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5 Ways to Keep Your Septic System Healthy

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.

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Common Spring Septic Problems

As warmer weather starts to return, it’s important to ensure your septic system is ready for it. Here are a few common problems to watch out for and a handful of ways you can prevent them so you don’t have to call us to clean up a septic backup in your bathroom.

3 Frequent Septic Problems

Blocked Pipes: A common problem in the spring is blocked pipes. Over the winter, grease and other debris can build-up inside them. Sometimes, tree roots could also start to spread into the pipes as warm weather returns. When the pipes are obstructed, waste is unable to flow through them. This could cause it to get stuck and eventually back-up into your home’s plumbing system.

Overflows: Septic overflows are usually due to clogged pipes or another type of blockage. Your septic system will try to work normally, but due to these problems, is unable to do so. This will cause its pipes to slightly burst which can create sinkholes. It can also damage the plumbing lines inside your living space and can cause nasty odors to linger in it.

Standing Water: Standing water is a recurrent problem during the spring. While it could be caused by a burst pipe, many times, it’s due to excessive rain. Because the water has nowhere to drain, it will rest on the top of the septic system. This can create a muddy mess that will flood your yard if not drained.

How to Prevent Septic Issues

Change the Filters: It’s a good idea to change your filters each time spring rolls around. This will prolong your system’s lifespan because it will stop clogs. The filters will also prevent large debris from getting flushed into the septic system.

Adjust Your Gutters: Spring can bring heavy rain. If your gutters are pointed toward your septic system, that excess water can overwhelm the system. Before the season arrives, make sure to point your gutters away from the septic field. This way, water won’t flood the area.

Get it Pumped: Another way to avert septic issues is to get it pumped. This will remove all debris from the tank so new waste can easily be sent into it. Regularly pumping it will also help professionals see if there might be a hidden problem that could potentially cause severe damage.

Keeping your septic system working correctly is crucial if you want to prevent pricey issues. If you’re concerned about your septic system or want to have a quick inspection done, contact RCS. Our Santa Rosa, CA experts can check for standing water in and around your foundation and recommend a local septic service professional if need be.