The septic tank is an important part of your home. It is used to collect, treat, and dispose of wastewater generated in your household. The system is installed underground and needs proper care and maintenance to serve you for the longest time possible. If you don’t take care of it, you will always have issues like foul smells in the yard, sewage backflows, and slow drains, and you will be forced to hire
Chattanooga septic tank pumping company to pump it more often. Keep reading to learn tips for septic tank care and maintenance.
How Does a Septic Tank System Work?
Before we look at the care and maintenance tips, it is essential to understand how the system works. Why? The more you understand the system, the better you will be able to care for and maintain it. A septic tank system comprises drains, a septic tank, and a leach field (drain field) The drain collects wastewater from the toilet and kitchen and drains it into the septic tank. Solid wastes are collected at the bottom of the tank, while liquid effluents collect in the middle, and scum (grease, fats, and oils) are at the top. Note that liquid effluents flow to the leach field where they are treated by soil.
The entire septic tank system should function properly but poor practices and a lack of septic maintenance can lead to its failure. When the system fails, you will likely notice, bad odor indoors and outdoors, sewage backflow, soggy areas in the yard, and slow drains in the kitchen and toilet. And you may even be forced to hire a
septic tank pumping Chattanooga company to pump the system more often, spending more money in the long term.
Septic Tank Care and Maintenance Tips
Here are six tips to help you care for and maintain your septic tank system;
Inspect and Pump Your Septic Tank Regularly
One of the main issues that affect septic tank systems is a lack of proper inspection and timely pumping. Most homeowners are comfortable and only wait for a problem to arise so that they can inspect the unit or call a septic tank pumping Chattanooga TN service provider to pump it. And that shouldn’t be the case because the tank or other components can be damaged when you delay pumping.
The average household septic system should be inspected at least every three years by a septic service professional. Household septic tanks are typically pumped every three to five years. Alternative systems with electrical float switches, pumps, or mechanical components should be inspected more often, generally once a year. A service contract is important since alternative systems have mechanized parts.(1)
So you should inspect your septic tanks twice a year. You can even hire a septic tank specialist to inspect the unit. In addition, you should hire a reliable septic tank pumping Chattanooga company to pump the system when it is full or after three years.
What are the signs that your septic tank might be full and need pumping? First, if you notice slow drains in your kitchen, bathroom, and toilet, note that your septic tank might be full. Other signs include wastewater backflow into the house (sink & toilet), bad odors, greenish water in the yard, and an overly healthy lawn around the septic tank and drain field.
Use Water Efficiently
Wastewater from your home ends up in the septic tank system. If you use too much water, expect the septic tank to get full more quickly. Too much wastewater going into the drain can also affect the breakdown of solid waste in the tank and affect the operation of the entire system. So use water efficiently to reduce the chances of the septic tank getting full more quickly and minimize the risk of system failure.
Proper Waste Disposal
Not all waste is supposed to go down the drain to the septic tank. You should be careful about what you pour on your sinks and flush down the toilet. A septic tank is specially made to handle human waste and toilet paper. Anything else will cause problems. So don’t pour grease, oil, and food down your sink. In addition, don’t flush diapers, condoms, feminine hygiene products, dental floss, cat litter, pesticides, paints, pharmaceuticals, and non-flushable wipes down the toilet.
Maintain Your Drain Field
The drain field, also known as the leach field, absorbs or removes contaminants from liquid effluents coming from the septic tank. First, you need to mark your drain field. Then, you should not park or drive over the drain field. Also, direct roof drains, sump pumps, and rainwater drainage systems away from the area. This prevents excess water from getting into the system, slowing down the treatment process.
Use a Bacteria Additive
The waste that drains into the septic tank doesn’t stay there until pumping. As mentioned, the liquid effluent flows to the drain field while solid waste collects at the bottom of the tank. This solid waste is broken down by bacteria. However, the bacteria are vulnerable to harsh detergents and other cleaning products that end up in the tank. So you should add bacteria additive to increase bacterial action in the tank. But choose the right additive that can even break down detergents and soaps.
Install an Effluent Filter
To prevent clogs and increase the life of your drain field, you should install an effluent filter. So after pumping, hire a septic tank expert to install the filter. It will prevent solid waste from flowing into the leach field. If solids flow into the leach field blockage might happen leading to sewage backflow and even septic tank overflow. Remember to have the filter cleaned after every pumping.
Keep Pumping and Maintenance Records
Keeping septic tank pumping and maintenance records is important. You should have accurate records for pumping, repairs, filter cleaning, inspection, and more. This information will help you predict when to pump. It will also help a septic tank expert to diagnose a problem with your system.
Besides all these tips, you should always hire one of the best
septic tank pumping companies in Chattanooga area for pumping, maintenance, and inspection. The company will pump your system correctly, clean it, and advise you on how to keep it up and running.
For more information on Flush Fellas Septic & Excavating and our services, feel free to reach us via phone today: (423) 498-9839.
About the author
Charles Chandler
Charles Chandler is the founder of Flush Fellas, a septic and excavating company based in Chattanooga, TN. With a passion for providing top-notch services to his clients, Charles has established himself as a prominent figure in the industry. He has extensive knowledge of septic systems, excavation, and drainage solutions, which he uses to offer customized services that meet the specific needs of his clients. Charles is committed to providing exceptional customer service and building long-term relationships with his clients. He is dedicated to staying up-to-date with the latest industry trends and innovations to ensure that Flush Fellas continues to offer the best services possible.
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