Septic System Mistakes To Avoid

The Proper Care And Feeding Of Your Septic Tank

by Melinda Crawford

Septic tanks play a critical role in waste removal for many residential properties. If your home relies on a septic system to meet its waste disposal needs, maintaining your septic tank properly is critical.

Here are three tips that you can use to help ensure that your septic tank remains in good working condition well into the future:

1. Feed your septic tank properly.

When it comes to ensuring the proper performance of your home's septic tank, feeding the septic tank correctly is critical. Bacteria located within the septic tank help to break down solid waste in preparation for disposal.

When these bacteria are disrupted, your tank could begin to fill too fast and result in serious septic problems. Avoid disturbing your tank's bacteria by using cleaning products that do not have antibacterial properties. You can also feed your septic tank a specialized additive designed to promote healthy bacterial populations on a regular basis.

2. Keep your septic tank in good condition.

Septic tanks are usually buried beneath the ground, which renders them susceptible to corrosion over time. If your septic tank becomes damaged, it cannot properly store your home's liquid and solid waste.

It's important that you take the time to invest in regular inspections of your septic tank. A septic professional will be able to determine if your tank has been compromised, allowing you to quickly make the necessary repairs needed to maintain the integrity of your home's septic system in the future.

3. Be able to spot signs of trouble.

Keeping your septic system healthy requires that you are vigilant in watching for signs of trouble. Becoming familiar with some of the tell-tale signs that could indicate your septic tank is struggling will allow you to address these problems before they compromise the performance of your home's septic system.

Some common indications of septic problems can include slow drains, gurgling noises coming from plumbing appliances, odors near your drain field, and wet spots or lush vegetation growth near your septic tank that could be caused by a leak.

Knowing how to properly care for and maintain your home's septic tank is critical when it comes to ensuring the performance of your septic system. Be sure that you aren't disturbing the good bacteria working within your septic tank by avoiding harmful cleaning products, take the time to have your septic tank inspected regularly, and be vigilant in spotting potential signs of trouble. 

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