Septic systems are an ideal way to handle your home’s wastewater. However, unlike city plumbing, the systems must be properly cared for in order to last. While it’s easy to be mindful of your septic tank on your own, keeping your kids from abusing the unit can be challenging. That’s why it’s crucial that they understand the rules for how to use and care for the home’s tank. Here’s what you need to know to help teach them the right way to use the home’s plumbing.

Teach Them How to Flush

Every time the toilet flushes, water leaves the house and heads to the septic tank. When done properly, the waste in the toilet heads to the tank and the leach field without issue. However, when kids start flushing things down the system that don’t belong, it can lead to problems and costly septic tank repair appointments.

Show them how much toilet paper can safely go into the toilet and take the time to explain why flushing toys and other objects should never become a game. The more they understand, the better prepared they’ll be to make the right choices.

Make the Leach Field Off-Limits

The leach field is where all that wastewater eventually gets filtered out, treated, and redeposited into the water table. To accomplish this task, the soil cannot be compressed, and the overall structure of the field cannot be damaged or compromised. Otherwise, you’ll start to see signs of flooding down the way from the septic tank.

If your kids have easy access to the leach field, make sure they know it’s off-limits. They may accidentally damage the field by playing on the surface day after day and should be kept away from it as much as possible. If your kids are too young to understand why, consider creating a barrier around the field. If they’re old enough, explain why the field needs to be off-limits, and ask them to adhere to the rule.

Understand Why This Is Essential

When your kids adhere to the rules, you’ll be spared many preventable repairs. Though they may be young and may not fully understand why the rules are in place, kids are often more willing to do as you ask when they know that it’s important to you. The younger they start, the sooner the rules will turn into good habits, resulting in better behaviors down the line.

Looking for an experienced septic tank maintenance team to help keep your system running properly? Contact the experts at Mark Cromley’s Septic Service in Lewisburg, PA. Their dedicated team can handle everything from new system installations to tank pumping and maintenance — even if your child flushes a handful of plastic building blocks down the drain. Learn more about their services online and call 570-524-0249 to schedule an appointment.