Blog Post

4 Ways to Save Money When it Comes to Your Septic System

Clean Earth Septic Service • August 15, 2022

Because in this economy everyone deserves to save a few bucks!

Clean Earth Septic Services | Save Money on Your Next Septic Pumping Service

Septic service is part of owning a home, but an unplanned emergency visit or digging fee can be a real pain, especially with the rising costs of inflation nowadays. We pride ourselves on our great service and reasonable rates, so this month we wanted to share a few ways to avoid the unexpected and prevent additional service calls when it comes to your septic system.


Keep in mind, most homes require service every 2-4 years, and if you follow these tips you'll be able to stick to a regular schedule that's simple to budget for, with no hidden costs. As much as we love our customers, we don't want to see you more often than we need to! (for septic service that is!) Keep reading to learn more or contact us today to schedule service!


  1. Be Careful What You Flush
    Rule #1 when it comes to septic systems... If you want to avoid a backup or a clog, be careful what you flush! This means no feminine products, hairballs, paper towels, napkins, wipes (of any kind) or chemical products. Not only can you imagine the physical clog a pile of paper towels or wipes may cause, but the chemical compounds in paint thinners, sulfates, and dyes can wreak havoc on your septic tank, disrupting the natural balance of bacteria in your tank that are needed to break down solids.
    At the end of the day, if you're not sure if it should be flushed, it's better to be safe than sorry!

  2. Don't Skip Routine Maintenance
    If you know your tank is due to be pumped every 2-4 years, stick to your maintenance schedule. Going longer than you're supposed to can lead to issues - that's why some areas have mandated pumping ordinances. Routine maintenance can help detect any unseen problems with your tank, baffles or outlet lines, and having a professional perform a routine inspection during your pumping can provide you with peace of mind until your next service date. Routine maintenance can also ensure you aren't hit with an additional charge for "heavy solids" at your next clean-out. When your tank has been neglected, sludge can build up and removing heavy solids costs us more to dispose - a fee that gets passed down to you, the customer.

  3. Be Careful Where You Park
    Whether you have a sand mound or a traditional septic system, be careful not to park cars or heavy equipment above your septic tank or drainfield. It can be easy to assume that it won't matter if you're only parked for a short period of time, but one of the easiest ways to damage your septic system is from above. The worst part - you won't know there's been damage until you start experiencing issues in your home - slow draining sinks or showers, or worst of all a backup because a line has been damaged.

  4. Dig Open Buried Manhole Covers Before Your Scheduled Service
    If you know your septic system manhole covers and access points are buried, dig them out ahead of time to avoid a digging charge. Digging open lids and covers takes our crew a lot of time, especially if the covers are more than 6 inches below grade. If you have your lids dug out for us, it will save us time and save you the digging fee. We can install what's called a "riser" or an "extension" to bring your access points to grade if this is a recurring issue for you. Simply ask us when you call to schedule your service. Learn more about installing septic risers here.


Ready to save on your next septic pumping? Contact us today to request a quote. If you follow these simple tips your clean-out should be easy! We offer quality septic pumping service in Elmira, Corning, Big Flats, Hector, Watkins, Ithaca, Waverly, and Owego NY.

Welcome!

It's our goal to share useful tips for homeowners with septic systems and provide the information you need when it comes to your business' grease trap. 
Grease Trap Installation Ithaca NY
By Clean Earth February 5, 2025
A properly maintained grease trap ensures smooth kitchen operations while preventing grease buildup from clogging your plumbing. Here are three key maintenance tips to help keep your grease trap working at its best.
Clean Earth Septic in Ithaca, NY Truck Providing Emergency Septic Service
By Clean Earth January 7, 2025
At Clean Earth Septic, we’ve spent over 15 years serving Ithaca, Elmira and Finger Lakes residents, providing personalized, expert care to keep septic systems running smoothly year-round. Today we're sharing four simple ways to prepare for even the harshest winter conditions.
The Role of Bacteria in Keeping Septic Systems Healthy
By Clean Earth December 3, 2024
The more you know, the better you can maintain your home's largest (and most costly) utility!
Hot water jetting is a powerful and eco-friendly cleaning technique that uses high-pressure hot wate
By Clean Earth Septic November 15, 2024
Hot water jetting is a powerful and eco-friendly cleaning technique that uses high-pressure hot water to break down and clear away stubborn clogs, grease, and buildup in pipes and septic systems. It can also help when pipes have frozen. Keep reading to see how hot water makes all the difference!
Show More

Share this post!


You might also like these helpful articles!

Grease Trap Installation Ithaca NY
By Clean Earth February 5, 2025
A properly maintained grease trap ensures smooth kitchen operations while preventing grease buildup from clogging your plumbing. Here are three key maintenance tips to help keep your grease trap working at its best.
Clean Earth Septic in Ithaca, NY Truck Providing Emergency Septic Service
By Clean Earth January 7, 2025
At Clean Earth Septic, we’ve spent over 15 years serving Ithaca, Elmira and Finger Lakes residents, providing personalized, expert care to keep septic systems running smoothly year-round. Today we're sharing four simple ways to prepare for even the harshest winter conditions.
The Role of Bacteria in Keeping Septic Systems Healthy
By Clean Earth December 3, 2024
The more you know, the better you can maintain your home's largest (and most costly) utility!
Hot water jetting is a powerful and eco-friendly cleaning technique that uses high-pressure hot wate
By Clean Earth Septic November 15, 2024
Hot water jetting is a powerful and eco-friendly cleaning technique that uses high-pressure hot water to break down and clear away stubborn clogs, grease, and buildup in pipes and septic systems. It can also help when pipes have frozen. Keep reading to see how hot water makes all the difference!
Hydro Excavation, Safe and Efficient Digging Solutions in the Finger Lakes Region | Clean Earth Sept
By Clean Earth October 8, 2024
Whether you need to dig around utility lines to install an electric pole or even something as simple as a mailbox post, hydro excavation ensures that the surrounding infrastructure remains intact. Clean Earth Septic specializes in these types of projects, reducing the chance of accidents or unexpected costs due to damaged utilities.
Fall home clean up tips from Clean Earth Septic Services
By Clean Earth Septic September 12, 2024
To ensure that your home, yard, and septic system are ready for this beautiful season, we've compiled a list of tips. You can think of it as a "to-do" list for any responsible home or business owner!
Septic pumping service in Ithaca, NY | Clean Earth Septic
By Clean Earth Septic August 6, 2024
If you ever run into problems, knowing what kind of septic system you have will be essential for us to diagnose and repair things for you. Keep reading to learn more about the most common types of septic systems, or contact us today to schedule your septic service in the Twin Tiers region.
Car Wash Tank Cleaning in Ithaca, NY
By Clean Earth Septic July 2, 2024
When you think about your local car wash, you're probably not thinking about where the wastewater goes... but when you work in the sewer & drain industry like us, you definitely are! Here at Clean Earth Septic Service, we work with a variety of car wash clients who rely on us to keep their businesses running.
Clean Earth Septic Your One Stop Shop for All Wastewater Needs in Ithaca, NY
By Clean Earth Septic June 6, 2024
Whether you're dealing with storm water basins, car wash tanks, or need specialized hydroexcavating services, Clean Earth Septic has you covered.
Septic system cleanout | septic pumping in Ithaca, NY
By Clean Earth Septic May 19, 2024
We’ve created a list of helpful hints - the "do's and don'ts" of septic maintenance - based on over a decade of practical experience in the field. It is our hope that you’ll follow these suggestions because they will save you time, money and protect the environment too!
Show More
"Super friendly, very courteous, hard working guys. Called on Saturday, booked for Monday, on time and super fast. Will definitely call again. Thank you for the great service."
Kevin D.
Corning, NY 
"Had an issue where I needed a septic tank pumped in short time. Levi came right out and got it done. Their prices are great too. Would highly recommend to anyone."
Anthony F.
Horseheads, NY 
Share by: