Your septic system is a vital part of your home. The septic system requires specific care and maintenance in order to ensure proper function and a long life. When septic system maintenance is ignored, it can be costly. Septic problems can also cause other issues in your home as well. This is why it is important for homeowners to practice good septic maintenance and care.
Let’s learn more about what to do to maintain a septic system.
Inspection and Pumping
The first line of defense against septic system problems is to have the system inspected and pumped frequently. It is recommended that an average home septic system should be inspected and pumped approximately every three to five years. If a system includes alternative systems such as electrical floats switches, pumps, or other mechanical elements, it may need to be inspected more often.
Things that can influence how frequently you’ll need pumping can include:
- Size of the household. This is different from the size of a house. Household size refers to how many people actually live in the house.
- The amount of wastewater generated.
- The amount of solids in the wastewater.
- The size of the tank.
Work With a Service Provider
Septic tank maintenance is not something you can DIY. Septic services are controlled and monitored by the city you live in to ensure that safe environmental practices are being observed. You will need to contact a septic service provider in your area to perform inspections and pumping.
When you have your system serviced, be sure to keep documents of the service and dates.
Watch Your Water Use
You should be aware of what the average water usage for your home should be. This information will help clue you in on possible leaks. The average home uses approximately 70 gallons per person per day living in the home. However, a leak can result in up to 200 gallons per day.
When there is a leak it can have a negative effect on your septic system. All of the water, whether from a leak or not, will eventually find its way down the pipes and into the septic system. If too much water is flowing into the system it can have negative consequences.
You can use water more efficiently in the following ways:
- Use high-efficiency toilets
- Use faucet aerators
- Use high-efficiency showerheads
- Use water-efficient washing machines or pay close attention to washing machine settings. Be sure to use the appropriate settings for the load you are doing
- Spread out laundry throughout the week. Doing too many loads of laundry in one day puts a strain on your septic system
Watch What Goes Down the Drain
It is important to remember that only certain things are supposed to go down the drains. If inappropriate items are being flushed or put into the drains, it can affect your septic.
Never allow these things in your drains:
- Cooking grease
- Wipes
- Feminine products
- Condoms
- Floss
- Diapers
- Coffee grounds
- Chemicals
- Drugs
- Paper towels
Follow these septic system maintenance do’s and dont’s to ensure a properly running system with a long life.