Septic Tank Maintenance: 4 Essential Tips You Need to Know
About 25% of Americans have the responsibility of cleaning a septic tank. They can either do the work themselves or pay a company for annual septic tank maintenance. It’s likely that homeowners will wait until the septic tank fails before they do anything about it.
Septic tanks can fail without warning, causing serious damage and costly repairs. To help you avoid those headaches, we’ve put together this list of tips for keeping your septic tank in tip-top shape. Read on for a guide to septic tank maintenance.
Schedule a Septic Tank Cleaning
A septic tank cleaning should be done every 3-5 years. Doing this will ensure your system is always working properly.
Septic tanks get clogged from everyday operations. These blockages can interfere with drainage in your pipes and lead to raw sewage flooding in through drains or tubs. You can prevent this by getting your tank cleaned by a professional.
Watch What You Put In Your Drains
Never put anything down the drain that could cause it to clog. This includes food, grease, paper, chemicals, or even small objects.
Your septic tank separates solid waste from water. The tank lets the water flow into the soil through perforations in its bottom.
Solid materials, like food, can get stuck in one of those holes. This blocks it completely and prevents wastewater from draining into your leach field. You’ll know if this has happened because you’ll see water backing up into your sink or shower at home.
Learn the Signs of a Failing Septic System
Without regular septic tank maintenance, you risk septic tank failure. Here are some signs that your septic system might need attention.
- Sewage backup in toilets
- Odor
- Discolored water
- Slow draining toilets
- Sludge buildup and Sludge Drying in the tank and drain field lines
Sewage backups are the most obvious sign that something is wrong with your septic system. When you notice this, contact an emergency septic service as soon as possible.
Inspect the Septic Tank
Check your septic tank for any leaks and clogs. If a leak is present, it’s time to call a professional to take care of the issue before it becomes worse.
Don’t forget to look for signs of wear and tear on the lid, drain field, or other parts of your system. This can be anything from cracking concrete around the base of your tank to rusting on its door hinges.
Stay On Top of Your Septic Tank Maintenance Tasks
By keeping on top of your septic tank maintenance tasks, you can avoid issues like a backup or an emergency replacement.
Don’t put anything down the drain other than water. Check for cracks in pipes and have your tank cleaned every 3 years. With these tips in mind, you’ll be able to keep your system healthy for years to come!
For more tips on how to keep your home in great condition, check out some of our home improvement blogs. You’ll find tips on everything from landscaping to plumbing.
