A septic tank can be a great investment for almost any home, but that type of structure is going to require some unique maintenance. If you want to enjoy the many benefits of your septic tank for years to come, then you will need to spend a little bit of time learning more about preventative maintenance and professional service calls.
Watch What You Rinse and Flush
Keeping unwanted items out of your septic tank is one of the most effective ways to prevent unnecessary damage. When food debris and personal hygiene items make their way into the pipes, they could begin to clog the sewage lines, block filters, or damage the tank itself. Keeping those items out of your septic tank is also going to reduce your risk of developing any lingering smells and odors.
Regularly Pump the Tank
A wide variety of factors are going to determine how often your septic tank must be pumped. That includes the total number of people in your home as well as the size of the tank. As a general rule, homeowners should contact a company that offers septic system pumping at least once every three to five years. If you have a larger family or the septic tank is used by multiple structures, then it might need to be pumped as often as once every two years.
Protect the Tank and Lines
It is an unfortunate fact that some homeowners accidentally damage their septic tanks without even realizing it, and those issues can be very frustrating to deal with. To prevent unnecessary damage, you should make sure that the ground around the tank and sewage lines remains as untouched as possible. Planting trees nearby, digging into the ground, or driving large vehicles over those structures could cause catastrophic damage to the system.
Minimize Water Usage
Reducing your home’s water usage is another simple step that you can take to limit your risk of premature damage and increase the lifespan of the system. Minimizing water waste will also allow you to go without pumping for longer periods. Some of the most effective ways to reduce water waste include high-efficiency toilets, faucet aerators, and Energy Star Appliances.
These maintenance tips should keep your septic system running smoothly for years, but there will come a point when the tank needs to be replaced entirely. In most cases, homeowners should plan on completely replacing their septic tanks every 20 to 30 years.
