Pro Tips for Caring for Your Septic System

Septic system maintenance, like so many other types of maintenance, will help you keep your system running efficiently for years to come and reduce the amount of money you’d have to otherwise spend on unnecessary repairs. The best way to keep your septic system operational and extend its lifespan is to work with a provider of residential septic services in Lancaster, NY to ensure regular maintenance and repairs are performed.

But what exactly should be included in your ongoing maintenance plan? Here’s a quick overview of what you can expect.

Frequent inspections and pumping

You should have your septic system inspected at least every three years by a professional septic service. Tanks should be pumped every three to five years on average, but more frequently if you have a larger household and/or a smaller tank.

Inspections should focus not only on the tank levels, but also on the functionality of the various components that make up the system, including electrical elements like switches and pumps, mechanical components, the drain field and pipes. Make sure you keep all records associated with work performed on your septic system.

Water conservation

The life of your septic system can be extended if you practice efficient water use. There is a wide variety of ways in which you can conserve water in your home.

Investing in high-efficiency appliances and fixtures is a great place to start. Low-flow shower heads can save you a significant amount of water (and money) without compromising the shower experience. There are also high-efficiency toilets, as well as water heaters, dishwashers and laundry machines that are all designed to improve water efficiency.

You can also adjust some of your habits around the house to better conserve water. For example, spreading loads of laundry throughout the week rather than doing it all in one day can help you reduce the amount of strain you’re putting on your septic system and give it more time to treat waste.

Watch what you put down the drains

Make sure you’re not putting anything down the drains that doesn’t belong in your septic system, so as not to kill off any of the helpful bacteria in the system or cause any potential clogs or other issues. There are certain items that simply don’t belong down a drain, even if they’ve been ground up in a garbage disposal first.

The only items that should be flushed down a toilet are human waste and toilet paper. Anything else should be disposed of in the garbage.

Common items that end up in a septic system that simply have no business being there include cooking grease and oil, non-flushable wipes, feminine hygiene products, coffee grounds, cat litter, diapers, dental floss, condoms, pharmaceuticals and various household chemicals like pesticides, antifreeze, paint, gasoline and various oils.

For more information about some of the steps you can take to change your habits around the house and take better care of your septic system, we encourage you to contact the team of residential septic service providers in Lancaster, NY at Macken Services, Inc. with your questions.

Categorised in: Septic Services

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