Septic systems & private wells
If your home runs on a septic system or a private well, nobody sends you a utility bill — and nobody reminds you to maintain it. We do. Plain-English guidance and free email reminders, built on EPA and CDC recommendations.
How often to pump, what an inspection covers, what it costs, and the everyday habits that keep your drain field healthy for decades.
Septic guidesWhen to test, what the results mean, and what to do about bacteria, nitrates, iron, or hard water — without the chemistry degree.
Well water guidesEPA and CDC both recommend testing a private well at least once a year for coliform bacteria and nitrate. A certified laboratory is how you know what is actually in the water. Screening strips can flag a change between lab tests — they are not a substitute.
If you want the kit-versus-lab breakdown first, start with the well water tester guide. For the yearly plan, see the well water testing guide. Sources: EPA private wells · CDC private wells.
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Tell us your email and we’ll remind you when your septic pump-out or well water test is coming due. No app, no account — just a timely email.
Learn the warning signs, likely causes, repair choices, and realistic costs of a failing drain field before you spend money on septic work.
Learn why chloroform and bacteria are separate well-water test results, which lab panels to request, and what to do after a detection.
See 2026 septic field cost ranges, what permits and soil tests add, when repair may work, and how to compare fair replacement bids before signing a
See what septic tank replacement cost includes in 2026, from permits and excavation to drain field work, plus a checklist for comparing bids.
Learn what septic tank cleaning actually includes, when a standard pump-out is enough, typical costs, warning signs, and how to hire wisely.
Learn the cost to install septic system by type, site work, permits, and hidden extras, with a buyer checklist for getting comparable bids. Compare quotes.
