Septic System Dos And Don'ts

Have you recently purchased or rented a home that makes use of a septic system rather than a sewer system. If so, you should know that the way you use and maintenance this system can have a huge impact on how long your septic system will last. Furthermore, you should know that a failure to use this system properly can quickly result in an overflowing septic tank that will leave your yard and home covered in raw sewage. Thankfully, following the simple dos and don'ts outlined below can help you to avoid these problems.

Septic System Dos

Do be mindful of your water consumption. The more water you use each day, the more water your septic system will be forced to process. When used in excess, even clean water can cause your septic tank to fail and overflow.

Do choose household cleaning products carefully. Many household cleaners will make use of antibacterial ingredients. While these ingredients can be quite beneficial in keeping your home sanitized, they can be incredibly harmful to your septic system. This is because antibacterial cleaners, such as bleach, will kill the beneficial bacteria inside your septic tank that are needed to breakdown solid waste.

Do have your septic tank pumped every few years. The exact frequency with which your septic tank will need to be pumped will depend upon how much water your household consumes. However, for most households, having their septic tank pumped every 3-5 years will prove sufficient.

Septic System Don'ts

Don't use drain cleaning products when dealing with a clog. These products can cause damage to your pipes and will inevitably cause havoc in your septic tank once the drain is finally cleared. Rather than turning to these caustic products, consider the use of a drain snake or plunger to clear the drain.

Don't flush any grease, feminine products, cigarette butts, or diapers down the drain. While people commonly attempt to flush these products, these products are not biodegradable and will end up sitting in your septic tank until it is pumped again. In the end, these products will leave far less room for biodegradable materials and water and may result in an overflow.

A Final Thought

While there are many steps you can take on your own to help prevent a septic system failure, you will inevitably require the services of a professional contractor (such as AA Johnny's Sewer & Drain Cleaning Ltd) to inspect and pump your septic tank. Taking the time to consult with a contractor now regarding this maintenance will ensure that you are ready when the need for these services does arise.

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