How to Avoid Septic Tank Problems

How to Avoid Septic Tank Problems

When you have septic tank problems, you can rest assured knowing that the septic experts at Metro Septic Pumping are ready to take your call with 24/7 emergency septic cleaning services. However, we all know that prevention is worth more than the cure. So, what are some ways to avoid septic tank problems in the first place? With proper septic system maintenance and care, you can extend the lifespan of your septic system to its full potential. Here are some ways to avoid septic tank problems and how to get ahead of septic tank issues before they become an expensive headache for you.

Water Control

Your septic tank has a limited amount of space. Though the wastewater is discharged into the drain field, the rate of disposal should be maintained lest you risk overloading your septic tank or flooring your yard with wastewater. Try to avoid large spikes in water usage. For example, instead of running the washing machine and dishwasher at the same time that you are taking a shower, consider spacing these chores out through the day so that the septic system is not overwhelmed. If you have a large household or a lot of long-term guests, consider setting a schedule for showers.

Careful What You Flush

Just as you would with a conventional sewer system, you should be careful with what you flush down your toilets. The only things that should be flushed down your toilets are bodily waste and toilet paper. With septic systems, we even advise against using multi-plied toilet paper as they can strain the vital bacteria in the septic tank. Speaking of vital bacteria, we recommend that you avoid using hard chemical cleaners for your drains. These chemicals can threaten the lives of bacteria and microbes that are tasked with breaking down solid waste into sludge. At the end of the day, you want to make sure pipes are clear to allow proper flow and you want to make sure that the septic tank is not overwhelmed.

Landscaping? Be Mindful

If you are thinking of planting some shrubs or trees, we want to remind you that aggressive roots can devastate your septic system. When choosing shrubs or trees to plant, we recommend that you choose ones that have shallow roots that will not invade the pipes in the septic system and drain field.

Do Not Park!

Needless to say, cars are heavy. The drain field, septic tank, and pipes are sensitive to pressure. Parking on or driving over these can cause damage to pipes and compact the soil in the drain field. Remember, oxygen in the soil is crucial for the microbes to function. Packing the soil can suffocate the crucial microbes. Avoid parking on, driving over, or installing large structures on or around the septic system.

Call the Professionals

Do you have a question or concern about your septic system? Are you worried that your septic tank is damaged? Act quick. Call the professionals at Metro Septic Pumping to speak with a professional and have a septic expert dispatched to your location to take a look. Urgent action can save you from thousands of dollars in repairs, replacements, and restoration costs.