There are many benefits to having a septic system for your home. First of all, it’s less expensive to install a septic tank than extensive sewer lines, and it doesn’t come with a monthly utility bill. Septic tanks are quite durable and seldom need to be replaced. What’s more they’re actually environmentally friendly. Because they remove bacteria before water is released into the soil, they don’t contaminate the water supply, and the water they recycle is absorbed by your landscape. However, with no routine septic maintenance, a septic system can fail, causing costly damage to your home and environment. To keep your septic system functioning correctly for the long haul, adhere to the following recommendations.
1. Have It Pumped After a Few Years
The septic tank is underground storage for solid wastes until they decompose. The effluent, or liquid waste, passes out of the tank and into a leach field, where it is filtered by soil. However, with time, solid waste builds up. This can contaminate groundwater or lead to a backup in your home. To avoid this, have your septic tank pumped by a professional every three to five years.
- Type of wastewater generated
- Size of your family
- Septic tank size
- Usage
2. Avoid Using Harsh Chemicals and Antibacterial Additives
Chemicals such as detergents, disinfectants, and antibacterial cleaners can harm your system. This is because they strip away the beneficial bacteria in your tank, which help break down solid organic matter. Additionally, these products contain phosphates that can cause algae blooms when released into the environment. When buying cleaning supplies for your home, opt for septic-safe, phosphate-free, and biodegradable products.
3. Keep Greases and Oils Out of Your Drains
Fatty substances such as cooking oils and grease can wreak havoc on your septic system. Greases coat the sides of the tank, reducing its capacity. They also clog the drain field pipes. To keep them out of your drains, use a sink strainer to catch any grease when washing dishes, and pour cooking oils into a jar to dispose of them appropriately.
4. Avoid Flushing Solid Wastes
Toilet paper is the only thing that should ever be flushed down your toilet. Other things, such as sanitary towels and wipes, cat litter, condoms, cotton buds, cigarette butts, food waste, and sharp objects, clog the pipes and contribute to the buildup of solid waste in the tank. Also, since most of the effluents end up in the leach field, solids, especially pharmaceuticals, can contaminate the groundwater.
5. Protect the Leach Field
The leaching field is an important part of the septic system as it filters wastewater before it enters the environment. The porous soil in which it’s buried helps filter bacteria and viruses. Therefore, keep vehicles or heavy items away from this area as they can compact the soil and reduce its ability to absorb wastewater.
6. Plant Trees Wisely
Trees are an important part of any landscape, but they can also be detrimental to septic systems. The roots can easily penetrate pipes and tanks, causing them to break or clog. When planting on a property with a septic system, choose trees that grow slowly and have shallow roots, such as dogwood or cedar.
7. Use Water Efficiently
The more water you put into the septic system, the more strain it takes. It is wise to conserve water by installing low-flow faucets, showerheads, and toilets. If your system is struggling, consider using a greywater recycling system to prevent it from being overloaded.
Contact Us
Regular inspections and proper maintenance are key to keeping the septic system functioning smoothly. It’s important to have a professional inspect the septic tank and leach field annually for any signs of damage or malfunction.
If you notice something unusual, such as a slow drain, a sewage smell, or a wet area in the yard, a septic tank professional from Salina Septic Service can conduct an inspection. Our services range from septic tank cleaning, installation, pumping, repair, and maintenance to dealing with lateral fields.
If you’re a resident of Salina, KS or the surrounding area, contact us at Salina Septic Service today, and our team of experts will help you keep your septic system in good condition.
