The cold weather might be here now, but spring will be here before you know it. When it arrives, you'll want to get your septic system serviced. You might not realize this, but late spring is the best time of year to get your septic system serviced. The soil is warm, and the waste inside your tank isn't frozen. If your septic service has only included the occasional pumping of the tank, you're missing out on some important maintenance steps. When spring arrives, here are four important steps you should take to improve the health of your septic system.
Pump Both Tanks
You might not realize this, but your septic system actually includes two separate tanks. The first tank is where all the solid waste is stored. The second tank, or holding tank, is where all the liquids reside while they're being filtered through to the seepage pit. It's a good idea to have both tanks pumped out in the spring. This will ensure that both tanks are empty and ready to work properly. This step is particularly important if you've had some heavy rains during the year. Rain water can inundate your septic tanks and lead to premature filling.
Change the Filter
If you didn't know you that your septic system had a filter, it probably hasn't been changed in a while. When the septic company comes out to pump your septic tanks this spring, be sure to have them replace the filter. A dirty, clogged filter can interfere with the proper processing of waste water and can lead to clogs. It's a good idea to have the filter inspected each time you have your septic tank pumped.
Inspect the Seepage Pit
If it's been a while since you had the seepage pit inspected, it's a good idea to have that done this spring. Soil saturation, greasy buildup, and soil compaction can destroy your seepage pit. An inspection will help identify problems that will need to be addressed.
Install a Second Pit
If your septic system gets a good workout, your seepage pit can have a hard time keeping up with the waste water. Talk to your septic company about having a second seepage pit installed in your yard. Piggy-backing a second seepage pit to your primary pit, and then installing a switch valve, will allow you to rotate the use of your seepage pits and prevent over-saturation and collapse. Your septic company can take care of the installation for you.
