The Top 4 Ways To Maintain Your Septic Tank

Posted on: 21 January 2021

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If you own a car, you probably get regular oil changes for it, as these help your car last longer. If you own a home with a septic system, you also need to do things to maintain it if you want it to last longer. What should you do to maintain your septic system? If you are unsure about this, here are four things you can do that will make a big difference.

1. Do Not Use It for the Wrong Things

The first way to maintain your septic tank is by learning how to use it properly. If you use the system for the wrong things, you can expect problems. When a company installed the system, they designed it to handle wastewater and nothing else. If you put the wrong things in your drains, they can clog your system and fill it faster. Therefore, you should only place water in the drains. If you want to dispose of other things, throw them away or put them in a compost pile. For example, a septic system cannot handle feminine hygiene products, diapers, wipes, or coffee grounds.

2. Spread Out Your Water Usage

The second way to properly use your system is by spreading out your water usage. If you have never had a septic tank before, you might not know the importance of this step. When you use water in your home, it goes to the septic tank. The tank functions by separating the solids from the water, and it forces the water into the drain field. If you use too much water at once, it cannot function correctly. As a result, you can face problems with the system.

3. Protect Your Drain Field

The drain field is part of the septic system, and it serves one main goal. The goal is to spread the water from the system into your yard. To protect the drain field, avoid driving on it or planting trees on it.

4. Pump It on a Regular Schedule

Finally, you must get your septic tank pumped regularly. Some homeowners need to do this every two years, while others can last four years. You can ask a septic contractor how often you should schedule services.

Completing these four tasks will help you extend your septic system's life and prevent problems. If you are interested in learning more about septic tank maintenance, contact a contractor in your area.