Septic systems are powerful waste management tools that allow homeowners to take matters out of the municipality and into their own hands. However, they can also be quite delicate, requiring specific treatment and maintenance to function properly. If you and your family rely on this system, memorize the following do’s and don’ts of septic tank maintenance to keep it in excellent condition.

Do:

Conserve water.

As you use the plumbing fixtures throughout your home, you create wastewater that flows out to the septic tank and drain field. Therefore, producing an excessive amount of waste could overpower the system, and it won’t have enough time to break down waste before a new load washes in. To prevent this, install low-flow devices in your kitchens and bathrooms, and keep your showers to 5 to 10 minutes long.

Schedule regular pumping.

As waste builds up in your septic tank, it will naturally separate itself into solids and liquids. While the good bacteria will break down as much as they can, there will inevitably be some leftover solids, which need to be pumped every two years or more. If you don’t schedule this appointment, it could spill over into the drain field, clogging the system.

Don’t:

Put harsh chemicals down the drain.

Since your septic system relies on a delicate balance of bacteria to break down waste, adding strong chemicals to the mix could quickly cause problems. Therefore, it’s crucial to leave paint, medication, varnish, pesticides, and other hazardous chemicals out of your sinks and toilets. Also, when cleaning plumbing fixtures, use gentle, all-natural solutions that are septic-safe.

Use additives.

Some homeowners believe that biological or chemical additives will improve the performance of their septic systems. However, in cold-weather climates, the low temperature of the surrounding soil will cancel out any efforts by the bacteria, chemicals, or yeast. Worse, these additives could disrupt the organic balance in your septic tank, preventing it from breaking down waste at all. Instead, simply schedule regular pumpings.

If you’re interested in keeping up with the latest in septic tank maintenance, look to Bigfoot Pumping & Thawing of North Pole, AK. They are proud to remain a locally owned family business, and they have over 25 years of experience to back up their skills. Whether you need water jetting, pipe thawing, or septic tank maintenance, call them at (907) 488-9855 to request an estimate. You can also visit the website to learn more about their varied services.