People rarely consider their septic tank until the toilet will not flush, the yard smells or a soft area has formed in the grass. At that time, it’s usually a hefty repair bill. The best part is that most septic failures are caused by a few simple activities and they’re easy to change.
You are not alone! In the United States, over 26 million households (or one out of five homes) use septic systems for wastewater treatment. That means that millions of homeowners are responsible for having a small treatment plant in their backyards. With proper care it will last for decades trouble-free. Mishandle it and it will make its presence known.
Here are some septic tank do’s and don’ts with a little help from the EPA and the local health department, and from septic professionals.
The Do’s of Septic Tank Maintenance
- Get Your Tank Pumped and Inspected on Schedule
So, at what frequency should the septic tank be pumped? EPA’s general guidance is to get the system pumped as necessary, typically every 3 to 5 years, and inspected by a licensed contractor approximately every three years. The timing will vary based on the size of the tank, the number of people in the house and the amount of water consumed. A family of five fills a tank much faster than a retired couple. If you have forgotten when the last time your tank was pumped, that’s your cue to make a booking for one.
- Know Where Your Tank and Drain Field Are
This may seem like a no-brainer, but many homeowners don’t know where they keep their tank lid. Maintain a sketch of the tank and drain field location with maintenance records and make the tank cover accessible (add risers if necessary). This helps save time, digging and service day dollars.
- Do Keep Maintenance Records
Record all pumping, inspections and repairs and the date. Good records will help a technician to see any patterns, and they are a big plus when you are selling your home as home buyers will inquire about them.
- Use Water Wisely
Each drop you use goes straight into the tank. Excess water at one time can cause solids to move out to the drain field before they settle. Fixing leaks and using water-efficient fixtures helps keep the system from being overloaded. It also distributes the chores out over the week rather than 6 loads of laundry on a Saturday.
- Choose Septic-Safe Cleaning Products
Good bacteria relies on that and strong bleach and antibacterial cleaners kill it. Use commercial cleaners/detergents sparingly; many people use a mild detergent or baking soda to clean tubs, sinks, and toilets.
- Do Keep Extra Water Away from the Drain Field
Keep direct roof drains, perimeter drains and sump pump discharge away from the septic system. Wet soil is unable to filter and purify the wastewater.
The Don’ts That Damage Septic Systems
- Don’t Use Your Toilet as a Trash Can
The list of what not to put down your septic system is long but easy to remember: human waste and toilet paper. Coffee grounds, dental floss, disposable diapers and wipes, feminine hygiene products, cigarette butts and cat litter can all clog up and harm the septic system. That includes wipes that are marked as “flushable. They do not disintegrate as toilet paper does.
- Don’t Pour Grease or Oil Down the Sink
Grease builds up on the scum layer and eventually it can clog pipes or the drain field. EPA recommends that you dispose of grease by placing it in a container until it solidifies and then disposing of it in the trash.
- Don’t Lean on the Garbage Disposal
Food waste is more solid and fills your tank quicker. Some guides state that it is not a good idea to use a disposal at all unless the tank was sized to accommodate the additional sludge produced. Your system would be much easier to implement if you could compost or bin the scraps.
- Don’t Pour Harsh Chemicals Down the Drain
Your system is not designed to handle paint, pesticides or other dangerous chemicals and caustic drain openers are not designed to work on clogs. They destroy beneficial bacteria and can contaminate the groundwater. Use a drain snake, plunger or contact a professional.
- Don’t Drive or Park on the Drain Field
Damage to drain lines can be caused by the weight of vehicles. Avoid putting sheds, patios or pools over any part of the system.
- Don’t Plant Trees or Shrubs Nearby
You have water in your pipes and roots seek water. Trees and shrubs in the area near the septic system can cause pipe damage, especially large trees. The safest cover is grass.
- Don’t Count on Septic Additives
There are many products on the market that are supposed to “fix” your tank. Health officials disagree. Regular pumping is still required and commercial additives do not eliminate the need for regular pumping and may cause damage to the system.
- Don’t Ever Go Inside a Septic Tank
This particular one is not about maintenance; it’s about safety. Deadly levels of low oxygen and toxic gases may occur in the interior of a tank within a few minutes. Never go into a septic tank and always keep the lid closed to prevent accidents.
Signs Your Septic Tank Is Full or Failing
Check for slow drains in the house, any gurgling noises in pipes, sewage smell in the house or yard, standing water over the drain field, green grass over the drain field or sewage backup in tubs or low drains. If any of these are detected, reduce watering and have the system evaluated immediately. Waiting almost always makes the repair bigger.
Why Good Habits Pay Off
Septic care is not only about preventing a mess. If properly maintained, a septic system will last for 40 years or longer. Neglect, however, is a very costly undertaking. With permits, soil testing, engineering, and installation costs all adding to the total, replacing a failed system can become a significant expense that is far more costly and disruptive than addressing problems before the system reaches that point. That can be contrasted with the cost of the routine pumping that occurs every few years, and the answer is obvious. Your family’s health is a consideration, too, because when your systems fail, they can introduce bacteria, viruses, and household toxins into groundwater and other waterways.
Conclusion
Here are some simple steps for maintaining a healthy septic system: Pump your septic system regularly and inspect it, watch what you put down the drain, conserve water and protect your drain field. Do not cut corners – additives and other chemicals can be hazardous and be aware of any early signs that could turn into an emergency.
However, when it’s time for professional help, OK Eco Pump has been handling septic systems for 10 years. We have a 24/7/365 emergency service in case of problems outside our working hours. Local, friendly, and reliable, we’re here to make sure your system operates safely for years to come.