Your septic system is a crucial part of your house. It collects all the waste and prevents your house from smelling like a dumpster. But certain things can cause damage to the septic system leading to costly repairs or replacements. Follow below to know about the common mistakes made by homeowners that damage their septic systems. A common mistake is that they avoid contacting septic companies unless they start seeing problems.
Not Pumping The Septic Tank
Pumping the septic tank is important. A septic system is filled with all kinds of waste and the solid part of the waste can settle at the bottom. It’s important not to leave the tank undisturbed for too long, otherwise, the solid sludge can turn into a rocky substance and it can cause the pipes to get clogged. This will eventually cause your tank to overflow because the existing waste has nowhere to go.
Therefore, after every 2-4 years, make sure to have the septic tank pumped and cleaned. Failing to do so can cause problems like waste overflowing back to your home or on the yard.
Using More Water Than Required
Septic tanks are meant to hold wastewater, but there can come a time when the water exceeds a certain limit and that’s not what you want. You have to get your septic tank pumped before that happens. This can be because of a couple of reasons. The most common one is excessive use of water.
If you are someone who flushes the toilet more than required or leaves the tap open for too long, then obviously your tank will be brimming with water sooner than you would want.
You should use water mindfully for not only keeping the level of the tank in check, but it’s generally better for the environment too. So, always monitor your water usage and don’t let the septic system get flooded with water. Moreover, have the septic tank inspected once in every 2-3 years.
Flushing Solid Things
You might have heard of this plenty of times, but it’s a mistake that can cost you a lot. You aren’t meant to flush things like sanitary pads, tissues, diapers, baby wipes, and even fabrics in the toilet. It’s not a wise thing to do and you’ll be clogging your drains and the septic tank in no time which will result in the wastewater backing up.
Just remember that your toilet isn’t a garbage can, so don’t treat it like one either. So, whatever you do, reserve things like napkins, hygiene products, and any other thing that is not septic safe for throwing in the garbage bin.
Disposal Of Medicines
If you have old and expired medicines lying around and are thinking of flushing them down the toilet, then stop yourself right there. You don’t want to flush down any chemical in the toilet, because it can damage the septic tank and it can also kill the bacteria inside. You might think that the medicine killing the bacteria sounds a good thing, but it’s not.
A septic system has bacteria in it naturally, which helps to break down the waste to make it manageable. If you flush medicines that could potentially harm the bacteria, then you’re jeopardizing a natural procedure and that’s not what you want. There are other, more effective, and safe ways to dispose of medicines. So, try those things out instead of resorting to the toilet and flushing things down.
Having Trees Near The Septic Tank
Your septic tank is usually outside and there might be an abundance of greenery in the surroundings. But it’s not good for your septic tank and plumbing at all. If there are growing trees and shrubs near the septic tank, then there can be problems. Trees have roots and once they grow, they’re kind of uncontrollable.
They can even crack through the concrete and penetrate inside and that’s not what you want to take place in your underground septic system because it’s going to do damage that will be hard to repair. So, plant trees away from the septic system and you’ll be fine.
Flushing Synthetic Items
There are many things you should not flush down the toilet. One of them is products made with synthetic items. Special cleaners, powders meant to add fragrance to the toilet, etc., aren’t things you want to flush down the toilet. That’s because they’re synthetic and not naturally biodegradable so they will pile up at the bottom of the tank and become sources of clogs in the system.
If you want to deal with the toilet or drain, then use natural methods like boiling water, lemon, and baking soda.
Doing Repairs By Yourself
DIY is great and all, but it doesn’t apply to every single thing. You can do small repairs around the house but when it comes to the septic system, there will be things that you just don’t understand and it’s better if you don’t try to DIY this one.
The last thing you need is to try to solve a problem only to end up making it a bigger problem. That’s not smart and convenient. So, it’s better to handle the tasks over a septic tank service MD as the professionals hired by these services have the skills and tools to perform any septic system repair or replacement properly and safely.
Constructing Things Over The Septic Tank
This is another thing that can damage the entire septic system. If you build a shed or a deck right over the septic tank or where the drain is, then you’re asking for an accident to happen. This can damage the pipes.
Moreover, as the septic tank requires cleaning every few years, it needs clear access. Building anything over it can block the access making septic tank inspection, pumping and cleaning difficult. So, keep the area where the septic tank is cordoned off as far as construction is concerned. If you don’t know where septic tank is located, hire a professional for guidance.
Not Taking The Signs Seriously
A septic system, if faulty, will give you signs for repairs. There will be puddles and leaks everywhere. There will be growth of greenery where it wasn’t before and there will be regurgitation in the drain and even the flush, accompanied by a very putrid smell. You need to keep your eyes open and nose clean for any signs. Ignoring these signs will only lead to the problem getting bigger over time.
Disposing Emollient Things
Many times, you will flush or throw things down the drain like grease, leftover oil, and things with an emollient consistency and texture. This is not smart at all because oil and fat are virtually insoluble in water and you’re damaging your pipes and septic tank to no extent.
Therefore, always dispose of fatty and greasy things the right way, and never flush them down the toilet or pour them down the drain, because you’re waiting for your septic system to cause problems.
Conclusion
Your septic system is a hidden but a critical part of your house which you must maintain well. Avoid the above-mentioned habits and don’t forget to schedule septic tank pumping Frederick County once every 3 years.
