Tips to Take Care of Your Septic System

Good maintenance starts with understanding how your septic tank works, what type of system it is and where it’s located.

Because state laws require a permit for septic system installation, your county should have a record of the permit and a map of the tank’s layout and location on the property plat. You might be able to find visual clues like sewer covers, or by checking the direction the sewer pipes, located in the basement, leads out of the house. If you need help locating the tank you can always give us call.

Proper maintenance of your drain field starts with closely monitoring water usage and what goes into your septic system, as noted above.

Never drive or park vehicles over your drain field. Make sure gutters and sump pumps empty water far away from the drain field. Avoid planting trees and shrubs close to the drain field, as roots could interfere with pipes. 

Various cleaning products homeowners use can harm the good bacteria in a septic system. Avoid using chemicals like bleach when washing clothes. If you absolutely have to, use a small amount.

Do not use drain cleaners, which, aside from killing the good bacteria, can damage the tank itself. If a plunger doesn’t clear a clog, try a toilet drain snake, which also works on clogged kitchen and bathroom sinks. Toilet bowl cleaners are also bad for your septic as they typically contain bleach. Avoid antibacterial soaps and disinfectants that contain quaternary ammonia as well.

Fortunately there are lots of natural or plant based cleaning product alternatives to these harsh chemicals.

We pour many things down the kitchen sink that can wreak havoc on a septic system. Never wash things like coffee grounds, eggshells, medication, produce stickers, flour, etc. down the sink drain. All can clog pipes or block screens. 

Also, do not discard any type of oil like cooking oil or paint, grease and fat because it will clog your septic system. Even dairy products like milk, cream and butter are bad to send down the drain. It’s hard for dairy to break down in a septic tank because of the lack of oxygen. When you use a garbage disposal with a septic tank, the ground-up food particles add to the layer of solids deposited on the bottom of your tank. That’s why homeowners need to be extra vigilant that the only material they put down a garbage disposal is biodegradable food.