During the summer, your septic tank may be under more stress, as you may entertain more guests and use more water. Improper care of your system can result in overflows, unpleasant odors, water pollution, or the need for septic tank repairs. To maintain your system, here’s what you need to know. 

3 Ways to Avoid Septic Tank Repairs

1. Limit Water Usage

When you have guests over, more water will be used, whether from the toilet, shower, or washing machine. Leave tasks that can wait for after they leave, such as washing a load of laundry or running the dishwasher. This will reduce stress on the system, as excessive water can cause the septic tank to fail. Also, excess water can interfere with the biological balance in the tank, causing backups into your house.

2. Keep the Water Fun Far Away

Sprinklers and kiddie pools are fun, but they should always be kept away from the drain field. If it stays soggy for too long, the soil absorption area (or drain field) will become saturated, making it impossible for water to flow out of your septic system. With nowhere to go, it will travel back through your plumbing into the toilets and drains in your home. 

Also, if you have an above-ground pool, never drain it into your septic tank. Excess water can drown your drain field. Plus, the chlorine can kill the vital bacteria in your drain field and septic tank that liquefy solids, causing backups into your house.

3. Park Far Away

If you’re having a large party, guests may park on your lawn. This saves space, but if they run over your drain field, they could damage the system, causing broken supply lines, crushed leach field pipes, and a collapse of part or all of the septic tank. Block off your system with rope or caution tape to keep cars away.

If you’re having septic tank issues, contact Zook’s Septic Services, LLC in Middleburg. They’ve served Central Pennsylvania since 1988, offering septic tank repairs, cleanings, and inspections. They use industry leading equipment, so they can fix any septic-related problem. Visit their website to learn more about their septic tank repair services, or call (570) 837-1466 to schedule an appointment.