Your septic system is designed to be out of sight and out of mind, but that doesn’t mean you can forget about it. If your home is hooked up to this underground waste purifying system, there are several aspects you should know about maintenance and septic tank cleanings. To prolong the life of your system, use these helpful tips regularly.

How to Care for Your Septic System

1. Know Your System

If you’ve never had a septic system before or are buying a house with a different setup, learn the specifics. You should know how many gallons the tank holds, where it’s located in the yard, where the lid is for easy access, and if maintenance records are available so you can stick to a schedule. Track down any of this information with your local septic system permit office or health department.

2. Schedule Pumps or Inspections

Standard systems follow a specific septic tank cleaning schedule, and they should be pumped out every three to five years. How often you have this done depends primarily on the size of your household and how much use the septic system gets. Using the garbage disposal regularly can also increase the time between pumps.

Schedule annual inspections to ensure the system remains functional and is filtering out waste properly. An inspection can also catch any clogs or worn-out pumps that need to be replaced before you experience a significant backup in the yard.

3. Avoid Flushing Harmful Chemicals

To maintain a healthy septic tank and avoid expensive cleanings, avoid washing any harmful chemicals down the drain. While household cleaners are typically OK, paints, motor oils, pesticides, and varnishes will drastically change the biological balance of the system. Discard these in the trash or other appropriate receptacles instead. You should also avoid flushing wipes, hair, diapers, and cigarette butts.

Is your waste system ready for a septic tank cleaning? If so, contact the experts at Downs Drain & Septic Service in Peninsula, OH. For more than 51 years, this family-owned and -operated company has been an industry leader in septic system repairs and services. With the most efficient and effective tools, these professionals can perform everything from sewer pumps to the installation of a new sump pump. To schedule an appointment, call (330) 929-5555. Find more information about their services online.