By Kara Masterson
A septic tank is absolutely necessary in a functioning home, designed to collect, treat and dispose of sewage. This is critical when your home would otherwise have poor drainage or have no way of being connected to main sewage networks. It isn't difficult to care for a septic tank, but there are a few things that you have to do in order to make sure yours remains in proper working order:
Pump Your Septic Tank
Pumping your tank is an important part of septic tank maintenance. This is something that should be done every three to five years. The amount of money that it costs to pump your septic tank can vary, however, you can expect to be looking at paying anywhere from $200 to $600.
What Are You Putting in Your Garbage Disposal?
Your septic tank is connected to all of the plumbing in your house, meaning that what you put down any drain is going straight to it. When using your garbage disposal, you need to be careful what you allow to go down it. Avoid putting grease and solids inside of your garbage disposal; instead, only allow small food particles to be washed down the drain while you’re cleaning your dishes. It’s actually best to use your garbage disposal as sparingly as possible.
Don't Use Multiple Appliances on the Same Day
Many people don't think twice about using their washing machine and dishwasher on the same day. However, this can actually put stress on your septic tank. You should give your septic tank time to process the wastewater from one of your appliances before it can process the wastewater from the other. If you use them on the same day, it may cause your septic tank to overwork. This also goes for using any other appliances or amenities that require water at the same time, including showers and toilets.
Avoid Using Additives in Your Septic Tank
Quite simply, additives can clog your septic tank. You can pollute the surface water and groundwater in your tanks and, if you want to use additives, then it's important to use those that have been approved by your State Department of Health. A quick Google search or the product’s label should tell you whether or not it’s safe or approved.
Be Careful of What You Put in Your Toilet
If you flush the wrong things down your toilet, you risk doing damage to your septic tank. Toilet paper and human waste are the only things that should be flushed. These are the only things that will break down inside of the septic tank. Do not put feminine products, diapers, dental floss or hair in your toilet, and despite the name, flushable wipes should not be put in a toilet either.
Septic tanks require regular maintenance in order to work properly. You should pump your septic tank regularly and be aware of what you put into your toilet and garbage disposal. You should also refrain from using your washing machine and dishwasher on the same day, and avoid using additives. With these steps, you should be able to keep your septic tank in working order for years to come!
Kara Masterson is a freelance writer from Utah. She enjoys playing tennis and spending time with her family. If you are looking for a septic tank maintenance provider, Masterson recommends contacting Chris Mote's Pumping Service.
