When to Call a Septic Company vs. a Plumber

Both plumbers and septic companies work with wastewater systems, but they handle different parts of the process. Knowing which professional to call can save time, money, and prevent unnecessary damage to your system.

The Main Difference

Plumbers handle the indoor plumbing system—pipes, drains, fixtures, and appliances that carry water to and from the home.

Septic companies handle the onsite wastewater treatment system—the septic tank, pump, and drain field located outside the home.

When to Call a Plumber

A plumber is the right choice for issues inside the house or with the plumbing that connects to the septic system. Call a plumber if:

  • Drains are slow or clogged in one sink, shower, or toilet.
  • There are leaks in pipes, faucets, or fixtures.
  • The toilet won’t flush properly or keeps running.
  • Water pressure is low or inconsistent.
  • You need new plumbing installed or repaired.
  • The problem is isolated to one area of the home.

Many plumbers can also inspect the line leading from the house to the septic tank to check for blockages or damage.

When to Call a Septic Company

A septic company specializes in the system that treats and disposes of wastewater after it leaves the home. Call a septic company if:

  • Multiple drains in the house are slow or backing up.
  • Sewage odors are noticeable near the tank or drain field.
  • The septic tank needs to be pumped or inspected.
  • There’s standing water or soggy ground over the drain field.
  • The septic alarm is sounding or the pump isn’t working.
  • You’re buying or selling a home with a septic system and need an inspection.

Septic professionals have the equipment to locate, pump, and repair tanks, pumps, and drain fields safely.

When Both May Be Needed

Sometimes, plumbing and septic issues overlap. For example:

  • A blockage could be in the main line between the house and the tank.
  • A backup might start indoors but be caused by a full or failing septic tank.
    In these cases, a plumber can diagnose the indoor plumbing, and a septic company can handle the outdoor system.

Call a plumber for problems inside the home’s plumbing system and a septic company for issues with the tank, pump, or drain field outside. 

THINGS THAT SHOULD NEVER GO IN YOUR SEPTIC TANK

  • Grease
  • Rags and strings
  • Coffee grounds
  • Paper towels
  • Baby wipes
  • Sanitary napkins and tampons
 
  • Diapers
  • Cigarette butts
  • Antibacterial soaps
  • Trash
  • Condoms
  • Bandages
  • Dental Floss
  • Cat Litter
  • Pharmaceuticals
  • Other non-degradable products

REDUCE EMERGENCY SEPTIC SERVICES WITH MAINTENANCE

You can do your part to keep your septic tank healthy and reduce the frequency of septic tank pumping with s septic service plan and preventative maintenance. First, don’t put anything down your septic system that is non-biodegradable, such as cigarette butts, diapers, paper towels, and more. Plus, installing an effluent filter, which helps to decrease the number of solids that leave the tank helps promote your septic tank’s health.

24/7 EMERGENCY SEPTIC SERVICES NEAR YOU

We service the Northern Ohio area; are service area includes Ashland, Lorain, Wayne, Portage, Summit, Stark and Medina Counties. Our family-owned septic company is the one to call for all of your emergency septic tank services, including septic tank pumping. We can work around your schedule when it’s convenient for you, including working on weekends and evenings. Our team offers efficient septic tank pumping, so we take up as little of your time as possible. We take our time to ensure your septic tank looks good and is in good shape for the future. Rest assured, when you partner with our local, family-owned septic company, your Northern Ohio home or business will be well served. Call to get started today!

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