Extra Use of Your Septic System Requires Extra Care

Maintaining your septic system ensures its longevity—and these days, if you’re working from home like a large portion of the nation, you are probably putting an additional strain on your septic system. Septic systems are expensive to repair or replace, so it’s in your best interest to take good care of your system, even when it’s not seeing increased traffic.

As Americans are required to stay at home for longer periods of time during the COVID-19 crisis, there are several important points to remember about septic system care and maintenance.

Things to remember

Your septic system relies on biological digestion to get rid of the organic materials in the wastewater. Ensuring that you don’t flush or pour down the drain substances like menstrual products, fat, oil and grease, paper towels, kitty litter, cigarettes and chemicals will protect the beneficial bacteria.

You should also make sure to have your system inspected on the recommended schedule—but since most people are staying home, you may need to increase the frequency of inspections.

Dos and don’ts of septic system maintenance

• Do know where your system is located: You should know exactly where your septic system is located, particularly in relation to other buildings on the property. If possible, sketch it out and keep the tank cover accessible for when you need an inspection.
• Don’t let anyone drive over the system: Letting people drive over or park on the ground above the septic system can compromise its structural integrity.
• Don’t perform your own repairs: Only a licensed septic maintenance professional should perform inspections or repairs. While these jobs may seem easy enough on the surface, you may be doing more harm than good.
• Do conserve water: Now, especially, you should be conservative in your water usage—if you have any leaky faucets or toilets, now is the time to get them fixed. Otherwise, you risk overloading your system.
• Don’t use a garbage disposal: Unless your county has specifically approved a garbage disposal for your system—that is, they believe it can handle the additional waste—avoid using a garbage disposal.
• Do divert water sources away from the septic system: Water sources like hoses, sprinklers and gutters and downspouts should be directed away from your septic area.
• Don’t allow topsoil to wash away: Your septic system should be covered with grass—excessive water presence will wash the topsoil away and expose the tank and pipes.

Septic system maintenance

Countryside Construction Inc. delivers complete septic system services, including septic installation and maintenance. We can inspect your system, let you know if there are any areas of concern and address them as needed, including sludge removal, bacteria balancing and more. Call us today to learn more or schedule service.

Categorised in: Septic Services

This post was written by admin