Maintaining your septic tank is not only a good first step in preventing costly repairs and clean-ups, but it’s also an important part of protecting the environment! We understand that this may appear to be an overwhelming task. However, the good news is that caring for your septic system can be easy and inexpensive—if you know what you’re doing.
In this blog, we’ll cover some basic tasks that are essential to maintaining your septic tank: inspecting your tank, knowing which actions may damage or clog it and how often you should pump out waste. So, let’s get started!
Inspecting your septic tank regularly
Your septic tank should be inspected at least once a year. The inspection is best done by a professional since they’ll know exactly what to look for. It’s also recommended that you hire a professional in the winter months when your tank is empty and can be pumped; this timing allows them to see inside of it easily.
The inspector will pump your tank’s contents so they can evaluate how well it has been working and whether or not any repairs are needed. They’ll check for signs of solids buildup, which may indicate that something is causing sludge to build up in your pipes (such as too much soap being used), or other problems, such as broken pipes that need replacing before bacteria can start growing inside of them again
Certain actions may cause damage to your septic system
If you are unfamiliar with your home’s septic system, you should make sure not to take any irregular actions that may cause damage to your septic system. These steps can include flushing and/or dumping the wrong things! Here are just a few examples.
- Do not flush anything other than human waste and toilet paper.
- Do not put anything down the drain that does not dissolve in water, such as feminine hygiene products and cigarette butts.
- Do not dump grease down your drains.
- Do not put food waste down your drains because it attracts insects and rodents who will crawl through pipes looking for their next meal.
Maintain your septic system properly to prevent expensive clean-ups and repairs
The best way to avoid costly clean-ups and repairs is to keep your septic system in good shape. Make sure that you have your tank pumped regularly—usually once every three years or so. If you have a septic system, there are several things you can do to ensure it stays in good working order. This includes keeping your tank and leach field clean and not using harsh chemicals in your yard or on your property. By following these tips, you can help keep from spending a lot of money on repairs and cleaning in the future.
If you need help with your septic tank or with any other plumbing problems, you should call Roto-Rooter. We serve Mobile County, Baldwin County and Washington County. Visit https://rotorootermobile.com/ to learn more.