Septic Tank: Understanding the Essential Guidelines on Maintenance and Care

24 October 2017
 Categories: Environmental, Blog

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Proper maintenance and care of your septic tank will prolong the lifespan of your waste treatment system. Also, it will minimise the incidents of failure and reduce the costs of repair. Unfortunately, numerous homeowners neglect their septic tanks because upkeep seems complicated. If you have found the maintenance of your septic system challenging, consider using these simple guidelines to prolong the lifespan of the tank and promote better performance.

Pump the Septic Tank 

You should hire a septic service expert to inspect and pump your septic tank on a regular basis. In general, the tank accumulates solids over time, and these materials will need to be removed. The frequency of pumping will depend on multiple factors. These factors include the size of the tank, household size and the total amount of wastewater produced. It might be difficult to determine the right time for this task. So, regular assessments are critical. Also, you should keep records of the findings on scum levels and solid waste volumes after the inspection for future reference.

Practice Water Conservation 

Septic tanks are designed to function by using bacteria for wastewater breakdown. If too much water enters the container, the efficiency of the bacteria will be compromised. In simple terms, the volume of the wastewater will increase exponentially. Therefore, the bacteria will not be able to break down all the contents of the tank. Also, you should note that high volumes of water can stress the system, increasing the risk of failure. For the best results, you should practice water conservation in your home. Install high-efficiency outlets, including showerheads and taps. Also, you should not use your laundry machine continuously. Instead, distribute your washing work throughout the week.

Know Unacceptable Waste

You should understand the type of waste which should be in the septic tank. Disposing of the wrong materials will compromise the effectiveness of the system and increase the risk of premature breakdown. In most homes, the toilet is often used for disposing of unacceptable waste materials into the septic tank. You should avoid using this receptacle for anything other than human waste and tissue paper. Tampons, cigarettes, paper towels, diapers and pharmaceuticals cannot be broken down in a septic tank. Also, you should minimise the disposal of oil, chemical drain cleaners and food materials at the kitchen sink. These substances will compromise the well-being of the bacteria.

If you are not sure about the right maintenance practices for your septic treatment system, consult your manufacturer or a licensed expert for more information.