Many homeowners were never told anything about how to keep their septic systems in good condition. Quite a few people out there don't even realize that without proper maintenance, expensive repairs are almost a sure thing. Regularly scheduled maintenance is important to protect your investment and prevent costly repairs. We get quite a few calls from former "city folks" who have moved to the country. Unfortunately, we often hear that they didn't realize how important it was to be informed about caring for their septic systems until it resulted in an emergency call to our office.
Sometimes, just a little advice can make a big difference! We've listed tips here for you - print them off and share them with the members of your household to keep your septic system healthy and avoid expensive troubles in the future.
- tip 1 Proper maintenance. A household of three should have the tank pumped every two to three years. A build-up of solids from the bottom of your tank can block fluid movement to lateral lines. You may need to get it pumped more often if you have a garbage disposal. Most systems have filters which need to be cleaned every 6 months or every year. A dirty filter can cause backups, so don't neglect your filter!
- tip 2 Be careful with your garbage disposal - its really best not to use one at all. Foodstuffs increase the need to pump the tank, even ground finely, these particles can cause blockage in your lateral lines.
- tip 3 Don't put anything down the toilet except human waste and toilet paper. Don't ever put paper towels, wipes, grease or paint or chemincals down your drains. While most systems simply do not require any costly monthly additives or enzymes, sluggish systems can benefit from flushing the contents of a small packet of baker's yeast once a month.
- tip 4 Be wise with your showers, baths and laundry. Use only liquid low phosphate laundry detergents, and remember to space out your water usage so that you are not flooding your tank with washwater or bathwater. Be careful with bleach - remember to use it sparingly if at all.
- tip 5 Water Softener salts will kill the happy little micro-organisims that keep your system healthy. Don't run water softener through your septic system. Salts also reduce absorbency of your soil, which can reduce the efficiency of your lateral lines.
- tip 6 Don't drive over your the lateral lines of the drainfield, and don't pasture animals over them. Don't plant trees or shrubs that could interefere in these areas. Don't do anything which compacts the soil in these areas.
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BJSeptic@hotmail.com