Owning a home with a septic system can present a few more challenges than a house with city sewer service. However, once you understand how the system works and the necessary precautions to take, maintaining your septic system’s health is not that difficult. But it can be frustrating during the learning process. So to help homeowners who are first-time septic system owners, our team of pros has compiled a few tips that every homeowner with a septic system should know.
Safety First!
NEVER enter a septic tank. Sure, you can’t imagine why anyone would ever willingly enter that nasty environment, but it happens. And when it does, there is never a good outcome. The gases inside a septic tank are toxic and can be fatal. So there is never any reason worth the risk of entering that tank.
Regular Cleanout Is A Must
Pumping the tank out regularly is the best way to prevent costly and mess problems from a clog in the leach field to a flood of sewage in your house. Also, there are no magic products on the market that will eliminate the need to pump out your septic tank. If you try to avoid the cost of a pump-out, you will end up paying far more in repairs in the long run.
Conserve Water
There are several reasons to conserve water, from the environmental impact to the cost of the water. But from the perspective of a septic tank owner, less water entering the tank means less agitation. With less motion of the liquid inside the tank, the solids remain on the bottom of the tank more consistently. That allows the water to flow into the leach field more readily. The more water moved into the leach field, the longer between tank pump-outs.
Read Labels Before You Buy
It is vital that you maintain the health of the bacteria inside the septic tank. Unfortunately, many typical household cleaners and products are harmful to these essential bacteria. Reading labels on cleaning products, detergents, and even bathing products will help you avoid introducing toxic chemicals and liquids into the septic system.
Septic safe is also an essential feature to look for when purchasing toilet paper. Unfortunately, there is no such thing as a septic-safe flushable wipe or moist wipe. And some toilet paper is not suitable for your septic system. In addition, flushing any other paper products or feminine hygiene items is sure to result in a nasty clog that could create a sewage backup into your home.
Put Food Waste In The Garbage
Any food waste or scraps that you wash down the drain will increase the solids inside the septic tank. Even minimal use of a garbage disposal can result in your tank filling up twice as fast as without any food waste. Instead, throw food waste in the garbage and place a strainer or screen over your kitchen sink drain to catch even the tiny bits of food washed off of dishes and cookware.
Thinks That Can Never Do Down The Drain
Several items are very harmful to the health of your septic system and should never enter the tank. The list includes:
- Gasoline, oil, and petroleum products
- Grease and oil from cooking
- Paint, paint thinner, and solvents
- Detergent or other products high in phosphorus
- Bleach, concentrated cleaners, or antibacterial products
Knowing the basics of septic system care will help you avoid the costly mistakes that are common among new septic system owners. For septic system service, call (281) 317-6103. The experts at Brown Aerobic Service Company are here to assist you with any questions or needs you might have.