To minimize any problems with your septic system, it’s important to be gentle with it and take care of a few basic maintenance tasks. Keep reading to find out more about how you can help this hard-working system function at a high level.
Conserve Water
Your septic system has the important job of treating wastewater. If it’s overloaded with too much water, it can have a hard time fulfilling its responsibilities. Solids might not have enough time to settle, and as a result, hazardous wastewater could be released into your drain field. Plus, too much water can lead to a flooded drain field, which can then cause backups. Some easy ways to conserve water are by upgrading fixtures to water-efficient ones. You can also spread out your water use and run full loads in your dishwasher and washing machine.
Be Careful With Waste
You should only be flushing human waste and toilet paper down the toilet. Wipes and sanitary products should go in the trash instead. Otherwise, they have the potential to clog your septic system. Likewise, pay attention to what goes down your kitchen sink. Oil, grease, and fat can all cause blockages as well. For this reason, throw oily and greasy things away rather than sending them down the drain.
Protect Your Tank and Drain Fields
Your septic tank and drain fields need to be cared for, too. Fortunately, it’s easy to do so. Avoid planting trees near your tank and drain fields to avoid a situation in which tree roots can damage any pipes or your tank. Try to avoid parking vehicles or heavy machinery on your drain field, as this could interfere with drainage.
Call in a Professional
While you might not need your septic system pumped out every year, you may need it pumped every three to five years. This way, the solids that have accumulated over the years can be removed. If you don’t take care of this task, the scum and sludge in your tank could build up so much that they clog your drain field.
Also, consider having your septic tank regularly inspected about every year. During an inspection, a professional can identify any leaks and spot any damaged components in your system. It can be important to get problems addressed before they can cause significant damage. You’ll want to do what you can to avoid a situation in which contaminated water gets out of the system.
Help Your Septic System Continue to Work Well
If you follow the tips described above, you can help your septic system. Some tasks can be worked into your daily routine, while others require the assistance of a professional. If you’d like to schedule a septic tank inspection in Houston, TX, call the team at Brown Aerobic.