When you have a septic tank, it’s a mutually beneficial relationship. Your septic tank performs the gross and grimy job of processing your home’s wastewater (and all that entails). At the same time, you enjoy a healthy system that’s ultimately good for the environment and your well-being. But it’s possible to shirk your duties to your septic tank, making it harder for it to do its job. This results in, well, a disgusting mess. With proper maintenance, though, you can ensure a trouble-free relationship with your tank. Here are a few common mistakes to avoid with septic tank maintenance.
Failing To Pump
Pump out your septic tank every two to three years. The benefits of pumping your septic tank are numerous, and there’s no downside to performing this valuable bit of maintenance. Failing to have it pumped can result in backups into the house and a sloppy and smelly backyard. It also puts undue strain on the system, which can lead to expensive replacements or repairs. Call a technician for a pumping session and an inspection to ensure it’s working well.
Flushing the Wrong Stuff
Only a few things belong in your septic tank: water, human waste, and biodegradable toilet paper. Anything else can become stuck down there and cause all sorts of havoc. Feminine hygiene products, dental floss, ear swabs, paper towels, personal wipes, prophylactics, and other items that don’t break down will rest in your tank, creating clogs, blocking the drains, and potentially ruining it. Keep a trash can in the bathroom beside the toilet.
Not Being Cautious With Chemicals
Once again, don’t flush anything but water, waste, and toilet paper. That goes for nonsolid materials like cleaners, drain openers, and other harsh chemicals. Your septic tank is a gloriously thriving collection of bacteria and other microorganisms that help break down the waste and purify the water. Chemicals can kill these hardworking critters who are only doing their jobs. Keep the chemicals out of the toilet, and properly dispose of them in the trash.
Not Minding the Drain Field
The drain field (also known as the leach field) is a collection of perforated pipes and gravel connected to the tank that help purify the wastewater. It rests several feet below the surface, tirelessly doing its duty. But it can’t do that if you don’t look after it well. Never park a vehicle or place a heavy object on the space above a drain field. It can slowly crush it and impede performance. Likewise, keep the greenery away from the leach field. Bushes, trees, shrubs, and other plants have roots, and roots like to look for water in underground pipes. They work their way in and occasionally crack them open, so plant them elsewhere.
Those are just a few common mistakes to avoid with septic tank maintenance. Look after your septic tank, and it’ll continue to look after you and your family!
