6 Septic Tank Maintenance Tips For Property Owners
While you know that your home has a septic system, you may not even know where it is located. Septic system maintenance is important to keep the system working properly. Your septic tank should be regularly inspected and repairs performed as needed. If issues aren’t dealt with, they can worsen and result in expensive repairs. Below are septic tank maintenance tips for property owners.
1. Don’t Dispose of Garbage in the Toilet
If you have a septic system, the only thing you should be flushing is toilet paper. Other items can cause clogging and damage. Accumulated materials that won’t degrade will eventually obstruct your toilet or even the entire septic system. When this happens, you’ll need to call a professional to unclog the system and make any necessary repairs.
2. Avoid Chemicals for Septic System Maintenance
Do not use chemical drain openers on a clogged toilet or drain. These products contain harsh ingredients that may damage your plumbing pipes. Chemicals can also negatively affect the microorganisms in your septic tank. These microorganisms are necessary to break down the waste. Harsh chemicals make the entire system less effective.
3. No Grease in the Drains
You may think that because grease is in a liquid form, it doesn’t affect the septic system. However, grease will affect the system by solidifying along the drain pipes resulting in clogs. Grease is difficult to clear away and over time, there is a chance you’ll need to replace the entire system, which is costly.
4. Direct Gutters Away from the Septic Field
Make sure your guttering downspouts don’t empty into or near your septic field. Rainwater drainage should be away from the septic drains to prevent too much water from seeping into the septic tank. This causes a burden on the entire system and slows the treatment process.
5. For Maintenance, Remove Trees Near the Septic Tank
As trees, plants, and bushes grow, their roots may extend into your plumbing pipes and septic lines. Remove trees growing near your septic tank. Root growth will damage the system, causing clogged pipes or possibly even puncturing the septic tank.
6. Install a Water-Saving Toilet
In most households, the toilet uses the most water every month. There are more efficient, water-saving toilets on the market that use less water per flush, meaning that less liquid will go into your septic system.
Schedule regular inspections and maintenance with a professional on your septic system to ensure that it’s in proper condition.
Corex Home Inspections offers home inspection services, including well and septic inspections, to customers in Southeast Michigan. Contact us to request an appointment.