Almost every home is connected to a septic system. This holds wastewater and prevents it from seeping into and around your living space. While it doesn’t usually need heavy maintenance, it still needs to be cared for. Here are a few ways you can keep it in good condition.
Why Should I Monitor My Septic System?
Septic systems hold toxic waste. If this escapes, it can contaminate the areas where it spreads. In addition to this, the pipes can get clogged with debris which can back up into your home’s walls. This isn’t only dangerous but can result in water damage and strong odors throughout it. To avert this, it’s ideal to watch your septic system to ensure there aren’t underlying problems.
5 Tips to Keep Your Septic System Healthy
Don’t Flush the Wrong Items: Flushing paper, grease, and other items into your septic system might not seem like such a big deal, but it is. Your septic system isn’t designed for these and won’t do a good job decomposing them. Because of this, they could get stuck in its pipes which can result in clogs. In other words, if it’s not fecal waste or toilet paper, don’t flush it.
Check For Tree Roots: You’ll also want to make sure that nearby tree roots aren’t spreading around and into your septic system. These can wrap around it and create intense pressure. This pressure can then crack the outer shell allowing debris to seep out. If you notice tree roots, consider cutting them away from the septic system.
Make Sure the Field Has Good Drainage: If your septic system field doesn’t have adequate drainage, it could flood both it and the surrounding landscape. One of the best ways to prevent this is to avoid excess water flowing near the septic field.
Avoid Septic Additives: Septic additives are a mixture of yeast and bacteria that’s meant to help break down materials inside the system. However, septic additives are often unnecessary because waste is being constantly flushed into the septic tank. This waste has enough natural bacteria to eat away at the contents inside. The additives are also corrosive and can wear down pipes and other components.
Get Regular Inspections: Another way to keep your septic healthy is to have it frequently inspected. Ideally, this should be done every three years.
Septic systems might not be visible but they’re an important part of your home that protects it from harmful bacteria. By using these tips, you can easily keep it healthy.
If you’re looking for a professional to inspect your septic system, consider RCS in Sonoma Couny for a recomendation to a local septic expert so you don’t need to call us for a clean up if it fails.
