What Are Some Key Checklist Items For Septic Tank Maintenance?
What Are Some Key Checklist Items For Septic Tank Maintenance?
The basic factors that contribute to your recommended frequency include household size, your septic tank size, the amount of wastewater your household generates, and the amount of solid waste that goes into the system. Care for your septic system should be relatively straightforward, but here are some tips and tricks to extending the life of your tank that not everyone takes into account.
Regular Inspections
The best way to prevent major septic tank issues is to regularly inspect your system. Inspections will allow a professional to spot small problems that could cause larger, more costly problems in the future. Inspecting a septic system should also include checking for leaks. If a leak is discovered, it should be repaired immediately. During septic tank inspections, the sludge level can be checked and dye tests can be conducted to assess whether water is draining properly. A septic tank inspection is also a good time to locate the septic tank. The greenest grass in your yard is often directly above the tank, and snow melts more rapidly above the tank than the rest of the yard.
Regular Pumping
Keeping your septic system pumped on a regular cadence will extend its lifespan and prevent major issues from occurring. Having your tank pumped on a timely basis will also make it more attractive to potential buyers when you decide to sell your home. If your septic system isn’t pumped regularly, the solids that build up at the bottom of the tank have nowhere to go. These solids can accumulate until they overflow into the drain field and cause issues such as drainfield plugging or drainfield failure. This can result in property damages that can be very expensive to repair. Ideally, your septic tank should be pumped every 3-5 years. If you haven’t had your septic tank pumped in a while, call a professional to check it out and pump it as needed. A septic service inspection is also an excellent time to get any small issues addressed, which can prevent major problems from happening in the future.
Avoiding Clogs
Keeping your septic tank free of clogs is a good way to keep your system running smoothly. A septic system that’s not working properly can contaminate groundwater and surface water, which can lead to health issues for your family. Some septic professionals recommend flushing small amounts of enzymes into the drain each month to help break down grease and other solid waste in your septic system. However, many of these products are not necessary and can actually harm the system.
Keeping Your Tank Clean
Keeping your tank clean is a major part of the maintenance process. The amount of solid waste that goes into the system is huge, and over time it can cause serious damage to the septic tank. Fortunately, there are bacteria in your septic tank that will help break down the waste in a natural way. However, if you use harsh chemicals to clear clogs in the drains in your house, they can actually harm these microbes, and your system won’t be able to function properly. You can also try to limit the amount of liquid waste that goes into the system. This will reduce the sludge and scum that builds up in the tank, which can cause it to get clogged up in the inlet and outlet tees, as well as in your absorption field.
Categorised in: General, Septic Tanks