A Quick Guide to Septic Tank Maintenance

Around 25 percent of US homes use a septic tank system. Septic tanks offer an affordable and efficient means of waste disposal for homes that aren’t connected to a sewage system.

But having access to your own sewage treatment facility means taking responsibility for septic tank maintenance. Otherwise, your septic tank may start to pose a risk to human health and the local environment. Plus, regular septic tank maintenance costs a lot less than a total septic system replacement. 

So, what should you do to keep your septic tank in good working order? Check out these septic tank maintenance tips to learn more! 

Get Regular Inspections

Regular septic tank maintenance service checks help prevent system failure and increase the longevity of your system. The recommended frequencies of different system inspections are usually as follows:

• Pressure distribution systems – every year
• Proprietary system (e.g. aerobic treatment unit (ATU) or drip irrigation) – every year 
• Mound or sand filter systems – every year
• Gravity systems – every three years

Remember, this is just a guide. Check the manufacturer’s recommendations as some systems may need more regular inspections. 

Keep to a Septic Tank Pumping Schedule

Routine septic tank pumping ensures that your system is breaking down solids and isn’t at risk of clogging the drain field. 

To keep your septic system flowing, it needs pumping at least every three years. That said, septic systems serving households with more members may need more frequent pumping, while the geographical positioning of your home can also affect your ideal pumping schedule. If you’re in any doubt, head to patrickesperseptic.com for expert advice and more.  

Be Water-Wise

Septic tank maintenance means doing your bit too. Every drop of water that you send down your home’s pipes winds up in your septic system. The more water you can conserve, the less the septic system has to work. 

Follow these water-saving tips to increase the life of your septic system and reduce the necessity for more frequent septic tank pumping and maintenance checks. 

Think at the Sink (And Before You Flush!)

Everything you pour into the sink or flush down the toilet enters your household septic system.

To avoid clogging up the pipes or destroying the essential bacteria in your system, never dump medications, excessive amounts of cleaning fluids, or grease down the drain or into the toilet. And remember, the only things you should ever flush down the toilet are the “three Ps” – pee, poop, and (toilet) paper!

As for your home’s garbage disposal unit, although it grinds down waste food and the like, these small particles can build up and lead to a clog on your drainfield. So, where possible, avoid using it. 

Your Guide to Septic Tank Maintenance

As well as protecting your household and the local environment, keeping up with septic tank maintenance will help you avoid the expense and inconvenience of a total septic system replacement. But remember, the best way to ensure that your septic system continues working well between maintenance checks is to use it with care. 

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