To function properly and filter wastewater safely, a septic system contains a specific balance of bacteria and living organisms within the septic tank. With this in mind, homes and businesses that utilize a septic system require special care to avoid clogs, drain field issues, or groundwater pollution due to changes in bacterial balance within the tank. To ensure a balanced ecosystem, embrace the following do’s and don’ts in regards to care and cleaning techniques.

Do:

Check product labels.

Before purchasing new cleaning supplies like dish soap, toilet cleaner, or countertop sprays, always review the product labels to ensure they are septic safe. If it’s difficult to gather whether a product is septic safe from the label, choose environmentally friendly brands as these options tend to be free of harmful toxins and antibacterial agents. 

Explore natural cleaning solutions. 

If you’re concerned about the well-being of your septic tank and how cleaning chemicals can disrupt the wastewater filtration process, explore natural alternatives. Products like vinegar, baking soda, and even lemon juice mixed with water can be incredibly effective homemade cleaning solutions. 

Don’t:

Overuse the garbage disposal.

When your drains are working slowly, you may want to pour chemical drain openers through your pipes, but these powerful products can kill living organisms in your septic tank. Since many clogs are a result of oils, grease, and other solvents getting stuck in pipes, eliminate or limit the frequency with which you utilize the garbage disposal. Because many foods still contain traces of fats, your drains can still accumulate oils, even if you aren’t pouring cooking grease into the sink. Dispose of leftover foods and scraps in the trash can instead.

Forget to schedule professional septic tank maintenance. 

To avoid clogs, breakdowns, or drain field trouble, stay in close contact with your septic tank team. Annually, schedule a routine inspection and plan for tank pumping every few years. With a team of professionals evaluating the health and condition of your septic system, you can rest easy knowing your plumbing works well. 

If you need help taking care of your septic system, contact J & J Septic & Sewer Cleaning. They are a locally owned and operated business based in Waterloo, IL, and they proudly serve residents across St. Clair, Clinton, Madison, Monroe, and Randolph Counties. If you’re looking for septic system installation, tank pumping, or grease trap cleaning from an experienced, dedicated staff that embraces the latest techniques and state-of-the-art equipment, call (618) 939-3001 to request a free estimate on installation. For more information on this team of fully licensed and insured septic system and sewer maintenance professionals, visit their website.