Are you moving into a new home where you’ll be using a septic system for the first time? Do you currently have a septic tank but don’t know much about how it works or how to maintain it?
If you fall into these or other categories, Lakeland Septic Company would like to share a little about how to make sure your septic tank runs and performs at its best.
Septic Tank Quick Overview
A septic tank is a large container buried in the ground near a house or business. Its job is to receive everything that leaves the building by way of drain pipes.
Solids remain in the tank until they’re pumped out by a septic company. Liquids are sent to an adjacent drain field, where they are processed and sent into the soil.
Maintaining Your Septic Tank
Septic tank maintenance is primarily a job for the crew that installed your system or another local septic services company. Lakeland Septic has been not only installing but also handling maintenance on all types of septic installations for more than 15 years. Here are five critical elements of septic tank maintenance.
1. Have your tank inspected
Regular inspections will alert you to early signs of damage and malfunction. This way, you can have the necessary repairs, adjustments or component replacements done before the problem gets out of hand.
2. Schedule septic tank pumping
Most septic tanks need to be pumped out every three to five years. Excess sludge inside a tank can lead to all kinds of problems, such as:
• Sewage backing up in the drains in your home
• Toilets that won’t flush well or overflow and spread bacteria
• Offensive odors inside or outside your home
• Septic tank leaks that send unhygienic waste up and into your yard
Major damage to parts of the septic system that will cost a lot of money to fix
3. Don’t Put This Stuff in Your Tank
You’ll keep your septic tank running better and longer if you avoid adding these items to it:
• Grease
• Food
• Household cleaners
• Pharmaceuticals
• Feminine products
• Paper towels
• Cigarette butts
These and other items can cause clogs and damage the system. Your tank should be used only for normal bodily waste, approved bathroom tissue and water from your drains.
4. See to Repairs Promptly
If you notice problems happening with your septic tank or septic system, or if a technician has found issues during an inspection, get the repairs done quickly. Putting off septic tank repair is a sure way to end up spending far more money than would have been necessary had you addressed the problems promptly.
