If you don’t have access to a municipal sewage system, your home will rely on a working septic pumping system. However, you may be unclear about how to keep the system running efficiently. This list of do’s and don’ts will help you get a head start.

Do:

Schedule routine service.

Depending on how heavily you use your septic system, you should contact an OSM, or on-site maintainer, to inspect your system every three months up to three years. Systems that support a smaller household may only need this type of service call every few years, while systems that experience heavier usage should be serviced more frequently. Regular professional inspections of this nature will help identify problems before they become emergencies. This includes septic pumping, which your OSM should perform every three to five years. Again, the frequency of pumping will depend upon how heavily your system is used.

Reduce water usage.

You can reduce the wear and tear on your system by looking for ways to use less water. This will also extend the time it takes to fill up your septic tank, which will cut down on pump frequency. Some water conservation suggestions include fixing leaks as they happen, using low-flow faucets and shower heads, and limiting the number of laundry loads you do each week.

Don’t: 

Flush foreign objects.

Whether via your garbage disposal, your sink drains, or your toilet, you should resist the urge to flush foreign objects through your septic system. While toilet paper is engineered to pass through the system without a problem, other objects are not. Even items advertised as plumbing-friendly can cause blockages in your septic system. This includes chunks of food in the garbage disposal or flushing kitty litter and paper towels down the toilet. 

Obstruct drain field.

The drain field is the ground just above the tank of your septic pumping system. Parking vehicles in this area, or building a patio over it, can inhibit access to the area in an emergency. Additionally, pipes and other components may become damaged by the added pressure created by the weight of these vehicles or structures.

If your home does rely on septic pumping, Chugach Sewer & Drain has the skills and resources to help you maintain your system. Located in Anchorage, AK, they provide quality and efficient service to residential and commercial customers throughout the area. To learn more about the plumbing, sewage, and septic services they offer, visit their website. To request service, call (907) 929-5072.