Five Ways to Maintain the Functions of Your Septic System

The septic system must be cared for and regularly maintained since component repairs can be costly. It may appear to some that maintaining a home's sewage system is a difficult and unpleasant chore. It is, however, not the case. Even something as simple as being aware of what you're doing within the house can have a significant effect.

If you want to keep your septic system in good condition, here are some ways that can help:

Save Water
​
Overuse of water is a common cause of septic system failure. A septic system's performance improves when water is used efficiently. Using water-efficient toilets and faucets, taking shorter showers, and maximizing dishwasher and washing machine loads are all examples of ways to save water.

Be Mindful of What Goes Down the System

Minimizing the usage of your garbage disposal in the kitchen can avoid solid build-up in the septic tank. This can cause a plumbing emergency, like clogging the drain field. Also, one of the worst things you can do is pour grease down the drain. It can build up and form gunk along the inner lining of your drainage pipes, causing them to clog. It may block the drain field over time, requiring costly repairs.

On the other hand, never flush anything other than human waste down the toilet. Hair, food scraps, cat litter, paper towels, grease, tampons, diapers, condoms, or cigarette butts should never be flushed down the toilet.

Avoid Heavy-Duty Cleaners

Because over-the-counter drain cleaners include chemical disinfectants, pouring them down the drain or toilet and into the septic system might kill the microorganisms needed to break down the solids in the tank. This might lead to problems in the future.

To reduce the disturbance to the microorganisms in the septic tank, use hot water, a drain snake, or environmentally friendly drain cleaners.

Protect Your Drain field

​The drain field is an essential component of your septic system. It cleans the liquid that comes out of your septic tank. To protect it, you should never park or drive over it. Storage sheds, patios, carports, and any sort of landscaping plastic should also be kept out of this area. This will prevent the soil in this region from compacting, which might lead to broken pipes. You must also prevent roots from sprouting into your septic system and keep all plants and trees a safe distance away from your drain field.

Inspect and Pump Frequently

A septic tank has to be maintained regularly to be functional and healthy. Solid waste, in particular, must be pumped out of the septic tank regularly, usually every three to five years.

When you contact a septic service company, they will inspect your septic tank for leaks and analyze the sludge layers. They may make recommendations that can improve the functions of your septic system.

Conclusion

The septic system is one of the most important yet often ignored functioning components of a home. The good news is that septic system upkeep does not have to be difficult, costly, or time-consuming. If you follow these simple maintenance guidelines, you can be assured that your septic system will continue to function effectively for many years.

If you are looking for 24-hour plumbing service in Edmonton to take care of your septic tank repairs and fixes in Calgary, Alberta, 24 Hour Plumbing can do the job for you. Our team specializes in emergency plumbing, so we can surely solve all your problems. Visit our website and make an appointment now!