When you consider home maintenance, a septic system may not always be on your mind but it is indeed a critical aspect that is overlooked quite often. Properly looking after the septic system ensures that it has a long life and retains its value. Not only will the septic maintenance costs go down but you will also be saved from unnecessary hassles.
There are no complications involved in septic system maintenance unless it has been ignored for years. If symptoms had started showing a long time back and you still didn’t pay head, only then you might incur high costs in the form of septic tank replacement. Here are a few tips to ensure efficient working of your septic system:
Inspect and Pump Frequently
Hire a septic professional to inspect the condition of the tank and the drainpipe every three years. While household septic tanks may be inspected every three to five years, the mechanical components and electrical switches should be maintained more often. Septic tank pumping should also be carried out frequently.
Some key factors determine its frequency. The size of the household, the amount of wastewater generated, the size of the septic tank, and the volume of solids in the wastewater are some of the determinants that tell you about the regularity of septic maintenance.
Don’t Pour Grease and Rubbish Down the Drain
Grease is a major waste that is usually produced in kitchens. As you get rid of it, never pour it down the drain as it could clog the septic tank drain field. Grease doesn’t allow the soil around the drain field to absorb the liquids and this will eventually lead to the replacement of the drain field.
Be very careful while flushing rubbish down the toilet. While it may be tempting, it can cause serious blockages in the septic system. When you flush items like paper towels, hair, facial tissues, and cat litter, you can clog the septic tank. It is better to dispose of such items in the garbage bins.
Avoid Excessive Use of Household Chemicals
It is okay to use normal amounts of household chemicals like detergents, bleaches, and other cleaners. However, one should be very careful while using such chemicals as they go down the drain with wastewater. If a hazardous chemical goes into the septic tank, it can cause serious damage to the entire system.
You should dispose of chemicals like motor oil, paint, pesticides, and antifreeze properly so that they stay away from the septic system of the house. Such chemicals kill the bacteria that break down solids in the septic tank and cause clogging because of the accumulation of solid waste in the tank.
Keep Trees and Heavy Vehicles Away from the Septic System
The location of the septic tank should be at the farthest end of the property so that the ground above the tank isn’t used frequently. No heavy vehicles should be parked here and children should also not be allowed to play in the area. One should also avoid planting trees in the nearby ground.
Trees should be at least 30 meters away from the soakaway to avoid any damage caused by the roots. Certain trees have aggressive roots, like poplars and willows, and they should be even farther away from the system.
Use Water Efficiently
In a single-family home, the average use of water is 70 gallons per individual. But, a single leak may cause as much as 200 gallons of water to be wasted in a single day. All the wastewater winds up in the septic system and if the entire household conserves water, less water will enter the tank.
The operation of the septic system can be improved with efficient water usage. By selecting the proper load size in washing machines and dishwashers, you can reduce water wastage. Moreover, high-efficiency toilets are being installed in new homes that use less amount of water for flushing.
Conclusion
By adopting a careless attitude towards the maintenance of the septic tank, you will only incur high costs and a messy house. Before things get out of hand and symptoms start appearing that indicate that your septic tank requires replacement, you should carry out proper and regular septic tank cleaning.
The drain field and the pipes are equally important so never ignore them if they show signs of damage. Your property is your responsibility and by taking care of each aspect of the house, you will retain its worth and lead a peaceful life.
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