Learning to use and manage a septic tank is the worst time for something to go wrong with it. If you understand a few straightforward dos and don’ts, the process will go much more smoothly. A-1 Septic Tank & Drain Service of North Mississippi has five generations of advice to share.

Septic Tank Dos and Don’ts

Do: Understand How Your Septic System Functions

Your septic system is responsible for handling the waste that leaves your home through your pipes. It does this by storing waste in an underground tank that separates water from organic matter to be processed by bacteria, as well as a layer of “sludge” that falls to the bottom. The water is then released into the soil around the tank.

Don’t: Send Inappropriate Material Down Your Pipes

Of course you wouldn’t want to flush things like diapers or gasoline into the sewers, and the same is true for your septic tank. Not only are you risking clogs, but the unexpected items can throw off the ecosystem of the tank, disrupting the bacteria that help it process waste. You should also never pour cleaners, disinfectants, or other chemicals down your drains into your septic system.

Don’t: Neglect Necessary Maintenance

A septic system that backs up and leaks is one that can do serious damage. Check the soil around your tank frequently to make sure solids haven’t escaped or started to clog the pipes. Strong odors or overly soggy soil are also causes for concern.

Do: Have Your Tank Pumped Regularly

The sludge that collects at the bottom of your tank won’t break down on its own. A technician will have to come in for septic tank pumping on a regular basis. Your pump schedule will vary depending on things like the size of your tank and the size of your household; usually you can expect to need a visit every three to five years. 

With six locations throughout North Mississippi, A-1 Septic Tank & Drain Service can take care of all your septic tank installation and pumping needs. For assistance, call (662) 233-4565 to reach their Coldwater location or (662) 895-8950 for their Olive Branch office. A list of their septic system services is available on their website.