Homeowners whose properties are located in rural areas or away from a municipal sewer system typically use septic systems for the disposal of waste water. While these systems can be very effective, they also require a bit of extra maintenance over sewer usage. Aside from avoiding the addition of chemicals that can disrupt the bacterial balance in your septic system, you should also be sure that you’re not flooding the system with too much water.
Septic tank pumping should be performed every three to five years, under ideal circumstances. Excessive water use can change that figure significantly, leading to a more frequent need for this service. For septic system users, it’s even more important to be diligent about water conservation because wasteful habits can lead to septic problems in the future.
Make sure that all leaky faucets and toilets are repaired as soon as they’re noticed. Even a slow leak can generate fifteen to twenty gallons of waste water, all of which is directed to your septic system. Low flow toilets and shower heads are another wise choice. Adhering to a “green” rule of thumb is not only good for your wallet and the environment, but also your septic system as well.
If you have a hot tub or swimming pool, don’t drain them into your septic system. In addition to flooding a drainfield, the chlorine additives in the water can destroy essential bacteria in tanks and drainfields.
The specific volume of water your septic system can handle will vary from one system to the next. It’s important to consult an experienced sewer and septic professional to determine not only the health of your system, but the volume it can safely manage.
Posted on behalf of Mike Smith, A-Flo Free Septic
