Preventing Plumbing Problems

Preventing Plumbing Problems

8 Daily Steps To Maintain Your Septic System

by Calvin Simmmons

Besides routinely pumping out your septic system every three to five years, it's important to take daily steps to maintain it.

1. When it comes to septic system maintenance, the first step is to use your garbage disposal lightly, or not at all. When you use your garbage disposal on a regular basis, it creates more solids, which puts a strain on your septic system. More solids may also require getting your septic tank pumped more frequently.

2. Avoid putting grease, fats, and oil down the drain. These food products will clog the plumbing and increase the amount of scum and sludge in the septic system.

3. When washing clothes, you should use liquid detergents instead of powdered ones. Powdered detergents increase the chances of clogging your septic system.

4. Besides not using powdered detergents, you should never use bleach when doing your laundry. Also, you should avoid using automatic toilet cleaning dispensers that have bleach in them. Part of the job of your septic system is to treat the water, and bleach will hinder this process.

4. You should always use toilet tissue that breaks down rapidly. To ensure the specific brand of toilet paper you use breaks down quickly or not, you can test it by putting the toilet paper in a jar covered with water and then shaking it. It should break apart rather quickly.

5. Be careful not to use your toilet or drains as a garbage can. Always put things like facial tissue, coffee grounds, paper towels, diapers, feminine products, and other non-degradable solids into the trash can.

6. Your septic system can handle normal amounts of household cleaning products, such as liquid laundry detergents and antibacterial soaps. However, excessive amounts can be harmful to your septic system.

7. Harmful chemicals, such as pesticides, paints, solvents, and medications should never go down the drain. These kinds of materials can cause the septic system to fail because they have the potential to kill beneficial soil bacteria. Harmful chemicals will also pollute the groundwater.

8. Never drive or park a vehicle on the drainfield. Doing this will cause drainfield compaction, which reduces the porosity of aerobic bacteria that is important for treating your water. Constructing garages, patios, or driveways over the drainfield can also cause compaction.

When it comes to septic system maintenance, following these daily steps will ensure that your septic system works properly and your water will not become contaminated. For more information, reach out to a company like Linn Septic Service.


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About Me

Preventing Plumbing Problems

It isn't always easy to know where to start when it comes to household maintenance, but a few years ago I realized I needed a new septic system. We were having a problem with our drains draining properly, so we turned to some experts for some help. They walked us through every aspect of the plumbing process, and within a few days, we were having a brand new septic tank installed. It was great to see just how much better things ran when the septic was working, and this blog is evidence of how much something like that can help.

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