Septic tank systems are the modern world’s solution to the dilemma of disposing of human waste. Since ancient times, one of the factors that defined civilization was the use of the plumbing system to remove human dirt and waste. The disposal system back then was highly unsanitary, which led to innumerable diseases, infections, and plagues.
Thankfully, we now live in an era where that is no longer the case. With just a simple push of a button, you can say goodbye to your waste products and send them down to your septic system.
The septic system reduces pollutants in local waters and helps maintain the cleanliness of the environment. However, despite the help that it provides, it will still require human intervention for maintenance.
Generally speaking, septic tanks are long-lasting and durable enough to withstand high pressures, high temperatures, and changes in chemical reactions. However, you also have to do your part to help it remain functional for a long time.
These septic repair maintenance tips may require some extra effort and money, but they are crucial for a safe and sanitary home space. Keep your septic tank running smoothly by starting with the following maintenance tips:
- Protect the drain field
Never use a drain field area as a parking spot.
Sewage and wastewater from your kitchen sinks and toilets are as dangerous to you as they are to the environment. To ensure that these toxic chemicals do not harm the environment, or you and your family, with their constant exposure, the septic tank system separates the solid waste from the wastewater.
The main purpose of a drain field installed in the property is to evenly distribute the water that is to be leached out from your septic system. Before it does that, it treats the water and cleanses it from harmful chemicals.
However, this system is delicate, and you need to protect it. You can do this by avoiding huge constructions in the area, parking, and not planting trees (to avoid root damage later on) near its location. You should also keep it away from muddy and swampy soil as excess water can ruin the leaching and treatment process.
- Be careful with harsh cleaning chemicals
Cleaning your sinks and toilets with bleach and acids is a well-known practice in every household. To get rid of all the bacteria and germs, these chemicals promise to wash them all out.
However, using corrosive chemicals that contain ammonia and acids will damage the plumbing and inner walls of the septic tank and cause leakages. This in turn, if left unchecked, can damage the entire septic system. When shopping for cleaning solutions, make sure to use milder and more organic formulas.
- Do not dump everything down the drain
Kitchen sinks can only take so much organic waste down their pipes before they’re completely clogged. Though it may seem convenient to just throw everything into the kitchen sink, doing so can cause the septic system to break down.
The coffee grounds, oils, eggshells, heavy cream, grease, and flour to name a few, could clump up together and cause a blockage. This, in turn, will increase the inside pressure which will lead to leakages and other plumbing issues. When your pipes do leak, you should call your local drain repair service provider for help.
- Do not flush anything down the toilet
Toilets are only for human organic waste. Sure your flushing system may be able to push down, from wet wipes and sanitary pads to cat litter, but the fact is that your pipes and septic system were not designed to handle these inorganic and non-biodegradable wastes.
When these non-biodegradable wastes accumulate over time, they can lead to blockages and other damages. When this happens, you’ll need to call an expert in drain service to fix it.
- Do not do all your heavy laundry in just a day
Having a single laundry day every week is some of the best ways to economize your water and laundry detergent usage. Doing it in one day also helps you stay on schedule and prevents any accumulation of dirty clothes and laundry. However, no matter how practical this system may be, doing so constantly can actually damage your septic system.
This single laundry day, where you expose your pipes to a deluge of bleach, cleaning chemicals, and plenty of water, can disrupt the entire treating and leaching system. If done constantly, these could lead to corrosion in the pipes and flooding in your drain fields. As much as possible, do your laundry in small batches that are spread evenly throughout the week.
- Follow the recommended inspection and pump schedule for your septic tank
Septic tanks have a schedule for their maintenance. Because they are designed to last long-term, septic tanks are quite adept at handling huge amounts of waste. However, that doesn’t mean that you should just leave them be.
Experts suggest that you should always get your septic tank checked out and pumped at least every 3 years. Modern systems on the other hand, with electrical or mechanical components, need to be checked annually. The general inspection can help you pinpoint any possible problems and the pumping process will remove the sludge from the tank.
- Use water efficiently
Saving water gives many benefits including not stressing your septic tank.
Water efficiency is crucial in a septic tank system. Using too much water every day can harm the system as it will have to work twice as much to treat and process the water that goes through it.
To prevent flooding and malfunctions, make sure to invest in water-efficient toilets, aerated showerheads, and water-saving sinks. Sure they’ll be costly at first, but having them in your home can save you more money in the long run not to mention help save the environment.
- Watch out for signs of septic tank issues
From gurgling sounds, nasty odours, and clogging to algae accumulation and overly green lawn grass — all of these are tell-tale signs that your septic tank has been damaged.
Always be on the lookout for any unusual pipe activity. If that happens, never ignore it and report it to your local repairmen right away before you have a plumbing emergency and need extensive sewer repair.
Hiring a plumber to conduct a comprehensive maintenance check for your septic tank system is a good investment. With their expert opinion and experience, they’ll be able to point out the possible problems right away and help you with the repair process.
However, you can also do your part by lessening the frequency of repair visits and the likelihood of these septic tank disruptions by following these maintenance tips. For septic tank installations, repairs, and other services in Ontario go to Plumbing Authority Inc. We are ready to assist you 24/7. Call us now at (647) 992-7473 for a free on-site estimate.