Homeowners should know a bit about their septic system so they can follow proper maintenance procedures and limit potential sewage issues. From understanding how the tank works to when to schedule professional assessments, there is a lot to learn. Here are four frequently asked questions you should know if your property features a septic system.

4 Commonly Asked Septic Questions

What is septic tank pumping?

Performing regular septic tank pumping prevents the system from overflowing and backing up sewage into your home and yard. During this process, one of our professionals will arrive with a pumper truck and attach a hose to the tank to remove most of the contents. The trucks will not need to drive over your lawn to access the system.

Can I plant over the drain field?

Septic systems use leach beds or drain fields where effluent from the tank percolates into the soil and neutralizes, eventually being recirculated into the water table. You must leave these areas alone to ensure they’re doing their job. Don’t plant trees over them or add hardscape on top of them as tree roots can clog the lines or the area may someday need to be dug up to be inspected and cleaned. Additionally, avoid driving heavy machinery over these areas or parking your car there as it could crush the lines or could compact the soil and prevent the waste water from draining properly.

How often should I empty the tank?

Every septic system comes with a manual that denotes how often to schedule pumping. On average, every three years your septic system should be pumped. The number of residents in the home and the number of appliances that use water all factor into the schedule for emptying the tank. For example, a family of 4 may need to pump their septic system once a year, while a single-person household could go five years without this service. Houses with dishwashers, garbage disposals, and hot tubs will all need more frequent pumping to address the additional waste.

What shouldn’t I flush?

Refrain from flushing items that are absorbent like feminine hygiene products and diapers, as well as personal/baby wipes as they can cause plumbing clogs and block waste from getting to the septic tank. Place these items in the trash instead of flushing them to prevent these problems. Also, avoid pouring drain cleaner, bleach, and hazardous chemicals into the toilet or drains. These substances can cause essential bacteria to die-off. That will negatively impact the balance in your tank and require adding bacteria to get the system back to normal.

Homeowners looking for reliable septic system maintenance should contact King’s Sanitary Service in Trumbull County, OH. Our expert team of licensed, insured technicians offer affordable drain, plumbing and septic services for residences, industrial, commercial, and municipal customers. Call (330) 889-0034 or visit our website for a quote and more information about our services that are offered throughout Ashtabula, Geauga, Trumbull, Mahoning, and Portage counties.