Most homeowners don’t know a lot about the details of their septic system, and most would like to keep it that way. The best type of septic system is one that just works and you don’t have to think about it. A correctly installed septic system will generally work on its own and doesn’t require much attention. However, there are working components within the system and an internal environment in the tank which must be preserved to ensure it continues working properly. By applying a few simple maintenance standards to your septic system, you can ensure that it will continue to work properly and you can avoid big problems. While a septic system that works in the background without trouble is the best type, a septic system that is clogged or full will quickly cause inconveniences and costly damages. Applying preventative septic maintenance and following a few simple rules will keep the tank, plumbing and drain field in full working order, so you don’t need repairs. Carolina Septic Pro provides septic services to keep your system working properly and septic maintenance to make sure it stays that way.
As the system works in the background and doesn’t require much attention, the septic maintenance checklist is a short and easy one. The number one item on the list is regular septic pumping. Regular septic pumping the best thing that you can do to keep this essential system working correctly. Septic tank pumping removes layers of grease and solids that build up along the bottom of the tank, which can cause it to fill faster and therefore filter less water. The buildup of solids in the tank can also cause clogs between the inlets, outlets, baffles and in the drain field. Regular septic tank pumping will also take pressure off the tank and preserve the integrity of the tank itself. A tank that stays full for a long period of time holds more weight and sits with more pressure than it was built to withstand for an extended time, which can cause cracks and weaknesses in the tank. Pumping the tank regularly will prevent this extra stress and prevent any weak points in the tank from becoming damages. If the tank has been damaged due to eroding, nearby tree roots or other factors, regular septic pumping will also reveal these problems. Carolina Septic Pro’s experts will look for damages to the tank or tanks, to the access point, baffles, inlets and outlets to ensure all components are working properly. If your tank is filling more quickly than it should, pumping the tank will show if there are cracks allowing runoff, rainwater and water from snowmelts in the tank. If the tank is not holding water or water is not filtering into the drain field, there may be a crack in the tank allowing wastewater to seep through. If any of these damages are present in the tank, Carolina Septic Pro will find the problems while pumping the tank or during an inspection. An inspection is another way to make sure that your tank is performing optimally. When you move into a new home or if your septic tank has not been serviced regularly, a septic inspection will show if the tank or components need repairs or if the tank should be pumped. The septic inspector can also advise you on a regular schedule for pumping.
Besides pumping and inspections, good septic maintenance starts with the drains, toilets and laundry that you use at home. Besides erosion and tree roots, septic problems generally start with chemicals or solids that the septic system is not designed to deal with. The best way to keep up your septic system every day is to put in water and soaps that the system can easily process. The septic system will have difficulty in processing grease from cooking and this should be thrown away instead of going down the drain. Bleach will also have a negative impact on the microbes that process solid waste in the septic tank, so it is best to avoid the use of bleach in laundry as much as possible. Chemical drain cleaners will have a similar effect and if drains are clogged it is best to use snakes or other methods, as drain cleaners will weaken the septic system and components. Septic tanks are designed to filter water and sewage, and can easily become clogged when solids enter the system. For this reason, feminine hygiene products, tissues, condoms, kitchen refuse and other paper, plastic or organic solids should not go down drains or be flushed. Garbage disposals therefore are not recommended in homes that rely on septic systems. Also, there are no chemicals or additives advertised for treating septic system waste that are approved for this use and use of these additives can actually cause harm to your septic system and these should be avoided.
Keep your septic system in good shape with regular septic system maintenance. Contact Carolina Septic Pro today to schedule septic pumping, septic cleaning or a septic inspection today.