Four Tips For The First-Time Homeowner Of A Septic System

Septic systems are still common in rural areas or any place where there simply is no sewer line near the property. If you have just purchased a home that has a septic system and this is your first time having one, you are likely to have questions about maintaining this type of self-contained sewage system. The following are a few good tips to keep your system working at its best.

Be careful what you put down your drains

Normally, your only concern with drain pipes that connect to the sewer is avoiding a clogged drain. As long as it makes it down the drain pipe, you're okay. But a septic system is more sensitive. Solids must biodegrade, but a lot of food waste will not do this in a septic tank. No cooking oil or grease should be put down the drain. In addition, coffee grounds should be thrown in the trash. If you have a garbage disposal, you should not put egg shells down it. Because many foods do not break down well, it is best to avoid using your garbage disposal as much as possible. Instead, use your trash or start a compost pile.

Be careful what you flush down your toilet

The only thing you should flush down your toilet is human waste and toilet paper. Do not flush anything else, including something as simple as a cigarette butt. The reason for this is that septic systems are more susceptible to stoppages than a main sewer line that connects to a large municipal sewer line.

You don't need any additives

There are chemicals that are sold on the market that make all sorts of claims, but the natural bacteria associated with waste will break down all of the human waste that enters the septic tank.

Keep your drain field clear

Don't use the drain field for anything other than some grass. There may be possibilities of planting certain types of bushes, but you should talk to a local landscaper. Other than this, you should not allow any cars to drive over the field nor anything else that will apply pressure to the field because this can damage the drainage system.

One thing that every septic system owner must do is have the tank pumped. No matter how well you maintain the system or how careful you are to not to put the wrong things down the drain, at some point, you will need the tank pumped. There will always be a buildup of sludge over time. But if you are careful, you won't have to pump your tank every year. The other steps you take will help to reduce repair work that may be needed over the lifetime of a septic system. Contact a service, like LP Murray, for more help.