If you have a septic system for your home instead of using the municipal sewer system, it is vital to keep it properly maintained. Without proper maintenance, you could have to replace the system, which could cost you thousands of dollars. So consider using the following tips to maintain your septic system to try and avoid having to repair or maybe even replace your septic system.
Watch What You Put Down Your Drains
When you have a septic system, it’s important to be careful about what materials you put down your drains. If you let non-decomposable materials go down the drain, they could fill up your septic tank or even cause it to become clogged. If a blockage occurs, it might damage the septic system, which could result in sewage backing up into your home.
To avoid this, it is best not to let coffee grounds, baby wipes, cooking grease, or similar items be flushed down the toilet or run down your drains. If you are not sure something should go down the drain, it is better to put it in the garbage.
Be Careful About What Appliances You Use
The appliances you choose to use in your home that use water will have an effect on how well your septic system works. Most people are going to want a washing machine and a dishwasher, but there are a few vital appliances that you might want to think about before purchasing when you have a septic system. For instance, using a garbage disposal can cause problems for your septic system if you use it to dispose of items that you would not want going down your drain. Take care not to put items in the garbage disposal that might result in a blockage or clog.
Lower Your Water Consumption
Another way to help your septic system is to lower your water usage. This could help reduce the risk of your septic system failing. The less water your household uses, the less water that ends up in your septic system. So, it is a good idea to try to use less water and to install shower heads and toilets that use less water as well.
Have Your Septic System Pumped Regularly
If you want to keep your septic system working well, it is essential to have it pumped every three to five years. This will help prevent the material in the sewage from getting too high and possibly creating a blockage or even seeping into your yard.
Take Care of Your Leach Field
The leach field is the part of your septic system that manages and eliminates the liquid waste that is released from your septic system. This waste is distributed into the soil. This field has a number of parallel pipes that allow the material to run into a substrate below the surface. It is important to make sure this area is not disturbed. If the drainage process is interfered with, the septic system will not work. So, it is important not to place buildings in this area or to have trees or plants in this area that might allow roots to cause damage to the leach field.
Final Thoughts
If you have a septic system, it needs to be adequately maintained to avoid costly repairs or replacement. With proper maintenance, your septic system can provide many years of service. So, follow the tips in this article, and you should find your septic system works well for years to come.
Contact Us
If you are having trouble with your home’s septic system, then contact J Griffin Heating & Plumbing. Our professional team of plumbers has more than three decades of experience with heating and plumbing services. Call us at 781-520-1212 and connect with us on Facebook.
