Three Ways to Side Step Septic Tank Problems
When you have a septic system on your property, you just want to deal with is regular maintenance, not septic tank emergencies. You don't want your septic tank to get clogged or to stop working effectively. A septic tank that is not working correctly can have some seriously smelly and messy side effects, which is why you want to take the best possible care of your septic tank from the very beginning.
Luckily, there are steps you can take to ensure that you side-step serious septic tank problems. You need to get your septic tank inspected once a year, get it pumped out on schedule, and be careful about what you put down your drains—and thus into your septic tank—to start with.
Get Your Septic System Inspected Yearly
First, you need to find a septic system service that you want to work with. Then, you need to set up a standing yearly appointment to get your septic system inspected. During a yearly septic tank inspection, the inspector will make sure that your pipes are flowing into your septic tank at the right rate. They will identify and treat any clogs in your pipes.
They will also test the chemical balance inside of your septic tank to make sure that the right balance of bacteria is present in order to ensure that the material inside of your septic tank breaks down. If the balance is off, they will work to restore it.
Some septic tanks have pumps that keep the water flowing into the septic tank. The filter on the pump will need to be cleaned and replaced, and the moving parts on the pump may also need to be greased up and replaced when necessary.
The inspector will make sure that your drainage field is working correctly, and will keep an eye on the overall level of debris inside of your septic tank.
Get Your Septic System Pumped on Time
With yearly inspections, you will have a good idea when your septic tank needs to be pumped. The number of years between each pumping depends on the size of your septic tank compared to the size of your family and how much waste you generate. A good rule of thumb is that your septic tank should be pumped at least twice a decade, although your septic tank may need to be pumped more or less frequently.
When you get yearly inspections, the inspector will keep track of the levels of your septic tank and will be able to tell you when you should get it pumped. Do not put off pumping your septic tank; doing so can lead to issues.
Be Careful with What You Put Down Your Drains
Finally, be careful with what you put down your drains. Ideally, only toilet paper, water, soap, and human waste should go down your drains. Keep everything else, including other paper products, away from your drains.
The most important thing you can keep out of your drains though is grease. Grease can build-up over time and be really damaging to your pipes.