3 Maintenance Tips for Septic Tank Systems

by Kevin Smith Author

Septic tank systems are a crucial part of American homes. They ensure that the wastewater is properly processed. But, like every feature in your household, they need proper care to last longer. Read on to learn a few maintenance tips you can follow to keep yours in tip-top shape.

Be careful of what you put in your system.

Not everything is meant to go into sewage. These structures are built to only handle specific types of waste. But, still many people break their septic system by accidentally putting items or even fluids that it simply can't process.

For example, homeowners think oil byproducts from cooking can be poured down the kitchen sink because they're liquid. But, the truth is they actually solidify as they cool. They can build up along the drain field and create a blockage, which can make the wastewater back up into your septic tank.

Another way people damage their system is by flushing items that aren't supposed to go down the plumbing. These are often paper and cotton products that absorb water and drastically increase in size, creating a block in the pipes. The only thing that can be disposed of through this manner is toilet paper because it disintegrates in liquid.

Get your septic tank pumped every 3 to 5 years.

Remember to get your septic tank pumped periodically. This is an essential maintenance step since the solid wastes from the sewage tend to settle at the bottom of the reservoir and accumulate over time. If they aren't removed, the container will eventually be too full, and it'll lose its capacity to process anything. This may even lead to liquid backing up into your home.

To prevent this from happening, ask a plumbing contractor to pump your tank every 3 to 5 years, depending on how much water is processed in your home. The more members there are in a household, the shorter the cycle. Keep accurate records of the last cleaning session so you won't forget to clean out the reservoir.

Hire professionals to check the system.

You should schedule a check-up session with your local plumbing contractor at least every year. With their wealth of experience, they can assess the current status of your septic system, spot potential issues, and prevent them from worsening.

Many people think that they can do without regular visits from a company that provides a residential septic tank service in Montgomery, TX, because they don't want to add to their utility expenses. But, if they sign up for check-ups, they'll actually save money by preventing graver problems that can cost more cash to repair.