Septic System Maintenance: An Introduction

It's important to take good care of your septic tank as it holds toxic waste. Your tank can last for decades, but you might have problems with it if you don't clean it out when needed. It's possible for sewage to get in your house or in your yard and make a big mess that endangers your family or pets. Here are some tips for maintaining your tank, including having regular septic tank services.

Keep Up With Required Inspections

When the septic tank service pumps your tank out, they check for common problems, but your state may still require an official inspection every few years. Learn the laws that apply to your septic system so that you stay in compliance.

Inspections are beneficial for you too since they find problems you may not know about. If your tank is leaking, it can contaminate your land and the groundwater, necessitating repairs. A septic tank service might seal cracks in a concrete tank or replace the tank entirely.

Have The Tank Cleaned Regularly

One of the most important septic tank services you can keep up with is pumping the sludge out. You'll need a contractor to do this since the sludge has to be disposed of properly. Sludge accumulates in the tank over time, and the only way to get rid of it is to pump it out.

The sludge isn't supposed to drain into the drainfield or the drainfield will get clogged. Only wastewater is supposed to drain out of the tank and go to the field to be filtered as it sinks through the soil.

Protect Your Tank

Your tank has a better chance of processing waste properly and filling up slower if you are careful about what you put down your drains. Only flush things that dissolve quickly and that won't disturb the bacterial balance in your tank.

Also, protect the tank outdoors by not planting trees near the tank that could send roots inside the tank and pipes to cause clogging. Mark the location of the tank to ensure you remember where it's buried. Driving over it might cause the tank to crack or collapse.

Protect The Drainfield

A drainfield can be compacted by driving over it. The field might clog if it's invaded by tree roots or a biofilm. When your drainfield fails, it could affect your tank too by causing it to clog or backup. If the drainfield isn't working, your toilets and sinks won't drain properly, and waste may puddle up in your yard instead.

It's easy to forget about your septic system since it's underground, but never forget it's there if you drive through your backyard or build a new shed or patio. If you protect the tank and drainfield, your system should have a long life and need fewer repairs.

Reach out to a company such as Texas Pride Septic, Inc. to find out more.