Homes that are built where there is no municipal sewer system use a septic system to dispose of their waste water. A properly installed septic system can do a great job of safely disposing of household waste water. However, a septic system can fail if it is not properly cared for. In many cases, the homeowner is simply unaware of the damage they are causing until it is too late.
Septic systems collect the wastewater from your home in septic tank where it is held long enough for the solid material to settle to the bottom of the tank. The waste water then flows into the septic field through perforated pipes which allow the water to seep into the ground.
The solid material that accumulates in the septic tank decomposes to some extent through natural biological action, but it will slowly fill the tank and should be pumped out periodically. Most septic system failures are caused by too much solid material finding its way into the septic field.
The number one way to avoid septic system issues is to have regular septic tank inspections and septic tank pumping. Your system should be inspected about once every other year and pumped every three to five years.
In the meantime, avoid flushing chemicals, paint, and solvents down the drain. These can not only kill helpful bacteria, but also collect in the drainfield. Consider having a washing machine filter installed to prevent the lint from your washing machine from clogging the drain field. Don’t flush anything other than human waste and small quantities of toilet paper down the toilet. Dispose of feminine products, disposable diapers, and other non-biodegradable products in the trash.
Call your sewer-septic professional at the first sign of trouble. You may be able to stop a small problem from becoming a big problem.
