How to Take Care of Your Septic System

by Kevin Smith Author

Your septic tank is one vital component of the house that must be built with the acquired knowledge and professional intervention of a legitimate plumber. It is designed to accommodate more than 10 people. The average household septic tank is pumped every three to five years. Although, the alternative operating systems of your septic tank such as the pump, electric float switches, and other components may have to be checked every year.

How often you need to clean your tank depends on a couple of factors like:

Number of residences
The kind of waste you discharge
Size of your septic tank
Natural disasters

Dispose of Your Waste Properly

For the purpose of waste management, we also have to be mindful that the kind of waste we throw away must be dispensed in the right place—not in the toilet or sinks. It is a common mistake that our plumbing systems such as the toilet or the sink get clogged up sometimes. However, if this happens more often in your household, you may have to reevaluate what you dispose of in your sink and toilets, as well as verify to your local plumbing service contractor to inspect if your water or waste pipes are flowing properly.

Here are some things you need to avoid in pouring in your sinks:

Fish scales
Cooking oil or grease
Flour
Eggshells
Expandable food
Produce stickers
Medicines
Poultry skin
Stringy vegetables
Peels
Drain

Here are some things you need to avoid in flushing in your toilet:

Grease
Cotton products
Condoms
Menstrual products
Diapers
Paper towels
Cigarette butts
Medication
Bleach

Secure Good Drainfield

The drainfield or also called the leech field is an important component of the septic system. It is an open area that absorbs the contents of the septic tank. It is also a component of your septic system that extracts the scum that surfaces up the liquid waste. To maintain the septic system, these are important ways to note:

Ensure a strategic place where there won’t be excess water for it slows down the wastewater treatment process
Make sure that trees are at least a few meters away from the drainfield to avoid roots from growing into the septic tank.
No parking or driving on the drainfield.

Use Water Efficiently

Water consumption can go nearly up to 70 gallons per individual in a day. It is actually a great help when water is being used efficiently to reduce the amount of water going down to the septic tank. Not only does using water efficiently help in conserving, but it also lessens the risk of an overflowing septic tank. To do this, here are tips to conserve and use water efficiently:

1. Use high-efficiency washing machines

Of course, it is essential and vital to have your clothes and sheets to be clean and neat but washing machines are one of the major water consumers in the household. To be mindful with your water consumption and of course, to avoid your septic tank from overflowing, spread the laundry day throughout the week and not only do it in one single day. For example, you can do clothes alone on the first batch and sheet and all other heavy linens on the second batch a few days after. By weighing just the right amount of load size can reduce the water waste remarkably.

2. Install low-flow showers and aerators

The most efficient faucets and shower heads are the bomb. With the help of these modern-day solutions like low-flow fixtures, a household can save a relevant amount of water even on a daily basis. Most low-flow faucets and showerheads are labeled with WaterSense, and the EPA reports that these models can save the average family 700 gallons of water per year! The Office of Energy Efficiency and Energy Renewal also states that all plumbing fixtures after January 1, 1994, be within the federal standards to help conserve water.

3. Make sure toilet is not outdated

Did you know that 25 to 30 percent of household water use is because of the toilet? If your toilet was still made in 1994, you should consider replacing it. It can use up to 7 gallons of water per flush. Whereas, new toilet designs today can flush up 1.28 to 1.6 gallons per flush. You decide.

Manage your waste!

It’s no denying that cleanliness doesn’t only rely on the physical looks of your homes such as your backyard, living room, or even the kitchen. Yes, keeping your home tidy is also vital but failing to live up the standard septic tank system or not being able to maintain it can cause your home to fall apart. Don’t make rookie mistakes and take note of the professional procedures then you can dodge expensive plumbing expenses in the future. It doesn’t take much, just have a professional plumber visit your old spot at home once or every three years to make sure that everything is intact. It is also common to have a plumbing contractor regarding this so you don’t have to worry about calling in every year. Instead, they just knock on your door and maintain it for you with no hustle.