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How To Keep Your Home’s Septic System Healthy

How To Keep Your Home’s Septic System Healthy

Living in a rural area has many advantages, from the open space to the peaceful sounds of nature. But it also brings with it a few conditions that are new to those who have only lived in the city. And one of those unique experiences is living in a home with a septic system rather than a connection to a city or municipal sewer system. But after learning a little bit about a septic tank and how the system works, you will find that it is really no trouble to maintain in a healthy condition. The biggest hint to remember is that regular care and maintenance of your septic system will make your life much less stressful. Below are a few additional tips to keeping your septic system functioning flawlessly.

Regular Check-Ups Are Critical

Think of your septic system’s health just as you would the health of a person or pet. Regular check-ups from a professional are the best way to stay healthy. These check-ups will include an inspection that can detect tiny problems when they begin and prevent them from turning into massively expensive and inconvenient problems.

Another critical step is to have your tank pumped out regularly. The size of your household, the amount of waste generated, and the size of the septic tank will help determine how often to have the tank pumped out and inspected by a professional. If you have any questions about inspections or pumping out your septic tank, call the pros at (706) 303-0987. Our team of licensed plumbers is here 24/7 to assist you with questions, regular maintenance, or any plumbing emergency that you might be facing.

Use Water Efficiently

One common issue with a septic tank is too much water usage. Regularly check your toilets and faucets for leaks to reduce the amount of water flowing into your septic tank. Also, never drain a hot tub or pool into your septic tank or drain field. This massive amount of water can actually drown the field. And the chemicals in pool and hot tub water can kill the bacteria that your septic tank needs to function correctly.

Plant In A Thoughtful Manner

Grass is the ideal coverage for a drain field as it will prevent erosion, and the root system is not extremely deep. Other plants with shallow roots can also be planted in a drain field without causing damage. However, anything with extensive root systems, such as trees, should never be installed in the drain field. The roots from trees and other large plants will grow into the septic tank and cause expensive damage.

Keep The Drain Field Clear

Never drive over your drain field or build large structures in it. The soil in this area should not be compressed by anything substantial that could crush or damage the piping. Limit the traffic in the area to only human foot traffic such as a children’s play area.

Be Careful About What Goes Down The Drain

When you rely on a septic system, you should never allow any grease or oil to be washed down your drains. Grease and oil will become very sticky and form clogs in the drainage pipes. Also, be careful not to allow food waste to wash down the sink as it can build up and create nasty clogs.

When you think about what you flush down your toilets, it should only be septic tank friendly toilet paper and human waste. Never flush other paper products or feminine hygiene products. They will create clogs in the drain pipes that will be very expensive to have removed.

Many homeowners choose to flush old chemicals or cleaners down the toilet. And while this is never a great idea for the environment, it is an even bigger problem if you have a septic system. The chemicals will often kill the bacteria that your septic tank uses to break down human waste. And once the bacteria are killed, your septic system will no longer function properly.

As you can see, septic systems don’t really require any unusual care. It is more a matter of paying attention to what you flush and wash down your drains. Once you learn to be mindful in these areas, and commit to regular septic tank pumping and inspection cycles, you will find that septic systems are no inconvenience at all. If you have any questions about maintenance or caring for your septic system, call (706) 303-0987 to speak to a licensed Drain Surgeon plumber.