Septic System Maintenance: Dos And Don'ts

If your residential septic system were to break down, you would find yourself in a heap of trouble. Ultimately, it is not something that you ever want to have to be dealing with. Luckily, this can be avoided by keeping up with adequate septic maintenance. By keeping up with septic system maintenance, you can not only save money on unnecessary repairs, but you can also extend the life of the overall septic system for many years.

Do Schedule Pumping Every Several Years

The more that solid waste builds in the tank, the more compromised that the operation of the septic system becomes. By scheduling septic pumping, the waste can be removed, allowing the system to function much more efficiently. The average pumping schedule is between three and five years, though depending on certain factors, such as your household size and tank size, your tank may need more frequent pumping. Therefore, it is important to speak to your septic professional about a specific pumping schedule.

Don't Dump Oil and Grease Down the Drain

Oil and grease, along with fat, can clog your plumbing system, causing significant damage over time. Therefore, these items need to be disposed of in the garbage can. Other items that can cause clogs include coffee grounds and eggshells, so make sure that these don't go down the drain and instead go in the trash can. If you are unsure whether something is safe to go down the drain, it is always best to simply throw it in the garbage.

Do Watch Your Water Usage

Water conservation at the household level can reduce your utility bill costs while also preventing septic tank wear, increasing how long your equipment will last. By upgrading to high-efficiency residential appliances, such as installing tap aerators on the sinks and low-flow toilets and showerheads, you can immediately help reduce the amount of water usage in the home, which also helps protect the environment.

Don't Neglect the Drainfield

The drainfield is what surrounds the septic tank, and it is crucial in the safe processing of wastewater. In order for this process to occur accurately, the drainfield needs to be kept free of heavy items, such as vehicles and RVs, and even four-wheelers and lawnmowers, as these items can affect the way that wastewater is processed. In addition, when heavy items are on top of the drainfield, especially for some time, it can lead to leaks.

If you run into any issues with your septic system or have any questions regarding the maintenance of your system, get in touch with a local septic tank service company like Mr Bob.