Taking care of the septic system is not a huge task and will not cost you much. However, not taking care of the septic may cost you big bucks in the end, as digging up and replacing the entire septic tank could potentially cost you thousands of dollars. It is important to maintain your septic tank before it is too late.
What is a septic system?
Suppose your home is not part of any sewer system or city water. In that case, your septic system is crucial because it treats the wastewater from your home, including the wastewater from the kitchen, laundry room, and bathroom.
The septic tank pumping typically features a tank where the wastewater flows for treatment, and the solids are separated from the liquid waste. Microorganisms break this organic matter in the wastewater. From there, the wastewater moves into the leach field or drain, which consists of perforated pipes. The wastewater will either vaporize or drain into the soil.
How does the Septic System Works?
Maintenance starts with understanding the septic tank’s mechanism and location. You may be able to find visual cues like sewer covers and check the direction of the sewer pipe that is located in the basement and leads out of the home. If your state laws require a permit for septic installation, your town should have a proper record of the permit also a map of the tank’s layout and location.
Signs of A Damaged Sewer Line
- Frequent septic system backup
- Sewer smell in the house
- Slow drains
- Foundation of the mold in floors, ceilings, and walls
- Indication in lawn
- Cracks in the foundation
If you observe any of these signs in your home, consider it a sign of a damaged sewer line, and make sure to reach out to a professional before it is too late.
How To Help Septic Systems to Operate Efficiently?
Pump System Regularly
The average household septic system should be pumped every three to five years. The average cost of the pumping of a residential septic tank may vary according to the size of the tank.
When you call the professional for septic tank service, they will first inspect for leaks and examine the sludge layers in the septic tank. Make sure to save all the maintenance records on work performed on the septic system service.
Spread the dish washer/washing machine used throughout the weak
You can think of having a designated laundry day when you wash the clothes, perhaps running the dishwasher, which will be a time saver. But this can put a lot of stress on the septic system. You have to give the septic system time to treat the wastewater, or you can overload the system and flood the drain field. Instead of this, choose to do the full load a couple of days a week.
Do not treat the toilet like a trash can.
The only thing that must be flushed down the toilet that does not come out of the body is toilet paper. It means no diapers, tissues, feminine products, dental floss, or hair.
Toilet papers are made to break down in the septic tank. Any other item or not, they may clog and damage the septic system. Some lush, expensive brands with lotions could clog or add unwanted chemicals into the system. Go for toilet paper that is safe for the septic.
Be mindful of cleaning chemicals.
Various cleaning products can harm the good bacteria in a septic system. Avoid using chemicals like bleach when washing the clothes. If you have to use it, use a small amount.
Please do not use the drain cleaners; and it will kill the good bacteria and damage the tank itself.
If a plunger does not clear the clog, try a toilet drain snake, which also works on the clogged kitchen and bathroom sinks.
Fortunately, natural or plant-based cleaning products are available that are alternatives to these harsh chemicals.
Protect the drain field
Proper drain field maintenance starts by closely monitoring the water usage and goes into the septic system, as you noted above. Never park your vehicles over the drain field and ensure gutters and sump pumps empty water far away from the drain.
Evade planting shrubs and trees close to the drain field, as the roots could interfere with the pipes.
Improve the septic system design
The longevity of the traditional septic system ranges from 10-25 years. Traditional septic systems have treated home wastewater for over half of the century.
If you want to enhance the existing septic tank system’s infrastructure, you can utilize the existing one by adding the aerobic treatment unit. This will improve the overall system performance.
Reduce the water consumption
Reduce the water use that is good for your septic system and the environment. An increase in the septic system flow overloads the system and becomes a reason behind a leach field. You can avoid the septic system and leach field by using highly efficient fixtures such as dishwashers, washers/dryers, high-efficiency shower heads, and toilets.
Things you must avoid putting into the system.
- Fats or grease
- Motor oil or fuel
- Coffee grounds, egg shells, and nutshell
- Feminine hygiene products
- Paper towels or rags
- Paints or any kind of chemical
Maintain accurate records
It is important to keep accurate records about the septic system, including the following:
- Pumping record
- Maintenance record
- Updated drawings of the septic system location
All these types of records can make the process easier when you sell the property. So make sure to perform the septic maintenance and the property’s renovation timely.
Conclusion
Septic systems can fail unexpectedly and cause substantial damage to the drain field & ultimately, to the home. Suppose you are experiencing any of these signs of a damaged sewer line. You can consider all these tips that are mentioned above and can save your septic system. In such a case, you should have a sewer inspection done by the qualified professionals at Crews Environmental. There are multiple sewer pipe repair methods that can save you thousands of dollars. So explore it with a professional who knows what they’re doing.
If you need any repair help, then please feel free to contact us and book your appointment.
