Septic Sense: Expert Tips and Insights for Your System
If you’re a homeowner who relies on a septic tank for plumbing needs, you need to understand exactly what it does and how you can keep it purring. A septic system is an essential part of the plumbing system in your household, tasked with treating and disposing of wastewater and solid waste. Most septic tanks consist of a septic tank, associated piping, and a drain field.
If you know the fundamental principles of how your septic system operates, you can make informed decisions and take proactive measures to maximize its lifespan. Our focus today is to provide you with essential expert tips and insights for your system so that you can keep your septic system happy and develop a sixth septic sense to detect when something goes wrong.
Why Regular Maintenance is Important
A septic system requires constant attention, albeit in small increments, if you want it to run smoothly. Maintenance is vital in this capacity, ensuring the longevity and overall maximal performance of your septic system.
Neglecting maintenance leads to a series of issues, ranging from clogged pipes and foul odors to the backflow of sewage in your home. The solution is easy - keep a watchful eye and have routine inspections and maintenance checks by a professional scheduled at specific intervals. That way, you can detect any potential issues before they escalate into major problems and solve them a lot more easily.
During a maintenance visit, professional septic system technicians will inspect your tank first, looking for any signs of damage or leaks. They will also check the drainfield to ensure it is absorbing and filtering wastewater effectively.
Measuring the level of accumulated sludge and scum at the top of the septic tank determines whether they’ll pump your tank or not. Regular pumping stops solids from overflowing into the drain field, which leads to clogs and, potentially, a complete system failure.
Signs of a Failing Septic System
Ignoring clear warning signs that your system is failing can result in costly repairs and potential damage to your property. Knowing the common failure signs allows you to react on time:
Slow-draining Sinks and Toilets. If you notice that your sinks and toilets are draining slower than usual, you’re most likely facing an issue in your septic system. It could be only a simple clog, but it could also point to a failing drain field. This is exactly why you need a professional.
Foul Odors. Unpleasant odors originating from any part of your septic system are always worrying signs. Apart from being uncomfortable, they’re also an indicator that your system might have a leak or a waste buildup in the tank.
Sewage Backups. If you experience sewage backups in your home, it’s a clear sign that your septic system is failing. In such an instance, you need to address the problem immediately, or it may result in extensive damage to your property.
Septic Sense: Expert Tips and Insights for Your System
Being proactive always pays off, helping you extend the lifespan of your septic system significantly and saving you money in the long run by avoiding needless repairs.
Check out a few expert tips to keep your septic system healthy and functioning:
Be Careful What You Flush Down the Drain. Never flush non-biodegradable items down your septic system’s drains. These include wet wipes, diapers, and feminine hygiene products. They tend to clog your pipes and put a serious on your septic system. Also, try not to pour grease, oil, or coffee grounds down the drain as they solidify with time, leading to blockages.
Monitor Water Usage. Excessive use of water can overload your septic system and diminish its effectiveness. To mitigate this, stay on top of your water consumption and develop water conservation practices.
Cut back on Using Household Chemicals. Harsh chemicals usually used in a household, like bleach or drain cleaner, can disrupt the balance of bacteria in your septic system. Since bacteria are vital in breaking down both liquid and solid waste, opt for environmentally friendly alternatives whenever possible to minimize the potential disruptions in your septic tank’s microflora.
Septic System Care: Dos and Don'ts for Longevity
Septic system care involves adhering to certain dos and don'ts to prevent damage and maintain optimal functionality. In that sense, understanding what to do and what to avoid doing is essential:
Things to Do:
Hire a professional service to inspect your septic system regularly and pump it when required;
Practice water conservation to avoid overloading it;
Keep accurate records of all inspections and maintenance checks;
Divert excess water from roof drains or sump pump outlets away from your septic system;
Plant grass over your drain field to prevent soil erosion and to improve absorption rates.
Things to Avoid:
Avoid flushing non-biodegradable items down any drain leading to the septic tank;
Ensure you don’t park or drive heavy vehicles over your drain field;
Don’t pour grease, oil, or coffee grounds down drains;
Don't plant trees or shrubs with long-branching root systems in the vicinity of your septic system.
How to Avoid Common Septic System Issues
While regular maintenance conducted by a professional service goes a long way, septic system issues might still arise. Having a working knowledge of the most common issues that can happen gives you the ability to avoid them and stop them from turning into full-blown disasters:
Clogs. Regular pumping of your septic tank is the number one activity to prevent clogs and backups along the length of your system. Also, stay mindful of what goes down your drains - the less cloggable materials you flush, the lower the risk of sewage backing up.
Drain Field Issues. To avoid drain field issues, try to keep excess water away from it, and don’t put it under pressure by parking or driving heavy vehicles over its surface.
Tree Root Intrusion. Tree roots can significantly damage your septic system’s pipes and end up causing blockages. Be wary of the types of trees or shrubs you plant, as those with invasive root systems can cause havoc in your system.
Tank Damage. One thing that can lead to various damage-related issues is placing heavy objects over your septic tank. Always consider the tank's location and ensure it’s protected from potential harm.
Septic System Upgrades and Improvements
In some cases, you can upgrade or otherwise improve your septic system to ensure long-term functionality. If you’re looking at upgrades, here are some tips on where to begin:
Install Effluent Filters. Effluent filters prevent solids from entering the drain field, extending its lifespan in the process. If your septic system doesn’t already have one of these filters, consider installing one as soon as possible.
Add Aeration Systems. Aeration systems introduce oxygen into the septic tank, which promotes the growth of beneficial bacteria, speeding up the breakdown of waste. This is particularly useful for older septic systems that might lack adequate aeration.
Expand the Drain Field. If your drain field shows signs of overloading, you should expand the area to help reduce the strain on the system. Such an activity, though, isn’t something you can easily do by yourself, so you’ll need to consult a professional service.
Conclusion
Maintaining a healthy and functional septic system isn’t hard but requires regular maintenance, proper care, and occasional professional assistance. As long as you understand how your septic system works, you’ll be able to catch telltale signs of potential issues early, which will allow you to take proactive steps to resolve them.
Remember to schedule regular inspections and pumping, and stay mindful of what goes down the drain. Developing a “septic sense” will help you save money on repairs and govern your septic system with ease. Stick to the proven expert tips and insights for your system we offered above, and don’t hesitate to contact Townes Septic for any septic system-related services - from inspection and maintenance to system upgrades and complete replacements.
Author: Eldon Townes