How to Maintain Your Septic Tank?
If you have a septic tank in your residential premises, you need to properly maintain it. There is no doubt about it. Without proper maintenance, a septic tank can have a system failure. Such damage can contaminate the groundwater and even destroy your property. It is also very expensive to replace a septic tank. For these reasons, it is important to properly care for the septic system on your property.
Here’s how to maintain your septic tank.
Regular Inspections
A septic tank pumping professional can help you identify when to pump the system. The usual septic systems may require inspection every few years. Some types of alternative systems containing mechanical parts or electrical switches may require yearly inspections.
Whether you require septic tank cleaning in Alvin TX or elsewhere in the country, it is important to hire professionals for the job. They will know how often to clean the pump as per municipal laws in your area.
Scheduled Pumping
Regular pumping of the septic tank is essential to maintain it. Septic pumps in the average household require pumping every few years (3-5) depending on several factors. The household size, the tank’s size, the amount of wastewater generated, and the amount of solids in the generated wastewater are factors that determine how often a septic tank will require pumping.
Timely pumping of the systems is one of the best ways to keep the health of the septic tank intact and maintain it for the long-term.
Pumping service professionals can also help you to maintain inspection and maintenance records of your septic tank. It is important to maintain these records for the next inspection. If you decide to sell your house, the new owner of the house may want these records for the purpose of the next scheduled maintenance.
Maintaining the Drainfield
The function of the drainfield is to separate contaminants from the water in the tank. You need to maintain the area of the drainfield to keep the septic system safe.
It is important to not park any vehicles over this area. Keep the drainage system for rainwater at a distance from the drainfield. Excessive water flow in this area can interfere with the function of the septic tank. It is meant to process only household wastewater.
It is also important to not plant any trees near the drainfield. The roots from the plants can enter the septic system and continue to grow there. Such an occurrence is sure to damage the septic tank.
Your septic tank professional can guide you about keeping the drainfield safe.
Proper Disposal of Garbage
It is important to be mindful about what you put down the drains in your house. Anything liquid or solid will eventually end up in the septic tank.
It is best to not pour fat or grease down the kitchen drain. Also, refrain from throwing coffee grounds, egg shells, and cigarette butts down the kitchen sink. Do not flush anything you shouldn’t be flushing in the toilet, not even dental floss. Proper disposal of household waste is essential to maintain your septic tank.
Even excessive use of chemicals to unclog the drains can cause harm to the septic system. These chemicals can kill the organisms in the septic tank that help to break down the household waste. Toxic cleaners, paints, solvents, and pesticides are some toxins that you need to keep away from the septic tank for its proper maintenance.
Efficient Use of Water
The efficient use of water inside the house can take unnecessary pressure off the septic tank. It will then reduce the risks of system failure. Everyday household and personal chores consume a great deal of water. All the wastewater then goes down the drain and into the septic tank.
You can use high-efficiency washing machines that help you save water. High-efficiency models of toilets come equipped with reservoirs that useless (but sufficient) amounts of water per flush compared to older models. Leaky toilets or taps can also cause water wastage. So, it is imperative to get them fixed as soon as possible.
Conserving water is an excellent way to maintain your septic system.
