Septic Tank Maintenance
Septic Tank Maintenance
Since septic systems are limited in size by the amount of sewage they can handle, if you are a septic tank owner, you will want to make sure your system is properly maintained. The goal for any septic tank system is to reduce the amount of wastewater flowing from your house into the septic system. This will cut down on the amount of maintenance your system will require and eliminate costly repairs.
To cut down on the waste flowing through your septic system, you should install low-flow shower heads and water-conserving, low-flush toilets, take short showers, and not leave water running in sinks to wash dishes or food. Also when you shop for cleaning supplies, consider the effect of laundry detergents, bleach and other household supplies on your septic system. Some common chemicals, such as bleach, affect the bacteria count in a septic system. And, since some bacterial action is needed in a septic system to break down solids into sludge, you’ll want to know what to use and what not use to spare your septic tank from malfunctioning. Several products are available that are safe for your septic system that will improve this bacterial action; a reputable qualified septic system service person is your best reference for recommending the specific products best able to keep your septic system healthy.
You can also insure the health of your septic tank by never disposing of garbage in your toilet as this may prove particularly hazardous to your septic system. While toilet tissue is degradable when wet, other paper products are not; so keep a wastebasket under your vanity or dispose of these products in a wastebasket in another room of your home.
To assure that your septic system is in top-notch shape, you’ll want to have a service person pump your septic tank periodically to remove sludge. A qualified septic system service provider will be able to recommend how often your particular system needs pumping. If sludge accumulates in your septic tank until it is full, sewer solids will flow over the sludge and can enter directly into your distribution pipes. These solids will plug pipes that are intended to disperse wastewater only. Once plugged, distribution pipes must be removed and replaced, an expensive procedure. If this happens, you’ll need not only a new septic system, but you may need a new lawn when yours has to be dug up to reach the distribution pipes. So, regular maintenance of your septic tank system is an important factor in being a septic tank owner.
Septic systems are a great way to dispose of waste water if properly maintained. With some relatively easy precautions taken on your part and regular maintenance of your septic system, you’ll have no worries about the functioning of your system.
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