Here are some processes involved in taking care of your septic system. Septic system tank repairs and maintenance is quite uncomplicated, and not necessarily expensive. To further buttress this point, below are 4 key factors associated with the service of septic tanks and leaching fields:
1. Frequent Inspection and Pumping
2. Efficient Use of Water
3. Proper Disposal of Waste
4. Maintenance of your Drain field
1. Frequent Inspection and Pumping
A routine inspection should be carried out on an average of once every 3 years for a small household septic system by a septic service professional. Pumping of septic tanks for an average household could be performed every three to five years. Alternative systems with electrical float switches, mechanical components or pumps should also be inspected regularly, preferably once a year.
Four major factors that influence the frequency of pumping the septic tank:
- The volume of solids in wastewater
- Size of Septic tank
- Size of Household
- Total wastewater generated
Ensure you keep records of maintenance work performed on your septic system.
Your T-shaped outlet in your septic tank prevents sludge and scum from leaving the tank and traveling to the drain field area.
Your tank would need to be pumped when the bottom of the scum layer is about 6” of the bottom of the outlet, or when the top of the sludge layer is about 12” of the outlet.
Keeping track of when the tank was pumped out, writing down the sludge and scum levels observed by the septic tank service is important for subsequent servicing.
Repairs should be noted judiciously in your septic service's report cards.
2. Efficient Use of Water
All water from a household goes down through the pipes and ends up in the septic system. The more water conserved by a household means less water going into the septic system. Using water efficiently improves the operation of a septic system and reduces the risk of failure.
Save water by using quality products which use minimal water to get maximum results; typical examples would be high-efficiency toilets, faucet aerators, and high-efficiency showerheads, washing machines etc.
3. Proper Waste Disposal
Whatever goes down the drain of your septic system affects how it works.
Flushing down, grinding it in the garbage disposal, or pouring it down the sink, bath, or shower, it all goes down your drain and ends up in the septic system. As a rule, never flush anything apart from human waste and toilet paper.
Keep in mind the following:
Grease from cooking oil, flushable wipes, feminine hygiene products, Condoms etc. don’t get placed into the septic tank, they clog it up over time and can cause major septic system failure.
Stay away from using drain cleaners and other chemicals for a clogged drain, use boiling water, drain snake or a hydro-jetting service instead.
4. Maintenance of your Drain Field
An important maintenance step towards good drain field maintenance culture involves the removal of contaminants from the liquid that comes from your septic tank. Here are some factors to consider if you would rather practice better maintenance culture than call the repairman every now and then.
- Plant your trees within an appropriate distance of the drain field to avoid plant roots from growing into the septic system.
- Do not park or drive over your leaching or drainage field area.
- Roof drains, rainwater drainage systems and sump pump exhaust pipes should be kept away from drain field area to keep it relatively dry and absorbent to process wastewater leaving the tank outlet pipe. If you follow these maintenance tips and suggestions you and your system will be in good shape. For the most current list of categories on septic system tanks and pumping, check out our homepage for all the topics we cover in the industry. Anyone interested in knowing more about Dr. Ed Horbachuk and his work with the environment is welcome to do so here.