How do I keep my septic system healthy?

How do I keep my septic system healthy?

How to Keep Your Septic System Healthy

1. How the Septic System Works.
2. Don’t Overload the Septic Tank and Drain field.
3. Use an Efficient Toilet.
4. Don’t Treat the Toilet as a Garbage Disposal.
5. Don’t Pour Grease Down the Drain.
6. Divert Rain Water From the Septic Drain Field.
7. Keep Trees Away from the Septic System.

What is the average life expectancy of a septic system?

15 to 40 years
The lifespan of a septic system varies widely — from 15 to 40 years. This is because there are many factors that affect a septic tank’s life expectancy, including its materials and whether it has experienced damage from vehicle traffic, flooding by groundwater or clogging by roots.

What causes a septic tank to fail in a home?

The fourth most common reason for septic system failure is due to biomat buildup inside the septic system. Biomat is a sludge-type of buildup of black material that clogs everything it comes in contact with. Biomat build up is nearly unstoppable, so this means that EVERY septic system begins to die, as soon as the first toilet is flushed.

When is it time to empty your septic tank?

Let’s take a look at these signs. If your toilets are not flushing or your sinks are clogged up, it is time for the tank to be emptied. However, if your tank was recently emptied, there is likely another problem with your septic system, such as a damaged pipe or drain field.

What happens when there is a clog in the septic system?

This happens when there is a clog in your septic system ventilation, trapping septic gasses. As soon as you notice this happening, immediately call your local septic system emergency service to clear your vent and eliminate that foul sewer odor. Keep in mind that septic system gases include carbon dioxide, hydrogen sulfide, and methane.

What’s the myth about no pump septic system?

The no-pump myth comes from companies selling septic additives. The claim is that adding secret microbes and enzymes to the system can foster complete sewage digestion, eliminating the need to have the tank pumped every few years. It’s an attractive idea, but risky and based mostly on hope.

Where does waste go after it goes through the septic system?

Properly Dispose of Waste. Whether you flush it down the toilet, grind it in the garbage disposal, or pour it down the sink, shower, or bath, everything that goes down your drains ends up in your septic system. What goes down the drain affects how well your septic system works. Your septic system is not a trash can.

How often should a septic tank be pumped out?

These problems may be common in septic tank systems, but the good news is that there are also basic steps that you can take to avoid them. Conventional septic tanks must be pumped out at least every two to five years. This prevents the accumulation of solid wastes in the tank.

The no-pump myth comes from companies selling septic additives. The claim is that adding secret microbes and enzymes to the system can foster complete sewage digestion, eliminating the need to have the tank pumped every few years. It’s an attractive idea, but risky and based mostly on hope.

Why do I have problems with my septic tank?

A lot of the common septic tank problems are caused by things that should not be entering your septic tank through the toilet, kitchen sink, or garbage disposal unit, in the first place. But aside from these non-organic materials finding their way into your tank, there are other causes of common septic system issues. They include: