A septic system refers to an on-site wastewater treatment system usually used in places that don’t have a centralized sewer system. Usually, it includes a septic tank and a drain field. The septic tank helps the wastewater from households settle and break down. Then, the liquid flows into the drain field, where the soil treats it. So, there is a need to frequently conduct maintenance to ensure that the system does not fail.
Maintaining your septic system is not so difficult, expensive, or complicated. They require simple maintenance like regular pump and inspection and using water efficiently, to mention a few.
Septic System Maintenance Tips
Inspect and Pump Often
The average household septic system should be inspected for at least three years by a professional. Usually, household septics are pumped every three to five years. Also, alternative systems with electrical float switches, mechanical features, or pumps should be frequently inspected at least once a year. This is quite important because these alternative systems usually have mechanized parts. These are major factors that can influence how frequently your septic pump should be pumped.
- Size of the household
- The amount of waste generated
- The volume of solids in wastewater
- Size of the septic tank
Use Water Efficiently
On average, a typical single family uses as much as 70 gallons per person. However, a single leak in the home or a runny toilet can add as much as 200 gallons to the essential 70 daily. All the water sent down the pipes ends up in the septic system. Hence, the more water conserved in the household, the less water flows into the septic system. Efficiently using water helps to improve septic system operation and lessens its malfunction risks. You can save water with water-efficient products like Faucet aerators, high-efficiency shower heads and toilets, washing machines, and shower flow restrictors.
Dispose Waste Properly
Everything that goes down your drain through the toilet flush, garbage disposal, bath, shower, and sink ends up in the septic system. These things affect how the system works, too. Your septic system is not a trash can, so avoid throwing and flushing things in the toilet that aren’t human waste or toilet paper.
Never Use Chemical-Based Products to Unclog
Use boiling water or a drain snake to unclog your drain rather than chemical drain openers or grease. Avoid pouring oil-based products or large volumes of toxic cleaners down the drain, as they could disrupt the system from functioning properly.
Maintain the Drainfield
The Drainfield is a part of the septic system that dispels contaminants from the liquid that goes into the septic tank. Therefore, you should not:
- Park or drive on it,
- Plant trees in close proximity to keep their roots from growing in the septic tank,
- Keep sump pumps, roof drains, and other rainwater drainage systems away from the area.
This is because they slow or prevent the wastewater treatment process.
Yogi’s Drain Service offers the best plumbing solutions with their team of professional and licensed plumbers. They can help install, repair, and maintain your household septic system efficiently. Contact us today to ensure the best health for your septic system!
