A poorly maintained septic system could cause sewage to back up into your home, polluting the surrounding soil and causing health and sanitation issues. Here are some tips on how to maintain your septic tank properly. If your toilets or sinks are draining slowly or clogging, it may be time for a septic tank inspection. Strong sewage odors also indicate an issue that should be addressed. How to Maintain Your Septic Tank Properly

Clean It Regularly/How to Maintain Your Septic Tank Properly

Whatever goes down your drains ends up in the septic tank, so you must watch what you flush and put into the garbage disposal. Putting too many chemicals down the drain can disrupt the primordial ecosystem that develops in the tank over time, throwing everything out of whack.

Avoid putting bleach and other cleaning products down the drain, as these can kill the good bacteria in your septic system. Instead, try natural or plant-based cleaners.

Kindly click on the image below for all your septic tank cleaning materials.

You should also limit or eliminate the use of your garbage disposal. Grinding up tricky edibles like broccoli stems or carrot peelings can clog your drains and the septic system and increase the amount of solid matter that needs to be pumped out. This could lead to sewage back-up in your home, which is disgusting and a health hazard for your family.

Don’t Flush Harsh Chemicals

A septic system relies on a resilient biological ecosystem of friendly bacteria to function properly. Harsh chemicals can destroy these bacteria or clog your septic system.

For more educational blogs, please visit Here>> https://emergencyplumbery.com/blog/

This is why it’s essential to flush toilet paper, human waste, and kitchen and bathroom cleaning products labeled septic safe. These cleaning products will also contain ingredients that won’t kill the waste-eating microorganisms in your septic tank and drain field.

Doing so will prevent a toxic septic waste overflow that can leak into the ground and pollute local lakes, rivers, and streams. It will also avoid costly septic tank repairs and replacements. Avoid chemical drain openers – use boiling water or a snake instead – and never pour cooking oil, grease, solvents, large volumes of toxic cleaners, or latex paint waste down your drain.

Don’t Overfill It/How to Maintain Your Septic Tank Properly

A well-maintained septic tank and drain field should last decades, but longevity depends on how much water is used. Reduce water use by repairing leaking faucets and toilets, using low-flow shower heads, and directing roof, yard, and driveway runoff away from the tank and drain field.

Don’t flush cigarette butts, diapers, feminine hygiene products (including tampons and pads), or cooking oil down the drain; these items can cause health problems. Instead, dispose of them in the trash. Avoid parking or driving vehicles on the drain field; doing so can pack down the soil, inhibiting proper function and causing clogs—plant grass over the drain field to promote healthy microbes and prevent erosion. Talk to your service professional for more tips. They can provide a comprehensive inspection to determine the condition of your septic tank and drain field.

Don’t Overirrigate the Drain Field

A septic system works best when it is used sparingly. It takes time for wastewater and septic tank contents to pass through the absorption field, and the soil must do its part by filtering out harmful coliform bacteria.

Kindly click the image below for more septic tank treatment products.

Aside from regularly inspecting the septic tank and having it pumped, there are other things that you can do to keep your system healthy. For example, don’t pour chemicals down the drains like chemical drain cleaners, disinfectants, and solvents. These kill the natural balance of microbes that break down waste and can lead to clogs.

Also, don’t park or drive on the drainfield. This can compact the soil and inhibit its ability to absorb the treated water from the septic tank. Planting fast-growing trees near the septic system isn’t a good idea since roots may penetrate and clog the drain lines.

Don’t Build Over It

Everything eventually reaches your septic tank, whether it goes down the drain in the kitchen sink or toilet. The system performs an important task, but what you put into it also plays a significant role.

This means using septic-safe toilet paper and avoiding flushing wet wipes, even those advertised as “flushable.” It also helps to limit the use of chemical drain opener oil and cooking grease.

Additionally, you should keep trees at least 100 feet away from your septic tank and drain field to prevent roots from invading the septic system and causing problems. Putting anything over the drain field, including soil, mulch, plastic, or garden beds, limits air exchange and can lead to compacting. It’s best to plant only grass and shallow-rooted plants in this area that will increase.