Many people don't think too much about their septic systems. They know they have one, they know why they have one, but beyond that it's an afterthought until something goes wrong. Blackwater Septic Service wants you to get the most out of your septic system. There are many ways you can extend the life of your septic system. Here's our list of septic system hacks to maintain the health and longevity of your septic system and drain field:
Maintenance:
You should have your septic system pumped-out every 3-5 years! Regular septic tank pump-outs not only reduce build up in your tank, but may they alert technicians to possible issues going on inside of it. If you have a performance based septic tank you are required by the state of Florida to have a maintenance agreement with a certified company. If you have an older septic tank, it will be up to you to either set up a maintenance agreement with a certified septic service company or to call as needed on a 3-5 year basis.
Things to avoid:
Septic systems require a healthy balance of good and bad bacteria to stay functional. Many times homeowners don't consider this when pouring things down the drain or flushing them down the toilets. To maintain a healthy septic system consider the following products and try not to use any that contain phosphate or antibacterial elements:
Laundry detergent
Dishwasher pods & dish soap detergents
Cleaning products such as toilet bowl cleaners
Body washes an soaps
PROBLEMATIC ITEMS FOR SEPTIC SYSTEM:
During the course of homeownership random items will inevitably wind up down the drains in your home (especially if you have children). Most of the time you can avoid putting problematic items into your septic system by being vigilant about what goes down your drains and is flushed down your toilet. We have compiled a list of common items that we have found in septic systems that can create problems. Items to avoid flushing or rinsing down the drain include, but are not limited to:
Coffee grounds
Paper towels
Sanitary pads & tampons
Condoms
Wet wipes
Disposable diapers
Dead fish or small animals
Dental floss
Hair
Band-aids
Cotton balls or ear swabs
Medications
What You Can Do To Maintain Your Septic Tank:
One of the things you can do to maintain the life of your septic tank is to reduce the amount of water that you put in to your septic tank on a daily basis. Reducing the amount of water you put into your septic tank helps the tank function properly and will maintain the life of your septic system. Here are a few ways you can reduce the amount of daily water intake to your septic tank:
Install water efficient toilets
Use less water when brushing teeth, washing hands, showering, etc.
Maximize dishwasher loads
Maximize washing machine loads
Use energy/water efficient appliances
There are many things you can do to increase the life of your septic system and drain field. Our suggestions are the most common ways, but do not include all ways you can maintain your septic system. We encourage homeowners to continue to research and implement activities to ensure their septic systems remain healthy. If you have any questions about the do's or don'ts for your septic system, just give us a call. We'll be glad to answer your questions!