Perkins Septic & Drain

08/29/2026

08/24/2026

Happy Monday!!!

Big thank you to everyone who helped support Perkins at the Ashley/Hudson parade Saturday!!!

We look forward to seeing you at the Auburn’s DeKalb County Free Fall Fair September 28th - October 3rd in the industrial tent, and October 3rd at 10am for the Grand Finale Parade!

Stay tuned….

08/17/2026

Have a clogged sink??? Or have a few slow drains??

08/12/2026

Why Are Septic Inspections Important—Especially When Buying a Home?

A septic system is mostly underground, so its condition is not always obvious during a standard home walkthrough. A home may look well maintained while the septic tank, drain field, or connecting pipes have problems that could become expensive after closing.

A professional septic inspection can help:

• Identify cracks, leaks, damaged components, or drainage issues
• Check sludge and scum levels to determine whether pumping is needed
• Evaluate the tank, baffles, lids, risers, and drain field
• Confirm that wastewater appears to be flowing and dispersing properly
• Catch smaller concerns before they develop into major repairs

For homebuyers, an inspection provides valuable information before making one of life’s biggest purchases. It can help you:

• Understand the current condition of the system
• Learn when it was last pumped or serviced
• Identify maintenance or repairs that may be needed
• Plan for future septic expenses
• Make a more informed purchasing decision
• Avoid discovering a backup or failing system shortly after moving in

A septic inspection may also give buyers useful information when discussing repairs, maintenance, or purchase terms with the seller.

It is important to remember that pumping and inspecting are not the same service. Pumping removes waste from the tank, while an inspection evaluates the system’s condition and operation.

Before purchasing a home with a septic system, make the septic inspection part of your due diligence. It cannot guarantee that a future problem will never occur, but it can help uncover warning signs and reduce the risk of expensive surprises.

For septic inspections, pumping, maintenance, and installation, call Perkins Septic & Drain at (260) 587-3739.

Family owned and operated since 1978.

08/11/2026

Simple Things Homeowners Should Check Regularly

A few quick checks can help you catch plumbing or septic problems before they become expensive repairs.

• Watch for slow drains. One slow drain may be a small clog, but several slow drains could point to a deeper sewer-line issue.

• Listen for gurgling. Gurgling sinks, tubs, or toilets can be an early sign that air and water are not moving properly through the system.

• Check for leaks. Look under sinks, around toilets, near water heaters, and along exposed pipes for moisture, stains, or corrosion.

• Pay attention to odors. Persistent sewer smells inside or outside the home should not be ignored.

• Inspect the yard. Unusually wet, soft, or bright-green grass near the septic tank or drain field may indicate a problem.

• Be careful what goes down the drain. Avoid flushing wipes or pouring grease, oil, coffee grounds, and harsh chemicals into your plumbing.

• Know where your shutoff valve is. Being able to stop the water quickly can limit damage during a leak or plumbing emergency.

• Keep track of septic maintenance. Know where your tank is located and when it was last pumped. Never open or enter a septic tank yourself.

Catching small warning signs early can help prevent backups, property damage, and costly repairs.

For drain cleaning, camera inspections, hydro jetting, septic pumping, and maintenance, call Perkins Septic & Drain at (260) 587-3739.

Family owned and operated since 1978.

08/10/2026

Safe Ways to Clear a Clogged Drain

Before reaching for harsh chemicals, try these safer methods:

• Remove visible debris. Hair, soap residue, and food particles near the drain opening may be removable by hand or with a plastic drain-cleaning tool. Turn off power to a garbage disposal before working near it.

• Use the correct plunger. A cup plunger works well for sinks and tubs, while a flange-style plunger is designed for toilets. Create a tight seal and use steady, controlled pressure.

• Flush with warm water. Warm water can help loosen soap residue and light grease buildup. Avoid pouring boiling water into PVC pipes because extreme heat may damage them.

• Try a hand-operated drain snake. A small drain auger can remove hair and minor blockages close to the drain opening. Use it carefully to avoid damaging the pipe.

• Clean the sink trap. If you are comfortable doing so, place a bucket underneath the curved pipe beneath the sink, remove the trap, and clear out any buildup.

Avoid mixing chemical drain cleaners or combining them with bleach, vinegar, or other products. These mixtures can create dangerous fumes and may damage your plumbing.

If multiple drains are slow, the clog keeps returning, or you notice gurgling, sewage odors, or backups, the problem may be deeper in the sewer line.

For professional drain cleaning, augering, camera inspections, and hydro jetting, call Perkins Septic & Drain at (260) 587-3739.

08/09/2026

“Flushable” Wipes Aren’t Always Flush-Friendly

The word flushable can be misleading. Unlike toilet paper, many wipes do not break apart quickly after they are flushed. They can collect inside pipes, catch on rough surfaces, and contribute to stubborn clogs and sewage backups. Even wipes marketed as flushable can clog pipes and damage pumps in sewer and wastewater systems.

For homes with septic systems, wipes can add unnecessary solids to the tank and increase the risk of blockages or system problems. The safest rule is simple: only human waste and toilet paper should go down the toilet.

Use wipes when needed—just place them in the trash instead of flushing them.

Dealing with slow drains, recurring clogs, or backups? Call Perkins Septic & Drain at (260) 587-3739.

Drain cleaning, hydro jetting, sewer maintenance, septic services, and more.

08/08/2026

What Is a Septic Tank Riser—and Why Is It Important?

A septic tank riser is an extension that brings the tank’s access opening up to ground level. Without one, the tank lid may be buried beneath several inches—or even feet—of soil.

Installing a riser can make septic maintenance much easier by:

• Eliminating repeated digging before pumping or inspections
• Reducing labor time and service costs
• Providing quicker access when there is a problem
• Making routine maintenance easier to schedule
• Helping prevent damage caused by repeated excavation around the tank

A properly installed riser should have a secure, watertight lid to help keep surface water and debris out of the system.

If your septic tank access is buried, adding a riser can make future pumping and inspections faster, cleaner, and more convenient.

For septic pumping, inspections, maintenance, and installations, call Perkins Septic & Drain at (260) 587-3739.

Family owned and operated since 1978.

08/07/2026

What Does a Sewer Camera Actually See?

A sewer camera gives us a real-time look inside your drain or sewer line. It can help identify:

• Tree roots growing into the pipe
• Cracks, breaks, or collapsed sections
• Grease, sludge, and debris buildup
• Misaligned or separated pipe joints
• Corrosion and deterioration
• Standing water or areas with poor flow
• Foreign objects causing blockages

One of the biggest advantages of a camera inspection is that we can locate and evaluate the problem without digging up your entire yard just to find it. This can save time, reduce unnecessary excavation, and help us recommend a more targeted solution.

A sewer camera does not fix the problem by itself—it helps us accurately diagnose what is happening so we can determine whether the line needs cleaning, hydro jetting, maintenance, or repair.

Experiencing recurring clogs, slow drains, or backups? Call Perkins Septic & Drain at (260) 587-3739.

Drain cleaning, hydro jetting, sewer maintenance, camera inspections, septic services, and more.