Septic Maintenance- Part 3

Another way to prevent unnecessary stress on your system is to know how many appliances are hooked up to your septic system and when they are operating.  Washing machines, dishwashers, showers, baths, and hot tubs all use a large quantity of water, and should never be used at the same time.  This large quantity of water, if drained all at the same time, has the possibility of stirring the solids in the bottom of the septic tank which can then make it to the drain field which reduces the effectiveness of the field and may clog the system.  If you can, do not use showers, washing machines and dishwashers at the same time.  This will allow the water to flow into the septic system and drain normally without stressing the system.  Hot tubs should never be drained into the septic system.  To drain it,  let the water cool and drain it onto the lawn or other location away from septic systems, drain systems, or the home itself, and in accordance with local regulations.

Garbage disposals also put a serious strain on the septic system.  Using one increases the amount of solids sent to the septic tank dramatically and decreases the time between pumpings.  In some cases the ground solids will float on the surface and may even pass to the drain field which can lead to blockages or other septic failures.  If you have a septic system, discontinue use of a garbage disposal to increase the life of your septic system and reduce the number of times you need to pump it.

Household chemicals and cleaners can seriously impact the function and degrade the physical structure of your septic system.  Most cleaning chemicals and cleaners should not be put down the toilet.  Depending on the chemical being used, it can kill the bacteria in your tank which help to naturally digest some of the solids and process the waste in the septic tank.  Without these bacteria, the tank will not function properly and will need to be pumped or serviced  much more often.  Hazardous waste such as gasoline, paint thinners, oils, paints, and pharmaceuticals should never be put into the septic system.  This dramatically increases the chance of polluting the soils and groundwater, and may cause serious damage to the septic systems’ structures and biological processes.

One of the easiest things you can do to help maintain your septic system is to keep good records of installations, pumpings and service calls.  With good records you will be able to help service personnel determine possible issues far easier as they will have a good history of the system and can help predict problems.  They will also be a good reminder of when you should have the system serviced or pumped to ensure a long-lasting and effective septic system.   CONTACT US ABOUT OUR MAINTENANCE PROGRAM.  WE GUARANTEE YOU WILL PASS A TITLE 5 INSPECTION IF YOU ARE ON OUR MAINTENANCE PROGRAM OR YOUR INSPECTION IS FREE.  ALL MAINTENANCE CUSTOMERS GET HALF OFF THE INSPECTION PRICE.

Remember, your toilet is not a catch-all for household waste.  It is far better to put whatever it is in the trash than into the septic system to help prevent costly repairs and repeated service calls.  If you do have questions or concerns about your septic system, don’t hesitate to call All-Clear Septic and Wastewater Services at 508-763-4431 today!

You can also visit www.allclearseptic.com for information.

This blog was posted on www.allclearseptic.com on December 9, 2015.