Instead of connecting to the public sewer system, many properties have septic systems. If you’re one of the many homeowners who depends on your system to function effectively, it may call for a lot of care and upkeep. You should also pay close attention to what goes down your home’s drains and set aside time for routine maintenance to avoid issues in the future.
The type of system, how frequently it is maintained, the soil and weather conditions, and even the number of occupants in the residence all affect a septic system’s typical lifespan. With routine care and maintenance, the majority of septic systems may be expected to live between 15 and 30 years. (Concrete septic tanks are an exception because they have an exceptionally long lifespan that can reach 40 years or more.)
Extending the lifespan of a septic system should be a top priority because a septic tank’s life expectancy means that homeowners may eventually need to replace it. To get the most out of your system, we advise following these suggestions.
Have it pumped every couple of years
In essence, a septic tank is an underground storage space where solid waste is kept until it decomposes naturally. The treated water can then pass through the soil in your yard, where it is further broken down by nature.
However, over time, un-decomposed solid waste at the bottom of the tank starts to accumulate, and if it isn’t removed, it might eventually fill the tank and leak into your yard along with the effluent.
Therefore, it’s crucial to have your septic tank professionally pumped out every few years. Keep up with the changes needed for a functional septic system by working with professionals like the drain line repair company in Austin that’ll take care of it. It can be worth it to have your septic tank pumped right away if you recently moved into a new house with one, just so you can start with a clean slate.
Being Aware of What Enters the Septic System
Homeowners who want to prolong the lifespan of their septic system should be aware of what can harm the system’s components and shorten its anticipated lifespan. There are other things to avoid in order to safeguard your system, but we always advise against utilizing a garbage disposal with a septic system. Some things should never be dumped down drains or flushed. Many items may seem innocent, but they can actually damage plumbing. None of the following should be flushed down any drain in your house:
- Too thick toilet paper
- Feminine hygiene products or condoms
- Cotton swabs or balls
- Dental floss
- “Flushable” wipes, flushable cat litter
- Plastic or glass
- Printed towels
- Rags
- Anything that is hard, angular, or doesn’t appear to be likely to decompose naturally
Keep Your Drain Field In Good Condition
Remember that the drain field is part of your septic system. The effluent that exits your septic tank is further filtered by this component of the system. Make certain to adhere to these best practices to maintain the system’s overall health and performance:
- Do not park or drive on the drain field. The region can be harmed and made more difficult to drain by the weight of cars, trucks, and other vehicles.
- Strategically place trees and other objects. Thought to be secure, tree and shrub root systems may eventually expand into the drain field region, resulting in additional harm. Consult a septic expert about your landscaping designs to guarantee the correct distance between plantings and the drain field.
- The roof drains and downspouts, among other components of your rainwater disposal system, should all point away from the drain field. Any form of excess water might overstress the field, causing obstructions and backups in your yard.
Get it checked annually
What you don’t know about septic tanks might harm you, or at the very least leave you with a messy situation. Early problem detection is much preferable to attempting to fix significant damage. Therefore, it is advisable to plan a yearly septic tank inspection. You’ll feel more at ease knowing that you were ready for anything the road may hold.