Whether you are a new owner of a home on a septic system or you’ve had a septic system for years, a little TLC will go a long way toward helping your septic system work great for years. If you are new to septic systems or you never gave your septic system much thought, you should understand that unlike a sewer line, your septic system needs regular care and maintenance to operate properly.
A typical septic system consists of a septic tank connected to a drain field (also called a leach field). Waste water from your home flows into the septic tank which should be large enough to hold the water for a day or two to allow solid material to settle out of the water.
The water then flows into the drain field where it seeps into the ground. Inside the septic tank, natural bacteria breaks down the solid materials although not completely. The residual material collects in the bottom of the tank. This material should be pumped out every three to five years. Between septic tank pumping, the system should be inspected every other year. The inspection will include measuring the level of solid material so you will know when it is time to for septic tank pumping.
Taking good care of your septic system includes not overloading it with water. If the volume of water flowing through the tank is too high, solid material will be carried out to the drainfield where it can clog the soil. Also, avoid putting any chemicals down the drain that can harm the natural bacteria in the septic tank. This bacteria does an important job in breaking down the solid material.
Finally, avoid putting anything down the drain that is not biodegradable. This includes plastic, cloth, paper towels, diapers, cigarette butts, paints, sanitary napkins, drain cleaners, and other harmful or inorganic material. Try to limit the amount of grease, oil, and food waste that is washed down the drain.
