Do's and Don'ts To Keeping Your Septic System Healthy

Septic Do's and Dont's

Maintaining a healthy septic system really comes down to the decisions you make. In most cases, the system belongs to the homeowner, and that ownership requires responsibility and stewardship if you want the system to continue producing according to its design. Below we will discuss some tips for what you can do to keep your septic system healthy, as well as suggestions on actions you should avoid regarding your home’s septic system.

Here is what you should do.

Let’s start here.Strive to integrate some of these practices into your regular home management routine. Some may seem obvious but that doesn’t mean everyone does them. By doing these things, and you should be able to avoid needing major repair, or worse a whole new septic tank or system.

DO: Consult About Your Garbage Disposal.

Guardian Well and Septic will certainly advise if you own a garbage disposal, but the more you know the better we’ll be able to help you. Unfortunately, home owners can be ignorant to the ramifications of putting items down the garbage disposal that can jeopardize the health of the septic system. Ask us about your garbage disposal during your next inspection. 

DO: Check with the Health Department Regarding 
Additives.

Chemically and biologically, a septic tank is supposed to be self-regulating. Tanks contain enough bacteria to treat human waste and wastewater. Sometimes, the properties of the bacterial flora in the septic tank can be reversed by substances such as soap and cleaning products. If the tank is diagnosed by Guardian Well and Septic, this may be a different story. But for the most part, we suggest you have a conversation with the health department if you are concerned with how certain additives can impact the health of your septic tank. 

DO: Repair Leaky Faucets and Sinks.

You want to be economical with the amount of wastewater that is being used in the home on a daily basis. Leaky faucets and sinks exasperate the possibilities of potential health issues for the septic system by overloading it. Remember- don’t ‘waste’ water!

DO: Use Commercial Products Sparingly.

Similar to the tip about additives, you want to eliminate as many external chemical components entering the septic tank as possible. Use mild detergents or baking soda to clean bathroom plumbing systems.  

DO: Keep Records of System Maintenance Activity.

When Guardian Well & Septic does an inspection, we may have some difficult questions we need homeowners to answer in order to provide the best and most accurate diagnosis. If you have records of when plumbing repairs or other maintenance activities have taken place it could make these questions simple. 

DO: Familiarize Yourself With The Location.

We are going to touch more on what you shouldn’t do a few tips down. But the more you understand your septic system and how it works, the more proactive you can be in maintaining it and saving yourself on home ownership expenses. 

DO: Have the Septic System Pumped a Minimum of Every 3 Years. 

This is an industry standard for your septic system. If you want to get your next septic inspection on the calendar today, contact Guardian Well and Septic

Here is What You Shouldn’t Do

There are few non-negotiables when it comes to owning a septic system. Many of them have to do with understanding the location and layout of the system, including the drainfield, risers, manhole, scrum layer etc. To build off the learning the location tip mentioned earlier, it is important to draw out a map of the septic system and keep it in the maintenance record because it could help inform you on the non-negotiables we are about to mention that could compromise the system. Here are a few examples of what not to do with a septic system. 

DON'T: Plant Something Other Than Grass in Your Near the System. 

Roots and other shrubs have the potential to clog or interfere with the drainfield. It is okay to plant grass, but keep landscaping accessories away from the septic system. 

DON'T: Treat Your Septic System like a Trash Can. 

Everyday we have waste that goes down the toilet, sinks and drains. With the amount of waste volume in the home, some think that other waste products can also be included. Don’t fall for this way of thinking. Dental floss, women feminine products, condoms, cigarettes and the continuous long list or products could largely damage the septic system. Do not treat your toilets like trash cans!

DON'T: Use Drain Chemicals for a Clogged Drain.

If you experience a clogged drain, fight the temptation to use drain chemicals to solve the issue. Use something that doesn’t involve the addition of extra chemicals into the septic system like a snake or hot water. 

DON'T: Drive or Park Vehicles over the Septic system. 

Driving over your septic system will compact the soil and potentially crush important components of the septic system, particularly the drain field. Don’t use the open area as a parking lot. Find another alternative that won’t cost you thousands of dollars in repairs. 

We hope these tips help you be a better steward of your septic system. Guardian Well and Septic are here to schedule your 3-year inspection today. Contact us to help you maintain your septic system! 

 

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