Your septic system’s life span is affected by how you care for it, and an essential part of that is following proper septic maintenance schedules. To help you ensure you’re taking care of your system, the experts at Bob’s Sweetwater Pumping Service in Kona, HI, share this guide. Follow their tips to keep your system operational.

3 Important Septic Maintenance Habits

1. Dispose of Appropriate Waste

Be mindful of what waste you flush away. Everything poured down your drains will end up in your septic system, so don’t treat it like a garbage can. Instead, keep paper towels and other bulky items out of your pipes, as these can form clogs. Additionally, fatty oils and grease may not decompose in the tank properly, while household cleaning chemicals could degrade your tank’s structural materials.

2. Conserve Water

The amount of water you use impacts your home’s septic system, as all of that liquid ends up in the septic tank. As such, conserving water is key. Take care not to waste water whenever possible. In particular, keep your eyes peeled for signs of leaky pipes or a running toilet, which could waste up to 200 gallons of water daily.

3. Inspect & Pump When Necessary

Inspections are required about every three years, allowing you to stay on top of minor issues before they become expensive to address. Your inspector will advise you on how often you should pump your system. Generally speaking, this will come down to a few factors, including your household, tank size, and the amount of water and waste generated. For the average family, you may need to pump at least every four years, but smaller families or those with larger tanks can sometimes enjoy a longer period between visits.

If you’re interested in proper septic maintenance, Bob’s Sweetwater Pumping Service is the business to call for your next inspection. Their team of passionate experts will guide you to better habits while providing efficient service. If you have any questions or want to schedule a maintenance visit, call (808) 885-7159. Review their other services, such as sewer line cleaning and septic tank repair, on their website.