Most homeowners don’t give much thought to their septic tank unless there is an issue. However, it is important that you are constantly taking care and being mindful to avoid septic problems. Problems can arise when you put the wrong thing down the drain or if the tank needs to be pumped and hasn’t been.
When a septic tank isn’t well maintained, it can lead to overflowing sewage and sewage back-up in your home. Repairing a tank that has reached this point can be a costly fix.
A great way to avoid septic problems is to:
- Only use septic safe chemicals. Make sure the cleaning products and detergents you use that you plan to put down your drain are labelled as septic safe. This will prevent any issues with your pipes and tank, as well as keep the bacteria level in your tank healthy enough to break down the waste that is flushed down the toilet.
- Make sure you only flush septic-safe items. There are many items that should not be flushed such as hygiene products and cotton pads. When you have a septic tank, you should never flush non-biodegradable products. Flushable wipes are not as flushable as they advertise.
- Always have regular maintenance checkups. Ideally you should have a licensed septic company pump and inspect your tank every 3 to 5 years. This will alert you to any issues you may have in your tank and can ensure it gets pumped when it needs to.
Avoiding septic problems is a great way to prevent expensive repairs and keep your septic system operating smoothly. Always be aware of the things you put down your drain and contact us if you think you have a problem with your septic tank.