Dealing with septic tanks problems is never an easy situation for the homeowner. If you are not careful a septic tank problem can cause major problems and put your system out of commission for a long period of time. Here are some easy rules to follow if you would like to avoid septic tank repair issues and keep your tank in good condition.
Proper Water Management
One best way of avoiding septic tank repair problems is by conserving water usage. Excessive water can pose a problem to your septic tank by overloading it and hindering solid waste from settling at the bottom of the tank. To this end, it is important to regulate the amount of water you use in your home on a daily basis and also try as much as possible to observe regular pumping of your septic tank.
Be Mindful of What You Flush Into Your Septic System
When your house uses a septic system, it is important to note that not everything is flushable. There are quite a number of things or materials you must avoid flushing down into your septic system to prevent septic problems. They include paper towels, kitty litter, coffee grounds, disposable diapers and wipes, sanitary napkins and tampons, rags and strings, cigarette butts, trash, condoms, bandages, hair, small animals or dead fish, hard toilet paper, plastic, latex or metallic objects, etc. Only flush toilet paper and human waste. Grease and coffee grounds will release oils that settle into your septic tank causing layers to build up that will eventually need to be pumped out.
Do Not Apply Chemicals
Using chemicals can affect the efficiency of your septic tank. It is not advisable to allow chemicals into your septic tank as it can obstruct the natural absorption of wastewater in your drain field. Try as much as possible to keep chemicals like solvents, pesticides, paints and other toxic chemicals away from your septic tank.
Although most of these chemicals can kill the germs in your bathroom and kitchen, they are, however, also known to eradicate those good bacteria that are required in your septic system.
There are also septic system cleaners that claim to help keep your septic system running smoothly but it is recommend to call Narrow Path Plumbing for our direct advice on your specific situation so it can be determined if these additives are helpful or harmful.
Good bacteria is responsible for the breaking down of the waste that goes down through the drainage pipes. If this activity stops to happen, a septic tank repair is mostly likely to occur.
Encourage Pumping
Regular pumping is needed to promote the lifespan of your septic tank. Pumping helps to remove solid waste and save it from overloading. This helps to provide enough room needed for the collection of new wastewater. Most tanks are designed to accommodate three to five years of sludge. However due to grease and chemical accumulation it is recommended to schedule pumping every two years depending on the size of your family. This will ensure your system is operating to an optimal level.
