How to Care for Your Septic System
How to take care of your septic tank - 12 tips!
Owning a home with a septic system can seem like a daunting responsibility to many. We have all heard nightmare stories of tanks that flooded yards and always having problems at the most inopportune times. However, if you follow some basic instructions - the burden will soon become much easier and less worrisome.
- Pump your tank ever 5 years
- Avoid using a garbage disposal - but if you must - then pump your tank every year
- Do not let kitchen grease go down the pipes. They will gel and clog your septic system
- Space out your water usage - especially laundry loads
- Replace your water fixtures with low water use fixtures
- Use enzyme based additives or none at all - some detergents cause more harm than good to your septic systems
- Avoid disinfectants and bleaches - especially the slow release toilet cleaners - these kill the micro-organisms that naturally clean your septic systems
- Get a professional to install and maintain your systems - any contact with the septic can be hazardous to your health
- Use liquid laundry detergent - powdered ones contain clay that will clog your system
- Keep trees away from your septic tanks - the roots can damage the tanks. Light vegetation planted around the septic tank will help prevent soil erosion.
- Do not drive over septic tank
- Divert rainwater away from septic area. You can use some of our residential trench drains to make this happen!