Maintaining Your Septic System
If you are moving into a home with a septic system, there are a few things that you need to know that can really help you keep your septic system up and running for as long as possible. The first thing that you need to know is they are not like a city sewer system. When you flush the toilet or when water goes down the drain instead of hitting the city sewer system it goes down to your septic tank where bacteria help break down the waste. These can be extremely good systems, but they do need to be maintained. Here are a few different things that you need to remember:
Liquid Drain Cleaners
If you get a clog in one of your drains you will be tempted to turn to a trusted liquid drain cleaner. Remember that a septic system is not like a city sewer system. A liquid drain cleaner or clog remover is full of harsh chemicals that are full of bases, or chemicals that PH is above 7. The harsh chemicals can actually take a huge toll on the bacteria cultures that are breaking down the sewage. If you do not have healthy bacteria cultures in your septic system, then you may be in big trouble. When you have a clog reach for a pipe snake instead of a drain cleaner.
No Garbage Disposal
You may be used to using your garbage disposal on all that old spaghetti or extra food. Do not put this type of stuff down your drain. The bacteria cultures in your septic system have a very hard time breaking down material that is not waste. So, instead of using a garbage disposal think garbage can. Put a trash can by every single toilet and sink so things that are meant for the trash end up in the trash.
Know The Location
When you first get into your home have a plumber come to the home and locate the septic tank and the drain field. You want to know exactly where these two aspects of the system are so you can be careful around them. If you are continuously parking on top of the tank, the above pressure may crack the tank. You also do not want to get in the way of the drain field. If you know where your tank and drain fields are then you can be sure they are taken care of very well.
Contact a company like Linn Septic Service for more information and assistance.
