First of all, if you are a property owner with a septic system, take the time to understand your septic tank! As discussed in the previous blog, septic tank solid waste settles to the bottom and scum/sludge rises to the top. Excess liquid goes out to the drain field, either by gravity or with a septic pump. If your system has a filter (usually located in the outlet tee) learn how to quickly clean and care for it, if you have a pump system with an alarm, periodically test the alarm box to ensure its working. Bacteria breaks down the solids in the tank but they need to be pumped out every 2-3 years so buildup doesn’t occur so easily. Please consider regular use of enzyme treatments in your septic tank to replenish the natural bacteria within your tank, this with regular pumping will allow your tank a longer life span.
Know the location of your tank and drain field and keep vehicles, livestock, and heavy equipment off of the septic area. Avoid building directly over your leach field that limits access to your septic tank. Do not flush household items like feminine hygiene products, diapers, dental floss, kitty litter, coffee grounds, chemicals, grease, paint etc., into your septic tank. Please flush responsibly! Provide good maintenance around the tank, cut down all large trees and shrubs near tank and drain (leach field) and keep it clear of roots as the roots of trees can damage pipes and the tank. Be especially careful of trees with aggressive roots such as willow trees and don’t put drain or gutter rain runoff in these areas.
Your system could be failing if you notice any of the following:
- Slow flushing toilets
- Water backing up into toilets, sinks, laundry machines
- Depressions or indentations forming in soil
- Gurgling sounds when flushing toilet or running water are heard
- Unpleasant smell around home/property/septic tank
- Grass is a deeper green color around septic system area
- Unusual patches of soggy grass or puddles
Get your tank pumped! Depending on the region septic tank pumping can run from $250-$800 dependent on the health of the tank and volume being pumped. If your septic tank lids are underground and need to be exposed this will add additional cost.
Contact Pro Rooter and Septic, a licensed, insured, and qualified team of plumbing and septic service professionals to inspect and care for your septic tank. Keeping a properly maintained septic system will allow your tank a long-life span and keep your family happy and healthy. Ask about our Pro Rooter reoccurring septic maintenance schedule so we can take proper care of your septic tank so you won’t have to.