If you are among the twenty percent of U.S. households that rely on a septic system, then you have got to know that its maintenance responsibility rests duly on your shoulders. While households who are connected to the centralized sewer system pay monthly sewer bills to the local government, you are left to your own to figure out how to maintain your septic system. Many homeowners entrust professional septic companies such as Rooter Septic Service, but you have still got to know the dos and don’ts when maintaining your septic tank. Fortunately for you, Rooter Septic Service is here to help with a handy list. Give us a call if you have any questions or concerns, or if you would like to hire a qualified septic technician today.
What to Do
For beginners, you want to be extra careful when using your septic system. Be water wise. Using too much water can overwhelm and overload your septic system, resulting in water or sewage backups as well as a failed system. In fact, make sure rain and floodwater are directed away from the drain field.
You can never be too careful when it comes to your septic system, and even still, you might have problems arise. This is why we recommend you hire a qualified septic technician for routine inspections. Have the gravity systems monitored once every three years and have the pressure distribution system, filtration systems, and other proprietary systems inspected once every year.
Finally, make sure to pump the septic tank as needed. How often you need to pump the septic tank depends on the size of your tank as well as the size and activity of your household. As a general rule of thumb, we recommend you have the septic tank pumped once every two to four years. If you are not sure when your tank was last pumped, then schedule a septic tank pumping as soon as possible by calling Rooter Septic Service today.
What NOT to Do
Knowing what NOT to do is just as important as knowing what to do. With that said, here are some things that you should NOT do concerning your septic system.
Do not use a garbage disposal. The unit itself is not harmful, but owners tend to get lax when they have a garbage disposal. The real issue is tossing food scraps and used fats, oils, and greases in the kitchen sink. These debris can cause problems for the septic tank.
We won’t use the same logic and tell you not to use a toilet. However, be extra mindful. Do NOT flush anything other than pee, poo, and toilet paper. That means no wet wipes, paper towels, hygiene products, and so on.
Do not pour chemical cleaners down the drains either. These harsh chemicals can destroy bacteria in your system that are crucial in breaking down solid waste.
Finally, do not park cars or trucks on the drain field. In fact, keep heavy traffic off of the septic tank and drain field areas. Do not plant trees or install large structures over or near these areas either.
Call Rooter Septic Service
If you have any questions, or if it is time for an inspection or septic tank pumping, then call Rooter Septic Service for quick, reliable, and affordable service. Our courteous representatives are always happy to help.