Many homeowners make common septic tank mistakes and damage their systems without even realizing the harmful effects of their actions. Since a septic system represents a sizable expense, proper care and maintenance are required to help you protect your investment. A neglected septic system can fail, exposing you and your home to the inconveniences of a non-working sewage system. If this occurs, not only do you risk damaging your septic system, which leads to costly repairs, but also exposes your home to the possibility of additional water damage from sewage backups.
Put Litter in its Place
One of the worst and most common septic tank mistakes a homeowner can make is using their toilet as a garbage can. Aside from toilet paper, the fact is if it does not come out of your body, it should never be flushed.
Abusing the Garbage Disposal
Speaking of garbage, your kitchen disposal is a major contributor to septic tank abuse. Food scraps, grease, fats and other kitchen by-products are detrimental to your septic system. It is not recommended installing garbage disposals in homes using a septic system. A simple remedy is to place these unwanted items in the trash.
Chemicals and Cleaners
Excessive use of harsh, household cleaners such as bleach and ammonia can harm or kill off the bacterial balance in your septic system necessary to break down the solids that enter the tank. If the waste-eating organisms die, total septic failure is sure to follow.
Protect Your Septic Area
Since your septic system — tank and drain field — take up a considerable amount of space in your yard, it is understandable that many homeowners try to utilize this area. Some use the area for additional parking while others have planted trees and shrubbery directly in the drain field. Fact is, cars and machinery are heavy and compact the soil in the drain field, which reduces absorption. The roots from trees and shrubbery will invade the drain field eventually clogging the lines and rendering them useless.
Neglecting the System
All of the aforementioned scenarios are harmful to your septic tank system, but none more so than failing to pump your tank periodically. Industry recommendations suggest you should hire a plumbing contractor to pump your septic tank system at least once every three years. The process is vital to remove the sludge buildup, which if not removed, will eventually enter and contaminate the absorption field, rendering both its drain lines and the gravel and soil beneath them useless and lead to costly repairs.
For answers to your questions, contact The Pink Plumber today.
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