damage. But how do you know if your septic tank is full? … Read more
Can You Use Bleach In A Septic System Bleach is one of the most commonly used cleaning substances in most homes and you probably hadn’t ever thought about whether or not you should actually be using it until you had a home with a septic system. In this article, we will take a look at … Read more
Updated October 2026. Steps checked against Washington State Department of Health guidance for pumped septic systems. A septic alarm going off usually means the water in your pump tank is higher than it should be, most often because the pump isn’t running. Press the silence button, stop using water, and check whether the pump’s breaker … Read more
Do Septic Tanks Need Electricity? If you are living in a home with a septic system you may be wondering if there is anything you need to know about the operation of your septic tank when there is no electrical power available, like in the case of a power outage. So, does a septic tank … Read more
Updated October 2026. Checked against Texas onsite sewage rules, county health guidance, InspectAPedia and current cost data. A septic tank riser is a round collar, usually 24 inches across and made of plastic or concrete, that extends the tank’s access opening up to ground level. With a riser, the pumper opens a lid at the … Read more
Updated October 2026. Checked against North Dakota State University Extension guidance and the International Plumbing Code venting chapter. Yes, a septic tank needs to be vented, but on most homes the vent is not on the tank itself. Gas from the tank flows back up the inlet pipe and out the plumbing vent stack on … Read more