fbpx

Kids Ain't Cheap

But They Sure Are Worth It

5 Home Improvements to Make Before Bringing Your Baby Home

| Leave a Comment

Home Improvements for newbornIf you’re expecting a new baby, you need to be sure that your home is ready for them. Apart from making the house safer both for you and the baby, you’ll make the house a lot more convenient to be in.

Read on to see five good ideas for the home improvements that are best for you to make before you bring your baby home so that you know what to get started with.

1. Add Storage

One thing to know is that a new baby comes with a lot of items that need room in the house. This means that you need to expand your home’s storage so that you have ample room for your baby. This applies to the kitchen, the bathroom, and, of course, their nursery. You’re bound to have a much easier time getting these projects done long before the baby gets home because, this way, you’ll ideally have already planned for where to keep each one of their items. Even if you’re bringing home one of the around 135,000 children who are adopted every single year in America, according to PBS, you still need to be sure that their items all have a designated spot in your home.

2. Update the Floors

Another important project that you need to work on before you bring a baby home is the flooring. That’s because old, worn-out flooring with gaps and cracks poses a safety hazard to the entire family. While the baby won’t be mobile in the first few months of life, you should know that they grow up extremely fast. This means that they may soon be crawling away as fast as they can, running the risk of getting cuts or splinters from a floor that’s not in the best shape. Note that in 2021, spending on home improvement increased by 19%, according to BigRentzs. You can be sure that flooring upgrades were one of the most common items that got work done in this case since people understand well the implications of a home’s floor.

3. Remodel the Bathroom

It’s also a great idea to remodel the bathroom before the baby gets home, so you improve both safety and convenience. You don’t want to end up not knowing where to bathe your baby because the lights or plumbing in the bathroom don’t work. That said, this is a project that you ought to complete with your new needs in mind, such as expanding the storage.

4. Handle Roofing Repairs

Roofing repairs done in advance are essential. While you may wonder how the roof could ever affect the baby, the answer is that it may not do this directly. That said, roofing repairs are often extremely loud and can take an indefinitely long time to complete. This means that if the roof were to fail or need repairs while the baby is home, everyone would have an extremely hard time, leaving the only option being to find somewhere alternative to stay while the roof is completed.

5. HVAC Renovations

Last but not least, you need to get work done on your home’s HVAC to make sure that it’s in good shape. Failure to do this could leave you in a terrible spot if the weather takes a turn for the worse and your air conditioner doesn’t work. Take consideration of the season to find the best appliances to have on standby if the weather is normally bearable in the area where you live for the whole year. In this case, you may want to get a 500 CFM fan system for hotter seasons, which can run on a normal household current without any special considerations made for the electricity.

Making these five home improvements can make things easier, safer, and more comfortable before you bring your newborn home. Look for good experts in your area to work on them. This way, in case of an additional issue, you’ll have an easy time calling them to do checks.

Read More:

What to Do When Your House Is Too Big for You?

Why Santa Shouldn’t Bring Your Kids’ Best Christmas Gift

How Two Teens Are Financially Responsible in Different Ways

4 Types of Vehicles to Consider Purchasing for Your Family

| Leave a Comment

A vehicle is one of the biggest and most important investments that most people will ever have to make in their lives. That’s because it can help make things better for you and your family. With this being the case, you should make sure that when you buy a car, it’s the right one for your family and it can meet all your needs. Here are four of the vehicle types that you should think about buying with your family in mind, so take a look at them and think about which one would be the best.

1. Fuel-Efficient Vehicles

The first type of vehicles that you should consider buying for your family are those that have amazing fuel efficiency. This way, car expenses are bound to be manageable and not end up costing you a tidy sum while you have other expenses to cater to. With great fuel efficiency, you’ll be comfortable driving anywhere your family needs to go and therefore enjoy the whole convenience of car ownership. On this note, keep in mind that a modern car may be more fuel-efficient than its older counterparts. This is based on the fact that modern vehicles can typically be driven 5,000 to 7,500 miles between oil changes.

2. Vehicles with Safety Systems

Next, safety is an important consideration for you to make while shopping for a family car. This means that it’s a good idea for you to look out for vehicles that have robust safety systems built into them. From blind-spot warning devices to improved parking sensors, there are many details that come together to make a car safer for your family.

Some of these safety features also help you secure the safety of other road users sharing the roads with you. This is an important consideration to make when you think about the fact that up to 75% of motorcycle accidents involve a collision with a vehicle. In these cases, riders wearing helmets suffered from fewer neck injuries when compared with those who didn’t have helmets on. If you have proper vision all around you while driving your car, you have a lower chance of colliding with other road users.

3. Vehicles with Ample Cargo Room

Remember that you may want to take a road trip as a family at one point or another. For such events, you need to be prepared by having a reliable vehicle for the event. The best vehicle is typically one with ample storage and cargo room. This includes the ability of the vehicle to transport sizable cargo from one place to another.

Keep in mind that some cargo, like snowmobiles, may not fit inside the vehicle. If your family enjoys snow-based sports, you may be interested to learn that each year, the average snowmobiler spends $2,000 annually on recreation related to snowmobiles. By eliminating the need to pay for additional transport whenever you head out to have fun somewhere far from where you live, you’ll be saving.

4. Vehicles with Modern Technology

Finally, you should give your family the benefit of making the most of technology while they ride around. There are many improvements to the current technical details in vehicles that didn’t exist some years back. Among these are charging ports and pads, features that can help you operate your mobile devices in hands-free mode, onboard vacuum cleaners, and more. When you ensure that your family has access to such conveniences while driving somewhere, they’ll be quite content.

These four types of vehicles may help your family enjoy a much better time whenever you drive somewhere. Search to see how many options you can find that meet these specifications. Take your time so that you can be sure you’ll be happy with the decision that you make.

Upgrade Your Backyard With a Pond Using These Great Ideas

| Leave a Comment

Creating a beautiful garden may take some time and some cash, but trust us, it’s worthwhile. When you’re creating the perfect outdoor space at home for your family, you might be creating a dream garden that has finally come to fruition. But where do you even start with all that? How do you even use a pond to spruce up your backyard and garden? We’ve got you covered with some fantastic tips; read on to learn more!

Remember Money Matters

Before tackling any upgrades and changes, first, sit back and think about how much you have for the project. Everything starts with a budget, no matter how large or small the project might be. A waterfall feature without a pond can be about $200 – $2,000. 13% of homes in America use water wells, so if you have one on your property, make sure you’re utilizing it. This is a good way to harvest your water and then recycle it in and around the property.

Make It Water and Energy-Efficient

When you focus on saving energy, even if you’re using your pond in the garden, you can create lower energy bills. You can also use recycled water or repurposed water for your garden’s pond and water features. Reduced utilities are a bonus for any family. Did you know that your credit score is determined by how well you pay and how quickly it is paid? 35% of your credit score depends on how promptly you pay your bills. Save money on bills and keep your credit score up while doing so.

Determine Where You’ll Put the Pond

You and your family might have a large garden, giving you numerous options, but you might also have a smaller garden or yard. Thinking about the placement or location is very important, as the size of your garden will also determine the size of your pond. A balance of shade and sun will benefit your pond as too much sun encourages algae growth, and shade can improve the water quality. Still, you want to ensure there is a balance of both. You may also want to locate the pond near a room where you can see it from the room, like an indoor entertainment space or the lounge

Consider Materials and Aesthetics

Garden ponds are beautiful, and they are not always made from authentic stones and brickwork. Instead, sometimes, as a more affordable option, synthetic materials that mimic rocks are used. The U.S. commercial paving slabs market size was valued at $308.6 million in 2021. Many people are improving and reconstructing their homes, and this is great, especially when you enjoy staying home. Making your property suit your likes is one of the best things you can do.

Keep the Water Flowing

Having a pond is wonderful for the aesthetics of your yard or garden outdoors, but it is also important to bear in mind that standing water creates moss and attracts mosquitos and wasps, to name a few. Using a pump and aeration system with your pond setup is vital to keep the water flowing and looking great. Besides, the therapeutic benefits of relaxing in your garden and the sound of water flowing in the background are soothing.

Nurture Nature

You can add new plants to surround the pond giving it that authentic look of nature or a forest. You can also use flowers or low-maintenance succulents like aloes, Christmas cacti, hens and chicks, or creeping sedums, to name a few.

If you’ve been considering upgrading your backyard with a new pond, don’t wait any longer. Now is the time to bring new life back into your property with a pond! Using these tips can help you save time and money while enjoying a new and refreshed space.

Convert Your Basement into Your Children’s Bedroom With These Tips

| Leave a Comment

By now, it’s no secret that finishing unfinished spaces in your home can make them more valuable and functional. This is supported by the fact that a finished basement can increase the value of your property by 70%. It may not add to the overall square footage of a house, but this is beside the point as it can be used as a guest room, home classroom space, office, or informal family room/living room. One of these spaces is the basement, and if you have kids, what better to do with it than to turn it into an additional bedroom for them? Have a look at the tips below that can help you turn your basement into a creative, cozy, and safe bedroom for your kids.

Deal With Water Damage and Leaks

Water damage is a major issue for basements, especially because of their position in the house. The biggest issue with water damage is the fact that it can lead to issues like mildew and mold. According to Angi, the two main reasons why homeowners typically get mold in their basement are as a result of drainage issues or water intrusion, and that the basement has an overall humidity level of over 45%. Mold can cause respiratory issues and so it’s important to make sure that there’s no risk that it might form in the basement, where it will affect your kids. Find a professional to inspect and fix your basement so that water damage is an unlikely scenario and the space isn’t more humid than it needs to be.

Get Proper Lighting

Next, you want to make sure that the basement is well-lit. This involves adding egress windows that can let in light during the day and also be a means of escape in case of an emergency. Have a professional install these so that they do so according to the building codes in your area. You can also add lighting by installing LED light holders at strategic points throughout the house. These will keep the basement well-lit when it gets dark and also save you a considerable amount of money in terms of the energy that you use in your home. The best lighting should be that which isn’t too bright, so pick bulbs that have a considerable wattage.

Remember the Flooring

The floor of your basement needs to be comfortable enough for your kids to walk on in all seasons. This is why you may want to install a carpet, tiles, or even engineered wood. These are all easy to find at local hardware stores in your area, so look for the right one for your home, depending on your budget and the end result that you hope to achieve. Remember that 60% of homes in the United States have wet basements, with 38% of them running the risk of basement mold. You have to make sure that there’s no risk of water getting into the basement as it will leave you with an expensive mess.

Check Insulation and Ventilation

Finally, make sure that the basement is insulated well enough to keep it at a comfortable temperature as the seasons change. You should also be sure that the ventilation is perfect so that the basement stays fresh and any fumes that come from cooking, electrical systems, heaters, and more are all funneled away safely. Have a professional check and install the ventilation to make sure that it’s correct so that you’ll be sure your kids are safe throughout.

Use these tips to convert the basement into a safe and comfortable bedroom for your kids. Work with professionals so that you get the best possible outcome. This will help make your home feel larger than it currently is, so it’s worth the time and money you’ll spend on doing it.

Do Not Believe What You See on Social Media

| Leave a Comment

Woman Recording herself for social media

When I had three young children, I was a stay-at-home mom who did freelance writing on the side for about 15 to 20 hours a week. In addition, I enjoyed reading blogs, which were popular at the time. Unconsciously, I found myself trying to emanate these women, especially another mother who also had three young children and ran a successful blog. She wrote about pushing herself hard, working long hours at night, and devoting herself to her children during the day, so I tried to do that, too. Only later did I learn an important lesson—do not believe what you see on social media.

Not Modeling a Healthy Lifestyle

I read that blogger even now, over ten years later. She had a shift in how she spends her time and admits that when she worked so hard and slept so little, she was not leading a healthy lifestyle. This blogger openly admits that her workaholic tendencies affected her family and children.

Now she has a much healthier work-life balance, but for years, she was very driven and encouraging other women to do so even though it was unhealthy for her family. Luckily, I gave up that lifestyle about a year after I tried to adopt it because living that way exhausted me.

Do Not Believe What You See on Social Media

Besides not emulating others who may live an unhealthy lifestyle, it’s also important to not believe what you see on social media.

Help Behind the Scenes

Woman with a laptop and two children surrounding her

For instance, one influencer used to give the impression that she ran her business entirely by herself. I used to marvel at all she could do and wondered why I failed so miserably at trying to accomplish what she did.

Only recently has that influencer talked about her team, which consists of two full-time and four part-time employees. If you compare yourself to another and think that person gets way more done than you can, you likely don’t have the full story.

Additional Perks the Influencer Doesn’t Mention

Not only do I, unfortunately, compare myself to how productive some influencers are, but I also compare myself to their budgeting skills. For instance, I used to follow one vlogger who can feed her family of six for only $300 to $400 a month, or so she says.

True, she snags all the clearance deals when she shops. However, I’ve noticed recently, as she has become more popular, she gets more sponsored deals. As part of her sponsorship, she gets free food. For instance, she gets free boxes of Hello Fresh meals from all of her affiliate credits. In addition, she gets free boxes of gourmet food from Thrive Market. Yet, she never acknowledges these items when she shares how much she spends on groceries. Yes, she didn’t spend money on these items, but because she gets them for free, she can spend less on other groceries.

Final Thoughts

If you’re a mom following social media, learn from my mistakes. Do not believe what you see on social media—live your life doing what’s best for your family and your budget because you only see part of an influencer’s life. There may be much more happening behind the scenes that you will never know.

Read More

7 Ways to Save Money on Groceries

Budgeting for Family Expenses

How Parents Can Use Their Social Media Influence

Futuristic Upgrades to Make Your Home More Functional

| Leave a Comment

In this day and age, having a functional home is more important than ever before. Our homes have become a sanctuary from the outside world, and we want them to be comfortable, efficient, and clutter-free. Futuristic home upgrades can transform your living space and turn it into a functional, efficient paradise for you and your entire family.

One of the biggest problems that homeowners face is clutter, especially when young kids are involved. 54% of Americans feel overwhelmed with clutter filling up their homes. Fortunately, there are many ways to combat this, such as adding more storage space, investing in multi-functional furniture, and creating a system for organizing your belongings. Implementing these changes can make your home more functional and enjoyable.

Efficient Heating and Cooling

Another critical aspect of a functional home is efficient heating and cooling. In warmer climates like Florida, it’s essential to have an HVAC system that can keep up with the demands of the weather. A single mini-split air handler can heat or cool up to 1,000 square feet, depending on the climate and system size. This makes it an excellent option for those who want to save money on their energy bills while keeping their homes comfortable.

Recycled Materials and In-Duct Air Filtration

Recycled materials are an excellent option for futuristic home upgrades. Industrial recycling plants can now recycle a wide range of materials, including Christmas lights, wine corks, and even denim. These materials can then be used to create unique and eco-friendly home decor, such as recycled-paper countertops, recycled-plastic carpets, and denim insulation.

In-duct air filtration is an excellent upgrade for anyone wanting to improve their home’s air quality. You can eliminate allergens, toxins, pathogens, and pollen using a particle-and-carbon-removal system built into your central air conditioning unit. UV sanitizers can also sterilize harmful particles that make it into the air circulating through your home.

Smart Home Gadgets

If you want to incorporate futuristic gadgets into your home, there are many options to make your life easier and more efficient. Some of the most popular devices that can be controlled through your smartphone include smart lightbulbs, which can provide the perfect lighting experience and ambiance through features such as dimmer switches and motion sensors. Additionally, smart video doorbells allow you to answer visitors remotely and speak with them through the door, giving you added convenience and security. Consider controlling smart pet feeders from your phone. These gadgets help schedule meals and dispense food automatically, making life easier for pet owners.

Another device you can control from your phone is a smart thermostat. These devices offer energy-saving capabilities and automatically adjust the home’s temperature. Smart beds can be controlled by an app, giving you the ability to adjust the firmness of each side of the mattress and track your sleeping habits. These beds can ensure a better night’s rest.

Building Codes and Regulations for Your Dream Home

These upgrades might not always be simple, depending on where you live. For example, Florida has some of the toughest building codes in the nation, but that doesn’t mean it’s impossible to create your dream home. By working with licensed professionals who understand these codes and regulations, you can rest assured that your home will meet the highest quality and durability standards.

Incorporating futuristic upgrades into your home can make a huge difference for you and your family. Whether you’re looking to reduce clutter, lower your energy bill, or create a more relaxing atmosphere, these upgrades can help you transform your home into an oasis that exceeds your expectations.

How to Prepare for a New Roofing Installation if You Have Young Children

| Leave a Comment

As a homeowner, you may find yourself needing to replace your roof at some point, which can be overwhelming if you have young children. However, with the proper preparation, you can ensure that your roofing installation goes smoothly and your family remains safe and comfortable.

Getting a new roof can be disruptive for kids. The loud noises from constant hammering and footsteps on the roof can be unnerving and may disturb younger children or pets. Also, the potential hazards from falling debris and the risk of injury can cause concern. It is essential to take precautions and prepare ahead of time to minimize the impact of the roof replacement on your family, including your children.

The Benefits of a New Roof for the Whole Family

There are numerous benefits to getting a new roof, including the following.

  • A safer environment for your children to play and live in. An old or damaged roof may have weak spots that can pose a danger to your family.
  • Enhanced protection for your home, ensuring your property and personal belongings are shielded from the elements.
  • Boost your home’s curb appeal and overall value
  • Improve energy efficiency, potentially reducing heating and cooling costs and making your home more comfortable.
  • Peace of mind, allowing you to feel secure in your home and confident your family is protected.

Under normal circumstances, you should inspect your roof once or twice a year, but sometimes, life gets in the way. Maybe you’ve fallen behind on your inspections, or you’ve noticed some damage since your last inspection. Regardless of your personal case, it’s never a bad idea to get an inspection. Look for reputable roofing companies in your area. They should be able to help you out.

Preparing Your Home and Children for a Roof Replacement

Here are some steps to take to make the installation process as smooth as possible. First, prepare the rest of your home for the roof replacement because the installation will impact the whole house. The vibrations caused by the roofers’ work can cause damage to wall decorations and other fragile items such as mirrors, framed photos, and wall hangings. Next, protect your patio furniture and yard during the replacement. Anything in your backyard, such as patio furniture, toys, barbecues, potted plants, lawn ornaments, and inflatable pools, should be moved to the back of your yard or into the garage to avoid damage.

Make sure to also clear your roof of branches. Large trees overhanging your roof can be a hazard for roofers, so it’s best to have any branches trimmed. Cover or move any items stored in your attic to protect them from debris, dust, and vibrations during the roof replacement. If you have a satellite dish, contact your provider before the roof replacement starts. Consider power sources for the roofers. They will need access to power for tools such as saws and nail guns. If your home doesn’t have exterior outlets, they must run their extension cords into the house. Finally, keep your children and pets safe during the roof replacement. The constant noise of hammering and footsteps on the roof can be unsettling for small children and pets.

Remember, if you need a new roof, you are not alone. Each year in the US, more than five million new roofs are installed. This means many roofing professionals have vast experience in handling various types of roofing installations. Therefore, you should take your time to research and find a reputable roofing company that can meet your specific needs.

Why You Should Prioritize a New Roof

The construction industry generated a staggering $2 trillion in revenue in the US in 2019, meaning many homeowners are investing in roof replacements and other home improvement projects. They are a great way for you to add value to your home. Even if you are not selling, you can benefit from an increased home value. You will also save money in the long run for repairs. A new roof means you won’t have to worry about it breaking down any time soon.

While the process of getting a new roof installed can be disruptive, it provides numerous benefits. With proper planning, the process will be smoother, not just for your children but also for the entire family.

Should You Buy a House in a Bad School District?

| Leave a Comment

Should You Buy a House in a Bad School District?

My husband and I have lived in three different states. When we lived in Chicago, we chose a working-class neighborhood with bad schools. That was the only area where we could afford rent. (Buying a house was out of the question because of the high property taxes and our relatively low income.) When we lived in Arizona, we chose a good neighborhood with a meh school district. Finally, now that we live in New York, we live in a lovely community with a good school district. Sometimes when you’re house shopping, you find a nice house in a lousy school district within a good neighborhood. Should the quality of the school district be a deal breaker? The answer is, it depends.

Should You Buy a House in a Bad School District?

Of course, if the house is in a bad school district and neighborhood, you likely should pass. (Remember, location is everything when buying a home.) However, if the neighborhood is safe and sound, you have options.

Can Your Kids Go to School Out-of-District?

Some areas of the country allow a certain number of children to go to school out-of-district. If this is the case where you are, and there are good schools nearby, consider this option. You will avoid your neighborhood school that is less than desirable. You get a nice house, and your kids attend a good school. The only drawback is that you will likely need to drive them, and their commute to school will be longer than if they went to school locally.

Is Private School an Option?

When we lived in the Chicago suburbs, we had an academically solid private school within walking distance. However, we couldn’t afford the full tuition. Luckily, we applied for financial aid and received a significant tuition cut. Our child attended that school for three years.

Even if you think you can’t afford private school, you may find that with financial aid, it becomes an option.

Could You Homeschool?

Should You Buy a Home in a Bad School District

Another option is to homeschool. If you choose this route, it doesn’t matter what neighborhood you live in. When we moved to Arizona, we had been homeschooling our three children for one year. Because we didn’t have to consider the schools, we could find a fixer-upper in a nice neighborhood with a not-so-great school district. When we moved eight years later, our house sold for over asking to a couple in their 50s who also didn’t care about the school district.

If, instead, we had considered the school district, we would have had to buy a house in a neighborhood that was outside our price range. We would have struggled financially to make a house payment in that neighborhood. Homeschooling offers you incredible freedom.

Final Thoughts

When house hunting, remember location is everything. If you find a good house in a nice neighborhood with a bad school district, don’t automatically rule that house out. You have options for your children’s education that don’t require you to live in the best school district in the area.

Read More

Learning Through Games: 5 Best Educational Gift Ideas for Kids

Is It Child Approved? The Best Home Buying Checklist When You’re House Hunting with Kids

Yaaa, We Sold Our House. . .We Hope

Remodel Your Home Interior Without Breaking The Bank!

| Leave a Comment

Home renovation projects can be a great way to update your living space and add value to your home, but they can also be quite costly. In 2018, Americans spent around $7,560 on home improvement endeavors. However, there are ways to remodel your home interior without breaking the bank. Here are a few tips and tricks to help you achieve the look you want without spending a fortune.

Use Design-Build Firms

Design-build firms are a great resource for those looking to remodel their home without breaking the bank. These firms have one team of experts that take care of an entire home project from top to bottom. This means you don’t have to hire multiple contractors, which can save you money. Design-build firms can also help you stay within your budget by providing you with a detailed cost estimate upfront.

Consider Concrete Floor Coatings

If you’re looking to update your flooring, consider using concrete floor coatings. The U.S. concrete floor coatings market size is valued at $298.2 million, which means it is a popular choice among homeowners. Concrete floor coatings are a cost-effective way to update your floors, as they are less expensive than traditional flooring options like hardwood or tile. Additionally, concrete floor coatings are durable and long-lasting, which means you won’t have to replace them anytime soon.

Paint Your Walls

One of the easiest and most cost-effective ways to update your home’s interior is by painting your walls. A fresh coat of paint can make a room feel new and updated. Choose a neutral color that can serve as a blank canvas for any future decorating changes. Painting is a DIY project that can be completed over a weekend, saving you the cost of hiring a professional painter.

Update Your Lighting

Lighting plays a big role in setting the mood and atmosphere of a room. Updating your lighting fixtures can make a big impact on the overall look of your home. Consider switching out old and outdated light fixtures for newer, more modern options. You can also add dimmer switches to create a more ambient atmosphere.

Refresh Your Window Treatments

Another simple and cost-effective way to update your home’s interior is by refreshing your window treatments. This can be as simple as adding new curtains or blinds, or as elaborate as installing a new window seat. This can be a great way to add some color and personality to your living space without spending a lot of money.

Reuse and Repurpose

When remodeling your home, consider reusing and repurposing items you already own. Instead of buying all new furniture, think about how you can update the pieces you already have. For example, you can give an old piece of furniture a new look by painting it or adding new hardware. This can save you money and also add a unique touch to your home.

Shop for Deals and Discounts

When shopping for materials and fixtures for your home remodel, always be on the lookout for deals and discounts. You can find great deals on building materials, furniture, and decor at home improvement stores and online retailers. You can also check for clearance sales and end-of-season deals to save money. Additionally, many stores offer discounts for military personnel, seniors, and students, so be sure to ask if any of these discounts apply to you.

In conclusion, remodeling your home interior doesn’t have to break the bank. With the right planning and a little creativity, you can achieve the look you want without spending a fortune. Consider using design-build firms, concrete floor coatings, painting, updating your lighting, refreshing your window treatments, and reusing and repurposing items you already own. With these tips and tricks, you can create a beautiful and functional living space for your family that you’ll love for years to come.

3 Tips for Saving Money on Home Septic System Maintenance

| Leave a Comment

Septic tank maintenance is one of the simplest and least obvious ways to save money. Unless there is an offensive odor or you work in the plumbing or septic tank sector, your home’s septic tank condition usually won’t be a major concern.

You should have a second motivation, though, which is the ability of septic maintenance to save money. According to the EPA, a septic service expert should evaluate a household septic system at least every three years. That said, you can spend less on family septic tanks while keeping them in tip-top condition. Here are some tips for saving money on home septic system maintenance.

Keep Your Septic System Clean

Avoid having plants, trees, shrubs, or structures near your septic system. Put differently, your septic tank shouldn’t be built over. Otherwise, the weight may lead to cracks and make it hard for septic specialists to access your tank. Since roots can block the pipes, you should refrain from planting trees or shrubs near or inside your septic system. Remember, roots can cause pipes to burst, allowing sewage and untreated water from your septic tank to leak into the ground. Additionally, growing tree roots can choke pipes by sneaking into cracks in the pipes.

To secure the pipe, use a torque wrench. The tool is used to apply a precise amount of torque to fasteners, such as nuts or bolts. Here’s a fun fact. Conrad Bahr created the torque wrench in 1918 while employed by the New York City Water Department. However, doing the job yourself might appear cheaper and easier, but it will probably cost you more. Saving money on septic services occasionally entails contacting the experts rather than taking care of repairs yourself.

Get It Serviced Regularly

If you choose a letter at random from the alphabet, there is probably at least one disease, starting with each letter, that is associated with sewage contact. Just a handful of the countless illnesses that can be contracted from ingesting sewage-contaminated water, and direct contact with raw sewage, include hepatitis A, and gastroenteritis. If you couple this problem with poor dental hygiene, you risk getting periodontal disease. In fact, periodontal disease affects 47.2% of adults aged 30 and older, according to the CDC.

Now, when you service a septic tank regularly, coming into contact with sewage is not an issue. Only septic systems that have been ignored would cause severe problems. Ideally, toxic sewage can affect normal systems. Before sewage seeps into the water system and causes havoc, a specialist might detect an existing breach during an inspection and repair it accordingly before causing problems to your family.

Be Careful of What You Flush

Consider what you flush down the drain as another approach to avoid a septic problem. The obvious no-nos that can physically clog and backup systems include wipes, paper towels, tissues, balls of hair, and feminine items. Chemicals, grease, and cleaning products are additional things to avoid.

Your septic system is built to leverage naturally existing bacteria to break down sediments and waste. The pH of your septic tank can drastically shift when you abruptly introduce harsh chemicals or oil to that environment, upsetting the balance of ‘good’ microorganisms that maintain your tank operating effectively.

Simply read the label to see whether a product or detergent is safe for septic systems. A septic safe label or icon can be seen on many toilet paper products. Finally, it’s always better to be cautious than sorry.

We hope the above tips will be helpful to you. By adhering to these recommendations, you can save money on repairs and septic system replacements while also safeguarding the health of your family, neighborhood, and environment.