Do’s & Don’ts of Septic System Maintenance.

Maintaining a septic system may not be a glamorous task, but it is necessary to avoid costly repairs and unpleasant backups. Septic systems are underground wastewater treatment structures that require regular care to operate efficiently. Neglecting proper maintenance can result in system failure, leading to environmental and health hazards. Therefore, it’s essential to follow the do’s and don’ts of septic system maintenance.

DO’S:

  • Schedule an annual inspection to catch issues before they become emergencies.
  • Pump your tank every 3-5 years, based on technology and system usage.
  • Spread out your laundry loads to avoid excessive water discharge, known as “Hydraulic Overload”.
  • Minimize the use of bleach and other harsh chemicals loads to avoid killing the beneficial bacteria that help break down waste.
  • Clean your filter every 6 months to prevent clogging.
  • Pay attention to your water bill to detect potential leaks.
  • Install risers on your tank for easy access, maintenance, and inspection.
  • Minimize use of strong antibacterial soaps, vinegars, and Epsom salts as they can kill the healthy bacteria in your system.
  • Minimize the use of liquid fabric softeners as they contain animal fats that clog pipes.

DON’TS:

  • Don’t dispose of grease, fats, oils, pesticides, herbicides, paints, household chemicals, automobile fluids, strong medications, strong disinfectants or bleaches, cleaning products, home brewery waste, or other toxic products down the drain.
  • Don’t flush cigarette butts, disposable diapers, baby wipes, flushable wipes, cleaning wipes, feminine hygiene products, condoms, hair, coffee grounds, eggshells, rags, paper towels, pet waste, bandages, or any other non-human waste.
  • Don’t drain use water softeners into your septic system.
  • Don’t use the garbage disposals in a home on a septic system.

We Also Recommend

We also recommend using liquid, low sudsing, low phosphate, and biodegradable detergents, and fabric softener sheets in the dryer instead of liquid in the washer. Use liquid, non-chlorine, biodegradable, and non-toxic cleaning products. By following these guidelines, you can ensure that your septic system operates efficiently and avoid costly repairs.