Septic system care and maintenance is very important to the longevity of your septic. It certainly does make a difference what you put into it! If you want to get the longest life out of your septic system, here’s a checklist of do’s and don’ts that will keep your system in top shape.
- Don’t flush the following items down your toilet: hair, baby wipes, towels or napkins, cat litter, sanitary napkins, cigarette butts or grease. Adding solids to your tank that will not break down is a very bad idea!
- Don’t use an excessive amount of toilet paper. If you have young children who are learning to use the potty, teach them how much toilet paper to use, and what not to flush down the toilet.
- Don’t do too much laundry in one day. Your septic system is designed to flow out at a certain rate. Excessive water entering your tank will force solids out into your leach field.
- Don’t add yeast, septic bacteria, or baking soda. These do not help the microbial process of breaking down solids. In fact they may change the pH level within the tank causing the bacteria to die. All the bacteria you need are added every time you flush!
- Don’t use antibacterial soap or laundry detergents that are high in phosphorus. Avoid using bleach in large quantities, and use liquid laundry detergents rather than powdered ones. Powder detergents have a tendency to clump, which can clog your pipes over time.
- Don’t drive over your septic tank or on your leaching field. This can cause structural problems in your septic system, causing it to fail early.
- Don’t install a deck, shed, or walkway over your septic tank. Your septic tank needs to be accessible for regular pumping. If you have to replace the tank, those objects that you put on them will have to be removed.
- Don’t use a food disposal when you have a septic system.
- Do check and repair any leaking faucets. Even a dripping faucet can add too much water to your septic system, causing it to back up.
- Do pour grease from cooking into the trash before washing the pan. Grease is a major culprit in septic failures.
- Do have your system pumped on a regular basis. Maznek Septic Service can help you determine the correct pumping schedule for your needs.
- Do call us immediately if you smell sewage, hear gurgling or have slow drains. We may be able to catch a problem and repair it before it becomes much bigger.
Proper septic system care and maintenance will help prevent costly problems in the future. We are always available to answer any concerns you might have about your septic system or leach field!