Maintain a Septic Tank

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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