How to Avoid Septic Tank Problems
If you have a septic system installation then chances are that your home is not connected to the centralized sewer system, meaning you have got to take great care of your septic system. While centralized sewer systems are maintained by the municipality or local government, septic system maintenance is the responsibility of the homeowner. To make matters worse, if ground water is contaminated due to your septic system, then you may be legally liable for those damages.
So, it is very much in your interest to be proactive and properly care for your septic system. While you can call the septic pumping professionals at Septic Blue when there is a problem, here are some ways to avoid septic tank problems in the first place.
Water Control
Though your septic tank readily discharges the wastewater into the drain field, the process takes time and your septic tank is limited in how much water it can hold at once. This is why you should be mindful of how much of a burden you are giving it.
Avoid turning on many appliances at once. For example, spread out your usage of the dishwasher and washing machine as these use gallons upon gallons of water. Consider water-efficient toilets and limit the lengths of your showers. These sacrifices can save you big on your septic system.
Careful What You Flush
Be careful with what goes down your drains just like you would with a conventional sewer system. In fact, you should be even more careful with your septic system because of its design.
Septic tanks hold vital bacteria responsible for breaking down solid waste into sludge, which occupy less space in the septic tank than solids. Therefore, some objects such as paper towels and hygiene products can clog your drains but can also prematurely fill your septic tank. Chemical cleaners are also risky for your septic system because they can threaten the life of the important bacteria mentioned earlier.
Keep Your Drain Field Protected
The drain field is responsible for treating the ejected wastewater by percolating through the soil. The pipes involved are sensitive and the soil in the area must not be overly compacted because the microbes in the soil rely on oxygen to survive. For this reason, it is important that you not compact soil in the area.
Avoid driving over or parking on the drain field and do your best to redirect excess water from roof drains away from the drain field area. Be careful with what plants, trees, and shrubs you plant in the area. Those with aggressive and long roots will threaten your system.
Schedule Your Septic Tank Inspection
No matter how careful we are with our septic system, there is no way we can be perfect with it. Pest, tree roots, and the elements are only some of the dangers to our septic system. Because a lot of the damage caused by those threats are difficult to spot, it is crucial that you have your septic system inspected by a licensed professional. Call Septic Blue today to learn about our pricing and package deals for your septic tank maintenance. We look forward to your call.
