A functional septic tank is critical for a comfortable and healthy home. The septic holds all wastewater from your sinks, laundry, showers, and toilets. So you cannot afford to have this component fail even for a day.

However, although septic tanks are made to last, some habits may cause your septic to fail prematurely. Discover some practices to adopt if you want to extend the life of your septic tank.

Invest in Regular Inspection and Maintenance

Don't wait until your septic shows signs of failure to contact a specialist for inspection and repairs. Regular inspection and maintenance help you to spot potential issues early and fix them before they cause extensive damage.

During a scheduled inspection, your septic professional will check the system's leach field, tank, and drainage area. The expert will also assess the system's mechanical and electric components, which include the filter, septic alarm, pumps, and floats.

Additionally, the specialist conducts a sludge and scum layer thickness measurement to determine if the septic tank needs to be pumped. This period is also the best time to ensure all the inlets and outlets are in good working condition. And that the system's aeration devices are unclogged and properly functioning.

The septic professional will recommend any repairs based on the inspection findings and advise you on the best way to keep your system in good working condition.

Know What You Should and Should Not Flush Down the Toilet

Water is the main ingredient in septic tanks, and some substances should not go down the toilet as they can damage or clog the system. For instance, flushable wipes and sanitary napkins may go down the toilet easily, but they don't disintegrate quickly enough and clog the septic tank's leach field.

Coffee grounds, eggshells, grease, and oils also don't break down easily and can solidify to form a sludge layer at the bottom of your septic tank. This sludge prevents the effluent from flowing out of the tank, causing it to back up and overflow.

Toilet paper is the only thing that should be flushed down the toilet. If you must dispose of other materials, put them in a bin instead.

Pump Your Septic Tank Regularly

One of the best ways to maintain a functional septic tank is to pump it regularly. The frequency of septic tank pumping depends on the number of people in your household and how much water you use.

Pumping helps remove the solid waste accumulated in the tank over time. This waste includes human waste, paper towels, and flushable wipes. Otherwise, the waste will eventually clog the leach field and cause the septic system to fail.

Don't Plant Trees or Shrubs Near Your Septic Tank

The roots of trees and shrubs can grow into and damage septic tanks and leach fields. So it's best to avoid planting these plants near your septic system.

If you already have trees or shrubs near your septic system, have them regularly checked for root invasion. And if necessary, have the roots trimmed back to prevent them from damaging your system.

Conserve Water

Too much water can overload your septic system and cause it to fail. So, conserving water when you have a septic tank is essential.

There are several ways you can conserve water in your home. For instance, you can install low-flow toilets and showerheads. You can also fix any leaks in your plumbing fixtures. And, if possible, wash full loads of laundry and run the dishwasher only when it's full.

By following these habits, you can extend the life of your septic tank and avoid costly repairs. Most importantly, work with reliable septic professionals to maintain your system properly.

You can trust us at Dr. Flush Inc. for all your septic care needs. We have extensive experience and the proper equipment to do the job correctly. So contact us, and let's get started.