Are you moving into a home that uses a septic tank? If so, chances are that you are unfamiliar with all the maintenance involved with having one. There are things that you can do to avoid any unnecessary septic system service calls or accidental damage.

Be Aware of How Much Water You Use

Everything that goes into a septic tank must leave it at some point. This includes every bit of water that flows down your drains, toilets, and showers. Any steps that you can take to reduce water usage are going to make a big impact on your septic tank, as well as reducing the need for unnecessary pumping.

For example, small things like taking shorter showers and not letting your kitchen sink endlessly run while washing dishes can go a long way. You can also change the water fixtures in your home to models that consume less water. There are low-flow showerheads and toilets that use much less water than a standard model.

When you combine new fixtures with being more conscious about water usage, you'll run into fewer issues with a full septic tank.

Be Aware of Tree Root Damage

It's important that you know the exact location of where the septic tank is located for a few reasons. One of those is because you need to be cautious when it comes to trees that grow near the tank. There is a possibility that tree roots can grow underground and puncture the septic tank. The previous owners may not have had problems with tree roots, but that may only be due to the tree roots not reaching the tank yet.

Consider removing trees that are close to the tank and pose a potential problem. The cost of removing a tree will be far less than repairing the damage it can cause to a septic tank.

Be Aware of Excessive Weight Above The Tank

The septic tank may be underground, but that does not mean it is out of sight and out of mind. Another reason to know where the tank is located is to avoid putting excessive weight on it. Parking a heavy vehicle on top of the tank can easily compact the soil and put unnecessary pressure on the tank. In some situations, it can even crack the septic tank. You are better off being cautious and not placing anything heavy on top of where the septic tank is buried.

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