If your house is not connected to the municipal sewer line, you probably have a septic tank and its supporting infrastructure on your property. That means you are responsible for the hassle of cleaning and repairing your tank and connecting lines. A & J Nichols Septic Tank Co of Byhalia, MS, is a trusted local septic service provider that can come to your aid 24/7. They offer septic pumping and comprehensive septic solutions of all sizes.

There are a few things you can routinely do to avoid costly septic system repair. One of them is to be mindful of water levels, as too much water in your septic tank will prevent solids from settling on the bottom, potentially allowing them to rise and clog pipes. Flushing non-biodegradable items can also clog pipes or cause your tank to fill up too fast.

Furthermore, flushing harsh chemicals such as paint thinners, motor oil, or even detergents kills the bacteria in your tank and slows down waste decomposition. Those chemicals also pollute the soil around the drain field and make it useless for growing plants. However, planting trees or shrubs in your drain field is not recommended as their roots can damage lines.

There is a natural bacterial process that takes place in your septic tank, transforming waste into sludge. But using anti-bacterial soaps and cleaners disrupts this process. Your kitchen waste—including grease and oils—should also stay out of the system because it breaks down differently than human waste and make it hard for the bacteria to do their job.

Aside from keeping troublesome materials out, regular maintenance of your septic tank can also save you a lot of trouble. Routine inspections prevent overflowing and flooding that can release foul odors. To prevent overflowing, most households should conduct septic pumping every two years.

Keeping up with your septic tank doesn’t have to be unpleasant. When you need a reliable service for both maintenance and emergencies—even in the middle of the night—call A & J Nichols Septic Tank Co at (662) 838-2945 or visit them online to schedule an inspection.