Difference between revisions of "Maintain a Septic Tank"
(Maintain a Septic Tank) |
(No difference)
|
Revision as of 21:20, 13 October 2009
Maintain a Septic Tank
If you aren’t connected to a public sewage system, then you have a private
septic system and you need to keep it healthy and flowing free of contaminants.
Septic tanks are more prevalent in rural areas where the scenery is beautiful.
Don’t pollute the landscape or the environment by failing to properly maintain
your septic system.
You may not realize this at first, but how your property is landscaped will play
a vital rule in the engineering and overall condition of your septic system.
Your septic tank should be installed in an area which will not be susceptible to
excessive amounts of water flowing from roofs and driveways after it rains. Your
septic tank should not be placed under areas which will take on great amounts of
weight on a regular basis, like a driveway or a garage. Trees and other greenery
with deep roots should not be planted anywhere near your septic system. The
roots can destroy your septic system by breaking through it and/or causing large
cracks and blockages.
Properly disposing toxic chemicals will go a long way in protecting your septic
system. Cleaning products containing ingredients like bleach, paints, and nail
polish remover contain harmful chemicals that reek havoc on your septic system.
They are toxic and pollute the water flowing through your septic system. You may
want to consider using green cleaning products made with natural ingredients.
Other things like antibacterial soaps and laundry detergents that contain
phosphate will destroy healthy bacteria and eat away at solid waste. The use of
these items should be limited. Fats, oils and greases will also contribute to
blockages in your septic system.
There are several items that should never be flushed down the toilet. They
include things like paper towels, tampons, baby wipes, q-tips, and scoopable
kitty litters. Your septic tank is not a trash can. These things will clog up
your septic system and create problems that could have simply been avoided.
Conserving the amount of water you use will prevent problems from occurring to
your septic tank and lower your water bill at the same time. An excessive amount
of water in your septic system can interfere with the digestion of solid waste.
Try taking shorter 5 minute showers and washing only full loads in the
dishwasher and clothes washer. Make sure your bathroom and kitchen sinks aren’t
leaking and install displacers in your toilet tanks.
Treating your septic tank with natural products containing bacteria which aid in
the digestion of septic tank solids and sludge will contribute to a healthy
septic tank environment.
By: Bradley Skierkowski