Your septic system performs an essential function in your home. However, it does require a little bit of care and attention. Just because you haven’t had any problems with your septic doesn’t mean that you can forget about it.
Treating your system with proper care is simple, and it can save you the headaches and expense of blockages and system failures.
Pump Your Tank
Tanks should be pumped by a professional at least every three years, but could require more frequent service visits depending upon the size of your tank and your water usage. Pumpers remove the solids and scums from your tank that could cause clogs or backups.
Watch What You Put Down The Drain
Remember that all materials that go down your drains end up in your septic tank. This includes anything that goes through your garbage disposal. While your septic system is capable of treating liquid wastewater, it cannot effectively break down solids or scum. Grease floats to the top and heavier solids settle to the bottom. As you system fills closer to capacity, your wastewater has less time to settle before leaving the tank. The result is that more solids and scum can enter parts of your system intended for only liquids.
Your septic system is designed for wastewater treatment, not garbage. Non-biodegradables, fats, oils and greases cause problems. Don’t use your toilet or sinks as trash cans. In your bathroom, avoid flushing anything other than human waste and toilet paper. In your kitchen, dispose of grease and cooking oils in the trash instead of dumping them down the drain. If you have a garbage disposal, use it sparingly.
Also be aware that disinfectants, bleach, medications and other products with harmful chemicals can impact the effectiveness of your system. Products containing hazardous chemicals should be taken to collection centers for disposal.
Maintain Your Drainfield
The area above and around your tank is important to the health of your septic systems. Keep your drainfield free from trees or shrubs to prevent roots from interfering with the system’s operation. Also avoid parking cars or other heavy equipment on your drainfield. Unnecessary weight places strain on your tank and could compromise the integrity of your system.
When it comes to your septic system, a little bit of effort can go a long way.
