If your home is on a septic system, then all of the water that goes down any of your drains will leave the home's plumbing and be taken to the septic tank via a pipe. The tank itself is a watertight container that is made of a strong material and is buried on the property. The tank holds the home's wastewater long enough for the solids to form into a sludge while decomposition begins. The design of the system prevents sludge and scum from leaving the tank while water will be drained out into the drainfield. Your tank will need periodic pumping to remove the sludge and other scum in the tank. The septic system works like a well-oiled machine, but there are certain things you need to do in order to ensure that the system continues running as it should. Here are some things to know so you can keep your system in proper working order.

Maintaining your septic system is very important

There are many reasons why properly maintaining your septic system is important. One reason to be sure you are doing your best at maintaining it is because this will prevent issues such as horrible backups. A backup of your septic system can be a very unpleasant thing for you to deal with. Also, should the septic tank end up failing on you then this can end up costing you a lot of money as well as time. The best thing you can do with regards to maintenance to help prevent issues is to have the system professionally inspected at least once every few years.

Caring for your septic system is also important

Along with those inspections, you also want to be sure you know how to treat your septic system daily to avoid problems. Here are some of the things you want to do or avoid doing when you are on septic:

  • Don't use harsh chemicals for cleaning showers, tubs, sinks, and toilets.
  • Don't flush anything besides human bodily waste and toilet paper, even if other products claim they are septic safe.
  • Don't put any oil or grease down the drains.
  • Don't flush any medications.
  • Don't let vehicles or heavy equipment drive over or park on the area above where the tank is buried.
  • Don't use more water than what's absolutely necessary.
  • Do have the tank pumped according to the inspector's recommendations.
  • Do have plumbing issues taken care of right away.
  • Do have water efficient aerators and shower heads installed throughout your home.
  • Do turn off water while shaving and brushing your teeth.
  • Do double check to ensure faucets are turned all the way off.

Now that you have a better idea of how to care for your septic system, you should find yourself running into problems less frequently. In fact, you probably won't even think about the fact you even have a septic tank until time comes around for the regular septic system service.  

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