The septic tank may be the most overlooked and undervalued utility in your home, perhaps because it is out of your sight. It’s buried beneath your backyard, and it’s out there—constantly working. When you’re at work, it is working. When you’re eating dinner, it continues working. And when you’re sleeping, it’s still out there in the dark—working.
We would like to share a few tips with you on how to take care of your septic tank:
What not to flush
What you put into your septic system greatly affects its ability to do its job. Remember, your septic system contains living organisms that digest and treat waste. As a general rule of thumb, do not dispose of anything in your septic system that can just as easily be put in the trash. Your system is not designed to be a garbage can and solids build up in the septic tank that will eventually need to be pumped. The more solids that go into the tank, the more frequently the tank will need to be pumped, and the higher the risk for problems to arise. In the kitchen, avoid washing food scraps, coffee grinds, and other food items down the drain. Grease and cooking oils contribute to the layer of scum in the tank and also should not be put down the drain.
Record keeping
It is very important to keep a detailed record of all inspections, pumpings, permits, repairs, and any other maintenance to your system along with a sketch of where your septic system is located. Having this information on hand for service visits can save you both time and money. Learn the location of your septic system, and keep a diagram or sketch of it with your maintenance records. Inspecting your septic system annually is a good way to monitor your system’s health. Inspections can reveal problems before they become serious, and by checking the levels of sludge and scum in your tank, you can get a more accurate idea of how often it should be pumped.
Use water wisely all around the house
Water conservation is very important for septic systems because continual saturation of the soil in the drain field can affect the quality of the soil and its ability to naturally remove toxics, bacteria, viruses, and other pollutants from the wastewater. The most effective way to conserve water around the house is to first take stock of how it is being wasted. Immediately repair any leaking faucets or running toilets, and use dishwashers only when full.
Why is maintenance of your septic system so important?
There are three main reasons why septic system maintenance is so important. The first reason is money. Failing septic systems are expensive to repair or replace, and improper maintenance by homeowners is a common cause of early system failure. The minimal amount of preventative maintenance that septic systems require costs very little in comparison to the cost of a new system.
The second and most important reason to properly maintain your system is the health of your family, your community, and the environment. When septic systems fail, inadequately treated household wastewater is released into the environment. Any contact with untreated human waste can pose a significant risk to public health. Untreated wastewater from failing septic systems can contaminate nearby wells, groundwater, and drinking water sources.
A third reason to maintain your septic system is to maintain the economic health of your community. Failing septic systems can cause property values to decline. Sometimes building permits cannot be issued for these properties. Also, failing septic systems may contribute to the pollution of local rivers, lakes, and shoreline that your community uses for commercial or recreational activities.
Proper operation and maintenance of your septic system can have a significant impact on how well it works and how long it lasts, with proper care and maintenance, your septic system can continue to work for you for at least 25 to 30 years.
Inspecting your septic system annually is a good way to monitor your system‘s health. Inspections can reveal problems before they become serious, and by checking the levels of sludge and scum in your tank, you can get a more accurate idea of how often it should be pumped. Contact the professionals at Triple P Sanitation for all your maintenance and septic tank cleaning in Williams Lake, BC.
To learn more about how our services can help you save time and money, call 250-392-4414 or fill out our contact us form.
