by In any house, the septic system is one of the most significant aspects as it manages the wastewater. While being such a crucial element of any residential property, it is still overlooked with some house owners not even knowing the location of the tank for years. Consequently, people are also unaware of the steps that need to be taken to maintain its health and functionality for a long period.
A good septic system will last for a good number of years if taken proper care of. If smaller issues are ignored for long, the septic tank repair cost rises to the extent that you might even have to replace the entire system. A routine checkup will only cost $100 to $300, but a new septic system will take the costs to $10,000. Here are a few tips that will help you in ensuring that your septic system functions properly.
Know What Not to Pour Down the Drain Field
One of the worst things to pour down the drain is grease and unfortunately, people do it all the time. The most common byproduct of cooking, grease is often ignored by people because it is a liquid. However, it can gunk along the inner lining of the tank and damage the drainage pipes for good.
The drain field is not any less important than the tank itself. The damages that occur here can affect the health of your tank and decrease its ability to efficiently deal with wastewater. Toxic chemicals and oils like motor oil, gasoline, varnish, and paint thinner should never be poured down the sink or flushed through the toilet.
Regularly Inspect the System
If you check the condition of your septic tank occasionally, it will be easier to detect developing faults earlier. This will enable you to take care of those faults quickly and without spending hefty money. If you have never checked the condition of your tank, it may suddenly stop working any day.
Inspect the entire tank, any visible components, the drain field, and the other surroundings to check for possible damage or leakage. The size of your household, the mass of water generated, and the size of the septic tank determine the frequency at which the septic tanks should be inspected.
Use Water Efficiently
All the water used in every room of the house goes down to the septic system thus, leaks and water wasting can be damaging for the septic system. Eliminate wasteful usage of water in the kitchen, toilets, and laundry. Maximize washing machine and dishwasher load so that water is not wasted on smaller loads.
One should always be careful about possible leakages in any part of the house. Even a tiny leak can waste additional 200 gallons of water each day, affecting the efficiency of the septic system. Try to install new efficient toilets in your house that save more than 50 percent of water in each flush.
Protect the Septic System
To protect the septic system from any kind of damage, the area around it must stay safe, especially the ground above. To preserve the soil in the surroundings, make sure that it is covered with lawn grass and do not use the area as a playground. Also, avoid parking cars and other heavy vehicles here.
Have your tank pumped every 3 to 5 years to have it working in the best condition. While the septic tank pumping cost is not usually high but it depends on how well-kept your tank is. It is not likely that the tank will fill up quickly so it is recommended to get it checked by a specialist as it may recommend an annual pumping session.
Be Wise with Garbage Disposals
To dispose of unconsumed or rotten soft perishables like tomatoes or bananas, do not use the water drain. Such items clog the drain and form gunk in the inner walls of the sewage pipes. Refrain from using the garbage disposal for food as this will overfill the solid layer in the septic tank.
The solids are not dissolved into liquid form in the tank but break down into smaller, harder solid pieces. Use proper means to dispose of such items. The decomposed fruits and vegetables can be used as fertilizer in the backyard. Not only this protects the septic system but is an eco-friendly way to get rid of garbage.
Conclusion
Multiple symptoms indicate that it’s time to call a septic service professional. You will smell septic odors within your home and this happens because of the lack of sealant water in the sink or toilet.
Whenever you want to clean the tank, it must be done by a professional. The septic system of your home should be handled by someone who is licensed to carry out the job to avoid any mistakes or disasters.
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