If you’ve never had your septic system pumped, or you’re a first-time septic-tank owner, you may wonder how often you should have your septic tank pumped. Experts agree that, on average, a septic system should be pumped at least once every three years.

Several factors can increase or decrease the optimum time between septic system pump-outs. Here’s more information about having your septic system pumped.

From the process and costs associated with closing to furniture and appliances, a first home purchase can be stressful. Even though some tasks and worries are more important than others, you should make an effort to understand your home’s systems in order to reduce the risk of failures and costly repairs.

Plumbing may be one of the most used systems in your home, but you may not consider it very important. As a first-time homeowner, you should prepare yourself for the potential issues that could affect your plumbing and septic system. Here are a few things all first-time homeowners need to know about their plumbing.

When your home’s drains smell or have problems draining, your first thought is likely of drain cleaning rather than venting. However, many stubborn problems that act like clogged drains are actually due to clogs in the vents that let air escape from your plumbing system instead.

Since most homeowners aren’t even aware their plumbing is vented, they’re likely also unaware of the signs of problems with the vents. Learn how to identify potential vent problems and what to do about them.

The symptoms of a blocked plumbing vent can have many causes, but when multiple symptoms occur concurrently, the culprit is most likely a vent problem.

Your child is a stealthy illusionist. That’s right, they can magically make anything from the washcloth to your cell phone disappear — without a trace. Where did your household goods and most treasured items go? As it turns out, your curious kiddo flushed them.

What happens when your child flushes anything other than a reasonable amount of toilet paper down the commode? Depending on the size, shape and weight of the object, it can do some serious damage to your home’s plumbing system.

If you have young kids, you need a toilet lid lock. But if your child has managed to flush just about anything they can get their little hands on, before you install a lock, take a look at what you can do about the resulting plumbing problems.