How to Maintain Your Septic System

If you’re new to septic system maintenance or you’ve never needed to know how to maintain a septic tank before, read on! Here’s what you need to know to keep your system running well for a long time.

Yes! If you want your septic tank to last a long time, you need to keep the system well-maintained. Since it usually costs between $3000 and $7000 to replace a septic system, you’ll save yourself money. 

In addition, getting your septic system replaced is a huge hassle. You won’t be able to use any water or any of the waste disposal options that your home offers until the job is done, which can take several days. 

Avoid all of this by learning how to maintain a septic system and sticking to your scheduled maintenance.

Septic System Maintenance Dos

• Get your system inspected and/or pumped at least once a year. While some systems don’t need such frequent pumping, this allows experts to test your tank and make sure it’s working properly.
• Get high-pressure water jetting every 5 years. This cleans out your tank and your pipes. Even with the best maintenance, solids can build up. The jetting gets rid of them so they don’t hamper your system’s functioning.
• Add a bacteria additive. Your system relies on bacteria to break up solids, but soaps and other substances can kill them off. Replace them regularly so your system works normally.
• Install an effluent filter. This keeps solids out of the drainfield. Older systems may not have this filter but should have one installed.
• Be wise about water. Don’t direct rainfall into your drainfield or empty your hot tub there. In general, use as little water as possible to get the job done.

Septic System Maintenance Don’ts

• Don’t use your garbage disposal. These extra solids can mean significantly more frequent pumping.
• Don’t park on your drainfield or plant anything there. This needs to be an entirely unmolested area of ground to work properly.
• Don’t put chemicals down your drains. These can become solids that hamper system functioning or kill the bacteria that break down the solids in the tank. 

If you need any help learning how to maintain a septic system or performing septic tank maintenance, call the septic experts at Rowell’s Services today. We’ll have a septic expert to your home ASAP.