Basic Septic Tank Maintenance

For those who have never had a septic system, the idea of taking care of one can seem quite intimidating.  You know that somewhere under your lawn a complex machine is processing and filtering your waste, but even if you know the process, you may have no idea how to ensure it continues working optimally.  Here are some pointers that can relieve your anxiety:

Pumping-

Even the best systems need to be pumped regularly.  You should expect to pump your system out every 3-5 years to remove both sludge and scum, ensuring the maximum available space for liquids.  New systems should be checked annually until you get a feel for how often you will need to clean out your tank.  

A stick test is all you need to perform to evaluate the need for pumping, and can usually be managed by the homeowner.  You can also opt to call in the professionals and let them assess the system much more thoroughly.

Accessibility-

Remember to keep both your vents and access ports free of debris and easily accessible, as it costs much less to have an accessible system serviced.  Shrubs, trees and landscaping can make it difficult for your septic service to get the hose into the tank, which means a less efficient pumping.

Part of accessibility includes knowing where the vents and ports are.  If your service has to spend a great deal of time searching for them they may not have time to do the actual pumping and you will have to pay for a second visit.

Cautions-

Don’t pour anything down your system that isn’t natural waste.  Paint, oil and chemicals dramatically shorten the life span of your system, and folks, they aren’t cheap.  Coffee grinds, cigarette butts, diapers and wet wipes don’t belong down there because they won’t decompose and they will fill up your system very quickly.

Never go into the tank yourself.  The gases can cause asphyxiation.  Leave this to the professionals.

You don’t need a starter or activator.  Remember that most such chemicals will do more harm than good.  If you want to help your system, be frugal with water consumption and use toilet tissue and soaps that are designed to work well in a septic system.

You can get plenty more information on the “care and feeding” of your septic system from your local professional.  Feel free to contact them and let them help you understand the wonderful waste treatment plant you have under your yard.