Many people don’t think about the quality of their septic system until waste backs up through drains or seeps into the yard. Luckily, properly maintaining this equipment will prevent potential property damage and harmful bacteria from entering the house and making your family sick. Below are a few tips to prevent problems with septic system performance.

A Quick Guide to Septic System Maintenance

Be Mindful of the Drain Field

After liquid leaves the wastewater tank, it enters the drain field for further treatment before entering the environment. During septic installation, trenches are dug in the yard to hold perforated pipes. The pipes are then covered with gravel or layers of soil for protection. Invasive roots could damage pipes in the drain field, so be mindful of where you plant vegetation. You should also never park a vehicle on top of the drain field, as the weight of a car could crush the equipment.

Have the Tank Pumped by a Professional

Solid and liquid waste are separated in the septic tank. Solids are held at the bottom of the tank, while liquid remains at the top before entering the drain field. Over time, solids accumulate in the tank, leaving little room for wastewater to enter. With nowhere to go, waste could flow back through drains. To prevent backups in the house, a specialist should pump the tank every three to five years, depending on the size of the container and how many people are in the home.

Install Energy-Efficient Plumbing Fixtures

Inefficiencies with plumbing fixtures could be wasting numerous gallons of water. When extra liquid makes its way to the septic tank, it could cause the container to overflow sooner than normal. Upgrading plumbing fixtures throughout the house will prevent this problem. Energy-efficient toilets, washing machines, shower heads, and faucet aerators are designed to use fewer gallons of water, reducing household water consumption and extra strain on the septic system.

For professional septic system solutions, reach out to the team at Beckham Septic Tanks & Ditching Service, based in Enterprise, AL, and serving residents throughout Coffee County. A community fixture since 1947, these trained technicians will install a septic system for your home and provide maintenance and tips to keep it running. To schedule septic services, call (334) 347-2362, or visit the company online to request a quote. You can also find more information on their Facebook page.