While most folks don’t want to talk or think about their septic system, the truth is, the septic system needs regular maintenance to run smoothly. Learning how to clean a septic system and how to maintain a septic tank is a crucial part of being a homeowner to avoid problems with the septic system down the road.
While caring for your septic system can seem overwhelming at first, there are a few key steps you can take to ensure that your septic system is running as smoothly and efficiently as possible. We’ll detail those steps in the article below, so read on for more information.
How to clean a septic system
To clean a septic system, your first line of defense is keeping it clean in the first place. By avoiding flushing problematic items such as cooking oil, feminine products, and paper towels down the toilet, you will be winning half the battle of keeping a septic system clean. If you do flush inappropriate objects or materials down the toilet, you may find that your septic system fails to function efficiently.
In addition to watching what you flush, you will also want to take care to only send materials down the sink that are safe to make their way down the sink drain. Avoid pouring problematic materials such as cooking oil, grease, and household chemicals such as pesticides or paint thinners down the sink to ensure that your septic system runs as safely and efficiently as possible.
In extreme cases, your septic system may even become clogged and overflow or display other signs of damage. In these situations, your household may be at risk of interacting with biohazardous materials. You will also have to foot a hefty bill to get the septic tank fixed or even replaced, depending on the extent of the damage. A clean septic tank starts with safe flushing and sink practices.
How to maintain a septic tank
To properly maintain a septic tank, you’ll want to get your septic system as a whole inspected every three to five years by a septic professional to keep it running in top condition. If you have certain types of septic components such as electrical pumps or electrical switches, most experts would recommend annual inspections to ensure the proper functioning of the system.
Another important aspect of maintaining the septic tank is keeping the drain field clear of structures or vehicles at all times. While you may want to build that nice new shed, you should try to build it somewhere outside the drain field. Otherwise, you may risk the well-being and functionality of your septic tank.
What’s more, you should ensure you avoid driving on the drain field. Most drain fields are not built to handle vehicles or other traffic going over them. Additionally, you should avoid planting shrubs, trees, and other vegetation on top of a drain field. Planting, driving, and building on drain fields can be unsafe and even illegal in certain areas.