Your septic system is a wastewater treatment and disposal system that you rely on throughout the year. It includes a septic tank and a drain field that work together to treat wastewater before it goes back into the environment. Unfortunately, the hot weather that summer brings can affect how it works.
The Good and Bad Bacterial
There are beneficial bacteria in your septic tank that break down waste. Warmer weather can accelerate this process. This sounds great, but it can potentially do more harm than good. An increase in bacterial activity leads to higher gas production, which results in strong odors.
That same hot weather can disrupt or kill the beneficial bacteria. As a result, waste decomposition slows down, leading to an accumulation of sludge in your tank.
Hot Weather Can Cause Soil Issues
Summer heat causes the soil around your drain field to dry out and crack. This makes it hard for the soil to filter wastewater properly. The dry soil also limits the microbial activity that’s necessary for water treatment. Furthermore, it slows down drainage, which can result in backups and other complications.
Ways Homeowners Can Help To Prevent Septic Issues
You can water the soil around your drain field during hot weather to keep it from drying out and cracking. While this helps maintain soil moisture, be careful not to oversaturate the area. Once the soil is oversaturated, the drain field will struggle to absorb and process wastewater.
You can shade your septic tank to prevent overheating, especially if it’s in direct sunlight. Limiting heat exposure protects the system’s functionality.
Have Us Come Out Once a Year for Maintenance
Scheduling annual maintenance and having your septic tank pumped regularly is the best way to keep it functioning effectively, especially when the temperatures rise. It prevents sludge buildup so that it won’t hinder the effectiveness of your system. It also ensures proper wastewater flow and prevents unpleasant odors by removing the source of the gas production.
Maintenance and septic tank pumping can prevent many issues related to heat, which can lead to premature failure. It’s much more affordable to take advantage of this service than to deal with costly repairs. Most importantly, it ensures that treated water is discharged properly.
Understanding how hot weather affects your septic tank system and learning how to prevent the damage that can result from it will keep your system functioning properly all summer long. Simply keep an eye on factors like sunlight and soil moisture, and schedule yearly maintenance. It will save you time, money, and hassle. Call Brown Aerobic in Houston, TX today for all of your septic tank replacement and service needs.