Septic Tank Maintenance

If you have a home that makes use of a septic tank rather than a city sewer connection, then you would have to properly maintain and take proper care of it. Although it might be a bit difficult, this would be necessary to ensure the efficiency and functionality of your septic tank.

An essential element in the maintenance of septic systems would be proper landscaping. If you're constructing your septic tank, you would need to make sure that the area for soil absorption would be far enough from downspouts or rainwater drainage. Ensure that would not be located underneath the garage or in other areas that serves as a storage for any heavy machinery or equipment. Try to make ways to divert the water that would be coming from the other sources away from the drainfield of the septic tank. Also keep in mind that you should never construct your septic tank nearby a tree or in areas that have high chances of  soil erosion occurring. The roots of trees could also get through, ultimately damaging your septic tank.

Make sure that you are able to properly dispose of chemicals as well as the other liquid materials. This is because not being able to is a key reason for the failure of many septic systems. There have been many septic tanks that have failed due to the carelessness of owners in disposing materials in it. Some substances that could potentially damage your septic tank would include gasoline, motor oil, paint thinners, varnish along with other chemicals which contain active substances that could ruin the walls of your tank, causing hazard to the groundwater as well. Another substance which could easily cause clogging would be grease, so make sure that you would not be disposing of this in your toilet.

Remember to never flush any left over foods. These could decompose as they are flushed into the septic tank, however food that has been left at the drainage could clog it, causing serious trouble later on. Make sure that leftovers are kept in separate disposal containers. Doing so would extend the life of your septic tank.

Finally, another thing that would help to ensure proper septic tank maintenance would be through lowering your water consumption. For instance, try to make use of your dishwasher only when it is full. Try to reduce the water level if you would only be washing a small amount of laundry.