Spring is the ideal time to schedule annual septic tank maintenance. The winter months can be harsh on septic systems, thanks to freezing temperatures and the increased burdens from family gatherings over the holidays. As the ice and snow melt and the spring rains set in, it is important to service your septic tank system before the summer months place an even heavier burden or your septic tank. Scheduling your septic tank maintenance now can help you avoid the inconvenience of lost service and unnecessary repairs.
What Is Spring Septic Maintenance?
Your plumbing contractor should perform the following procedures during a septic tank cleaning and inspection:
Change or clean the filters. Septic tanks incorporate a filtration system designed to prevent solid waste from entering your drainfield. Drainfield repair or replacement can be costly due to the labor involved, so protecting it is in your best interest.
Pumping the septic tank to remove sludge and other contaminates helps to prevent damage to your drainfield. While the debate over how often you should pump your septic tank varies, most industry experts agree that on average, your septic tank should be pumped at least every three years.
Perform a thorough inspection of the septic tank and adjoining drainfield. As you septic tank ages, problems can arise such as developing cracks in the septic vault and lids, inadequate drainfield absorption or broken pipes and fittings, all of which play an important role in septic system efficiency and safety.
Money Well Spent
If your septic system fails, not only do you face the added expense of repair and/or replacement but also the inconvenience of lost service. You could be without sewer service for days, weeks or longer. To put it simply, toilets will not flush and sinks will not drain. In addition, maintaining your existing septic system is far cheaper than replacing a drainfield, which can run into thousands of dollars.
Homeowners Can Do Their Part
Understanding the do’s and don’ts of septic tank systems can help you avoid unnecessary repairs.
- Think before you flush. Your toilet is not a garbage can. Never flush inert objects that can harm your septic tank. These items include hair, cigarette butts, household chemicals and harsh cleaners, feminine products and dental floss. In fact, aside from toilet tissue, if it doesn’t come out of your body, you should not flush it.
- Avoid rinsing grease, food particles and other kitchen debris down the drains. Not only can these items clog your sewer lines, but also wreak havoc on the microorganisms necessary to breakdown solid waste within the system.
- Use water sparingly. Too much water can upset the balance of microorganisms within the septic system. Install faucet aerators, spread laundry chores throughout the week and verify that all household toilets are in good working order—not running—to limit the amount of water entering the septic system.
For answers to your plumbing questions, contact The Pink Plumber today.
