How To Properly Maintain A Septic System

Septic systems play a huge role in our environment and our health. It helps in waste management, and it keeps our groundwater resources’ quality. As a result, we enjoy cleaner water that will neither harm our health nor our environment. But for it to function well, we also need to do our part in maintaining it.

Importance of Maintenance

Septic systems can last several years without some treatment or replacement. These underground chambers are made to clean themselves after some time.

However, they do get full over time. This is when you need to call an expert to do the cleaning or replacing. But experts at septictank.com say there are ways that you can make your septic systems last longer. To make sure that they don’t easily get full, you need to pay close attention to how you use them.

Doing so will not just help you extend your on-site sewage system’s life. Through this, you’re also doing the environment, as well as your wallet, a huge favor. But what exactly is the proper way to do that? Here are some tips that you need to take note of to maintain your septic system.

The Dos Of Septic System Maintenance

Perform Regular Maintenance

There are many aspects that determine how often homeowners should have their septic systems get pumped, as per the United States Environmental Protection Agency. Some of the contributing factors are the household size, septic tank size, the total of the generated wastewater, and the number of solids in wastewater.

But to be safe, experts suggest having it cleaned by a professional at least every three to five years. This way, it won’t get full and won’t easily break down. Regular maintenance also lets you prevent small issues from worsening.

Conserve Water

We always hear people say how we should conserve water to save the environment. But it turns out, it’s more than just using less water to save more of it.

Water conservation also plays a big part in maintaining our septic systems. The more water you use, the more it will likely overload your septic tank. When this happens, it will eventually clog your system’s pipes or cause drain field issues.

This could also cause water pollution. The wastewater can pollute the nearby bodies of water when it leaches into the soil.

Thus, conserve water as much as you can. It will not only do the environment well. Your septic system and wallet can benefit from it too.

Fix Leaks

Speaking of water conservation, it would also be better if you keep an eye on your pipes too. Leaks can also affect your septic system. It can easily fill your septic system, which could affect its longevity.

Thus, you might want to ensure that your pipes are always in good condition. One of the ways to prevent leaks is to consider smart devices that could detect leaks and could alert you of plumbing issues. Such systems are often pricey, though. But with the benefits that it can provide, it’s worth investing in.

Consider Water-Efficient Appliances And Devices

Another thing that will help you extend your septic system’s life is considering high-efficient appliances and devices. Again, water is one of the major factors that influence the septic system’s longevity. Thus, apart from recycling and using less water, you can also invest in appliances and devices that will help you save more water.

With the advancements in our technology, there are countless machines or gadgets that can help us save more water. Today, there are appliances that use less water up to 50 percent. Without compromising the water pressure.

They sure don’t come for free, though. But considering how these things will affect the environment and your septic system, they surely are worth every penny.

Practice Proper Waste Management

Experts have always encouraged proper waste management even years before. Like water conservation, this too can do Mother Earth a huge favor. But when you practice proper waste management, you’re not just saving the environment but your septic system too.

Instead of throwing food waste in the drain, keep it in a separate container instead. Then throw it in your garbage. This will prevent clogs in your sewer pipes. In addition to that, this will lessen the build up in your septic tank.

The Don’ts of Septic System Maintenance

Flush Too Much

The toilet is where most wastewater comes from. This results in more wastewater in the septic system. Because of this, it gets filled up easily. To prevent your septic system from filling up, make sure that you only flush the toilet when you need to.

Throw Trash In The Toilet

Speaking of flushing the toilet, another thing that makes septic systems quickly loaded is trash. Truth be told, some of us are guilty of throwing waste in the toilet aside from toilet papers.

True enough, some break down or dissolve quickly once they reach the septic tanks. However, not all of them do. Even items labeled as “flushable” shouldn’t be thrown in the toilet. These items will not just clog our toilet but will also affect the septic tank’s longevity.

Dispose of Chemicals

Chemicals can damage your plumbing system. Whether your pipes are new or not, disposing of it down the drain could cause leaks. This could lead to many issues. It will not just hurt your budget, but it can also affect the septic system. The worst part is it could result in environmental contamination.

Take Baths

Baths are relaxing. Thus, many of us prefer it more than showers, especially after a long day. However, this could negatively affect the septic system as it produces more wastewater. Even with just a bath, you’ll already produce approximately 60 gallons of wastewater. But a quick shower only uses less than 25 gallons of water.

Septic system repairs and replacements can put a hole in your wallet. With proper care, however, you can avoid hefty repairs and replacements. In addition to that, you will also be able to prolong the life of your septic system.

danielle

See Full Bio