Caring For Your Septic System
Repairing or installing a new septic system can be a major investment in your property and home. While a new septic repair or installation is not likely to encounter significant problems, there are a few proactive steps you can take to avoid future damage to or failure of your septic system. These practices will ensure your septic system lasts for many years to come.
Don't Run Your Water 24/7
One of the simplest methods for maintaining your septic system is to ensure that you do not dump excess water into your system by leaving your faucet on all day, including leaky faucets, or some reverse osmosis water filtration systems. Although this may appear to be a benign issue, running constant water through your septic system can flood your treatment field. Homeowners who do not conserve water properly and flood their system may also cause the water tank to fill so high that solid waste passes into the septic distribution channels that are intended for liquid effluent waste. Once solid waste enters these tubes, they can clog the system. This requires a potentially costly and avoidable repair. Over time, your field may become oversaturated and fail prematurely.
Only Flush Bio-Degradable Matter
Septic systems include a carefully balanced ecosystem of bacteria within the tank and chambers or pipes, which break down solid waste, ensuring that it may pass easily through the treatment field and final filtration process prior to returning to the earth as decomposed matter. Children may flush non bio-degradable items such as plastic wrappers, small toys, nuts, bolts, or other items while they play in the sink or the bathtub. Other common household items, particularly “flushable wipes” and feminine hygiene products (often labeled “flushable”, but may contain non-biodegradable material, such as polyesters) can also cause disastrous problems with your septic system. These items may accumulate within the septic system and obstruct critical piping systems. Make certain that only “septic safe” biodegradable tissue paper is flushed into your waste water system.
Avoid Harsh Detergents, Chemicals
A septic system requires a robust ecosystem of bacteria, which helps solid waste decompose in preparation for final absorption and breakdown in the treatment field. However, dumping large amounts of bleach, non-biodegradable detergents, Draino and other abrasive chemicals into your drains may destroy the delicate balance of system bacteria and kill the necessary breakdown process. Standard levels of detergent usage are acceptable (i.e. washing clothes, dishes and people), but using chemicals on a regular basis or disposing of bleach down the sink is not advised.
Just as a leaky faucet can flood your septic system and cause it to fail, so can poor drainage on your property. It is important to direct any landscaping and rainwater flow from lawn sprinklers, hillsides, rooftops and gutters away from your septic field. Some properties may already have a drainage plan installed, while others may not. If you notice water directed toward your septic field, give us a call. We’re happy to help you come up with a grading and drainage plan that protects the longevity of your septic system.
Install Good
Drainage on Your Property
Over time and regular use, a septic tank can become filled with anaerobic material that does not easily break down. This material can enter your treatment field pipes and cause blockages in the line which are expensive to repair. It is recommended that you have your tank pumped and inspected every 2 to 3 years to maintain your system health. Most pumping companies are also licensed inspectors and can assess the condition of your tank during a pump out and recommend any corrections to make, if needed, before your system is damaged.