Are you looking for a guide to help you stay on top of your septic tank maintenance? As a homeowner, it’s important for you to be familiar with what goes into the use and maintenance of these tanks.
But more importantly, keeping septic tanks functional requires a lot of work, effort, and money. They will require regular servicing and maintenance, and they’ll even require replacements every so often.
If you’d like to learn more about why septic tank maintenance is essential, then this article is for you.
Limit Water Usage and Household Waste
It is important to limit water usage and household waste. Excessive amounts of water in the septic tank can overload or flood it and cause backups. Also, large amounts of household septic system waste can overload and damage the tank.
To ensure proper maintenance, it is important to keep water usage to a minimum and avoid flushing items that don’t break down in the tank, such as paints, cleaners, oils, and other hazardous materials. Additionally, it is also important to reduce the amount of solid waste going into the tank.
Use a Bacteria Additive
To keep them in working order, it’s important to properly maintain them. One key aspect of proper septic tank care is the use of a bacteria additive. When added to the tank, these beneficial bacteria help break down the organic matter that accumulates inside, preventing backups and reducing odors.
When selecting the right bacterial additive for your tank, be sure to choose one that’s specifically designed for septic systems, such as IBC Advanced Technologies, or Septic Maxx. For best results, the bacteria additive should be added every three months or as recommended by the company service area.
Install an Effluent Filter
An effluent filter helps to keep the solid material from entering the drain field, which can cause the drain field to clog and the system to fail. It is easy to install an effluent filter and can be done in a few steps.
Begin by finding an effluent filter that fits your septic tank. Ensure that the filter is correctly sized to correctly fit the tank and pipes. Next, take the filter out of the package and loosen the filter so that it can fit into the tank and pipes.
Check the Leach Field for Clogs
If a clog is detected, the leach pipe should be dug up and cleared of debris. However, it’s advised not to dig too deeply, as the underground water flow could be disrupted.
The leach field should be inspected every few months, and depending on the composition of the soil and the number of users, it should be cleaned or pumped out periodically. If the leach field becomes overly saturated, it can cause odors and possible flooding, so it’s important to address any issues quickly.
Explore Septic Tank Maintenance
Routine monitoring, inspections, and maintenance are necessary for successful septic tank use. Careful observation of specific signs, including slow drainage, odors, and soft ground, can quickly alert to potential problems.
Research and careful attention to your septic tank can significantly extend its life. For more information on septic tank maintenance, be sure to read our comprehensive guide.
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