Sunday, December 22News That Matters
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4 Efficient Ways To Maintain Your Septic System

Septic system maintenance is not complicated, and it does not need to be expensive. Upkeep comes down to four key elements:

  • Inspect and Pump Frequently
  • Use Water Efficiently
  • Properly Dispose of Waste
  • Maintain Your Drainfield

Inspect and Pump Frequently

When you call a septic tank Bethany service, they will inspect for leaks and examine the scum and sludge layers in your septic tank.

  • Keep maintenance records on work performed on your septic system.
  • Your septic tank includes a T-shaped outlet which prevents sludge and scum from leaving the tank and traveling to the drain field area. If the bottom of the scum layer is within six inches of the bottom of the outlet, or if the top of the sludge layer is within 12 inches of the outlet, your tank needs to be pumped.
  • To keep track of when to pump out your tank, write down the sludge and scum levels found by the septic professional.
  • The service provider should note repairs completed and the tank condition in your system’s service report. If other repairs are recommended, hire a repair person soon.

You can have your septic system installed by Mike Clark Septic Company that’s been offering cost-effective and quality solutions for years.

Use Water Efficiently

The average indoor water use in a typical single-family home is nearly 70 gallons per individual, per day. Just a single leaky or running toilet can waste as much as 200 gallons of water per day.

All of the water a household sends down its pipes winds up in its septic system. The more water a household conserves, the less water enters the septic system. Efficient water use improves the operation of a septic system and reduces the risk of failure.

Properly Dispose of Waste

Whether you flush it down the toilet, grind it in the garbage disposal, or pour it down the sink, shower, or bath, everything that goes down your drains ends up in your septic system. What goes down the drain affects how well your septic system works.

A research on Bethany septic tanks showed that they contain a collection of living organisms that digest and treat household waste. Pouring toxins down your drain can kill these organisms and harm your septic system.

Never flush:

  • Cooking grease or oil
  • Flushable wipes
  • Photographic solutions
  • Feminine hygiene products
  • Condoms
  • Dental floss
  • Diapers
  • Cigarette butts
  • Coffee grounds
  • Cat litter
  • Paper towels
  • Pharmaceuticals
  • Household chemicals like gasoline, oil, pesticides, antifreeze, and paint or paint thinners

Maintain Your Drainfield

Your drainfield—a component of your septic system that removes contaminants from the liquid that emerges from your septic tank—is an important part of your septic system. Here are a few things you should do to maintain it:

  • Never park or drive on your drain field.
  • Plant trees the appropriate distance from your drain field to keep roots from growing into your septic system. A septic service professional can advise you of the proper distance, depending on your septic tank and landscape.
  • Keep roof drains, sump pumps, and other rainwater drainage systems away from your drain field area. Excess water slows down or stops the wastewater treatment process.