A Guide to Basic Septic Tank Maintenance
Taking great care of your septic tank is a crucial element of home plumbing. Yet this is an aspect of your home’s plumbing that many homeowners or renters ignore. The result? You have a faulty septic tank and a major dilemma on your hands.
As a result, you need to take it upon yourself to educate yourself on the signs of a problem. But the septic tank itself likely comes with many questions in your mind.
So what does the average homeowner need to know about basic septic tank maintenance?
We present our guide below to answer this question and help you take better care of your home.
Perform Regular Inspections and Repairs
Regular inspections and repairs are critical components of septic tank maintenance. During inspections, they will look for major cracks, tree roots invading pipes, and evidence of erosion or ground shifting. Any faulty parts should be replaced with durable new components.
Repairs should be performed as needed. It can be helpful to check your tank twice a year to allow for early detection of problems such as clogged chambers, poor connections to bacterial systems, and other issues. Regular inspections and repairs can ensure a safe, odorless septic tank for many years.
Maintain Appropriate Levels of Septic Tank Additives
Maintaining appropriate levels of septic tank additives is an important part of basic septic tank maintenance. Depending on the size of the tank and the amount of use, you may need to add chemicals 2–4 times a year. Additives help to reduce bad odors, prevent clogs, and break down solids.
When adding the chemicals, mix the correct amount of additive into a bucket of water and pour it into the septic tank, being careful not to damage the plumbing. Make sure all the contents are fully mixed, then let the tank settle before continuing to use it.
Too much of any particular additive can damage the septic system, so make sure you follow the instructions and use appropriate amounts. Checking your tank’s chemicals and adding additives as needed will help keep your tank running.
Clean Your Septic Tank to Prevent Blockages
Cleaning your septic tank is important for preventing blockages. The best way to clean your septic tank is by pumping it out every two to three years.
Before septic tank pumping, you should inspect the tank from the outside to make sure there are no clogs or other problems. You may need to have a professional handle the pumping process.
It is important to prevent blockages by disposing of items that should not be flushed down the toilet. It includes grease, feminine products, and even dental floss. Maintaining a septic tank system is essential to avoid costly repairs and blockages, which can be difficult to clear.
Learn More About Septic Tank Maintenance
A guide to basic septic tank maintenance is important for keeping your system functioning. Learning these basics will prevent problems that can be costly to fix.
So be sure to check the levels in your tank, pump the tank, and receive a regular inspection to ensure that it works. Take care of your septic system today and save yourself trouble and money in the long run. Stack up on supplies and get to work!
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