How Can Homeowners Help With Cleaning Their Septic Tank?
As a homeowner with a septic tank, you may wonder how much of the cleaning and maintenance you can do on your own, and how much should be hired out. Cleaning a septic tank is a very in-depth process that is both challenging and delicate. As such, it should be left to the professionals. However, there are many things that you can do for your septic tank, which could make the cleaning process easier.
Improve Water Efficiency
The amount of water going into your septic tank each day will likely determine if your system is going to succeed or fail. The average residential home uses about 70 gallons a day. This water goes through the septic tank and any waste therein sinks to the bottom to become sludge. If your system is inundated with water, as can happen with a running toilet or leaky faucet, the amount of water going into the system may swell to something like 200 gallons a day. That much water can easily fill a 750 or 1,250-gallon tank, causing a big problem in the drain field. If you want to keep your system running smoothly, improve your home's water efficiency and fix any plumbing issues as soon as they arise.
Don't Flush Potential Problems
Anything you put down your sinks, drains, or toilets will end up in your septic tank. If you or your family members flush items that will not degrade into sludge, you are going to have issues when it comes time to have your system cleaned. Putting random objects such as cooking grease, feminine hygiene products, cat litter, or diapers into your septic tank may cause issues when draining the tank, or your tank may need to be cleaned more often because it is filled up with garbage. Educate your family members on what things can go into the system and what things should be avoided.
Protect the Drain Field
The drain field is essential for a successful septic tank system. This is where all of the water that goes through the system ends up to water the grass and evaporate away. Landscaping in the drain field can actually damage the septic tank with root systems, so it should be avoided. If roots get into your system cleaning it may be extremely challenging.
In conclusion, you may not want to clean your septic tank on your own, but you can make the process easier by caring for your system throughout the year. If you have additional questions about septic tank cleaning or maintaining your system throughout the year, call a septic tank company near you.