The average septic system is made of two parts: the tank and the dispersal area. The tank separates the liquids from the solids and breaks down contaminants. After leaving the tank, effluent flows to the dispersal area where it’s further treated by the soil.

When it comes to maintenance, septic systems require little effort. Helpful system operation and maintenance practices include conserving water, being mindful that nothing harmful is disposed of through the system, and routinely inspecting and pumping the system. Good maintenance habits can help prolong the life of your system and save you a lot of money in the long run. 

Yes, it can. Water conservation is an important part of maintaining a septic system because the continual saturation of the soil in the drain field can affect its ability to remove bacteria, viruses, toxins, and other pollutants from the wastewater. 

Go through your home and determine where and how water can be conserved. Address leaking faucets, running toilets, and use washing machines and dishwashers only when they’re full. Try not to take long showers and install water-saving fixtures throughout your home. This can reduce water usage by up to 50%. Also consider switching to low-flush toilets. 

Another key strategy is to avoid overtaxing your system by not using a lot of water in a short amount of time. Divert roof drains, surface water, sump pumps, water softener brines, and footing drains away from the drain field.

In short, yes. As a rule, it’s best to avoid disposing of anything in your septic system that you can just as easily put in the trash. Remember that your system is not a garbage disposal system, which means that solids build up in the tank and eventually need to be pumped out. 

Avoid washing coffee grinds, food scraps, and any other food items down the drain. Grease and cooking oils should not be put down the drain as they contribute to the layer of scum in the tank. Garbage disposals can increase the amount of solids in septic tanks by up to 50%, which means they’re not ideal for use with septic systems. 

Use the same common-sense approach in your bathroom. Don’t dispose of plastics, tampons, paper towels, disposal diapers, kitty litter, or condoms in your toilet. Only flush wastewater and toilet paper down the toilet. 

You can avoid doing harm to your septic system by not using it to dispose of hazardous chemicals. Small amounts of paint, varnish, thinners, waste oil, photographic solutions, pesticides, and other organic chemicals can kill the helpful bacteria in your tank. These chemicals can also pollute the groundwater. 

Use household cleaners such as bleach, disinfectants, drain, and toilet bowl cleaners in moderation. (It’s best to follow the product labels for such products.) Overusing such products can cause harm to your system. 

The health department recommends having your septic tank pumped every 3-5 years. How often your tank needs to be pumped, however, depends on the size, the number of people living in your home, and the habits of those within your household. Note that the frequent use of garbage disposals and high-water usage appliances such as hot tubs and whirlpools can also impact the pumping frequency.

Keeping an eye on the overall health of your system is an excellent way to prevent future problems. We recommend mapping out the location of your tank and drain field so you know where they are. Maintain access to your septic tank by installing a riser, if needed. Watch for signs of potential issues such as soft or spongy ground over the drain field, sewage odors in the house or yard, slow-draining sinks and toilets, gurgling sounds in the plumbing, and sewage backing up into the house. 

Yes. Only plant grass near your septic system and keep the area trimmed and cut. This is important because tree and shrub roots and enter and clog the drain field pipes. Avoid letting anyone drive over any part of the system. Avoid constructing buildings or laying concrete over any part of the sewage system. 

Yes, there are several myths about septic systems. Because the habitat within your tank is a specialized one that is only fit for certain types of bacteria, it's important to follow professional guidelines. The most common myths out there about septic tanks are as follows:

• Seeding your septic tank with yeast, manure, or a dead animal
• Placing additives in your system to prolong its lifespan or eliminate the need to pump the tank

If you have any questions about the enzymes in your septic tank, please give the Security Septic team a call today.