If your home has a septic system, then it’s your responsibility to inspect, maintain and repair it. Below is a look at the top dos and don’ts of maintaining your septic system and septic parts in Bethel, OH.
What to DO for proper septic maintenance
Septic system maintenance is important, so let’s take a look at some of the things you should plan on doing to keep your system in good working order.
- Regular inspections and maintenance
First and foremost, it’s crucial that owners of septic systems regularly inspect and maintain all system components—including the septic tank, drain field and connections. This task alone can extend the life of your system. But it’s a job for the professionals. Find a septic maintenance company that’s fully certified to inspect and monitor your residential or commercial system on a regular basis. How often you need maintenance depends on the type of system installed, but this typically ranges from every three months to every three years.
- Save water
When you use less water, the life of your system may by lengthened, while using too much water can lead to system failure:
- Repair drippy toilets and faucets: Slow leaks can waste 15 to 20 gallons of water per day.
- Wash full loads: Makes sure the dishwasher is full, but not packed, before starting a cycle. The same concept applies to washing laundry. Also, avoid running the washing machine and dishwasher at the same time.
- Install low flow fixtures: Switch out traditional faucets and shower heads for low flow options. This can help your household save water each and every day.
- Pump the tank on a schedule
You mustn’t forget to pump the septic tank. While pumping will generally be needed every two to three years, how often you need to pump will depend on the amount of water your household or business uses and the frequency of plumbing use. Here’s a good rule of thumb to follow: the more people using the septic system, the greater the water flow and the more quickly your septic tank will fill up. This results in a need for more frequent pumping.
What you DON’T want to do to your septic system
Maintaining your septic system keeps all its parts functioning well. But there are some things you DON’T want to do to your system.
- Don’t flush certain items
Nothing except toilet paper and human waste should go into your septic system. Avoid items such as feminine care products, diapers, condoms, coffee grounds, oils, plastics, paper towels and more—even products labeled “flushable” shouldn’t go into the septic tank.
- Limit garbage disposal use
Solids and grease that go down the kitchen drain can build up and clog your tank or drains. With that in mind, the kitchen garbage disposal should only be used to grind up tiny pieces of food scraps.
- Mind your tank and drain field
Parking vehicles or building patios or structures on top of your septic tank or drain field is a big “don’t.” The weight causes soil compaction over these delicate areas.
For more information about septic systems and septic parts in Bethel, OH, feel free to call Gullett Sanitation Services Inc. today!