If your home doesn't have access to a public water supply and water lines, then there's a good chance you have a septic system. This is a very common means of getting running water to a home, especially in a rural area. And while maintaining a septic system isn't too difficult, there are still some important maintenance tips you'll need to follow in order to avoid problems and potentially expensive repairs.

Conserve Water When Possible

Understand that your home's septic tank can only handle so much when it comes to providing your home with water and separating solids and liquids from drainage water. For this reason, you should never overload your septic system by being careless with your water usage. Try to conserve water when possible by repairing leaky faucets, using the right load setting on your washing machine, and only running your dish washer when it's fully loaded.

Protect Your Septic Tank

Know the location of your septic tank on your property; more than likely, it will be buried underground along a raised area of land. Be careful to keep heavy objects away from the tank and any pipes that  may be surrounding it. For example, never park a car or leave other heavy objects on top of where your septic tank is buried; doing so could cause very expensive damage to the tank and its components.

Have the Tank Pumped Annually

Over time, waste will build up within your septic tank, which is why it's a good idea to have it pumped out by a professional at least once a year. This will help to keep the tank clean and prevent cracks, rusting, corrosion, and other damage. Regular pumping is especially important if you have a garbage disposal that you use regularly to get rid of kitchen waste, as your tank will fill up faster in this case.

Watch What You Put Down the Drain

Finally, be careful what you put down the drain, as certain objects and materials can make your tank and pipes more likely to clog, causing a sewage backup. Some specific objects to avoid putting down your residential drains include fats/grease from food, feminine hygiene products, chemicals, and paper towels. The last thing you want to deal with is a sewage backup on your property, which is not only a huge mess to clean up, but is very unsanitary and potentially dangerous to your health as well.

For more information, contact companies like Southern Sanitary Systems Inc.

Share