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How To Keep Your Septic System Working Properly

rwgriggs | Jul 19, 2010 |

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People choose to use septic systems for different reasons. Some people find it necessary. Some people, especially those who live far from the sewage treatment plant, find that a septic system is the solution. Some people choose to have septic systems because they fortify the soil with nutrients. The waste product from the septic system contains organic matter rich with nutrients that make the soil in the release field healthy. The soil in the release field gradually becomes the best kind of soil to grow plants on.

It doesn't really matter what your reason is for choosing a septic system, but keep in mind that the proper upkeep and maintenance of your septic system is important in ensuring that it would function properly for a long time. A septic system that isn't properly maintained can break down and result in damage to the property in which it's installed. In addition, you might face a lot of complaints from your neighbours. This is much more serious than having garbage disposal repair issues. The costs to fix septic tank problems can be immense.

Here are some pointers in making sure that your septic system doesn't break down and cost you a fortune in repair bills.

A small thing you can do to ensure your septic system runs properly for a long time is to avoid pouring used cooking oil directly down your kitchen sink drain, as this can clog your septic system. Even a commerical garbage disposal isn't going to be able to deal with cooking oil. Instead, pour used cooking oil into a small container and dispose of it properly. Cleaning products are also a major culprit in septic system failures.

Window cleaner, bleach, drain cleaner and antibacterial kitchen spray can do a lot of damage to your septic system. Although it's impossible for anyone to guarantee that none of that stuff finds its way down one of your drains, don't just dump a bottleful of cleaning product down your drain. If you need to throw old cleaning fluid away, simply pop the whole bottle in the trash.

Some types of toilet paper cannot be broken down by your septic system and may clog it, so make sure that the toilet paper that you buy is the kind that is compatible with septic systems. Be sure to check the label. Also, if a drain or a toilet in your home gets clogged and you have to use drain cleaner, make sure it's compatible with septic systems. A lot of these products aren't, and a strong drain cleaner may actually corrode your pipes.

It's not enough that you use your septic system properly every day. All septic systems need to be maintained by professionals. A septic crew maintenance team will visit your home, clean out the muck and garbage, and ensure that all the pumps and pipes that are part of your septic system are in good working order and do not leak.

A typical septic system that's used regularly will need to be cleaned professionally every two years.