If you have a septic system on your property, one of the last things you ever want to have to face is a backup of wastewater. This will not only leave you with a giant mess but also an expensive repair bill. Because backups are a common problem, it’s crucial to take the proper preventive measures to keep yourself out of such a dirty situation.

Here are some of the tops ways to avoid a septic system failure:

• Have Your Tank Pumped As Recommended: Septic tanks are designed to last quite a long time, but they require routine pumping and cleaning if they are going to work correctly. The biggest reason septic systems back up is because of a full tank. It’s usually recommended to schedule a pumping every three to five years, but this will depend on the type of system and the number of people using it every day.
• Be Careful What You Flush: Many people make the mistake of flushing just about everything down the toilet, thinking it’s the most efficient way to dispose of waste. The truth is many of these items do not break down enough to pass through the system and end up causing a blockage, which will eventually lead to a backup.
• Don’t Pour Grease Or Chemicals Down The Drain: It may seem natural to dump grease and cleaning chemicals down the drain to easily get rid of them, but this is harsh for any plumbing system to take. Septic systems, especially, can’t handle these materials because they don’t decompose and will fill the tank up with residue.
• Watch Out For Tree Roots: Trees are a beautiful addition to any landscape, but they can be detrimental to septic systems. If their roots get too close, they can start to grow into a septic tank and block the entry valve. The consequence is a disruption in the flow and a potential backup. It’s important to keep trees away from the system and have them removed if necessary.

Regular inspections and maintenance are the keys to keeping your septic system in good working order. To make sure your system is in good order, trust Queen’s Septic Tank Service, the leading provider of septic maintenance in High Point, NC, for the last three decades. Contact them at (336) 434-1260, or visit them online for a full list of services.