How to Take Care of a Septic System

Septic Systems Maintenance

 Introduction:

If you live in a rural area you have a septic system instead of a public sewer connection. This leaves you with the responsibility of performing your own septic system maintenance. Properly maintaining the septic system will save you a lot of money in the long run. A properly maintained septic system should last at least twenty five years or longer.

Taking care of your septic system isn't difficult, because modern systems function efficiently when you follow a few basic guidelines. Follow these tips to maintain a clean and trouble free septic system.

1. Divert rainwater from the drain septic drain field to avoid a soggy drain field. A soggy drain field won't absorb and neutralize liquid waste. Plan landscaping, roof gutters and foundation drains so that excess water is diverted away from the septic drain field.

2. Don't overload the septic tank and drain field.

3. Check faucets and toilets for leaks and make repairs as necessary.

4. Use aerators on faucets and flow reducer nozzles on showers to help lower water consumption.

5. Use reduce water levels for small loads of laundry.

6. Use a displacer in the toilet bowl to reduce the amount of water needed to flush the toilet.

7. Keep trees away from the septic system.

8. Discourage root damage by keeping trees at least 100 feet away from the septic system.

9. Trees with very aggressive roots, such as willows, should be even farther away from the system.

10. Don’t use the toilet as a garbage disposal.

11. Never flush cat litter, disposable diapers, sanitary napkins, tampons, paper towels, facial tissues, coffee grounds, or cigarette butts and filters. They'll clog your septic tank in less time than you might imagine.

12. Use the garbage disposals wisely.

13. A garbage disposal can double the amount of solids added to a septic tank.

14. Choose a quality disposal that grinds food into tiny particles that are easier for a system to digest.

15. Avoid heavy duty cleaners.

16. Heavy duty cleaners kill beneficial bacteria in the septic tank, so solids won't break down as well.

17. Avoid using hazardous chemicals.

18. Varnish, paint thinners, motor oils, gasoline and other similar chemicals can ruin your system and are a hazard to groundwater.

19. Do not drive over the drain field, build a structure on top of it, or cover it with concrete or asphalt.

20. Plant grass on the drain field to minimize soil erosion.

21. Perform regular maintenance.

• Solids must eventually be pumped from the septic tank.

• Septic tanks should be pumped every 3 to5 years of full time use.  

If you follow these tips of how to take care of a septic system it should serve you for years without failing. I do not recommend using the various septic system cleaner that are often advertised to clean your septic system. Although it is a nasty system it will work just fine providing you follow these septic system maintenance tips. Don’t be caught up on the scare tactic of sales people that only want you to buy a product that will do little to nothing for you septic system.

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