Tips for New Septic Tank Owners
As a new septic tank owner, you have a lot to learn! This guide provides tips for keeping your tank in good condition and avoiding costly repairs.
Your dream residence will come with its share of responsibilities, the primary ones being the proper maintenance of its plumbing.
And caring for the septic system sits right at the top of the plumbing maintenance needs. But first-time septic tank owners may need help knowing where to begin. That’s why we’ve curated this guide for help.
As a new septic tank owner, you may feel a little overwhelmed. But don’t worry! With a few simple tips, you can ensure your tank is functioning correctly and that you’re following the best practices for maintaining it. From regular and professional inspections to proper garbage disposal, we will discuss septic systems in today’s guide!
The first thing to remember is that you’re solely responsible for keeping your septic system functional through DIY ways, professional maintenance, or a mix of both. Hence, knowing the installation and regular maintenance details is always a good idea.
For instance, you should know the location of the septic tank and when it was pumped last, at the very least. Such information can save a lot of time when resolving issues like clogs, which you should fix immediately.
A common misconception among many homeowners is that septic tanks need to be inspected only when there’s a problem (to figure out the exact issue). But this isn’t true, as regular inspections play a crucial role in keeping your septic system optimally functional.
In hindsight, regular checks will help you detect septic tank problems like clogs before they become severe and inflict more damage. This, in turn, will save you a lot of money and time that would have otherwise gone for repair purposes.
Remember that these inspections should be extensive, including the rest of the septic system, pipes, and the drain field near the tank. Otherwise, you may encounter the issue of a completely damaged septic tank system.
As such, an average household septic system should be inspected every 3 to 5 years, if not more frequently. So, book professional inspection sessions accordingly.
Many first-time septic tank owners think septic tank pumping and cleaning are the same and do only one. However, both these processes are equally important.
Over time, your septic tank will accumulate undissolved scum, sludge, and human waste, which can cause severe backups and leaks if not removed. Not only that, but you may also risk sewage flooding by ignoring this for too long. But getting the septic tank pumped regularly will help you avoid this, so don’t forget to schedule septic tank pumpings.
Septic tank cleaning, on the other hand, is a more elaborate process involving a thorough tank cleanup, starting from septic tank inspections to cleaning it inside out. Cleaning the tank is also vital after septic pumping, but not all septic service providers clean the tank after pumping. So, make sure you choose the right professionals for your home’s septic system.
If you’ve moved into a new home and noticed trees growing near the septic tank, it’s in your best interest to relocate them. And if you’re designing your backyard from scratch, avoid planting trees near the tank and keep only grass cover around it.
Now, we are all for environmental protection, but tree roots will invariably get attracted to the moisture within the tank. As a result, they may penetrate the tank, causing it to crack and leak.
Besides, you may have damaged vegetation due to the wastewater flooding. And you don’t need us to tell you how expensive cleaning all the mess can become!
Since all the water flowing down your sump pump drains will ultimately accumulate in the septic tank, keeping the plumbing optimally functional can take much of the load off the latter.
For example, you should clean the pipes regularly to ensure no plumbing fixture backups and replace them immediately when required. Apart from that, opt for energy-efficient appliances like an energy star washer and low-flow plumbing fixtures.
Likewise, equip your sinks with faucet aerators and bathrooms with high-efficiency toilets. Besides facilitating cost savings on water bills, they will ensure optimal water flow, meaning your septic tank won’t be under any excess strain at any time.
We’d also suggest avoiding running multiple loads in the laundry too frequently, as the water filled with soap and dirt will land up in the septic tanks faster than it can process. And get the laundry room drain tested periodically to ensure no blockages. As for the kitchen sink, ensure that the garbage disposal doesn’t clog the main outlet drain.
One crucial thing to remember is that your outlet drains are typically meant for draining water and less viscous liquids. So, ensure that all solid waste, like soap, food scraps, plastic, hair, etc., doesn’t enter the drains and is properly disposed of.
Also, strictly avoid flushing toilet paper, paper towels, coffee grounds, oil pesticides, drain cleaners and harsh chemicals down the drain. These can severely damage septic systems (or the sewer system) by disrupting the internal pH levels and hindering their ability to break down waste effectively.
The kitchen sink, in particular, should be kept free of cooking oil and sludge layers formed by cooking grease or animal fat. And never pour chemicals down the drain to free up clogs or dissolve internally corroded bits, as it will do more harm than good.
Although taking care of your septic tank is essential, NEVER step inside it, as the absence of oxygen and toxic gas emission can be fatal. And if you’re all for DIY septic tank inspections, wear a mask before opening the lid.
If you’re looking for a septic service provider, consider calling us at WP Plumbing Langwarrin. We ensure professional septic maintenance and proper treatment of your septic system, regardless of size and type. Not only that, but you can also contact us for septic system installation or to schedule professional plumbing maintenance. So, talk to our Melbourne plumbers today about how we can assist you.
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