You may not think about it much, but your household depends on your home’s out-of-sight septic system on a daily basis. Treat it right and it will treat you right. Treat it wrong and, well, you get the picture. Follow these easy septic maintenance steps to avoid having to endure an unsightly, smelly and costly problem down the line.
Do Homeowners Really Need to Schedule Maintenance?
Yes. Plain and simple, septic maintenance gives you immediate and long-term benefits like:
- Cost savings. Failing to take proper care of your septic system often means it won’t last as long. Homeowners who have to replace their systems early get less return on investment and have to pay for a new system sooner than expected. Experts estimate that a new system can cost as much as $10,000, whereas the cost to maintain the system each year tips the scale at a mere $300.
- Safety. A neglected septic system can send harmful contaminants from household waste into the air inside the home, potentially causing serious health problems. In addition, a malfunctioning septic tank can release wastewater into the ground, contaminating drinking water and ground water.
- Community. Your actions in relation to your septic system and its maintenance affect your community at large. When a failing septic system pollutes nearby properties and water sources, it brings property values down.
Maintenance Is a Two-Step Process
An effective maintenance schedule involves expert service and DIY steps.
1. Professional Maintenance
Your septic service provider will conduct a thorough inspection of the system, performing tasks such as:
- Visually inspecting the area where the tank is buried, along with indoor components like piping
- Inspecting the ports, which may involve digging to reach the components
- Testing the connections by running water in the home, flushing toilets and cycling the washing machine to evaluate the waste process
- Measuring the waste layers in the tank. The technician should measure scum and sludge using specialized tools to ensure the proper health and composition of the waste process. The technician will also pump the tank when the layer of sludge becomes deeper than one-third of the tank’s liquid
- Inspecting the drain field and the tank, looking for cracks in the tank and watching for signs of trouble in the drain field
Scheduling professional service every one to two years keeps the system in good condition.
DIY Maintenance
As a homeowner, you aren’t exempt from maintenance tasks, and neither are the people living in your home. Everyone should be aware of the steps they can take to improve septic system health and make sure it lasts as long as possible.
They should also be aware of these best practices:
- Only flush toilet paper down toilets.
- Know where the drain field is located. Don’t place or drive anything heavy over this area, as the soil tends to be soft and requires a consistent flow of oxygen into the tank.
- Don’t let too much water accumulate in the drain field. Keep down spouts and other water sources directed away from the field.
- Practice conservation. Using too much water lengthens the tank’s useful service life. Limit washing machine and dishwasher cycles, and fix leaky faucets right away. Finally, install low-flow faucet aerators and showerheads in the home.
- Avoid putting harsh chemical cleaners down the drains, or any components that compromise the delicate waste-treatment process.
Following these maintenance steps will help your septic system operate without fail, so you can service it and forget about it.
Image source: Wikimedia Commons