What’s hiding beneath your lawn isn’t just dirt, but your home’s digestive system. Skipping septic maintenance once can lead to big trouble the next time you flush.
A well-maintained and functional septic system works by protecting the environment by removing pollution from surface water. These systems eliminate the need for communities to build large sewage treatment plants.
The irony is, the more septic system maintenance matters, the more it is overlooked by majority of homeowners. Do you know that septic systems serve an astounding 60 million people in the United States? (As reported by the Environmental Protection Agency).
The lack of septic system maintenance can lead to unpleasant disasters for you and your property. You can count on us for reliable Hillsborough County Septic services. But before you hop for maintenance services, learn why septic system maintenance matters, and discover THINGS NEVER TO FLUSH!
Why Septic System Maintenance Services Matter?
Homes with septic systems need regular upkeep to avoid serious issues. They are essential in treating domestic wastewater by combining technology and natural processes. Your septic system can avoid any possible problems with proper use and maintenance.
While installing or maintaining your septic tank, never forget to consider;
- The soil type
- Household size
- Site slope
- Lot size
- Proximity to water bodies
Whereas, improper installation can result in issues. This makes it imperative to follow a strict septic system maintenance checklist.
Some quick benefits of septic system maintenance;
- Saves you money
You should expect to pay $250 to $500 for routine septic system repair every three to five years. The cost of replacing or repairing a malfunctioning system can range from $5,000 to $15,000 for a traditional system and even more for alternative solutions, so this expenditure pales in comparison.
The size of your system and the number of occupants in your house will affect the necessary pumping frequency. Budget appropriately by keeping in mind the septic system maintenance Hillsborough County cost.
- Protects Your Property’s Value
A broken septic system can lower the value of your home and perhaps expose you to costly legal issues. Whether you’re buying or selling a house with an on-site wastewater system, maintaining it is crucial to your investment.
- Keeps You and Your Neighbors Healthy
It is well known that household wastewater contains high levels of phosphate and nitrogen, as well as dangerous germs and viruses. A well-managed septic system maintenance can effectively remove all hazardous pollutants.
On the other hand, poor maintenance can contaminate groundwater, which can cause diseases in humans and animals. Untreated sewage can also contaminate nearby surface waterways, putting swimmers at risk for ear and eye infections, gastrointestinal issues, and hepatitis.
- Protects the Environment
Every day, more than four billion gallons of wastewater are released underground. Domestic wastewater that has not been properly handled can contaminate groundwater, putting drinking water sources and the environment at risk. Local waters may be harmed by chemicals, bacteria, and viruses that leak from broken septic systems.
After entering the ground, these chemicals eventually find their way into lakes, rivers, and streams, harming nearby ecosystems and killing fish, shellfish, and plants. By being aware of Florida septic system regulations, you can manage your septic system to promote healthier communities.
If you reside in Hillsborough County, stay updated with septic system maintenance Hillsborough county cost to guarantee that your system operates effectively.
Moving to the Septic System Maintenance Checklist
Remember, the improvement begins with making daily lifestyle changes, quitting hazardous habits, and making positive changes. Pursuing this approach, the first thing that counts is.
THINGS NOT TO FLUSH – Keep Your Septic System Functioning Properly
1. Flushable Wipes
Cotton wipes should never be flushed down the drain, even if the label states they are “flushable.” These wipes are not biodegradable and can build up over time. As a result, you may face major plumbing problems and obstructions in your septic system.
Avoid pouring additional cotton-based materials down your drains for the upkeep of your septic system, such as:
- Sanitary napkins and tampons
- Swabs and cotton balls
- Paper towels and diapers
2. Grease, Fat & Oil
Water and trash decompose differently from grease and oil. If you pour these materials down the drain, they can clog your septic tank, which will stop the waste from flowing. In severe cases, clogged sewer lines can form, causing messy backups, resulting in sewage backups, seriously disrupting your system.
Grease, fats, and oils should be poured into a can so they can securely harden before being disposed of for efficient septic system maintenance. Another way to keep your drains clear is to use a paper towel to wipe down your pans before washing them.
3. Cat Litter
If you own a cat, never pour cat litter down the sink. Most litter types can cause a big harm to your plumbing since they expand when wet. Even cat litter that is flushable and biodegradable might harm your septic system!
4. Medications
Never pour liquid drugs, pills, or capsules down the sink. In addition to clogging your pipes and drains, these can erode your septic system over time, necessitating far more costly septic system repair services.
Instead, carefully dispose of prescriptions by dumping them in the garbage.
5. Food Waste
It is not a good idea to put food down the drain, especially if you have a septic system. Your system may experience issues even when you use a garbage disposal. While it’s best to avoid wasting any food, some things should not end up in the sink, such as:
- Eggshells
- Ground coffee
- Starchy foods, such as potatoes and rice
- Foods high in fiber, such as celery and broccoli
Practice disposing of food waste in your compost or trash can rather than down the drain.
6. Trash
Never flush anything down your drains that you usually discard in the trash. This includes;
- Dental floss
- Contact lenses
- Cigarette butts
Choose the garbage can over your drain pipes if you’re unsure. It will benefit both your pocketbook and your septic system!
Here’s another key tip to keep in mind,
The Dos & Don’ts Of Septic Tank Maintenance
DO
Schedule Regular Septic Tank Emptying
Scheduling routine septic tank emptying is one of the most essential parts of septic system management. Sludge and scum accumulate over time, which might impair the tank’s capacity to treat wastewater adequately. Thus, never hesitate approaching us for Hillsborough County septic services to prevent overflow and blockages.
Make Use of Septic-Safe Items
Always use items that are safe for septic systems when cleaning your house. Harsh chemicals and bleach can disrupt the delicate bacterial balance in your septic system, reducing its ability to break down waste. Choose low-phosphate, biodegradable cleaning products made especially for septic systems instead.
Here are some effective septic-safe alternatives:
– Baking soda
– White vinegar
– Mild, biodegradable dish soaps
– Oxygen-based bleach
Maintain a Green Zone Around the Septic Field
The space above and surrounding your septic field—the “Green zone”—is essential to keep a healthy and functioning septic system. By covering the septic field with grass, surplus precipitation can be absorbed, and soil erosion can be avoided. Remember these pointers to keep your green zone in good condition:
- Do not place heavy items, such as cars or storage structures, on the septic field to avoid compaction of the soil.
- To avoid oversaturation, divert surface runoff and rainfall away from the septic field.
Conduct Regular Septic Tank Inspections
Regular septic tank checks are essential for identifying possible problems before they become major ones. At Coleman Tank Solutions, our team will evaluate the state of your septic tank, look for leaks or damage, and confirm that every part is operating as it should.
Do not ignore if you notice the following signs;
-Wet or wet spots in the yard above the septic tank or drain field
– Gurgling sounds or slow drains in the plumbing
– Odors near the drain field or septic tank
– Sewage backlog in toilets or drains
DON’T
Flush Non-Biodegradable Items
Septic tanks are designed to take in biodegradable toilet paper and human waste. Non-biodegradable things might clog your system and even harm it if you flush them. Do not flush the following items to safeguard your septic system:
– Condoms
– Products for feminine hygiene
– Diapers that are disposable
– Cotton balls and swabs
– Butts from cigarettes
– Dental floss
– Cat litter
Flush Grease Or Cooking Oils
Grease and cooking oil buildup in your septic tank might result in clogs when they are poured down the drain. These substances build up to create a thick layer of scum, which hinders the septic tank’s operation.
- To lessen the quantity of oil that enters your septic system, use a paper towel to wipe oily dishes, pots, and pans before washing them.
- To catch excess oil before it reaches the septic tank, consider installing grease traps in your kitchen sink.
Neglect Septic Tank Repairs
Don’t disregard any indications of septic tank problems, such as sluggish drains, sewage backups, or disagreeable smells. Ignoring critical repairs can eventually result in more expensive and significant damage. The following are some typical septic tank issues that require prompt attention:
– Septic tank leaks or cracks
– Clogged or damaged pipes
Septic system parts that aren’t working properly, like baffles or filters, or tree roots getting into the drain field or septic tank.
Common Questions About Septic System Maintenance
Who is in charge of septic system maintenance?
The system’s owner—the homeowner, property owner, homeowner’s association, or other accountable management organization—is in charge of its general operation, upkeep, and maintenance, including any necessary replacements or repairs.
How frequently ought I to have my septic tank pumped?
A septic tank should generally be pumped every three to five years and examined every one to three years. The size of the septic tank, the number of people living there, water usage patterns, and the quantity of solids that have collected in the tank all affect how frequently the tank needs to be pumped.
What kind of additives are acceptable for use in my septic system?
The EPA does not offer product recommendations for specific septic systems. Commercially available enzyme and microbiological additives are marketed to lessen the buildup of sludge and scum in septic tanks.
What is the lifespan of a septic system?
Many pumps and controllers in your septic system will need to be replaced every ten to twenty years if it has one. Consult experts for lifespan projections if you have an advanced treatment device.
Is there anything I can flush down the toilet?
Only flush biodegradable items. These things can block your septic system and cause a failure, so never flush them down the toilet.
Come To Coleman Tank Solutions For Best Septic Tank Maintenance & Repair
It’s common to make mistakes, but it’s wiser learning from mistakes and take prompt action. We unintentionally send harmful materials down our drains, complain of clogged drains, and smelly toilets.
BEWARE! These issues can escalate quickly, and that’s when you need a professional’s help. At Coleman Tank Solutions, our expert plumbers are here to help. We have the knowledge and experience to handle even the toughest septic system challenges.
Don’t wait for a small problem to turn into a bigger headache. Your affordable go-to solution is just a call away!
