Your septic system consists of a tank and a network of pipes and drains that work together to carry away wastewater from your home. If any of its components malfunction, your household’s hygiene is likely to take a hit. While plumbing contractors can help you resolve most problems with the system, here are some maintenance tips to help keep it in good working condition and stave off untimely repairs.

How to Care for Your Septic System

1. Watch What You Dispose of in Your Plumbing

Whether you have a septic tank or sewer line connection, plumbing contractors agree that you need to be discerning about what items you allow into the septic system. Food waste like coffee grinds or grease and non-biodegradables like paper towels and diapers can clog the drain or cause the septic tank to fill up faster than normal.

Moreover, medications, antibacterial detergents, toxic solvents, and caustic cleaners can create an imbalance in the bacterial colony that treats your wastes. Before throwing, flushing, or pouring anything down the sink, think first about how it will affect the septic system.  

2. Reduce Water Use

Every time you turn on the faucet, the water ends up in the septic tank as waste. The less water you use, the better for your septic system in the long-term, reducing the risk of flooding and premature failure. You can conserve water by switching to high-efficiency or low-flow fixtures and running the laundry machine and dishwasher at full capacity.

3. Protect Your Drain Field

To protect the structural integrity of your septic drain field, plumbing contractors recommend that you do not park or drive vehicles or heavy machinery over where they’re buried.

The weight from your vehicle could crush leach field lines or compact the surrounding soil, causing it to malfunction. And, if you want to landscape these areas, it’s best to stick with grass or plants with shallow roots that won’t creep in your pipes.

4. Schedule Inspections & Pumping

Regular inspections are the key to your septic system’s longevity. When plumbing contractors perform checkups, they can spot issues early on and recommend a fix for these. They’ll also tell you when it’s time to pump the septic tank. Routine pumping—every three to five years—reduces sludge and scum buildup to make room for more waste.

Bear in mind the above tips to keep your septic system in tip-top shape. For repairs and maintenance, turn to Charles Chester Plumbing & Heating. As licensed (License #7377) plumbing contractors in Elko, NV, they provide a range of services, including drain cleaning, clog removal, and line inspections. Call (775) 738-6125 to request emergency plumbing repair or visit their website to make an inquiry.