3 Septic Maintenance Tips You Need To Know
Posted on: 20 December 2021
Anyone who has dealt with sewer backups or an overflowing septic tank will admit that it isn't pretty. Thankfully, both of these troubles can be avoided through regular septic maintenance.
If you are a new homeowner, you're probably wondering what septic system maintenance entails. Perhaps you're even worried it's a complicated process that will cost you big bucks. Fortunately, you can relax as maintaining a septic system is quite easy. Take a look at these three main septic maintenance tips.
Use Water Efficiently
Conserving water isn't just good for the environment. The water that flows down your sinks, toilet, and bathtubs is sent down through the pipes into the septic tank. If too much water is going through at once, the tank's efficiency is affected, and some solid wastes may not be broken down. This increases the risk of a sewer blockage.
The main thing to do is avoid using too much water all at once. For example, avoid running the shower, dishwasher, and washing machine all at once unless it's necessary. Also, instead of doing all your laundry in one day, try to spread it throughout the week to give your septic system enough time to process waste.
Control What Goes into Your Septic System
Preventative care is essential in septic maintenance. When it comes to your toilet, the general rule of thumb is that anything other than human waste and toilet paper shouldn't be flushed down. This means no flushing baby wipes, feminine hygiene products, diapers, condoms, pharmaceuticals, cat litter, dental floss, and photographic solutions.
The same case applies to your sinks. Avoid dumping down anything that would block screens or clog pipes, including produce stickers, eggshells, coffee grounds, or flour. Also, remember that your septic system contains living organisms that help break down waste. Hence, avoid pouring down toxic products that harm these organisms, such as chemical cleaners, antifreeze acids, paint, motor oil, gasoline, and other hazardous chemicals.
Pump Your Tank Periodically
One of the best ways to maintain your septic tank is to have it pumped regularly. According to the EPA, the average household should have the tank pumped at least once every 3-5 years.
However, this depends on several factors like the size of your tank, the number of persons in your home, and tank usage. A small tank in a household with many residents may even need annual pumping. Therefore, seek regular inspections with a sewer professional to determine when pumping is due.
During septic pumping, the sewer professional will also check the sludge layers in your tank and examine for leaks, which is essential in enhancing efficiency and durability. Once they are done, remember to keep maintenance records of the work performed, as these will come in handy if problems arise or when selling your property. For more information, contact a residential septic tank service.
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