The Importance of Maintaining Your Septic System

Septic systems provide some 80 million Americans who are not connected to primary sewer lines with hygienic sewage solutions. When properly maintained and treated with care, a septic system can provide a household with safe, effective, and reliable sewage treatment for years. When the wrong materials find their way into the septic system, or when a minor problem is left unresolved, the effects can be harmful to the environment, your health, and your wallet. If you rely on a septic system for treating waste that passes through your plumbing, take the following precautions to maximize the effectiveness and lifespan of your septic system.

Know What is Forbidden
Virtually all of the waste that winds up in your septic tank should be biodegradable or water soluble. Avoid pouring oil or grease down the kitchen sink, flushing condoms, dental floss, and feminine hygiene products down the toilet, and allowing paint and harsh chemicals to work their way into your septic system. These products should be disposed of hygienically and properly out of concern for both the environment and the health of your septic system.

Have Your Septic Tank Pumped
The frequency that your septic tank needs to be pumped depends on a number of factors, particularly tank size and the size of the household using the tank. Most tanks need to be pumped every three or four years in order to avoid damage to the septic system and pollution of surrounding groundwater.

Minimize Water Consumption
Well-maintained septic systems are capable of processing a considerable amount of water and sewage, but it is wise to try and curb your water consumption to make things easier on your septic system anyway. Only use your dishwasher and washing machine when you have full loads to clean, and invest in low-flow plumbing fixtures to curb your water consumption.

For high-quality septic system and sewer line repair services at affordable prices, call Beacon Plumbing, Heating & Mechanical at (206) 452-4363. Our goal is to help you make your septic system provide you with safe and convenient sewage treatment for as long as possible!

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Reducing Your Home's Water Usage

Do you know how much water you use each day? If someone told you it was probably around 60 gallons, would you want to cut back on your water consumption? If you are looking for simple and inexpensive ways to do this, check out this helpful video clip.

Since the bathroom and kitchen account for the bulk of a home’s water consumption, you should focus your efforts on these areas. Thinking critically about how much water you are using and living accordingly is one effective way to do this. Another way to reduce your home’s water usage is to invest in low-flow plumbing fixtures and energy-saving appliances.

Are you looking for a residential plumber in Seattle who can maintain and upgrade your home’s plumbing network? With nearly 15 year of experience, Beacon Plumbing, Heating & Mechanical is qualified to provide you with the services you need. To learn more about recent green plumbing technologies that you may wish to consider installing in your home, call us at (206) 452-4363 or contact us online.

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Everyday Tips for Reducing Your Home's Water Consumption

Some two-thirds of the earth’s surface is covered in water. Even so, the rate at which the planet’s population is consuming water is untenable. If you would like to do your part in protecting this life-sustaining natural resource and save a few bucks on your utility bill, follow the water conservation tips outlined below.

Don’t Use Water Unnecessarily
It is natural to grow accustomed to flush the toilet after using it for any purpose, but try to remember to not flush the toilet just because you dropped a used tissue in it or scrubbed it clean. Don’t leave the faucet running when you are brushing your teeth or shaving. Along the same lines, do not let the kitchen sink flow while you are washing dishes by hand. Fill up your sink halfway with warm, soapy water, wash, and then rinse.

Install Low-Flow Plumbing Fixtures
Low-flow faucets, shower heads, and toilets use far less water than their standard flow counterparts. Upgrading to low-flow plumbing fixtures is a great way to conserve water without changing your habits at home.

Use Water-Intensive Appliances Efficiently
Modern dishwashers and washing machines can actually save water when compared to their less efficient predecessors. However, they should only be run when you have enough dishes or clothes to fill them.

Check for Leaks
Even a slowly dripping faucet can waste more than a gallon of water each day, and major leaks are excessively problematic. They can cause property damage and create an environment that is conducive to mold growth. If you spot the signs of a plumbing leak, contact a plumber as soon as possible to avoid wasting water.

Beacon Plumbing specializes in making water accessible to residents of the greater Seattle area, and we care a great deal about the environment. If you are looking to make your home’s plumbing as environmentally friendly as possible or you have a plumbing emergency that needs professional attention immediately, give us a call at (206) 452-4363.

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Expand Your Understanding of Your Home's Drains and Sewer Line by Exploring These Sites

For helpful information about your home's drains and sewer lines, be sure to read through the sites provided below. At the first sign of a plumbing emergency, call the reliable team here at Beacon Plumbing, Heating, and Mechanical at (206) 452-4363.

• One of the most efficient and effective ways to treat a sewer line that has cracked is to use trenchless sewer replacement technology. You can read more about this quick and clean method for restoring your sewer in this article from SF Gate.
• Is your bathroom sink clogged? If so, then you might want to try out some of the useful suggestions for unclogging it written by the experts at This Old House.
• This article from the DIY Network offers great insight into the various components of your plumbing system and how they work together to provide your home and business with a steady supply of water. Be sure to check it out!
• The most common cause of a busted sewer line is overgrown tree roots. Read this Angie's List article to find out how trenchless sewer replacement can repair this line and help you to win the war against those pesky roots. 
• Have you ever wondered how your city's sewer system works? This basic yet informative diagram and article from the Massachusetts Water Resources Authority is the perfect resource to learn more about the various steps in this complex process.

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When Is Trenchless Sewer Repair the Best Option?

As a homeowner, one of the most stress-inducing scenarios that you can run into is a busted sewer line. From out-of-control tree roots to drastic temperature changes, there are a number of situations that can cause your sewer pipes to crack and require immediate attention from emergency plumbing professionals. Here is a look at one method for repair—trenchless sewer replacement—and the conditions under which it is the best option:

Water is Not Pooling near the Bottom of the Line
One scenario that makes it far more difficult for your sewer line repair team to use trenchless technology is pooling near the very bottom of the pipes. More often than not, experienced professionals can remove soil, debris, and water that are lingering in the pipes. However, in the case that this matter cannot be removed, it will be difficult for the sewer line repair process to work properly and pass inspection.

Utility Lines Do Not Pass Closely to the Pipes
Trenchless technology works best when there are no utility lines near the sewer pipes. As the pipe is lined with a new, more formidable material, it shifts around in the space, and therefore could burst any gas or water lines that sit close by. If your plumbers do not detect utility lines nearby, then trenchless can be a promising solution to your burst pipe.

Your Contractor is Experienced in the Technique
When it comes to performing trenchless sewer repair, experience is of the utmost importance. Although this technology is one of the most effective methods around for repairing a cracked sewer line, it can be destructive if performed incorrectly. Before choosing an emergency plumbing company, ask for a list of their references, as well as a rundown of their professional history.

If your home is in need of immediate sewer repair, then be sure to contact Beacon Plumbing, Heating, & Mechanical at any time, day or night. We can assess your particular situation and discuss the best method for repairing the line. Call us at (206) 452-4363 to learn more about our plumbing services.

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Preventing Plumbing-Related Home Water Damage

Leaky faucets and frequently refilling toilets can seem like a small problem at first, but if left untreated, they can cause your water bills to skyrocket. In order to prevent water waste in your home, as well as any water-related damage, be sure to inspect the rooms in your home that contain bathtubs, sinks, dishwashers, washing machines, and other appliances that regularly utilize water. Look for any signs of damage such as warped flooring, corroded pipes, and stained cabinetry. Another step to take to ensure that your plumbing is working properly is to turn supply line valves on and off to make sure they work.

Before finishing up your in-home inspection, check the basement for signs of leaks such as a musty smell or wall stains. For more tips on preventing home water damage, watch this video from State Farm.

If you notice that your water bills are climbing but you can't pinpoint the reasons why, then call Beacon Plumbing, Heating, and Mechanical today at (206) 452-4363. We can inspect your home or business and provide you with our recommendations for preventing further water loss.

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Understanding the Difference between a Clogged Drain and a Clogged Sewer Line

Your home's plumbing system is an intricate system of pipes, drains, sewers, and appliances that work in harmony to provide you with the water you need to perform everyday tasks. When one of those components becomes blocked, cracked, or clogged, it can be difficult to diagnose and treat without the help of an emergency plumbing professional. Here is a look at the difference between two residential plumbing problems, a clogged drain and a clogged sewer line:

A Clog in a Sink, Shower, or Toilet Drain
The symptoms of a clogged drain within an appliance such as a toilet or sink typically consist of pooling water, an unpleasant odor, and a buildup of matter somewhere in the pipe. The clog itself is typically located in one specific drain, which means that it won't affect other pipes or appliances in the home. There are a variety of different ways that you can treat a minor clog using a plunger, an auger, or by pouring a combination of water, baking soda, and vinegar down the drain. If the clog simply won't budge, then leave it to a professional emergency plumbing team to fix.

A Clog in the Home's Main Sewer Line
Unlike a clogged drain, a clogged sewer line will cause disruption to the entire home since the problem originates farther down in the supply line. If you begin to experience low water flow in various kitchen and bathroom appliances or notice bubbling or backup in your bathtub, then call a sewer line repair company immediately, as you are almost certainly dealing with a sewer clog. Your plumber will look for the cause of the clog, such as a busted sewer line, or a buildup of non-flushable materials, such as feminine hygiene products.

No matter what type of clog you're experiencing, the professionals here at Beacon Plumbing, Heating, and Mechanical can help you eliminate it for good. We employ a variety of techniques such as high pressure jetting, derooting, and trenchless sewer repair to restore clogged or damaged drains and sewer lines. To schedule our services in your residential or commercial property, call (206) 452-4363.

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