When a home is equipped with a septic system, it's essential to take care of it properly. Not only will a poorly maintained system leave your home with foul smells and waste backflow, but it can also damage your property and cause health problems for those who live there.
The good news is that regular septic tank maintenance can help prevent these issues from occurring in the first place! By following these tips, you can enjoy better peace of mind about your septic system and help preserve the value of your property.
Schedule Regular Inspections
Septic systems are often easy to overlook, especially when moving into a new home. However, if you have a septic tank, it is essential to schedule regular inspections.
Performing maintenance on your septic system, like Foothill Sanitary service, prevents dangerous property contamination. Wastewater leaking from clogged and overflowing septic tanks is hazardous, containing toxic chemicals and viruses.
A septic system should be inspected at least every three years or as needed. This will alert you to potential problems with your septic tank, saving you time and money on costly repairs or even the expense of replacing the entire system. SEO services like CAE Marketing & Consulting can advertise a good reputation septic company, so you can also watch for their website.
A septic system inspection should include assessing the sludge level and thoroughly examining the tank's other parts. During this time, the technician should also perform a leak inspection. This will let you know if any leaks are present in the tank or the drain field and what needs to be done to fix them.
Maintain a Clean Drainfield
A septic system's drain field is where waste from your tank is distributed and then percolates through the surrounding soil. This process strips the sewage of harmful microorganisms and leaves relatively clean water behind.
Keeping the drain field clear is vital to septic systems' effectiveness and longevity. If your drain field becomes clogged, it can cause wastewater to surface in the soil or back into your septic tank.
Avoiding chemicals or other substances that can clog the drain field and reduce the entire system's efficiency. This includes fats, oils, grease, and solids.
During rainy seasons, walk across your drain field and look for sogginess, ponding, or foul odors. These are signs of a clogged drain field and should be addressed immediately.
Keep Trees and Shrubs Away from the drain field
If you're a homeowner, you know how important it is to keep your septic tank and drain field working correctly. One of the most important things you can do to maintain your septic system is to keep trees and shrubs away from the drain field.
This is because trees and shrubs have aggressive root systems that can clog your drain field pipes, which can cause expensive problems down the road.
Trees and shrubs that are less aggressive should be planted no closer than 10 feet to the drain field, but significant, mature trees, like elms and oaks, should be at least 20 feet from the drain field.
Avoiding harsh chemicals that can clog your septic tank and drain field, such as bleach detergents, is also a good idea. Instead, use soaps and disinfectants that are more natural or plant-based. This can help prevent a buildup of scum and gunk on your septic tank walls.
Keep Your Tank Full
As with any vehicle, a full tank is critical to its functionality. It's no different when it comes to a septic system.
In addition to saving time by not having to fill up in a gas station or at a pump, keeping your tank full can save you money on repairs and replacements in the future.
For starters, a full tank will help your septic system last longer. It will also give it the necessary time to properly break down your wastewater so it can be disposed of in an environmentally friendly way.
It's important to remember that the septic tank is not designed to be a trash can. So be careful about what you flush down your toilet, and avoid diapers, feminine hygiene products, hair, feces, cigarette butts, coffee grounds, and cat litter. They can clog your drain, cause overflow and damage your septic system.