In the US, more than 21 million US households use septic tank systems. The main benefit of this is that septic tanks are more environmentally friendly than mains drainage, which is ultimately why septic tanks remain popular throughout the US and the rest of the world more broadly.
Contrary to popular belief, septic tanks do need maintenance when you have one. Septic tank maintenance is important in order to:
- Protect the health of house occupants
- Keep the surrounding environment safe
Knowing this, it’s important that you conduct regular septic tank maintenance so that you don’t experience any future problems. Luckily, this guide is here to teach you how.
Get Septic Tank Pumping
Septic tank pumping is when a professional plumber like The Drain Doctor comes to your home and removes liquid and sludge from the septic tank. This is normally done using a pump truck and will take (on average) anywhere from 20 minutes to an hour to complete.
It’s recommended that you get septic tank pumping at least once every 3 to 5 years. However, some households will do it every year to be on the safe side. Not sure if you need septic tank pumping? Here are some of the signs to look out for:
- Odors
- Slow drains
- Gurgling noises
- Pooled water
- Sewage backup
If you spot any of these signs, it’s recommended you get septic tank pumping so that the problem can be eliminated and your septic tank can be properly maintained.
Reduce Your Water Consumption
Using too much water in your household can overload your septic tank. In most cases, this will result in the tank’s bacteria becoming diluted, which then makes it less efficient at breaking down any waste.
The solution is easy: use less water. One of the best ways to reduce your water usage is by flushing less and reducing your number of showers. You should find that this has a positive impact on your septic tank. Not to mention, you’ll also be able to cut your water bills, which is a nice added bonus.
Carefully Dispose of Waste
Anything that you flush down the toilet or put down your drains will make its way to your septic tank system. Therefore, you need to be very careful with the waste you dispose of, as foreign objects can lead to clogs in your septic tank and even damage.
What should you avoid flushing? Here are some items to keep away from your septic tank moving into the future:
- Cooking oil
- Non-flushable wipes
- Dental floss
- Paper towels
- Disposable diapers
Instead, make sure you put these types of items in your trash. Although it can be tempting to flush them (especially if you’re in a rush or feeling lazy), it’s never worth it. This is because it doesn’t take much for septic tanks to become backed up.
Conduct Regular Inspections
No matter where you live, make sure that you conduct regular inspections of your septic tank. Even if there are no obvious signs of problems, it’s always best to check your septic tank once a week to be safe. For example, you might check your septic tank and discover water pooling.