Your septic tank is the most crucial working part of your septic system. It is where the majority of the work of sanitizing your water takes place—it separates the waste from the water so that the water can continue through the system to be purified. If you experience a problem with your septic tank, your entire system will not be able to function. Uncared-for septic tanks often result in sewage backups into the home or overflow of waste solids into the drain field of the septic system. Both of these problems are messy, smelly, and will cost you steep amounts of money to fix.
The good news is that this can all be easily avoided if you are a responsible homeowner and take care of your septic tank. Here are some tips that will help you keep your septic tank in good working order and avoid a sewage disaster:
- NEVER flush “un-flushables” down the toilet. Avoid flushing wipes, feminine hygiene products, diapers, paper towels, etc. Toilet paper is really the only manufactured item that should be flushed into septic tanks.
- AVOID pouring fat, grease, or oil down your drain. These items are liquid when warm but solidify when cold so they stick to the insides of your septic system and can build up until they create a clog.
- REDUCE your water usage. Too much water entering your septic system will make it so your septic tank can’t do its job. The solid waste won’t have time to settle to the bottom of the tank; it will end up being flushed out into your drain field instead.
- DON’T put harsh chemicals or cleaners down your drain. These can kill the microbes and good bacteria that are hard at work in your septic tank.