It is easy to forget about home maintenance tasks when the system is out of sight. Many septic issues happen because the septic system is “out of sight, out of mind.” While you don’t need to climb into your septic tank regularly (nor should you!), there are some maintenance tasks and septic care tips you should know about to help you avoid septic repair or even premature failure of the septic tank or drain field.
- No FOGs- FOG stands for fat, oil, and grease. These substances should never be allowed to go down the drain, as they will clog the drain pipes and potentially flow out to the drain field and clog it. Soak up excess grease from your cookware using paper towels and place them in your household trash. Use of a grease bucket is another option.
- Conserve water- Too much water at one time overwhelms septic tanks and drain fields. Space out showers, laundry loads, and other high water usage tasks.
- Be aware of your tank size- It is great to have guests, but remember that your septic system was designed for a certain family size based on the number of bedrooms in your home. Long-term guests can lead to septic system failure. Ask your septic company if you need to replace the system with a larger one if you’ll have several extra family members living with you.
- Do not flush non-biodegradable items- Do not flush feminine products, diapers, cigarette butts, paper towels, facial tissue, baby wipes, or other such items. Some products will state they are septic safe, but in reality, they are not good for your septic system. If something won’t dissolve in a bucket or glass of water within a few hours, don’t flush it.
- Don’t use antibacterial products- Your septic system needs beneficial bacteria to break down solids, so don’t use antibacterial hand soap or other products. You should also avoid excessive amounts of any harsh chemicals, including drain cleaners, bleach, and household cleaners.
- Have your septic tank pumped regularly- Every family is different, so how frequently you should have this done varies. It is better to do too frequently than wait too long.
- Outdoor tips- Do not put excessive weight on top of or build a structure over the septic tank, drain field, or drain lines. Also avoid planting any landscaping with a major root system too close to your septic system.
If you would like more maintenance and care tips to avoid septic repair, or if you need septic repair at your home in the Wilmington, North Carolina area, reach out to us at Sewer & Drain Medic. As a veteran-owned company, we take customer service seriously, so you can be confident you’ll get straightforward answers about your septic repair and maintenance needs.