Failures in your septic system will have negative implications on your family’s health. This can be unsightly, produce foul smell, as well as contaminate your well water. It’s for this reason that septic system maintenance is of great importance.

Septic system maintenance isn’t difficult

All you need is to follow some basic tips such as diverting rainwater from your septic drain field. A soggy drain field will not absorb and neutralize the liquid waste, so ensure you divert excess water away from the septic drain field.

Avoid overloading your drain field and septic tank. You should for instance try reducing the amount of water required to flush your toilet, reduce the amount of water used for your small loads of laundry, as well as reduce the amount of water you use at the shower.

You should avoid disposing garbage to your septic tank, because they will clog the tank in no time. Never flush disposable diapers, cat litter, sanitary napkins, paper towels, cigarette butts, or facial tissues. Your septic system should only have tiny particle waste, which is easier for it to digest.

As part of septic system maintenance, you should also minimize on the use of heavy duty cleaners as they kill beneficial bacteria in your septic tank. Such bacterial helps in the breakdown of solid waste. Avoid hazardous chemicals such as vanish, gasoline, paint thinners, and motor oil, because they ruin the septic system. You should also avoid pouring grease down the drain, as it makes it impossible for the soil to absorb liquids.

Having dense grass cover or other shallow rooted plants over your septic tank is beneficial. However, keep trees away from your septic tank because their roots can clog the system or break the pipes.

The septic tank should be pumped every 2 to 5 years, based on the use. This prevents particles of sludge or scum flushing out of the tank and clogging the drain tiles. You should hire a professional to clean your tank.