3 Tips For Maintaining Your Septic System

Posted on: 11 June 2015

A septic system is a very efficient waste management system, but unlike a municipal sewage system, a septic system does require some extra care to ensure that there are no problems. If you are moving into a home with a septic tank, use the following tips to keep it working properly:

Pay Attention to What is Flushed Down the Toilet

When you have a septic system, you will have to be diligent to prevent certain items from being flushed down the toilet. Items such as paper towels, baby wipes, feminine hygiene products, condoms, cigarette butts, disposable diapers, and facial tissue should never be flushed down the toilet in a home with a septic tank. Flushing these items can cause clogging in a septic system, which can result in a disgusting backup of waste materials. The only thing that you should flush is human waste and toilet paper. It is a good idea to select toilet paper carefully, and look for a brand that is labeled as being safe for septic systems.

Limit the Amount of Household Chemicals Introduced Into Your Septic System

A functioning septic system relies on bacteria to help control the amount of waste in a septic tank. If too many household chemicals, such as cleaning products, detergents, or bleach are introduced into the system, the delicate balance of bacteria in the septic tank can be disrupted. You most likely can't prevent small amounts of household chemicals from going down the drain, but be mindful of trying to dispose of these chemicals in a different place.

Have Your Septic System Inspected Regularly by a Professional

As a homeowner, you should arrange to have your septic system inspected by a professional septic tank services company every year. An experienced inspector will examine important components of your septic system to ensure that everything is working properly and that the septic tank is not failing. A septic tank service professional will also check the waste levels in your septic tank; if the levels are getting high, you will need to arrange to have your septic tank pumped. Don't put off having your septic tank pumped if it is getting full. Doing so can cause waste to overflow into your yard, causing a truly disgusting mess.

For more information about septic tank services, contact a reputable service in your area like E & F Septic Tank. They can help answer any questions you might have.

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