When you move into a home with a septic system, many of your daily tasks will have to be a little more mindful. From cleaning to washing dishes, your actions could affect the health of the system as a whole. If you’re looking for a crash course in septic tank maintenance, here’s a closer look at what to do—and what to avoid.

Do:

Use gentle, all-natural cleaning products.

There are several germ-fighting cleaning products for plumbing fixtures like toilets, sinks, and showers. Unfortunately, these contain harsh chemicals that can kill the good bacteria in the tank, which is necessary to break down waste. Instead, use all-natural products, such as vinegar and baking soda.

Throw grease in the trash.

After cooking a pan of bacon or frying eggs, you might be tempted to pour the remaining oil down the drain. However, this substance gets thicker as it cools and may clog up your plumbing system. If it reaches the tank, it will form a layer of sludge on top of the waste that the bacteria can’t break down. 

Don’t:

Plant trees too close to the system.

As trees grow, their root system spreads out as far as the canopy, gaining strongholds in the soil to soak up vital nutrients. Unfortunately, these roots are strong enough to wrap around underground pipes, even penetrating parts of your septic system. Therefore, you’ll want to avoid planting trees within 30 feet of your tank and drain field. 

Drive or park over the septic system.

Since the septic system is located underground, it’s easy for guests or contractors to accidentally park or drive on top of it. The weight of a vehicle will compress the soil around the system, blocking up holes in the drain field and preventing waste from leaving the tank. Extremely heavy loads could even break parts of the system. 

If you’ve run into trouble with your septic tank maintenance efforts, reach out to Baldwin Septic Tanks LLC of Seminole, AL. They have over 45 years of experience helping businesses and homeowners take care of their waste management systems. Whether you need tank pumping or drain field repair, call them at (251) 946-3250 to schedule a free estimate for the work. You can also visit the website to learn more about their 24/7 emergency repair services.