Septic tanks treat and dispose of wastewater for homes that public sewers don’t serve. Many homeowners don't know much about septic systems other than knowing their house runs on one. However, being uninformed about septic tanks can lead to a lot of frustrations.
Thus, learning about your septic system is the key to ensuring that it stays healthy. With more knowledge, you can better maintain your septic system and understand what you should do if something goes wrong.
The following are four facts about the septic system you might not know.
1. You Can't Flush Everything
Down the Toilet
Just because you can fit an item in the toilet doesn't mean you should flush it. Ideally, you only want to flush organic waste into the septic system. A septic system is delicate, and flushing non-biodegradable items risk clogs, backup, and pipe damage.
Some everyday items that you should not force down the toilet include:
- Baby wipes
- Hairs
- Fats, oils, or cooking grease
- Heavy toilet paper
- Cigarette butts
Eventually, you have to filter out the problematic items above, as they interfere with the system's ability to break down waste. As a result, homeowners often face additional pumping costs.
2. Your Pumping Schedule Is Different Than Other Homes
Generally, you should pump your septic tank every three to five years. However, the most critical factor for the pumping schedule is the level of sludge and scum in the tank.
The frequency of pumping depends on several other factors:
- The size of your household
- The volume of wastewater
- The septic tank size
- The volume of solids in the wastewater
Always pump your septic tank at the proper interval. Pumping more often means you'll overspend, and the failure to pump is detrimental to your septic system. A professional can help you determine the ideal time pumping schedule for your system.
3. Your Septic System Shouldn’t Have Harmful Chemical Drain Cleaners
A septic system relies on naturally occurring bacteria to break down the solid waste in the tank. Most homeowners will quickly reach for chemical drain cleaners when faced with a clogged drain.
Chemicals are excellent for killing germs around the house but are not the best solution for drain cleaning. Chemicals are not ideal because they are highly corrosive.
The cleaners kill natural enzymes and bacteria in the septic tank, making it less effective in treating sewage and wastewater. Repeated use of chemicals can lead to pipe damage and contamination of the underground water supply.
Alternative septic safe methods of clearing a clog include:
- Hot water
- A biological enzyme cleaner
- A plumbing snake
- Vinegar and baking soda mixture
4. You Can Use a Garbage Disposal With the Septic System
The garbage disposal system is a fixture of immense value to any kitchen. And yes, you can use your septic system and the garbage disposal. But food waste breaks down slower than, say, septic toilet paper.
While the two can coexist, take some precautions to avoid problems with your septic system. And like any other equipment, the septic tank needs care and attention. Consider these septic system do's and don'ts
to avoid complications that will strain your wallet.
For the longevity of your septic system, be aware of what you can and cannot put down the garbage disposal. For food waste, dispose of it in a compost pit or trash.
A septic system is a complicated but essential part of your home. Hopefully, this article has given you great insight into septic systems, including how to care for them. If you need more information about septic tanks, contact us, and we'll be happy to help.
