Your septic system’s health lies in your hands!
Luckily, taking care of it is pretty easy.
Proper maintenance can help you avoid costly pump-outs and messy backups.
Read on to learn how to keep your septic system healthy so you can be happy.
Use water efficiently
Flooding the septic system is the most common cause of septic failure. Too much wastewater flowing into the system at once will flood the drainfield. Plus, when the system floods, wastewater doesn’t sit in the tank long enough for adequate treatment.
Using water efficiently prevents flooding. What are the best ways to conserve water?
- Fix leaky faucets.
- Fix leaky toilets, too. Can’t tell if your toilet is leaking? Check by adding a little liquid food coloring to the reservoir before bed. If the dye is in the bowl the next morning, the reservoir is leaking.
- Morning is a peak water usage time – wait to run the dishwasher or washing machine until a less busy time.
- Don’t do all your laundry at once. Spread loads out during the week.
- Select the right sized loads when you do laundry. Don’t wash a small load on the large setting. Otherwise, you’re sending lots of extra wastewater down the drain.
- Swap your old appliances for high efficiency models. High efficiency models reduce the amount of wastewater flowing into the system.
- If you’re not ready to buy new appliances, faucet aerators and high-efficiency showerheads will reduce your wastewater, too. You can find those at any hardware store.
- If you have a water purifying system or water softener, check with a professional before allowing the backwash to flow into your septic tank.
Conserving water saves you money, and it keeps your septic system running well.
Watch your drains
Your septic system relies on natural microorganisms in your septic tank to break down waste. They’re great at breaking down organic material, but there are some things they can’t handle.
Here’s a list of things you should never flush:
- Dental floss
- Feminine hygiene products
- Condoms
- Diapers
- Cotton swabs
- Cigarette butts
- Coffee grounds
- Cat litter
- Paper towels
- Plastics
- Metal
- Sand
Because these things aren’t easily broken down, they build up inside your septic tank. They can clog the system and cause backups.
Here’s a list of things you should never pour down your drains:
- Gasoline
- Cooking oil
- Pesticides
- Antifreeze
- Paint
- Paint thinner
These chemicals can destroy the microorganisms in your tank, or contaminate groundwater.
Cleaning products can also cause problems in your septic tank, so be sure to read labels carefully. Only use directed amounts.
Garbage disposals send extra solid waste down your drain. Check with a professional to make sure your septic system can handle the extra waste before you get one.
Take care of the field
The drainfield is where water from your septic tank empties into your yard. The drainage pipes and soil are an essential part of your septic system.
To take care of the drainage field:
- Direct downspouts and runoff away from the field. If it gets flooded, so does your septic system.
- Only plant grass on top of the drainage field and any connected pipes. Roots from trees, shrubs, and other plants can grow into pipes and cause damage.
- Don’t drive or park on any part of the drainage field. Pressure from your car can crack the pipes or compact the soil. If the soil gets compacted, wastewater can’t flow freely.
Use Septic Tank Maintenance
BiOWiSH™’s Septic Tank Maintenance reduces accumulated sludge inside your septic tank. The technology in Septic Tank Maintenance keeps your septic system running smoothly by digesting sludge and scum. Plus, it prevents backups and reduces the need for pump-outs.
Generally, septic tanks require pump-outs every three to five years. But if you follow these septic maintenance guidelines, and use Septic Tank Maintenance, you can eliminate the need for pump-outs altogether. Be sure to have a professional inspect your system every few years as a precautionary measure.
Maintaining your septic system is critical. Take a step towards septic system health and get your Septic System Maintenance here.