When it comes to your septic system, too much water can mean trouble. A septic system must be able to process and filter all the water from your household, which can overwhelm the system when water is wasted. Too much water in a twenty-four hour period can overload the system, especially when the soil is not able to absorb the amount of waste water coming through the pipes. This can rush the retention time and end in a system failure. To prevent this type of problem, use water conversation methods to ensure you are not over-taxing your system.
- Water efficient fixtures – Replace older shower heads and toilets with water efficient models that can reduce the amount of water your family uses each day.
- Stagger showers and laundry loads – Try to stagger laundry loads over several days instead of doing several loads all in one day. In addition, try to schedule bath and showers at different times of the day.
- Fix all leaks – A dripping faucet or running toilet can add gallons of extra water every day to your septic system. Fix all plumbing issues as soon as possible to reduce the strain of excess water flow through your pipes and septic.
- Prepare for guests – If you know you are expecting guests, try to reduce the water load in the days before their arrival.
- Reduce running water – Be mindful of running water for no reason. For example, instead of letting water run to get cold, keep a pitcher of drinking water in the fridge.
Any way that you can reduce the amount of water you use can help reduce the stress on your septic system. In addition, make sure you are scheduling regular inspections and septic tank pumping by your local septic service to increase the life of your septic system.
Posted on behalf of Keith Lee, Metro Septic and Plumbing
