Tasks to Maintain a Septic Tank
A septic tank is vital in properties unconnected to a municipal sewer system. Septic tanks are located underground and play a crucial role in ensuring the family's health and safety by collecting and treating wastewater. A septic tank requires routine maintenance to ensure hassle-free functionality, preserve the environment, and avoid foul odors, sewage backup, groundwater contamination, and system failure.
Septic tank maintenance is straightforward as the process involves regular system upkeep and monitoring to ensure optimal functionality. Here are a few essential septic tank maintenance tasks to ensure efficient system operation:
Routine inspections
Routine inspections help identify potential issues and repair them before they turn severe. It is best to get a professional inspection every one to three years (it all depends on tank size and usage). Experienced professionals can check for leaks and warning signs of other issues and examine the tank and drain field's overall condition.
Maintain a pumping schedule
Usually, a residential septic tank needs pumping every three to five years. However, the pumping frequency depends on the tank size, household size, and amount of wastewater generated. Periodic septic tank plumbing is essential to prevent the sludge that accumulates over time from overflowing into the drain field and leading to clogs and system failure.
Use water efficiently
A simple way to maintain the septic system's efficiency is to manage the water usage. Excessive water can overload the septic system, resulting in backups and system failure. Reduce the stress on the septic system with simple measures like spreading out the laundry loads, installing low-flow fixtures, and fixing leaks.
Ensure proper waste disposal
One of the most effective ways to maintain the health and functioning of the septic tank is to monitor what goes down the drain. Homeowners should ensure that things like diapers, chemicals, grease, oil, feminine hygiene products, paint, coffee grounds, and non-biodegradable items are not in the septic tank.
Use additives and effluent filter
Placing additives in the tank can restore bacterial balance and break down solids to enhance the system's performance. These additives help keep the pipes odor-free and clean. Homeowners should also consider installing an effluent filter during septic tank pumping. A professional can install the effluent filter to create a barrier that will protect the leach field from clogs, which can result in backups and septic tank overflow.
Maintain the drain field
A drain or leach field is critical to the septic system's functioning. It is vital to allow the septic tank to disperse the wastewater properly. Avoid planting trees and shrubs near it, do not park heavy vehicles over the drain field, and keep sump pumps and other systems away from the area.
Keep maintenance records
Homeowners should maintain accurate records of septic tank inspections, pumping, repairs, and any changes made. The information can prove helpful when diagnosing problems or future maintenance planning. Detailed maintenance records also come in handy for prospective homebuyers when selling the property.
Keep the septic tank in optimal condition
Septic tank maintenance is essential to keep the septic system up and running. Hire an experienced plumber with adequate knowledge, skills, and equipment to plan, design, and execute a proper septic tank maintenance plan.
With over 25 years of experience, American Discount Plumbing has offered expert plumbing service and repair in Phoenix, Arizona, and surrounding cities at affordable rates for both residential and commercial properties. We are a licensed, bonded, and insured plumbing company offering 24-hour emergency service. We provide lasting general plumbing, water leak detection and repair, toilet repair, pipe repair, and water heater repair or replacement solutions. Call 602-883-2787 today!
