To avoid septic system problems, there are a few important guidelines that need to be followed. While they are difficult, they are easy to forget.
Watch what you flush down the toilets an drains
The only thing that should get flushed down the toilet is water, human waste and toilet paper. If any thing else is flushed is will wreak havoc on your septic system, no matter how small it is. Some common items that are flushed that should not be includes, feminine hygiene products, dental floss, paper towels, toys, food items, band aids, Q tips, medication, or paper products, just naming a few.
Make sure your septic tank is pumped regularly
Septic tanks have a limited capacity and over time fill with solid waste that needs removing. Typically, every 3 to 5 years, depending on the household occupancy and water usage. Not having the tank pumped isa sure fire way to create a septic emergency. Not to mention the high repair costs and unpleasant experience.
“To prevent buildup, sludge and floating scum you will need to do periodic pumping of the septic tank. You should do the pumping every 3-5 years.”
“Systems with electrical float switches, pumps, or mechanical components need to be inspected more often,” according to Consumer Affairs.
Don’t plant anything directly above the drain field
The drain field is where the septic tank releases waste water into a filtration system in your yard. This natural process is a healthy way to treat and process waste water. Planting anything but grass above it can cause serious problems. The roots from the plants grow into the drain pipes, blocking and clogging the flow and efficiency of the system. It will also require a new drain field!
Divert water away from the drain field
Make sure your drains, roof gutters, and landscape borders are diverting water away from the drain field, it will eventually destroy it. The drain field can only process so much water. Adding more will only over saturate the soil, which will overwhelm and back up the system
Septic Maintenance
It is easy to forget or put off septic pumping and maintenance. Can you remember when your septic tank was pumped? A good option is to set up an alert on your smart phone when it is time. Similar to when your car alerts you it is time to get the oil changed.
Lack of septic maintenance is just asking for trouble and costly repairs. Nobody wants to shell out the money for maintenance, but just like your car, if you want it to last longer and run great, you need to get the oil changed.
All it takes is regular septic tank pumping and inspections to keep your system healthy and working efficiently. Simply forgetting about it and hoping for the best can result in costly repairs.
Orlando Septic Services takes pride in helping each of our customers and getting to know them as well as their septic system. A good relationship helps us to provide you with a complete and accurate maintenance plan; your health is our priority. Anything your waste management system needs, you can rely on Orlando Septic Service.
