Top Five Tips For Keeping Your Septic Tank In Tip-Top Condition

When you have a septic tank that your home relies on for waste removal, you have a responsibility to keeping it in tip-top shape. Though capacity changes, root penetration, and tank damage can be instances where you'd need replacement of your septic tank, you can have a healthy and reliable system if you follow five basic rules of advice:

1. Only Put In What Your Body Puts Out

Minimal amounts of toilet paper is okay for the long run, as bacteria in your tank can generally handle the breakdown. But flushing anything else is a big mistake. If possible, encourage everyone in your family to dispose of large amounts of paper, or install a Bidet. Also, keep feminine products, paper towels, and your son's action figures from clogging up your pipe system.

2. Don't Bother With Commercial Additives

Those commercial additives that you can put in your septic tank to boost bacterial levels don't do as much as you might think. A healthy septic system that already processes effluent is at an optimal level for breaking down solids and discharging grey water. If you have a problem with flow into the drain field, a commercial additive will do nothing to keep your system flowing any better.

3. Keep Detergents At Bay

Detergents yield disastrous results to your septic system, so do your part to keep them at bay. If local codes allow you to re-route your wash water, consider it done. If not, make sure to keep your detergent usage to a minimum--i.e, don't go crazy with the buy-one-get-one dish soap you just picked up at the grocery store.

4. Clean Out Your Grease Trap

Removing the grease from your grease trap is a top tip for keeping your septic system happy. Septic tanks feel bloated after greasy meals and trap overflow, with slow symptoms that can persist for weeks as bacteria struggle to digest the load. Also, making an effort to wipe pans and pots that have residual grease will help save you the disgusting job of cleaning it out often.

5. Use Routine Cleaning and Inspection Services

A rule of thumb for homeowners with septic tanks is to use routine cleaning and inspection services to make sure everything is flowing optimally. Septic tanks should be pumped at least every 5 years, more often if wastewater is included in your system. When you use a garbage disposal, you need to pump and clean your tank yearly.

For more information, contact a business such as Southern Sanitary Systems Inc.

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