Annual checklists and preventive maintenance guides for well water systems and septic tanks. Learn how to maintain your systems properly and avoid expensive repairs.
1. What Iron Bacteria Look Like If you see all three, assume iron-reducing bacteria (IRB) and often sulfate-reducing bacteria (SRB) are living in your well, pressure tank and/or softener resin. 2. Confirm the Bug – Testing & DIY Clues Rule-out: Ferric iron (orange tint) with no slime is just mineral iron—not bacteria. 3. Pick Your … Read more
Introduction Power outages are lasting longer. Ice storms, wild-fire shut-offs, and stressed rural grids can leave a private well silent for days. A modern hand well pump gives you human-powered access to the same aquifer your submersible pump uses, without lifting buckets or priming old-fashioned cast iron. Below you’ll find the five highest-rated backup systems … Read more
Your well pump is humming away in the basement or clicking on and off at the pressure tank, but when you turn on a faucet—nothing. Not even a trickle. The pump sounds like it’s working, but there’s no water coming into your house. This is one of the most frustrating well problems because the pump … Read more
Introduction You just had several days of heavy rain, and now your septic system is acting strange. Toilets are draining slowly, there’s a sewage smell in your yard, or worst of all—you’ve opened your septic tank lid and discovered it’s completely full of water, right up to the top. Is this an emergency? Will it … Read more
You need a new septic system, but your property has challenging soil conditions, limited space, or high water table. Your contractor mentioned an “aerobic septic system” that costs nearly twice as much as a conventional system—but claims it’s worth every penny. Or maybe you already have an aerobic system and you’re shocked by the maintenance … Read more
You turn on your faucet and immediately notice it: a smell that shouldn’t be there. Maybe it’s a musty, earthy odor. Or a metallic scent. Perhaps it smells vaguely like fish, gasoline, or sewage. Whatever the smell, it’s telling you something important about your well water quality—and ignoring it could mean bigger problems ahead. Well … Read more
Your well pressure tank is working hard right now—even if you’re not using any water. This unsung hero of your well system maintains steady water pressure, protects your pump from burnout, and ensures water flows reliably to every faucet. But when it starts to fail, the problems cascade quickly: fluctuating pressure, constant pump cycling, water … Read more
When you turn on your faucet and nothing happens—or worse, you hear your well pump running constantly—panic sets in fast. A submersible well pump failure can mean no water for drinking, cooking, bathing, or flushing toilets. And when you call a well contractor, you’re looking at $150-$300 just for them to show up, plus $100-$200 … Read more
If you own a septic system, one question eventually crosses every homeowner’s mind: “How much is this going to cost me?” Septic tank pumping isn’t exactly dinner table conversation, but it’s one of those essential home maintenance tasks you absolutely cannot skip. Ignore it, and you’re looking at thousands in repairs, a flooded yard, sewage … Read more
Nothing ruins the comfort of your home faster than septic odors invading your living space. That unmistakable sewage smell can appear indoors, outdoors, or both—leaving you embarrassed, frustrated, and worried something’s seriously wrong with your system. The good news? Most septic smells have straightforward causes and solutions. You don’t always need expensive repairs or emergency … Read more
Your well system provides water for drinking, cooking, bathing, and every daily activity – yet most homeowners give it little thought until something goes wrong. Regular well maintenance prevents expensive emergencies, ensures safe drinking water, and extends the life of your equipment by years or even decades. This comprehensive annual maintenance checklist helps you stay … Read more
Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links. If you purchase through our links, we may earn a commission at no additional cost to you. Learn more Weak shower pressure. Washing machine taking forever to fill. Multiple faucets running turns water to a trickle. If you have well water with low pressure, you know how frustrating it … Read more
Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links. If you purchase through our links, we may earn a commission at no additional cost to you. Learn more Your septic system is one of the most important – and expensive – components of your home. A properly maintained system can last 25-40 years and cost you nothing beyond … Read more