A residential septic installation replenishes aquifers and alleviates homeowners’ budgets because there aren’t municipal costs for water or waste removal. A septic system requires a certain degree of care to maintain a long lifespan. From your kitchen to your bathroom and everywhere in between, here are a few do’s and don’ts to get the most of your septic installation.

Do:

Compost food scraps.

Kitchen garbage disposals introduce food waste into your septic tank, altering the ecosystem it needs to function properly. To prevent issues and maximize the value of your septic installation, compost your organic waste instead of putting it down the drain. Try to scrape meal leftovers into the trash, even if you have a garbage disposal.

Upgrade your fixtures.

If your bathrooms are outdated, it may be time to upgrade to an energy-saving toilet. Low-flush models can save dozens of gallons a day, reducing the workload on your septic system. A leaking faucet that drips every second uses 3,000 extra gallons of water per year, so change out these fixtures to avoid overloading your system.

Don’t:

Use harmful household cleaners.

Your septic tank has a delicate balance of bacteria, and while powerful cleaners may eradicate germs and leave your home spotless, they can also create an imbalance of microbes in your septic tank. Disinfectants and bleach-based products that are rinsed down the drain can kill necessary septic bacteria, so be sure to choose organic or biodegradable products for your household chores.

Run many loads in one day.

Instead of waiting until your laundry room is packed with a week’s worth of clothes, stagger your loads to prevent overwhelming your system on a single day. Avoid running the dishwasher and washing machine simultaneously. Only run these appliances when you have full loads to stretch the value of your septic installation.

If you’re considering a septic installation for your home, contact Rita’s Equipment Rental & Trash Disposal in Kalaheo, HI. This locally owned and operated company has been serving residents and businesses for over 10 years with quality septic tank installations as well as land clearing and trash hauling services. Send a message online to request an installation estimate, or call (808) 332-8339 to speak with a specialist about your needs.