Tips To Help Maintain Your Septic System
Septic maintenance shouldn't be as difficult as most people think. Surprisingly, the simple things you do determine how long your septic system will last. So, what are the practices that can help maintain your septic tank? Here are some pointers that you can use.
Mind What You Flush
Some people flush just about anything down their toilets. Sadly, this practice can ruin or reduce the lifespan of your septic system. If something doesn't belong in the toilet, don't flush it. Some of these items include napkins, tampons, sanitary pads, wet wipes, paper towels, cotton swabs, and diapers. All these items take longer to break down, meaning they'll cause clogs in the septic system.
Cut Down Your Water Consumption
Most people assume that water doesn't affect their septic system. Well, households that use a lot of water will always have to get a septic pumping service every few years. Why? Because their tanks fill up quite fast. Besides, high water usage can affect the drainage of your septic tank. So, you'll have to cut down your water usage to avoid flooding the drain field and overloading the septic system.
Inspect and Pump Often
There is only much you can do to maintain your septic system. But you'll still need to involve the professionals since they are the experts in septic maintenance. You'll have to schedule an inspection and septic tank pumping service every three to five years. The professionals will take those opportunities to check whether your tank and drain field have any anomalies.
Pumping your septic system helps create space for more household waste. You'll not have to worry about sewage backups, unpleasant odors, slow drainage, and flooded drain fields when you pump frequently.
Maintain Your Drainfield
Homeowners often neglect the drainfield as if it's not a part of the septic system. Surprisingly, your septic system can't function efficiently if the drainfield has an issue. That said, you need to do the following to protect and maintain your drainfield:
- Never park your vehicle on the drainfield
- Plant trees away from the drainfield, as their roots might grow into the septic system
- Ensure that all the water drainage systems direct water away from the drainfield area
Introduce Good Bacteria
All septic tanks have good bacteria. Sadly, these bacteria don't last long if people are flushing chemical drain cleaners, bleach, and laundry detergents into the septic system. Luckily, you can replenish the good bacteria by flushing more solid waste and introducing bacteria additives into the septic tank. If possible, avoid using chemicals that kill good bacteria.
For more information, contact a local company, like A -1 Complete Septic Tank Service.
Share