Calling in the Contractors

Calling in the Contractors

Domestic Septic System: Maintenance for Better Health and Longer Service Life

by Frank Elliott

Septic tanks and systems are effective for managing domestic wastewater. These wastewater treatment structures are highly reliable and durable. Therefore, you will not need to purchase a replacement tank in the foreseeable or perform frequent repairs. On the other hand, the lifespan and performance of your system will depend on your care and maintenance practices. Negligence and irresponsible usage will result in premature failure. Here are practical guidelines on maintaining the health of your septic system and prolonging its service life.

Inspect, Repair and Pump

You should have your septic system inspected on a regular basis by a professional. This assessment is valuable because it will help you identify mechanical damage and other problems in time. When any issue is detected, always commission immediate repairs to avoid escalation. Ignoring the problems will often cause deterioration, necessitating expensive repairs or replacement. Naturally, your septic tank will require periodic pumping. The frequency of this process will depend on the size of the tank, the number of people in your household and the total waste generated. You can ask for pumping recommendations during your regular inspections.

Reduce Water Usage

Septic tanks use bacteria to decompose the disposed waste. If a lot of water flows into the receptacle, the total volume of material will increase. The bacteria present in the tank will not be able to handle the waste efficiently, and this will lead to inadequate waste treatment. When you use water efficiently in your home, you will ensure that the tank remains in excellent health. Excess water can come from leaks; fix leaking outlets to prevent the water flow. 

You should also consider replacing your old outlets with high-efficiency ones. For example, high-efficiency toilets, showerheads and taps will reduce the total volume of grey-water flowing into the tank. Also, watch your water usage when doing laundry. Ideally, you should run full loads to prevent water flow from multiple small loads. However, you should not wash all your laundry at once; spread the sessions all around the weak for controlled water flow.

Control Waste Disposal

As mentioned, septic systems treat wastewater using bacterial organisms. Therefore, you will compromise the health and longevity of the structure by disposing of items which cannot be easily decomposed into the tank. The toilet should only be used for toilet paper and human waste. Rubbish such as sanitary towels, condoms, wipes, paper towels and floss should not be disposed into the tank. Also, remember that disposing of grease and chemicals will compromise bacterial activity.


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About Me

Calling in the Contractors

Hello! My name is Andy and I have recently finished building my dream home by the ocean. I have always loved swimming and surfing in the sea so the idea of living by the beach has always appealed to me. I used to live in a small apartment but I worked hard and saved as much cash as I could. By the time I reached the age of 47, I finally had the funds to build my dream home. I called in a team of construction contractors who built my house. They were really great guys and I picked up a lot of knowledge during the months they were working with me. I will share some of the knowledge here.