A septic system is an eco-friendly way to treat the wastewater leaving your home. However, without the right care, the tank and drain field could become a hazard to your house and any surrounding properties. Don’t let this thought intimidate you, though, because septic maintenance is very easy to follow as you can see below.  

How to Care for Your Septic System

1. Inspect It Annually

Although septic pumping is only needed every three to five years, you should still inspect the system every year to guarantee all parts are in working order. Inspections are even more important after first moving into a home that uses a septic system because it will help you gauge how quickly the tank fills up. If the tank isn’t large enough to accommodate your household size and average wastewater produced, you’ll need to upgrade to a larger model. 

2. Be Mindful of What You Flush

Whatever leaves your drains will end up in your septic system, so limit what you wash down. Only wastewater, human waste, and toilet paper should ever be flushed down the toilet. Items like wipes, feminine hygiene products, and kitty litter increase the risk of clogging your lines. Also, oils, fats, and grease used in the kitchen should be poured into the trash or a container because they will clog your septic line and cause the tank to fill up too quickly. Similarly, excessive household cleaners, chemicals, and medications flowing into the tank could kill the bacteria that are responsible for breaking down the sludge and scum layers. If their ecosystem is damaged it will speed up how often you need to call a pumping service.

3. Avoid Overwatering It 

Your septic tank can only hold so much water at once. Consider this when planning your water usage for the day. Try to space out activities like showers and washing dishes or clothes. Also, regularly inspect for leaks. A running toilet alone can use up to 200 gallons a day and make it much harder for your tank to work properly. If it fills with wastewater too quickly, solids can back up into the home, and effluent can enter the drain field too fast to be treated and could overflow onto your lawn.

Stay on top of your septic maintenance with the help of the experts at Garrison Septic Service Inc. This third-generation company has provided septic system services — including installation, soil testing, and inspections — to Wisconsin Rapids, WI, for over 65 years. They will help you develop a maintenance schedule to prevent costly repairs and environmental disasters. Call them today at (715) 325-7282 to schedule an appointment, and visit their website to view their list of services.