If your home relies on a septic system for convenient waste management, proper care is crucial. Taking the right approach ensures the smooth operation of various components, such as the septic tank, while reducing repair costs and extending the life span. Here’s a closer look at what to do—and what to avoid—with your home’s system.

Do:

Have the system regularly inspected and pumped.

Inspections should take place at least every three years to ensure your system is functioning correctly. Additionally, septic pumping should take place every two to three years to prevent system failure and backflow into the home. 

Make sure the septic lid remains closed. 

If there’s an issue with the tank lid, such as cracks or other defects, it could pose a safety hazard. This is especially true if there are young children or pets at home.

Be conservative about water usage. 

Instead of doing all laundry on one day, spread it out over the course of a few days to decrease how much water is flowing into the septic tank.

Don't allow the drain field to become saturated with water. 

The drain field cleanses wastewater coming from your tank before it’s redistributed into the groundwater table. When the drain field becomes oversaturated, it will no longer be able to do its job. Make sure downspouts from the home’s gutter system are pointed away from the drain field. 

Don’t:

Treat the toilet like a garbage can. 

Paper towels, feminine hygiene products, tissues, kitty litter, and all items other than toilet paper should not be flushed. No matter what the packaging claims, “flushable” wipes should also be avoided.

Put grease and oil into the garbage disposal.

Putting greases and oils into your garbage disposal clogs plumbing, including those in the septic system.

Park vehicles over the drain field.

Vehicles and heavy-duty lawn care equipment will put pressure on your drain field and potentially even damage components of your septic system underground. Make sure you know exactly where the tank and other components are so you can avoid driving over or parking on them. 

Allow harsh chemicals to go down household drains. 

Chemicals can disrupt the biological processes in your septic tank that are integral to breaking down waste. Look for septic-safe cleansing agents to maintain the proper balance of bacteria. 

 

When in search of a company to perform pumping of your septic system, experience is a must. Based in New Franklin, OH, Templeton Septic Tank Cleaning has more than four decades of experience under their belts, which is why homeowners throughout Medina, Portage, Stark, Summit, and Wayne counties trust in their service. These septic technicians are fully licensed, bonded, and certified, and they also have an A+ rating with the Better Business Bureau®. Call (330) 644-6029 to learn more about getting a free backwash with septic pumping and visit the website for the company’s full listing of services.