Your entire septic system works tirelessly to process the waste that comes from your home. Septic Tank maintenance is an important part of how to show your plumbing some love. We’re going to tell you some of the best ways to do just that.
Septic Tank Maintenance 101: How it Works
To truly love anything, you have to have an understanding of it, what makes it tick and how to give it what it needs. Your septic tank is no different. Let’s help you show it and your plumbing some love. So how does the septic tank work, exactly?
- Waste and wastewater – the solids and water from your dishwasher, washing machine and bathrooms flows from your sewer line into your septic tank. Once there:
- Solids settle to the bottom
- Scum rises to the top
- Excess liquid flows out through the drain line
- Solid waste is broken down by bacteria but needs to be periodically removed
Now that you have an idea of how it works, let’s talk about how to show it some love, keep it working properly and loving you back. The last thing you want is an angry and unloved septic system. They can be moody and make life difficult when they want attention!
Our top four septic tank maintenance tips:
- Give it a break – Your septic tank needs time to process the wastewater that flows into it. Conserving water and being mindful of using your dishwasher, washing machine and bathrooms at different intervals gives your septic tank time to work properly and send the liquids out through the drain. After heavy rains the saturated ground means that you have to wait for the leach lines to drain before the tank will be back to working efficiently.
- Keep it healthy – Bacteria are essential to keeping your septic tank healthy. There are many products on the market to help the bacteria population stay at levels needed for proper maintenance. Be sure to read the label and follow the directions for the specific product you choose.
- Protect it – Never flush or pour down your drains anything that is non-biodegradable or any sort of chemical; cigarettes, dental floss, toothpicks, diapers, feminine hygiene products, cleaning chemicals, etc. These items can clog the line or the septic tank and cleaners can kill the essential bacteria that breaks down the solid waste.
- Clean it out – We all work best when we clear out the clutter and make a fresh start. Your septic tank is no different. Depending on the size of your tank and the number of people in your household, your tank will want some TLC every 1-5 years.
Finally, it’s important to locate your septic tank so that you can protect it. Never place anything heavy over it, think sheds, or above ground pools, etc. It’s probably not the best place to set up your kids’ trampoline or swing set either. Keep the area around your tank free of trees and shrubbery as their roots can clog and damage the tank and lines. Recently moved in? You can read our handy instructions for finding your septic tank on our blog.
Following these tips will help to keep your septic system working properly, but if you ever have problems with your septic tank, we can help!
Call Fletcher’s Plumbing & Contracting with all your septic tank maintenance questions and needs at (530) 673-2489