Your septic system was created to give you many years of service, but like many things, it can get overwhelmed and break.
Preparing for a future septic tank failure seems impossible and unavoidable, but with preventative practices and methods, problems can be dodged. Check out these preventative steps to avoid a failing septic tank.
Be Proactive
Save yourself time and money by taking the necessary steps to steer clear of septic tank failure. Many are common, but a good reminder never hurt anyone.
In order to keep your septic tank working, remember to minimize the introduction of additional solids that aren’t meant for the system.
1. Avoid cooking grease or oil. Don’t pour these items down the drain. These items should be thrown in the trash. If not, these oils could harden in the septic tank and cause a blockage.
2. Avoid certain bio-degradable items. Try to steer clear of disposing egg shells, coffee ground, orange peels and watermelon rinds in the garbage disposals. These are solids your septic tank isn’t prepared for.
3. Avoid non-degradable items. Flushing things down the toilet that are non-degradable will cause problems. Feminine products, baby wipes, paper towels and diapers should all be thrown in the trash.
4. Conserve water. Your septic tank can only hold so many gallons of water. After it reaches its breaking point, it will fail. If your family is large, make sure shower time is cut down, and avoid running the dishwasher and washer at the same time.
5. Watch out for tree roots. Make sure trees, shrubs and other plants are planted away from your drain field. If not, the deep roots of these plants can penetrate the drain, and cause clogging in your home’s plumbing.
6. Reduce chemicals. Throwing any and every chemical cleaner you use to down the drain may not be the best for your septic tank. Certain chemicals can disrupt the natural bacteria needed for wastewater treatment and slow down the decomposing of waste.
All of these proactive steps can help extend the life of your septic tank and avoid the time and money you would have to spend on repairs. If installed properly, your septic tank will last for 20 plus years.
If you’re home or business is in need of plumbing repairs or sewer line installations, contact TLC Plumbing. As a professional plumbing company, you can always expect the highest level of craftsmanship.