Protect Your Septic System with Water Conservation

There are many reasons to conserve water use, from saving money on your utility bills to protecting the environment. Another reason to reduce water waste is less wear and tear on your septic system. The more water that flows down your drains, the more work that your septic system must perform.

To reduce the stress on your septic system and to conserve water for many other excellent reasons, there are some simple changes you can make in your home. Here are a few tips on how to minimize the water waste in your home to protect your septic system:

  • Switch to low-flow water fixtures. Wherever possible, upgrade to low-flow water fixtures to save gallons of water waste a day. Switch to water-conservation fixtures for your shower head, faucets, toilet and other fixtures/appliances.
  • Shut off the water. Do not let water flow down the drain for no reason. Shut off the water when brushing your teeth, fill the sink to rinse dishes instead of keeping the water on, and dump gray water outside instead of putting it down the drain.
  • Shorten showers. One of the biggest uses of water is daily showers. Good hygiene for your family is important, but you can put a limit on shower time to reduce the waste. Try shutting off the water while you lather up and then rinse; this can save gallons of water a day.

Reducing water use is one way to make your septic system last longer. Protecting it from excessive wear and tear and keeping up with regular maintenance from your local septic service company can help add years to the life of your system.

Posted on behalf of:
Septic Service Pro, LLC
Peachtree Street NW
Atlanta, GA 30334
(678) 292-8728

Items to Keep Out of Your Septic Tank

There are two types of items that need to be kept out of your septic tank: cloggers and bacteria killers. Items that clog can backup your septic systems, clog your sewer pipes and cause major problems throughout your entire system. The other group, bacteria killers, can ruin the chemical balance in the tank, which slows the breakdown process. It is important to educate your entire household on what these items are and the potential harm they can do to your septic.

Cloggers

Anything that does not breakdown naturally from bacteria should not be allowed to be put down the drain or flushed. These can be larger items or even granules, all which can be destructive to your septic system, causing clogs. These items include:

  • Cotton products: swabs, cotton balls, feminine hygiene products and bandages.
  • Coffee grounds
  • Cat litter, even those that claim to be flushable
  • High-fiber vegetable or fruit peels

Bacteria Killers

Your septic tank must maintain a delicate balance to properly breakdown the waste before it is able to be distributed into your drain field. This bacteria balance can be harmed by certain items that are poured down your drains. Some items include:

  • Bleach
  • Chemical cleaners
  • Antifreeze
  • Oil
  • Paint

All these items should be disposed of into the garbage and always kept out of toilets, sinks, washers and any other drains. Educate everyone in your home on how to protect and care for your septic system by keeping cloggers and bacteria killers out of the system. Don’t forget to inform overnight guests and visitors to be careful of what they put down the drains while in your home to prevent accidental problems and septic emergencies.

Posted on behalf of:
Bynum & Sons Plumbing, Inc.
2120 McDaniels Bridge Rd SW
Lilburn, GA 30047
(770) 736-8283