Being a septic system owner comes with a set of responsibilities. If you follow this simple list of septic system do’s and don’ts there will be many benefits. Taking regular care of your system by following this list will ensure that you do not need frequent system maintenance, you will not overspend on avoidable costs, and you will not need to replace your septic system. Be sure to keep this list handy to reference in your day-to-day life, as these seemingly little things will have a big impact on the health and well-being of your septic system in the long run.
DO get your septic system pumped at the recommended cadence.
Getting your septic system pumped is essential for the health and longevity of your septic system. It is important to note that septic systems should be pumped every three to five years.[1] A professional can help you maintain the health of your system to prevent septic backup issues. Septic backup and sludge buildup are unavoidable occurrences, no matter how well you take care of your system. Our septic tank pumping services help you to avoid costly and inconvenient repairs to your septic tank or cesspool. Getting your tank pumped every three to five years can dramatically extend the life of your septic system and prevent septic system replacement.
DO know where each component of your septic system is located and what type of system you have.
Knowing exactly where each component of your septic system is important. For example, knowing exactly where on your property your septic tank is, as to avoid overuse on the area around it; this will prevent grass flooding. In addition, knowing the type of system you have will make planning and scheduling maintenance much easier.
DO keep a list of what maintenance and repairs were performed on your septic system.
If you are new to owning a septic system, you will want to check to make sure when the last maintenance was done on the system so that you can keep track of maintenance in the future. If you have had your system for a while, be sure to check on when the tank was inspected last and when the tank was pumped last, so you know when the next time you will need an inspection or pump will be. This information will also help you devise a maintenance schedule.
DO call a professional if you suspect there are any issues with your septic system.
If you see any of the telltale signs of septic system malfunctioning, detailed here, be sure to contact a professional so they can help you with any issues you may be experiencing.
DON’T flush non-decomposable or chemical material down the drain.
Flushing anything besides toilet paper and human waste down your drains will cause various septic system issues. You need to be especially careful not to flush down any types of wipes, paper, or chemical cleaning products down your drain. These things will ultimately clog your pipes and they will cause chemical imbalances in your septic system.
DON’T overuse water.
According to the United States Environmental Protection Agency, the average indoor water use in a typical single-family home is nearly 70 gallons per individual, per day.[2] And, if you have leaky toilets or faucets, you could be wasting even more water, which ends up in your septic system. Water over usage can cause a variety of problems for your septic system and could result in you needing your tank pumped much more frequently than it should be, causing you stress and costing you extra money,
DON’T try to unclog your pipes by yourself.
Regular water usage and improper waste disposal can be two factors that block up your sewer and water lines. If you don’t maintain your sewer and water lines, they can easily get backed up, causing you many problems. However, if you feel your pipes are clogged, do not try any at-home remedies you can think of. The first thing you should do is contact a professional to unclog your pipes for you.
With these easy do’s and don’ts you should have a better understanding of how to care for your septic system.