Guide to Basic Septic System Maintenance

July 13 2020

Guide to Basic Septic System Maintenance

Every homeowner needs to ensure that the septic system is maintained regularly because the replacement of the average septic tank is an expensive project that could drag your wallet away.

But regular septic system maintenance is not only cost-effective but helps to improve the health and safety of your leaving environment.

Nevertheless, most homeowners do not know the basic septic system maintenance procedure while others think it’s too expensive and probably very difficult. The good news is that septic tank maintenance can be done seamlessly by the homeowner without inviting the pros. That is why we developed this article to make it a headache-free procedure.

First off, the items you put down the drain matters!

The septic tank is designed to digest the organic matter from the wastewater as well as separate floatable matter such as grease, oils and other solids. There are items such as cigarette butts, diapers and coffee grounds are difficult to decompose and as such, should not be allowed down the drain. Also sending much solid wastes from the garbage disposal down your drain could hamper its effectiveness because the bacteria in the drain and tank septic field takes a long time to get them digested.

So every homeowner should enlighten the members of their household about putting women sanitary materials, diapers and other items down the drain. Apart from the difficulty in decomposition, solid items could clog the septic tank and cause further damages that will be expensive to repair.

Recommended steps to septic system maintenance

Perform regular maintenance on the septic system

Keeping your septic tank up and running demands that you subscribe to regular maintenance from a reliable plumbing company like Septic Blue. This is because household septic systems needs septic tank pumping every three to five years. However, depending on the frequency of usage, the homeowner may encounter issues along the line, and that is why working with a reliable plumber is highly recommended.

Install an effluent filter

Installing an effluent filter on your septic tank helps to decrease the entrance of heavy solids in your drain. This will allow only biodegradable materials in your drain to increase its lifespan.

Minimize the amount of chemicals that enter your drain

Some chemicals disrupt the anaerobic processes in the septic system so homeowners should avoid chemicals like

  • Paint thinners
  • Solvents
  • Gasoline
  • Insecticides and grease

These chemicals mentioned above should not pass through your septic system.

Use bacteria additives

To optimize the effectiveness of your septic system, to add organic bacteria that helps to dissolve non-biodegradable materials in your drain. Using bacteria additives is an inexpensive way to keep the septic system functioning properly.

You can call experts at Septic Blue to learn the right processes of adding live organic bacteria to your septic system.

Always maintain your drain field.

The drain field is an important component of the septic tank, and apparently, it is easy to maintain. All you need to do is never drive or park on the drain field and avoid planting trees and shrubs near it. And also avoid excess water from your drains, sump pump and other rainwater drainages to discharge at the drain field.

If you want further clarification or more septic system maintenance tips, don’t hesitate to get in contact with experts at Septic Blue.