How To Keep Your Septic Tank Healthy

The average septic system can last up to 30 years as long as you schedule a septic tank maintenance service regularly. You might wonder how to keep a septic tank healthy between these appointments. The experts at Superior Sewer Solutions are here to share professional tips and tricks for maintaining your home’s septic system. 

Septic System Basics

Many people assume that the septic system consists of nothing more than a tank. While the tank plays a vital role, the drain field proves equally important. When maintaining septic systems, you should focus on tank pumping and drain field protection. Your tank pumping schedule will depend on the size of your tank and its overall use, but experts recommend scheduling services every few years. 

Septic Tank Maintenance Tips

Tank pumping services are a key part of septic system maintenance, but you should take matters into your own hands. Find out how to keep a septic tank healthy using the following tips. 

Reduce Your Water Usage

In order to keep a healthy bacteria balance within your tank and drain field, try not to fill it with too much water over a short period of time. Water conservation doesn’t have to be any major undertaking since there are simple ways you can cut back on your use, including:

• Taking shorter showers
• Washing larger loads of laundry so the machine gets less use
• Turning off the faucet while brushing your teeth
• Repairing leaky toilets or faucets

You can also upgrade some of your home’s plumbing fixtures to conserve water. For example, older toilets can use several gallons of water every time you flush. Modern models have powerful flushes that minimize the amount of water needed.

Put Only Permitted Items Down Your Drains

Your septic system won’t be able to process non-biodegradable items, so be mindful of what you send down your toilet and sink drains. Your septic tank shouldn’t serve as a grease disposal or take anything other than water from your tap, toilet paper, and natural waste. Put items like coffee grounds, cooking grease, and feminine hygiene products in the garbage rather than down your drains. 

Care for the Exterior Area

Part of knowing how to keep a septic tank healthy is remembering that it’s a long-term fixture on your property. Many homeowners end up with damaged systems because they fail to consider this and end up driving over the area or digging into the drain field.

Planting grass over the area is a simple way to avoid unwanted physical damage. This not only prevents soil erosion but also improves the look of your yard. You can also grow some plants near the drain field, but be mindful of the amount of water they require. Choose plants that don’t need much moisture since you don’t want to flood the drain field. 

Limit Surface Water 

Ask a professional how to keep a septic tank healthy, and they’ll tell you that the surface water near your system makes a huge difference. You don’t want to inundate the septic system with too much rainwater since this can lead to soil erosion and underground damage.

Ask local contractors about your landscaping and whether creating a drainage system away from your septic equipment is possible. You should also adjust any water coming from your gutter downspouts and basement sump pumps so it diverts away from the septic system. 

The Dangers of Neglecting Septic Tank Maintenance

Failing to maintain your septic tank can lead to serious problems. The tank could fill and create sewage backup, ultimately leading to unpleasant odors and malfunctioning plumbing fixtures. The biggest concern for homeowners and their communities is contaminated groundwater. 

As harmful bacteria and contaminants infiltrate the outlet drain, various ecosystems are in danger. These toxins pollute local bodies of water and raise concerns about your drinking water. If you consume large amounts of contaminated water, your health can suffer as a result and increase your risk of contracting illnesses like hepatitis and typhoid fever.

Let Superior Sewer Solutions Improve Your Septic System – Request a Quote Today

If you’re unfamiliar with septic systems, you might not know how to keep a septic tank healthy or choose the right size of septic tank for your household. Turn to Superior Sewer Solutions for professional assistance. We’re Jefferson City’s leading sewer and septic company with services for residential, commercial, and municipal customers. 

Connect with us online or call (573) 301-0141 to request a free estimate for septic tank maintenance services and more.