Septic systems are the go-to alternative for waste disposal in homes and businesses that aren’t able to connect with local utilities throughout the United States. There are several challenges and considerations for septic systems that people living in urban areas rarely have to worry about. Property owners with this kind of setup should take the time to learn all the important basics about this system so they can ensure it receives proper maintenance from year to year.
Schedule Professional Services
With proper care and maintenance, septic tanks should last for decades. In addition to routine appointments to pump the tank, you should schedule a professional inspection and maintenance check every year or two. This is the best way to identify potential problems and prevent service disruptions before they get worse.
Watch What You Flush
The best way to prevent most of the common septic issues is to be mindful of what goes down the drain. Wet wipes are a common culprit for clogging pipes and tanks, along with many other kinds of non-flushable plastic and paper products. Be sure to put trash cans around the house and consider a garbage disposal for the kitchen sink. In general, toilet paper is the only thing that should get flushed when you have a septic system. Even things like flushable wipes and degradable materials can contribute to blockages, so it’s best to keep them in the trash.
Use Less Water
Along with watching what you flush, it’s also good to reduce overall water usage when possible. This puts less demand on your fixtures, drains, pipes, and septic system and cuts down on utility costs. Low-flow faucets, shower heads, and toilets are popular choices, especially in public or commercial settings. High-efficiency dishwashers and washing machines can also make a noticeable reduction in water consumption.
Replace Parts as Necessary
The pump motor and components connected to the storage tanks are often the most likely to experience partial or complete failure. Any drop in performance, strange sounds, or consistently bad smells around the septic area are signs that something has gone wrong underground. Owners should promptly schedule repairs to prevent the problem from worsening or causing additional issues elsewhere in the system.
Find Septic Maintenance Solutions
If you are like most home or business owners, then you probably have no interest in delving into the workings of your septic system. Luckily, you won’t have to when you have a professional at your side. Residents of Houston, TX can rely on Brown Aerobic for full septic maintenance service as well as other essential solutions, so call us today to get started.