Having septic system problems? If caught early enough, odds are most issues won’t break the bank. Luckily, Martin’s Septic Service of Milledgeville, GA, has seen it all. Here, they explain a few common septic problems, along with ways to prevent them.

In older systems, sludge can build up in your septic tank if it hasn’t been emptied in a while. Since sludge is heavier than the water and oils, it sinks to the bottom where it can easily clog the surrounding drain field. Follow the guidance of your septic tank manufacturer on how often your system should be pumped.

Did you know you can have too much water in your tank? A balance must exist for solid wastes to break down, and if the water levels are too high, solids are distributed into tubes designed only for water. You can minimize or prevent these problems by spreading out your water usage, especially if you do a considerable amount of laundry during the week. Instead of a single laundry day, schedule your loads out over a couple of days. 

For many of us, there’s no such thing as too much soap, but when it comes to your septic tank, an excess of “scrub” can eliminate the bacteria that keep your system balanced. On the other hand, detergents with too many phosphates can serve as food for various algae, causing them to overgrow and create blockages. When doing laundry, use only the amount of detergent recommended on the packaging.

An exorbitant amount of grease in your septic tank system can also clog the drains. To prevent major septic system problems, avoid using your kitchen sink as a garbage can for cooking oils. You can still clean the residue off your cookware, just deposit large amounts of oil in the trash.

No matter what is plaguing your waste management system, Martin's Septic Service can bring modern comfort back into your home. To learn more about common septic system problems, visit the website, or give them a call at (478) 452-8272 today.