Septic System Maintenance: Do's And Don'ts

Septic System Maintenance: Do's And Don'ts

The most common household plumbing problems are the result of clogs and blockages. These blockages develop when food, grease, and other particles enter your pipes and sewer system. Clogged drains cause sewers overflow, damaged septic systems, and costly repairs - everything from expensive drain cleaners to complete septic tank replacement. Don’t wait until trouble occurs to notice your septic system. Reach out to a septic company for assistance at the first sign of any trouble. Metro Septic Pumping has this simple list of Do’s and Don’ts for you to use as your guide.

A septic system is a miniature sewage treatment plant that processes waste at home instead of a municipal treatment plant. It is typically called a septic system because it consists of underground or above-ground holding tanks with a network of underground pipes connecting them to the drains.

Septic System Do’s

Septic system maintenance is crucial to keeping your septic tank in good working order. If you don't regularly pump and maintain your septic system, it can cause costly damage that could have been avoided.

• Spread Laundry Out Throughout the Week

If you have a large family or like to do a lot of laundry, throwing it in at once can be tempting. However, this can overload your septic tank and cause problems with the drain field. Instead, try spreading your laundry throughout the week so that it doesn't overload your system at once.

• Use Liquid Detergent

Using liquid detergent instead of powder will help extend your system's life and keep it operating more efficiently. It's also important not to overdo it when using any type of soap or detergent since they can build up deposits inside the pipes that can eventually clog them completely and cause a backup in your home or yard.

• Keep Documentation of All Septic System Maintenance and Repairs

Documentation can be done by keeping a logbook in which all repairs and maintenance will be recorded. This is especially important for homeowners with multiple systems installed in their homes or business.

• Regularly Schedule Septic Tank Pumping

Septic systems are designed to handle the waste from a single household. When more than one household is connected to a single septic system, the waste volume can exceed what the system can handle. If a septic system is not pumped regularly, it can be damaged and fail. The pumping frequency will depend on how many people use the system, but if you have over three people living in your home, you should have your septic tank pumped every three years. Call Metro Septic Pumping for professional septic pumping services.

• Use Water Conservation Devices

Water conservation devices like low-flow showerheads and faucet aerators reduce the amount of wastewater entering your septic system. These devices help extend the life of your septic tank by reducing the number of solids that need to be broken down by microorganisms in your leach field or aerobic mound filter bedding area.

• Frequent Visual Inspections of All Septic System Components

Your septic tank should be inspected every year or two by a professional. This will allow them to identify any issues before they turn into major problems that could lead to costly repairs down the road. Your pipes should also be checked regularly as well. If there are signs of leaks or cracks in your pipes, consider replacing them before they cause any more damage or costly repairs. Between professional inspections, property owners should visually inspect at least monthly.

• Remove Vegetation With Large Root Systems From Being Near Your Septic Tank

Vegetation with extensive root systems can cause problems with your septic tank if left unchecked. Tree roots from nearby trees can eventually find their way into the pipes that lead to the septic tank and clog them up completely.

• Regularly Flush Seldom Used Drains

If you have rarely used drains (such as laundry sinks or powder rooms), try flushing them out regularly with water from the hose so that they do not back up your home during heavy rains or floods.

Septic System Don’ts

Septic system maintenance is a must. But there are things that you should avoid doing.

• Avoid Garbage Disposals

If you are looking for ways to reduce your water usage, one way is by avoiding garbage disposals. These appliances use a lot of water, but they also take up a lot of space in your plumbing system that could otherwise be used for other things. If you must use one, try using it only sparingly or only use it when necessary (such as after cooking large meals).

• Avoid Chemicals In Excess

While many chemicals are available for use in septic systems, most are not recommended for everyday use. These chemicals can harm both humans and animals and your septic tank itself. They also tend to kill beneficial bacteria in your tank, which can lead to long-term problems with your system. If you need to use any chemical products in your septic system, make sure to contact Metro Septic Pumping first so that we can advise you on which products are safe for use with your particular type of system.

• Avoid Putting Non-Septic Safe Items Down Drains

Many people think that if an item is biodegradable, it can be put down the drain, but this is not true. Only human waste, toilet paper, and water should be put into septic system drains.

• Keep Kitchen Grease Out of the Septic System

You should only put grease down your kitchen drains if it is solidified or has been strained through cheesecloth beforehand. Grease in the septic tank will cause clogs and backups over time, leading to expensive repairs or replacement costs if left untreated for too long.

Metro Septic Pumping

When your septic system has trouble, your life can quickly become a disaster. You’re probably aware of basic septic care. You know what to do to keep the system in good repair and that you need septic tank pumping every three years or so. But if you are like most homeowners, what you don’t know can hurt you. When your septic system fails, it can cause contamination of your well water, costing thousands of dollars to treat and fix. Metro Septic Pumping can help keep your septic system from failing or repair it quickly when necessary.