When it comes to maintaining your plumbing system, one of the best things you can do is ensure that you have an adequate septic tank system. Maintaining a septic tank is not a difficult task to commit oneself to, but, like any part of a house, it does require regular maintenance and upkeep. It is best to keep on task about these matters, as well, performing checks regularly to ensure everything is running smoothly. Sometimes septic tank owners, especially new owners, become a bit confused about what they should do to make sure that they are properly maintaining their septic tanks. Whether you are new to using a septic system or have owned a septic tank for a long time, you should be aware of a few common septic maintenance tips.
Flush The Right Things
When it comes to putting things down your toilet drain, make sure that you're flushing things that your septic tank can handle. There's an old adage among septic tank users: don't flush down anything that didn't first go through your mouth (with the exception of toilet paper, of course). Your septic system can deal with anything that can easily decompose, but there are a number of things that you might think that, since it went down the drain, it must be easy for the septic tank to handle. This isn't the case. There are a number of things that you should avoid, including feminine sanitation products, cigarettes and paper towels. In fact, any paper product that is not toilet paper should not be flushed down the toilet.
Park Vehicles Away From The Septic System
Make sure you know precisely where your septic system is located and keep all vehicles off of the ground that the septic system is located on. Heavy equipment should not occupy the space where your septic system resides. This includes items such as boats, 4-wheelers, livestock, and motor homes. The amount of pressure that this sort of equipment delivers to the soil or, in some cases, the system itself, can result in costly repairs that you will have to deal with.
Pump The System Regularly
It's always important to remember when the last time your septic system was pumped was. If you don't know when the last time you had your system pumped was, or it has been over 3 years, it is time to get the system adequately and professionally pumped and cleaned. It might be prudent to make a note in an easy-to-remember place about when the last time you had the system professionally pumped and cleaned was. If you are hosting a large party, have the system pumped and cleaned in advance.
Landscaping
Be weary of the type of landscaping you place over your septic system. More likely than not, the only thing you will really need to place over your septic system is grass. However, there are a number of shallow plants that might work well over the area, as well. Keep in mind, however, that every 3 to 5 years, you will have to dig up the area where your septic system resides in order to pump and clean the tank and entirety of the system. Avoid deep-rooted plants and vegetables, as the roots can interfere with the septic system and can ultimately damage the tank, as well.
Maintaining a septic tank is not an entirely difficult task, but it is one that you need to vigilant about. Hopefully, this brief article gave you a few ideas about how to stay up to that task. If you have more questions about maintaining your septic system, speak with qualified septic professionals from a company like Walters Environmental Services Inc.
