A septic tank is a vital component as far as waste disposal is concerned; it helps in collecting and disposing of wastewater and solids securely, without harming the environment.
However, like any other disposal system, septic tanks require regular maintenance to facilitate the smooth flow of waste materials. Any failure of the system might cause clogging of pipes, sewage leakages, persistent water backups, and unpleasant smells.
With this in mind, it is advisable to carry out routine maintenance to ensure that the system runs uninterrupted.
Here are a few tips for preventive maintenance of septic tanks and sewer lines:
1. Inspect and Pump the Septic System Frequently
On average, you should have your septic tank inspected and pumped by a professional service provider, at least once every one or two years. This should cover the septic tank, the sewer lines, and the piping system.
A thorough inspection followed by routine pumping will make sure that the tank does not fill up unabated. The assessment will also make sure that all mechanical parts are working optimally, hence ensuring that the septic tank is functioning at prime performance.
Notably, the frequency of septic inspection and pumping depends on the number of people in your household, the size of the tank, total wastewater generated and the volume of solids in the wastewater.
2. Dispose of Waste Properly
One of the biggest mistakes most homeowners make is to flush garbage and non-biodegradable items down the toilet or pouring chemicals down the sink.
Apparently, this is not an ideal way of keeping your sewer system working in excellent condition. Whatever you flush down the drain will eventually end up in the septic tank, and this might affect how well the sewer system works.
Importantly, the only wastes allowed down the toilet are septic-friendly tissue paper and human waste. Moreover, you should avoid pouring harsh chemicals such as cooking oils, grease, and solvents down the drain, as these liquids kill healthy bacteria that help digest waste.
3. Conserve Water
Conserving water will not only reduce your water bills but also improve the efficiency of your septic and sewer system. Notably, the septic tank needs time to sort the solid waste from liquid waste before disposing excess wastewater into the sewer line.
For this reason, it is imperative to reduce the amount of wastewater that goes to the tank at a time in order to improve the operation of the septic system. You may conserve water by installing high efficiency or low flow toilets, fixing leaky faucets and running toilets, installing high-efficiency shower-heads and spreading out laundry days throughout the week.
You should also check your water pressure to help regulate the amount of water that runs through your piping system and avoid wastage.
4. Maintain Your Drain Field
The drain field is an essential component of the sewer system. Its primary function is to hold the effluent that comes from the septic tank, hence allowing solid waste to settle down. With this in mind, taking care of the drain field is just as important as maintaining your septic tank.
To protect your sewer system, avoid placing heavy objects over the tank or drain field. In addition, do not park or drive on top of the septic tank. If your drain field is located in an open space, you should consider adding a physical barrier around it to prevent the public from driving over it.
Also, divert surface water and downspouts away from the drain field, since too much water may cause flooding or slow the wastewater treatment process, subsequently leading to system failure.
Enlist a Professional Septic Service Provider
Here is what you need to consider: Unless you are a professional septic system expert, taking care of your sewer system might prove to be a tough call. It requires some level of expertise coupled with the right tools and equipment to carry out comprehensive inspections and maintenance routines.
With this in mind, it is always advisable that you leave maintenance work to the pros.
Of course, you may contribute by disposing waste properly and using water efficiently, but when it comes to the technical maintenance aspects, always call a professional septic service provider.
Make the right step! Contact All Septic & Sewer today!