The humble septic tank is the waste water workhorse of many homes across the country. Homes that are not serviced by public sewers must have a way to dispose of waste water and septic tanks do just that. Wastewater septic systems consist of a tank and leach-field. The tank separates the solids from the wastewater and houses the bacteria that decompose the solid waste. The leach-field, also known as a drain-field, is where all the wastewater drains to.
A well taken care of system will last for years and cost very little. On the other hand, poorly maintained tanks will cause pollution, property damage, and health concerns. Follow these simple steps for septic preventative maintenance.
An ounce of prevention will spare a month of headaches. Kline’s recommends a 3 step maintenance plan for keeping your septic system running smoothly.
THE 3 STEP PREVENTATIVE MAINTENANCE PLAN:
- Regular system pumping every one to two years removes the sludge that collects over time.
- Bacterial additives such as CCLS add high levels of beneficial bacteria to the tank to break down solid waste.
- Installing a filter will prevent large particles from settling in the leaching area.
Another part of septic preventative maintenance is avoiding things that harm the system. According to Public Health and Social Services, using too much water and pouring chemicals into the system are habits to avoid. Using too much water at once will flood the tank and prevent solid wastes from separating efficiently. Pouring the old drain cleaners and other toxic products down the toilet is a bad idea as well. These chemicals will destroy the beneficial bacteria that break down solid waste.
Septic systems are delicate systems that require maintenance and care. Having the tank pumped, adding beneficial bacteria, and installing a filter are important steps in maintaining a septic system for years to come.