Pro Tips: How to Care for Your Septic System

“Out of sight, out of mind” seems to be most homeowners’ attitude when it comes to taking care of their septic system. At Macken Services, Inc., your local source for septic tank cleaning in Erie County NY, we understand. Life gets busy, and caring for your septic system just isn’t on the top of your to-do list. But if something goes wrong with your septic system, it can bring your life to a screeching halt. Septic tank repairs can easily range from $2,000 to $10,000, not to mention the hassle, mess and overall unpleasantness that comes along with dealing with a septic tank that’s not doing its job.

Septic system repairs can easily be avoided, though, if you care for your system properly. Here are a few pro tips from the experts at Macken Services, Inc. on how to care for your septic system.

Pumping

Every time you take a shower, wash the dishes, do a load of laundry or flush the toilet, that water is going into your septic tank. Your septic tank contains bacteria that work to break down any solids that enter the tank, such as grease and other waste. Solids that do not decompose, however, can accumulate in your septic tank. Over time, these solids can overflow into your drain field, causing costly and even hazardous waste to accumulate on your property. To avoid this, it’s important that you have your septic tank pumped every three to five years.

Inspections

Septic tanks are not especially complicated systems, but they do require regular maintenance. Having a professional check your septic tank regularly, about once a year, can help identify potential problems before they become major issues. A professional can also evaluate the volume of solids in your tank and let you know if you need to have your tank pumped more or less often.

Water conservation

As we mentioned earlier, all the water and waste you produce in your home ends up in your septic tank. If you want to help increase the life of your system, reduce maintenance costs and avoid repairs, the best thing you can do is practice water conservation. Even reducing the number of loads of laundry you do in a week or waiting to run your dishwasher until it is completely full can have a positive impact on the health of your septic tank.

Things to avoid

Not everything that can flow down a drain should be put down a drain. There are a lot of materials that people tend to flush or pour out that are not only bad for their septic tank, but bad for the environment as well. Some of the things you should definitely avoid putting down your drain include grease, oils, fuel, paper towels, cleaners, diapers, coffee grounds, egg shells, chemicals and paints.

By following these few simple tips, you can avoid costly and stressful septic tank problems. If your septic tank is due for its yearly maintenance, be sure to call Macken Services, Inc., your local source for septic tank cleaning in Erie County NY.

Categorised in: Septic Cleaning

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