Did you know that septic maintenance is the responsibility of the homeowner? Your septic system is constantly working, so giving it the proper care and maintenance can impact how well it works and how long it lasts. Bob’s Sweetwater Pumping Service has years of experience helping residents of Kamuela, Hawaii, make sure their septic tanks are clean and operating efficiently. They understand that failing septic systems can be expensive to repair and replace, and inadequately treated wastewater can pose a risk to your family’s health. That’s why they recommend these tips to homeowners when it comes to septic maintenance.

5 Ways You Can Maintain Your Septic System

Get Annual Inspections

Once a year, a professional pumping contractor should perform a thorough inspection of your entire system, checking for cracked pipes, loose connections, scum and sludge layers, the drain field, and the trees near your septic tank. Because septic tanks contain toxic gasses, the inspection should be left to an experienced professional.

Pump The Tank

A professional can measure the amount of sludge in your septic tank to determine if pumping is needed. When the sludge depth is one-third or more of the liquid depth, it needs to be pumped to prevent backups from occurring.

Keep Records

When you have an inspection or your septic tank is pumped, make sure you keep detailed records. Keep documentation that shows exactly where your septic system is located. Otherwise, you might have to pay extra to have a contractor locate the septic tank for you.

Protect Your System

Your septic system can be affected by trees, shrubs, and overuse. You should not plant anything but grass near your septic system, and don’t build or place anything near the drain field except grass. Avoid using septic additives and system cleaners without first consulting a professional. What you put down your drains can impair your system’s ability to function, so avoid putting solids that would instead be suitable for a trash can down any of your drains.

Conserve Water

Make sure leaky faucets and toilets get repaired quickly, and consider cutting down on the amount of laundry you do at one time. By doing several loads in one day, you risk overloading your system and causing solids to pass into the drain field.

If you want to stay on top of your septic maintenance, Bob’s Sweetwater Pumping Service has the experience, knowledge, and state-of-the-art equipment to help. Call (808) 885-7159 to schedule an appointment, or learn more about their services online.