Septic tank owners know how important it is for them to function optimally, but how do we keep them healthy after years of intensive use? Remember that a sewage treatment plant is divided into two parts: the septic tank and the drainage field. If you want both of them to continue to work efficiently, you’ll both have to wait. Otherwise a problem could arise.
Good thing the internet is here to show us how experts would advise keeping septic tanks healthy, and there are several different ways you can do it! If you want to know how to maintain and keep your sewer system healthy, read on as we walk you through the whole process!
How do you keep septic systems healthy?
Avoid overloading your septic tank and drain field
The first thing to keep in mind is never to overload your sewer system. According to the US Geological Service, the average person uses 80-100 gallons of water a day, and that’s only one person. Imagine, if you have a lot of household members, how much water you use every day goes straight to the sewage treatment plant? The use of water can never be avoided, but the waste of water can.
It only takes a small leak from your toilet or faucet to waste extra gallons of water, which can potentially overload the system. This is why experts recommend switching your toilets, shower heads, and faucets to their efficient counterparts, as it allows you to use the amount of water you only need.
If you don’t have the budget to upgrade, you can always have your leaky faucets and toilets repaired immediately and make sure you use nozzles on the faucets to limit the amount of water that flows out of the water.
Limit your sink water consumption
All of the water that flows in the house goes straight to the septic tank, even if you are just brushing your teeth. Use WISELY rinse water. The following are simple tips on how to reduce the consumption of rinse water:
The most important point is don’t let your faucets run for long. Sometimes people are not paying attention when using the sink, mostly when washing their hands. Teach your family members how to conserve water by keeping the faucet running no longer than necessary.
Learn the difference between toilets and trash cans
The most common problem in most households is clogged toilets, and the main reason for this is that people frequently flush solids that shouldn’t get into the toilet. The only things you can flush are human waste like urine and feces and then toilet paper. The things that you shouldn’t flush are handkerchiefs, sanitary napkins, tissues of all kinds, paper towels, condoms, hair, floss, diapers and much more.
To make sure no family member or visitor flushes anything else down the toilet, keep the trash can within easy reach. You can also put a warning sign in the bathroom so that everyone who uses the toilet is always reminded of it.
Watch out for what’s going down the drain
Never throw used oil and grease into the sink as it can solidify and clog the lines that go directly to your tank. They are also buoyant substances that do not disintegrate in the septic tank. Once they build up, they can form a thick foam that can interfere with the process in the septic tank.
There are also many household chemicals that can kill the bacteria in the septic tank that break down matter. These are paint, bleach, disinfectants, medicines, pesticides, detergents, liquid soap, and other solvents like white spirit.
Do not plant near the septic tank and drain field
Tree roots can grow and damage your tank’s pipes. To prevent this from happening, make sure you plant at least 100 feet from your septic tank area. For trees with aggressive and large roots, you should plant them further than 100 meters.
Use products that are labeled as “septically safe”.
Use hygiene products that are safe for your septic tank and the best are the types made from natural ingredients. When cleaning the tank, minimize the use of heavy duty cleaners as there are microorganisms in the tank that will break down the solid waste and heavy duty cleaners will kill these microorganisms. As experts at https://septictank.com/ said, the best septic tank treatment is one that will promote the health of your septic tank without disrupting it. Always check the labels of the things you use that go down the drain, especially the cleaning products you buy for the tank.
Do not drive, park, or build anything over the drainage field
No matter how large the drainage field is, never use it for anything other than its purpose. Parking and building objects above the drainage field can damage the pipes below and cause soil compaction, which can affect the proper functioning of the drainage field.
In addition to all of the things mentioned here, be sure to consult a septic tank professional regularly to inspect your tank and help you with maintenance. There are things you can’t do on your own, and septic tank professionals have the right tools for all of your septic tank needs.
If you want your septic tank to work well for a long time, then follow all of these tips to keep it healthy.
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