How to Care For a Septic System?

By: Adrianna Norton

A septic system is an essential component of every home and building that creates and removes wastewater. The septic system is designed to remove, treat, and return clean water to the ground water table. It consists of a series of drain pipes, septic tank, and drain field. Like any other vital system, a septic system must be properly maintained in order for it to function properly. There are many things that a homeowner can do to properly care for their septic system.

Below are is a list of tips on how to a care for a septic system:

Manage Water Use: It is important to conserve water as a septic system is only designed to hold so much water. As well, the septic tank takes a bit of time to remove the solids from the liquids and treat the liquids, and then send the clean water to the drain field for distribution. If too much water overloads the system, then there could be a sewer spill or the septic tank can become backed up. Conserve water by making sure there are not any constantly running taps and toilet. Low flow toilets are a good choice. When using the washing machine, wash on a small load setting.

Protect the Septic tank: Make sure you keep things away from the septic tank that could damage the tank and lines. For instance, make sure there are not any tree roots near the septic tank and lines and don’t put any heavy objects on the ground that is over the tank and drain field such as a building, car, cement slab…etc, as it increases the chance of damaging the system.

Keep Harmful Items out of Septic System: Do not put chemicals, fats, garbage such as paper towels, cigarette butts, paint, bleach, coffee grounds, food, diapers, kitty litter…etc, into the septic system. Non septic items will increase the chance of a blockage and damaging the system. As well, chemicals can kill the microbes that break down the solids. As well, a garbage disposal can clog a drain field so reconsider getting one. If you do, you will have to get the tank pumped more often to avoid an overload of waste in the system.

Septic Tank Pumped: Getting your tank pumped by a professional will help keep the tank and lines clear. Getting the tank pumped depends on how much the tank is used. The more the tank is used, the more you should get the tank pumped. It can vary from 1 to 3 years, depending on the size of the family and size of the tank.

Bacterial Additives: You can help keep your sewer lines and septic tank clear and clean by adding a bacterial microbe product. These microbes break down the waste so sewage does not accumulate. You should add the bacteria once a month,

Sewer and Water Line Check: It is important to check your pipes to make sure there are not any cracks, leaks, and corrosion. This should be done once or twice a year.

When you implement a few easy and inexpensive maintenance tips, you will ensure your septic system lasts for many years, which is beneficial for your health as well as your pocket book as septic tanks are very expensive to replace.