Affordable Service knows your septic system is a critical part of your home or business and if not serviced properly, can lead to tens of thousands of dollars of repair work. The technicians at Affordable Service HVAC and Plumbing would like to remind you of some simple steps to keep you from major headaches down the road.
Fix Leaks
Even small leaks can waste dozens of gallons of water every day. This wasted water can put pressure on the septic system’s leach field. Leaks that come from a spigot or a running toilet end up in the septic tank. If it strains the tank’s capacity, raw sewage can go straight into the leach field and ruin it. If the homeowner sees or suspects a leak, they should fix it as soon as possible. Leaks can even impact the HVAC system in your home by creating conditions for mold growth in vents and ducts.
Be Conservative With Water Use
Another tip is to be conservative with water in the first place. Don’t let the water run while doing the dishes, take quick showers, and don’t wash one or two items at a time in the washing machine. The laundry basket should be close to full before the washing machine is called into service.
Limit What Goes Down the Drain
The only things that should go down the toilet drain are bodily wastes and toilet paper, which is made to quickly disintegrate. Everything else can clog the septic system. Even flushable wipes and other “flushable” items should be tossed in the garbage. Avoid pouring grease and fat down the drains in your kitchen as well.
Maintenance
Make sure you’re scheduling to have your septic tank pumped and drained at least once a year; twice a year for a large family. Also, your septic system utilizes naturally occurring anaerobic bacteria to break down waste and sludge. The use of antibacterial soaps and some household cleaners can upset the biology of a septic system. So, Affordable Service recommends the regular use of a septic tank bacterial enzyme additive. This additive will help break down solid waste and keep your septic system healthy. Please use according to the package directions, as overuse can also damage your system.
As you can see, there are quite a few easy tips to implement to keep your septic system in great condition. A homeowner who follows this advice will most likely require less services when it comes to their septic system. For further questions, feel free to reach out to the Affordable Service team! We are here for you 24/7.
