The septic system is a crucial and overlooked functional component of a home. Even though many homes across the United States have septic systems, not many people know how to care for it to ensure the health and longevity of a septic system.
For you to replace the average septic system, it will cost you upwards of tens of thousands of dollars. This just means that proper septic system maintenance is very important to keeping your septic system up-and-running! If the system is properly maintained, it will last significantly longer than a system that is neglected.
PUMP IT OUT!
The basic rule is to pump your septic tank every one to three years to ensure that solid materials are properly broken down and will not clog the drain field. How often you need to have your septic tank pumped also depends on factors like the size of the tank, the volume of wastewater, household size, and how many solids go into it. This act of regular pumping can help prevent system failure and ensure the longevity of your system.
DON’T WASTE WATER!
Did you know that a septic tank can contaminate local water? This is why if you overload your septic system, it won’t be able to properly treat wastewater. If this happens, wastewater can leech into the soil and pollute nearby lakes, streams, and even drinking sources. Hence, conserving water is the easiest way to maintain your septic system. Conserve water by avoiding unnecessary flushing, fixing leaks, installing water-saving devices, or recycling water.
DON’T THROW JUST ANYTHING INTO YOUR TOILETS!
Stop treating your toilets as an extension of your trash bins. Remember that everything that is poured down your sink, bath, shower, or toilet ends up in your septic system. Never flush anything aside from your human waste or thin toilet paper. Mostly, things like oil, baby wipes, diapers, napkins, tampons, or medicines are being flushed and will cause problems in septic systems in the long run. Don’t throw coffee grounds, cooking fats, cigarette butts, and other non-decomposable materials into the house sewer. These will fill the septic tank and will plug the system!
DON’T POISON YOUR SEPTIC TANKS!
Also, your septic system contains a collection of living organisms that treat household waste. So think carefully before throwing pour oil-based paints, solvents, drain cleaners, floor cleaners, toilet bowl cleaners, waxes, polishes, coating or strippers, or large volumes of toxic cleaners down the drain. These may destroy important bacteria in the septic tank and contaminate ground and surface water.
DON’T JUST SUSPECT BUT INSPECT!
Be sure to regularly inspect your system. Routine maintenance can lengthen the life of your septic system. Look for rust, dents, cracks, or any other signs of damage to the tank.
To keep your septic system running efficiently and effectively, we recommend having a professional inspect and maintain yourSeptic septic system regularly