If you live out in the country or someplace remote, your property probably relies on a septic tank to safely dispose of waste. These systems are handy, but they do experience problems if you're not careful. Avoid these stressful and costly headaches by taking the following actions.
Use Water Efficiently
When you waste water in the household, it may not seem like that big of a deal. It can be for your septic tank, though, as extra water usage could cause it to back up prematurely. There are many solutions that can keep your water usage relatively low.
You could, for example, set up low-flow toilets in all of the bathrooms. These toilets don't use a lot of pressure or water when disposing of waste, which also helps you save money every month on utility bills. High-efficiency shower heads are also ideal for saving water, and there are a variety of models you can select from.
Also think about upgrading your washing machine, perhaps to one with a front-loading design. These washers always score well in terms of the water-efficiency rating.
Monitor What Enters the Septic Tank
To prevent sludge from forming and then backing up your septic tank, you need to constantly monitor what goes into it. Some substances that are extremely detrimental include paper towels, rags, diapers, coffee grounds, egg and nut shells, fats, and grease.
You also need to keep an eye out for toxic chemicals and fertilizers around your property. Make sure they are secured in a dry area, such as a shed, so that heavy rains don't cause them to run off into your tank. It's also imperative to not flush down potential toxins, including waxes, nail polish, and household cleaners.
Have the Septic Tank Pumped Regularly
Surfacing sewage is a nightmare you never want to deal with, and you don't have to if you have your septic tank pumped at least once a year professionally. Companies will bring out large industrial trucks that are specifically designed to transport human waste in a safe and environmentally-friendly manner.
Some systems require more frequent pumping than others, so you'll want to consult with the technician to see what pumping schedule you'll need to maintain.
Septic tanks are pivotal systems if you live in remote areas where there is no type of sophisticated plumbing system. With regular maintenance, you won't have to deal with as many difficult and potentially dangerous problems as a homeowner. For more information, check out websites like http://www.midfloridaseptic.com/.
