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Septic Tank Maintenance

PROPER SEPTIC TANK MAINTENANCE

If your home has a septic tank system, you are familiar with some of the warning signs you may experience when it is not working properly. The system works as an onsite sewage treatment facility. If properly maintained, the septic system is efficient, and odorless and prevents water from clogging up your home.

Despite the initial installation costs, a septic system requires minimal maintenance and is made to last for a long period of time. However, the leach field (the underground area that holds all the sewage drainpipes) may require treatment or service over time. It is also recommended that you pump out your septic tank every 3 to 5 years.

If you have a septic tank at home, here are a few ways how you can maintain the tank, improve its useful life and efficiency and save yourself from paying hefty tank repair or replacement bills:

USE LESS WATER

One of the most common mistakes homeowners with septic tanks make is that they flush too excessively. This is the worst thing that you can do to your tank. Excessive water can easily upset the delicate biological balance maintained within the tank and impair its ability to work wonders. In addition, discharging too much water into the system can cause the sewage to back up. Thus, it is best to conserve water when using a septic tank.

AVOID EXCESSIVE HOUSEHOLD CHEMICALS

When using any household detergents, drain cleaners, or bleach, or other chemicals, try not to use any of these chemicals in excess quantity. This adversely affects the bacteria action within the septic tank and prevents the wastewater sludge from breaking down and moving along the drain pipes.

BEWARE OF WHAT YOU DRAIN

There are some materials that do not decompose. They fill up your septic tank, plug the system and prevent water from draining. Some of these non-degradable substances include motor oils and fuels, fats and grease, disposable diapers, coffee grounds, nut shells, egg shells, sanitary napkins and contraceptives, filter tip cigarettes, paper towels, rags, chemicals, and paints. Make sure you do not try to flush down any of these through your septic system.

AVOID GREASE

Trying to drain grease down your septic tank can easily damage your sewerage system. Grease tends to plug sewer pipes within the septic tank and even plug the inlet. You can keep a separate container for your greasy waste and drop it off at one of our oil recycling centers located throughout Jacksonville.

DO NOT POISON YOUR TANK

Within your septic tank, there are several different types of bacteria at work. They break down all metabolic and biodegradable waste and move wastewater along the drain. By washing down drain cleaners, toilet bowl cleaners, floor cleaners, waxes, strippers, polishes, and coating, the septic tank environment is contaminated. This prevents the flow of waste along the drains. You can however use small amounts of bleach for your septic system to maintain system health.

Every now and then, keep a check on common red flags that indicate that your septic tank or pump needs repairs. If you feel that your wastewater is taking too long to drain, then it’s time to inspect your septic tanks and call in the experts.

Metro Rooter is a Jacksonville plumbing contractor who specializes in plumbing and septic tank services for residential, commercial, and industrial facilities. If you are in need of septic system advice or would like to schedule an appointment with one of our licensed septic tank technicians call us today at (904) 567-3775

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