Septic Care New To You? 4 Tips To Better Septic Maintenance
If you're about to close escrow on an existing home and the property comes with a septic system, now's the time to prepare for the responsibility. You might not realize this, but septic systems require routine maintenance, especially if you want to avoid problems. Here are some tips that will help you care for your septic system.
Understand Septic Basics
When it comes to caring for your septic system, the first thing you need to do is understand the basics. Most importantly, you need to know that your septic system isn't like the typical sewer system you might be used to. For one thing, all of the waste that flows from your home is held in containment tanks on your property. Also, unlike municipal sewer systems, you're responsible for the upkeep of your septic system. Finally, problems with your septic system could result in sewage backups, which can affect your toilets and your bathtubs. Luckily, you can avoid those issues with proper maintenance.
Keep the Drains Cleaned
If your home is connected to a septic system, and you want to avoid septic problems, you'll want to keep your drains cleaned. This might not seem like an important step, but it is. When your drains are dirty, waste can't flow through to the septic tanks, which can increase the risk of clogs and backups. To make sure that your septic tanks are able to process waste, and are able to push wastewater through the leach field, you should schedule drain cleaning each time you have your septic system serviced.
Protect the Leach Field
Now that you'll be responsible for a septic system, you'll need to take steps to protect the leach field. You might think that the septic tanks are the primary focus for septic care, but that's not the case. There's also a leach field attached to the tanks. The leach field is where all of the actual wastewater gets processed. If the leach field is compromised, your septic system will fail. Because of that, it's important that you protect the area over the leach field. Some ways to do that include focusing gutter downspouts away from the leach field and that you avoid placing heavy objects on the soil above the leach field. This includes cars and recreational vehicles.
Stick to the Schedule
Finally, now that you'll be caring for a septic system, it's time to set up a maintenance schedule. Under most circumstances, it's recommended that septic tanks be emptied about once every three to five years. However, since your usage might be different, it's best to talk to your septic system service provider. They can help get you on the right maintenance schedule.
For more information on septic tank maintenance, go to a site like http://sullivanseptic.net.