If you’re a homeowner with a septic system, you likely know that the tank collects all the wastewater your home produces. Beyond this basic fact, however, the inner workings of your septic system might feel like a complete mystery. While it’s normal not to have in-depth knowledge of how this system works, it’s still a good idea to know how to care for the tank. After all, the responsibility for maintaining a septic system falls squarely on the shoulders of the homeowner.
The good news is that maintaining your septic system doesn’t have to be complicated or overwhelming. We’re here to make the process easy by offering invaluable tips and expert guidance to keep your septic tank running smoothly for years to come.
Schedule Professional Maintenance and Pumping
This is, without a doubt, the most critical aspect of septic system care. Just as you schedule regular oil changes for your car, you must schedule routine inspections and pumping for your septic tank.
Over time, the sludge and scum layers in your tank will build up. If they accumulate too much, they can clog the outlet pipe leading to the drain field. This will eventually cause sewage to back up into your home or force solids into the drain field. When solids enter the drain field, they can clog the pipes and the surrounding soil, leading to irreversible damage and system failure. If the problem persists, you may be forced to invest in a complete drain field replacement, which can cost tens of thousands of dollars.
So, how often should you have your septic tank pumped? The general recommendation is every three to five years, but this can vary significantly based on several factors. A professional septic service provider can assess your specific situation and recommend an appropriate pumping schedule. During these service visits, they will not only pump out the accumulated solids but also inspect the tank for any signs of cracks, leaks, or other potential issues.
Be Smart About What You Flush and Pour Down the Drain
Your septic system is not a trash can. While it has bacteria in the tank to break down organic waste, it is not designed to deal with any and all materials. In fact, introducing the wrong substances can kill the bacteria, disrupt the filtration process, and cause clogs.
To protect your system, you must be vigilant about what goes down your drains. Here’s a list of items that should NEVER be flushed or poured down the drain:
- Feminine hygiene products, diapers, and wipes (even “flushable” ones)
- Grease, fats, and oils
- Harsh chemicals (like drain cleaners, paints, solvents, and pesticides)
- Coffee grounds, eggshells, and other food waste
- Cat litter
- Paper towels and dental floss
The rule of thumb is simple: only human waste and septic-safe toilet paper should go down the toilet. For everything else, find a different disposal method.
Reconsider Your Use of a Garbage Disposal
While convenient, garbage disposals can be a septic system’s worst enemy. They, unfortunately, increase the amount of solid waste entering the tank, which means you’ll need to have your tank pumped much more frequently. The food particles, especially greasy and fatty ones, can also contribute to clogs in both your home’s plumbing and the drain field.
If you have a septic system, the best practice is to avoid using a garbage disposal altogether. Scrape food scraps into the trash or, even better, start a compost pile. If you absolutely must use a garbage disposal, be prepared to increase the frequency of your septic tank pumping accordingly.
Weigh the Impact of a Water Softener
A water softener removes hard water like calcium and magnesium from your water supply through a process called ion exchange. The process involves flushing the system with a saltwater brine solution. Because of this, backwash is created that contains a high concentration of salt. There has been some debate in the septic industry about whether this salty backwash is harmful to the bacteria in a septic tank. Before you invest in a water softener installation, speak with your septic service provider about the impact of one of these systems on your septic tank.
Conserve Water to Protect Your System
Every drop of water that goes down your drains ends up in your septic system. So, the more water you use, the more work your system has to do. And high water usage can overwhelm the tank, reducing the time it has to separate solids and allowing suspended solids to be pushed into the drain field. For this reason, conserving water is one of the most effective ways to extend the life of your septic system.
Here are some easy ways to reduce your household water consumption:
- Install High-Efficiency Fixtures: Low-flow toilets, showerheads, and faucet aerators can significantly reduce your water usage without sacrificing performance.
- Fix Leaks Promptly: A running toilet or a dripping faucet can waste hundreds of gallons of water per day.
- Spread Out Laundry Loads: Doing multiple loads of laundry in a single day can send a massive surge of water into your septic system. It’s better to do one or two loads per day throughout the week.
- Be Mindful of Your Habits: Turn off the tap while brushing your teeth or washing dishes, and take shorter showers.
Protect Your Drain Field
The drain field is the most expensive component of your septic system, and its proper function is non-negotiable. Keep these tips in mind as you go about your day:
- Don’t Drive or Park on the Drain Field: The weight of vehicles can compact the soil and crush the underground pipes.
- Don’t Build on the Drain Field: Never cover the drain field with a patio, deck, or any other structure.
- Plant With Care: Only plant grass over the drain field. The roots of trees and shrubs can grow into the pipes, causing clogs and damage.
- Direct Water Away From the Drain Field: Ensure that roof drains, sump pumps, and other surface water drainage systems are directed away from the drain field to prevent it from becoming waterlogged.
We’re Here to Support Your Septic Tank With Proper Plumbing
By following these septic tank maintenance tips, you can ensure your system operates efficiently and reliably for decades. If you want to take things even further, partner with the plumbers at Saffer Plumbing.
Our team has the skills and experience to help you avoid costly problems and protect your property. For example, we can repair sewer lines to keep wastewater flowing, remove clogs with hydro-jetting and routine drain cleaning, or install high-efficiency plumbing fixtures to reduce your household’s water usage.
Be proactive about your home’s septic tank maintenance. Contact Saffer Plumbing today to schedule a plumbing service and let us support your daily efforts.