It's All About The Waste: How To Protect Your Septic System
If you have a septic system, it depends on you for proper care. Without that proper care, your septic system may let you down. If you're not sure how to care for your septic system, talk to your septic service provider. They can help you understand the needs of your system. In addition, here are some instructions that will keep your septic system running smoothly.
Don't Leave any Waste Behind
When it comes to caring for your septic system, having the tanks pumped once every three to five years is one of the best ways to prevent problems. However, once you have the tank emptied, there will still be residual waste in the tank and in the pipes. Unfortunately, that residual waste can lead to drain odors and clogs. That's why it's important to add hydro-jetting to the routine maintenance your septic system should receive. Hydro-jetting ensures that all the residual waste is removed from the tank and drain pipes.
Encourage Healthy Bacteria Growth
If you want to ensure a healthy environment for your septic system, be sure to encourage good bacteria growth. Your septic tank processes a wide variety of substances that can wreak havoc on your system. Dish soap, bleach, and cleaning solvents prevent healthy bacteria from forming inside the tank. If there are insufficient amounts of good bacteria inside the tank, the waste won't decompose properly. Unfortunately, if the waste can't decompose properly, your tank will fill up too quickly. One of the best ways to encourage healthy bacteria growth is to include a bacteria additive each time your septic tank is serviced.
Don't Neglect Your Septic Filter
If you don't have an effluent filter for your septic tank, have one installed during your next service call. Without an effluent filter, solid waste can flow through to the seepage field. Unfortunately, once solid waste makes its way into the seepage field, your entire system can fail. To ensure maximum efficiency, be sure to replace the filter each time you have your septic system serviced.
Watch Your Water Usage
Septic tanks are designed to process all the waste that flows from your home. However, too much liquid waste can wreak havoc on your system. The best way to protect your septic system is to use water more efficiently inside your home. First, switch to low-flow toilets. That way, you use less water with each flush. Next, install low-flow faucets and shower heads to further reduce the amount of water that flows through to the septic tank. Finally, always wash full loads in your washing machine.
To learn more, contact septic system services near you.