Your septic system is responsible for handling all your home’s waste, so in order to avoid problems like backed-up sewage in your home or a failing system, it’s important that you know how to take care of your system. There are preventive things you can do at home and services provided by septic tank pumping companies in Decatur, IL, to make sure your system keeps running smoothly. Here are some important dos and don’ts when caring for your system.
Things You Should Do:
1. Get the Tank Pumped
One of the most important ways to take care of your septic system is to have it pumped and inspected regularly. This keeps solids from escaping into the drain field or backing into your home when the tank gets too full. Most septic tanks should be pumped every one to three years, but this varies depending on how many people live in your home and how large the tank is. This inspection is vital in identifying any potential problems that need to be repaired before major issues begin.
2. Know Where Things Are
It’s important to know where your septic tank and drain field is located. If you’re unsure where things are, septic tank technicians can show you where everything is. Drawing a diagram can be helpful for future use.
3. Consider Water Use
The amount of water you put down the drain can also affect the septic system. Try staggering when you use large amounts of water so that you’re not showering, washing laundry, running the dishwasher, or flushing toilets at the same time.
4. Get Repairs as Needed
If you notice any potential problems like leaks, unpleasant odors, or bubbling sounds when flushing or washing things down the drain, be sure to contact septic plumbing professionals right away to avoid additional problems.
5. Treat Drain Field with Care
Make sure no vehicles drive on top of the drain field. Avoid putting heavy machinery in the area because this additional weight can easily damage the underlying pipes or compact the filtration materials and prevent the septic system from working properly.
Things to Avoid:
1. Don’t Pour Grease Down Drains
Make sure you don’t pour grease, oil, or fat down the drain. This can easily cause blockages in your system, and it will also add to the number of solids the tank has to handle. Pour grease into containers that can be thrown away instead.
2. Don’t Plant Trees on Drain Field
The only thing you should plant on your drain field is grass. Tree and shrub roots will eventually migrate to the drain lines and cause blockages and damage.
3. Don’t Use Disposals
A garbage disposal may seem convenient right now, but you’re more likely to have problems in the future when using the disposal to get rid of food waste. This can cause failure or necessitate more frequent cleanings because of the additional load on the system.
4. Don’t Use Additives
Don’t use septic tank additives because even though many products are marketed to help your system, they may actually damage them or cause an imbalance in the beneficial bacteria in the tank.
5. Don’t Flush Everything
Finally, you can avoid problems by watching what you flush. Don’t flush harsh chemicals or non-biodegradable products. Use septic-safe toilet paper and avoid flushing other products like feminine hygiene products or flushable wipes. If you need septic tank repair in Decatur, IL, contact Sewer & Septic Specialist Inc. today.
