Ideally, when you have a septic system instead of a sewer line, you don’t even really have to think about it. It’s one of those things that just quietly does its job. The problem is that it can make its presence known when you aren’t maintaining it properly. Although having a septic system is fairly straightforward, it does require certain changes to your habits and water use.
To make sure that your septic system doesn’t cause you any headaches you do have to make sure to not do certain things and also to have it as part of your routine home maintenance plan. In this article, we will go over how to maintain your septic system so you don’t have any problems with it.
Don’t dump things in your toilet
Your toilet needs to be clear of anything that shouldn’t be put in there except for toilet paper. Not only does throwing things like sanitary napkins, paper towels, and other items increase the need to hire a toilet unblocking service, but it is going to fill your septic tank with debris.
When this stuff enters the tank, it can’t be broken down like septic-safe toilet paper. This means that it will build up and then fill your septic tank. It will need to be pumped out far more frequently and you run the risk of it overflowing.
This even includes chemicals as they will kill the beneficial microorganisms that break down the solid waste that is in the tank. The septic system needs that bacteria in there to break it down so the level stays low.
Have it pumped regularly
Even when you are treating your septic system with tender loving care, it still needs to be pumped out once in a while. Liquids will still build up and have nowhere to go so even when the bacteria are breaking down the solid waste, the septic will still eventually get full.
If you let it go without having it pumped out then you risk it overflowing and causing a massive headache. Not only will it ruin part of your yard where it’s located, but it will also cause some serious health problems.
The cost of having it pumped usually also includes an inspection of the tank and the connections. You may have a leak and not even know it so having that inspection happen every other year or so is important.
Don’t overload it
Your septic system will have what’s called a drain field. This is a system in which excess water will leach into the ground around the tank once it reaches a certain level. It is a slow process, however, so you should avoid filling it faster than the tank can leach the water out of it.
Spread your dishwasher and washing machine usage out across the week and avoid running them all on the same day. This reduces the risk that it fills faster than it leeches away the water and can keep the septic from overfilling.