Today’s antibacterial soaps, laundry detergents, and household cleaners are being used more than ever. They are all designed to kill bacteria and germs, though great for cleaning your home, not so good for your septic system.
These cleaners keep doing their job long after you put them down the drain, killing the necessary bacteria in the septic tank responsible for breaking down solid waste, paper, fats and grease into liquid form. A drop in the bacteria level will cause a host of problems from an emergency in your bathroom to the drain field not working.
Spotting a problem early can save on costly repairs, look for these signs:
Slow drains can indicate clogged or inadequate venting.
Gurgling toilets or backups, raw sewage backing up into bathtubs
Lush green grass over the drain field usually indicates a leak.
Foul smells, something you can’t ignore. Not only do the pose a health risk, the smell can infiltrate into your furnishings, carpet and clothing.
Take these steps to avoid septic tank failure
The same antibacterial cleaners and soaps that kill bacteria in our homes and hands also kill the good bacteria that break down solids in the septic tank. Avoiding the use of antibacterial products will aid in the health of the septic system.
Pouring non-biodegradable material down the sink or toilet can disrupt the natural balance required to break down solids in the septic tank. Non-biodegradable substances include, grease, paint, pesticides, and oils. Ensure all non-biodegradable products such as paper and baby diapers are disposed of the trash.
Waste from the garbage disposal can easily overwhelm the septic tank, use it sparingly or not at all. Using a lot of water all at once, showers and several loads of laundry can also overwhelm the system, offsetting the natural processes necessary to function properly.
Save Money
Septic tanks need to be pumped every 2 to 3 years, depending how much it’s used and the size of the tank. The small price of pumping the tank can avoid the thousands of dollars on repairs, many of which could have been prevented. If you’re experiencing issues with your septic system, waiting usually makes the problems worse. Regular maintenance and inspections can prevent failures and save you a ton of money in replacement and repairs.
If you’re having a problem with your septic system, whether residential or commercial, don’t hesitate to contact Orlando Septic Services. We are here to help you with all your waste management needs!
