Keeping your septic system in excellent working condition is important for many reasons. With a healthy system, you can use water-based appliances normally, shower without disruptions, and keep your family safe from harmful odors. Staying on top of maintenance, including regular septic tank cleaning and inspections, is crucial. Follow the do’s and don’ts below to ensure your system remains in excellent working order. 

Do:

Schedule regular pumping.

Generally, most septic tanks need to be pumped every three to five years. The more people who are using the system, the faster the tank will fill, and the sooner it needs to be emptied. Failing to schedule a septic tank cleaning can lead to clogs and backups, disrupting your daily activities and causing odors to linger on your property. A sewage backup is also dangerous to your family’s health, introducing harmful bacteria into your home that can lead to serious illness. 

Keep an eye on water usage. 

When you use too much water, the septic tank is unable to drain wastewater properly, causing backups, slow drains, and a buildup of solids that blocks pipes to the leach field. Sudden increases in water usage, such as when you have guests or do multiple loads of laundry in one day, can overwhelm the tank. Keep usage under control with low-flow fixtures, using appliances like the dishwasher during off-peak times (such as overnight) and taking care of leaks promptly.

Don’t:

Flush non-biodegradable items. 

Anything that doesn’t break down quickly has no place in the septic tank. This includes feminine hygiene products, diapers, cat litter, cigarette butts, paper towels, and coffee grounds, all of which will fill the tank more quickly and contribute to clogs. Also, avoid flushing anything that will disturb the microbe balance in the tank, like harsh cleaning chemicals that contain bleach. These can corrode the septic system and cause groundwater contamination.

Damage the drain field. 

If your drain field is damaged, the septic tank may not be able to drain properly. For example, parking cars near the drain field can compact the soil, making it harder for water to flow out of the tank properly. Gutters that direct water to the drain field can immediately flood it, causing backups. Additionally, only plant greenery with shallow root systems near the drain field to prevent root obstructions in the future.

 

 

If you need to schedule septic tank cleaning and maintenance, contact the team at American Rooter. For 40 years, they have provided drain repairs, sewer cleaning, pipe lining, and emergency services to clients throughout Connecticut and Rhode Island. Call (888) 863-4638 to schedule service, and visit them online to learn more about their special deals and offers.