Your septic tank is most likely something that you don't give much thought. For the most part, your septic tank works without any supervision and usually doesn't require much maintenance. However, whether as a result of mistreatment or natural degradation, there will come a time where your septic tank will inevitably need to be serviced. Luckily, there are easy ways to avoid septic tank problems that require hardly any effort. Here are five ways in which you can avoid problems surfacing with your septic tank.
1. Watch What You Flush
Your toilet is meant to only flush two things; bodily waste and toilet paper. These two things can be easily broken down within the septic tank and will naturally diminish over time. However, flushing non-biodegradable products can lead to major problems arising with your septic tank. Things like gum, q-tips and paper towels should never be flushed down your toilet, as these items could lead to the clogging of your drainage system.
2. Monitor Your Kitchen Drain
You should also be conscious of what you're putting down your kitchen sink drain. While putting things like oil, grease, and bits of food down your kitchen drain may seem logical, they can have a negative effect on the efficiency of your septic tank. By only putting water and biodegradable products down your kitchen drain, your septic tank will have a much easier time doing its intended job.
3. Avoid Using Excess Water
Whether you're living alone or with your family, it's important to keep in mind how much water you're using on any given day. Excess water usage will limit the amount of time your septic tank has to break down solid wastes. If your septic tank takes on too much water before all solid wastes have been broken down, the solid matter will funnel into your distribution system. Your distribution pumps are intended only for liquid matter, and having solid matter put into them can lead to them becoming clogged. You can avoid this problem by always turning off faucets fully, shortening your showers, and using your sink water more efficiently.
4. Properly Cover Your Drain Field
Treating your septic tank right isn't just limited to your actions within your home. An important measure to take to ensure your septic tank is running smoothly is to plant grass over your septic tank and drain field. A nice, lush lawn over your drain field will allow oxygen to penetrate the soil above your septic tank and help break down solid matter. On the other hand, having pavement or asphalt above your drain field will essentially close off your septic tank to the outside world, thus making it more difficult to break down solid waste.
5. Have Your Septic Tank Inspected
The surest way to know that your septic tank isn't heading for disaster is to have it inspected by a licensed professional. While you can perform the inspection yourself, you're likely not too familiar with the ins and outs of your septic tank. You can also be exposed to harmful chemicals by performing the inspection yourself. Your best bet is to leave the inspection to certified, trained professionals, who will be able to let you know if your septic tank is functioning properly or in need of repair.
