Septic tank maintenance is an issue for everyone as septic systems are all over the country. Fortunately, it is not difficult to perform proper septic maintenance in Albany as even upgraded ones will function efficiently when homeowners follow basic guidelines. Read on to know how to properly take care of your septic system:
Ensure the Septic System is Installed Properly
Proper septic installation will help you avoid issues down the road. When applying for a building permit, a soil test will be performed by inspectors to confirm the ability of the ground to support a septic system. Also, the inspectors will visit your building site to verify that the property has the conditions a non-problematic septic system requires.
Have the Septic Tank Pumped Every 3-5 Years
If the septic tank fills up with an excess of solids, the wastewater won’t have enough time to settle in it. These solids will then pass on to the leach filed and clog the drain lines and soil. To avoid overfilling the tank, have it pumped every 3-5 years. Do not try to open the tank yourself because bacteria and gases in it are dangerous.
Protect the Septic System from Damage
This can be done by not driving over the drain field, building a structure on top of it, or covering it with asphalt or concrete. Also, consider planting grass on the drain field to reduce soil erosion. Plan your roof gutters, landscaping, and foundation drains so excess water will not end up in the drain field.
Watch What you Flush
It is important to limit the kind and amount of solids that enter the septic system. Too much of them will require frequent septic tank cleaning. Also, household chemicals that enter the drain field can pollute the groundwater.
Monitor Water Use
Less water flowing through your septic system means a longer life for your system. Although the system depends on water for treating and disposing of waste, the drain field has an absorption capacity. When it reaches such capacity, the field may fail, unless the amount of water flowing to it is reduced. When your drain field fails, you will need emergency septic tank repair.
To limit and minimize the volume of wastewater put into the system, consider washing only full loads of dishes and laundry. Also, spread your clothes and dishwashing out over time rather than washing many loads at once. These practices will extend the life of your system and improve its performance.
