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Top Tips for Septic Tank Maintenance

Every home’s septic system consists of a septic tank and a septic drain field. Basically, the septic system is responsible for ensuring that the wastewater within your home is properly disposed and treated to keep your family safe and healthy. Excess liquid and solid substances go through the drain and into the septic pipes and tank where it will be treated and broken down by bacteria. Of course, as a homeowner, you’ll most likely encounter some issues from time to time. With proper and regular septic tank maintenance, though, you’ll be able to benefit from the entire septic system for a decade or even more.

What happens after the wastewater goes out of the tank?

As soon as the wastewater goes through the septic tank, it will be delivered directly to the drain field. The drain field is essentially an excavation in the soil, shallow enough to absorb water from the tank. Once the drain field becomes flooded and clogged with wastewater, the tendency is for it to form a backup, and it’s definitely something that you don’t want to see or smell, for that matter.  

Why do you need septic tank maintenance?

To ensure efficiency and to prevent issues on your septic system, regular maintenance isn’t just a suggestion. It’s an absolute necessity. You know how expensive it is to have a septic system installed in your home, and unless you have more than enough money to spare, you don’t want any replacement anytime soon. Without proper maintenance, wastewater backups could happen anytime. Not to mention frequent clogging of the sink, toilet, and drain. So long as you keep your entire septic system properly cared for, you can actually its optimum for a longer period of time.

Here are some more tips on how to take care of septic system:

  • Have your septic tank pumped.

Depending on several factors like the number of people living in your household or the frequency of water usage, septic tank pumping should be done at least every 10 to 15 years. Prepare a schedule for septic tank pumping so you can monitor it every year. If you’re not certain as to how often you should have your tank pumped, it’s always best if you seek the assistance of an expert.

  • Consider jet water cleaning.

Over time, both liquid and solid wastes will accumulate and block the septic pipes. Despite regular pumping, there will always be stubborn debris that needs to be disposed of as soon as possible as these solid substances can create problems on the operation of the system. Many professional septic firms would highly recommend the use of high water pressure in de-clogging your septic pipes.

  • Use septic filters.

Most modern septic systems have filters that block the solid substances from getting into the septic drain field. This filter needs to be cleaned regularly or replaced from time to time as well. If your home uses an outdated septic system model, you most likely won’t have a septic filter installed. Have it checked and installed immediately to maintain efficiency.

  • Try using bacteria additives.

Naturally, the septic system comes with helpful bacteria that breaks down the solid and liquid wastes inside the tank. These live organic bacteria, however, can get killed any time by most household substances like soap and detergent which also tends to enter the septic tank. Without these bacteria, it will be difficult to break down the harmful substances down the drain. Bacteria additives are inexpensive, and they can certainly help out in keeping the entire septic system working.

Septic tank maintenance is necessary if you want to keep your septic system working properly for a longer time. If you’re not sure as to what needs to be done, you can always ask help from the experts.