Septic System Mastery: Maintaining and Operating for Peak Performance
Jan 13, 2024

Among the most crucial systems within a building is the septic tank, which plays the role of treating and disposing of household wastewater. The septic tanks are mostly used in areas with no access to municipal sewage systems, ensuring proper waste disposal to keep the community safe, clean, and free of disease-causing germs. It is important to properly maintain and operate the septic systems to get the maximum benefit from their use and save yourself from the costly repairs that come with poor maintenance of the systems.  Also, the proper maintenance enables the systems to serve you for a very long time without your having septic systems challenges.  Neglecting the septic tanks can lead to costly repairs, environmental hazards, and health risks, harming the property owners and the community. Also, the smell from a poorly maintained septic tank can embarrass the property owner, making the home inhabitable. 

Homeowners can help prevent malfunctions and ensure the long-term use of their on-lot system by doing the following:

  • Conserving water and reducing waste flow into the septic tank.
  • Having the septic tank pumped at least every 3-5 years, depending upon tank size and household size.
  • Avoid putting chemicals in the septic system.
  • Not using the toilet to dispose of bulky, slowly decomposing wastes.
  • Inspecting the septic tank, pipes, and drainage field annually.
  • Maintaining accurate records of the septic system (design, installation, location, inspections, pumping, malfunctions, repairs.)
  • Prevent run-off from downspouts, sump pumps, and paved surfaces from entering the septic system.
  • Keeping heavy vehicles, equipment, and livestock away from the septic system.
  • Do not plant trees and shrubs over or close to the septic system. (1)


The practice mentioned above for improved efficiency works as follows:

septic tank pumping chattanooga

Regular Pumping

Regular pumping is vital to help in the removal of accumulated scum or sludge that could lead to the system having blockages, resultantly leading to an overflow. It is advisable to do regular pumping every three to five years to remove the accumulated sludge to enable the septic tank to function well without straining. However, the septic tank pumping Chattanooga pumping frequency varies depending on several factors that include tank size, household size and water usage.

Water Conservation

For the septic tank to function optimally, you need to watch the amount of water released into the septic tank. Too much water leads to the septic system overload, causing it to strain, and this could lead to it breaking down and not performing to the desired levels. One of the ways to ensure water conservation is by installing septic tank pumping companies in Chattanooga area water fixtures. Through water conservation, the system ends up functioning well, hence meeting the objectives of its installation.

Avoiding Harmful Materials

Clogging is one of the issues that cause septic tanks to fail in their performance, and one of the things that leads to clogging is the use of harmful products. There are things you should avoid flushing down the system, like excessive amounts of grease, non-biodegradable items, and chemicals. A clogged system is inefficient and comes with many discomforts, health risks, and increased costs to pumping septic tanks in Chattanooga, TN.

Vegetation Control

The area where the septic tank has been installed should be clear of any vegetation destruction. Trees and shrubs create room for root intrusion, which can greatly damage the different parts of the septic tank, causing it to malfunction. The roots can damage the septic tank pipes, which are vital for the system's proper functioning, leading to leakages. It would help if you controlled the vegetation around the septic tank to prevent it from threatening the entire system’s performance, resulting in a dire Chattanooga septic tank pumping situation. 

Inspection and Monitoring

Regular monitoring and inspection are key in determining the exact state of the septic tank to know if there are any developing defects within the system. Noticing and repairing the faults early works to your advantage, saving you from dealing with a more serious septic tank pumping Chattanooga problem that would be financially draining. During inspection, you need to look at cracks, leaks and structural issues that can weaken the entire system. Also, you need to monitor the drain field for any water pool ba, smells, or very lush vegetation around the septic tank, indicating a potential problem. 

Keeping vehicles and animals away from the septic tank

The septic tank should be in a secluded area that doesn't necessarily require much activity. Secluding the septic tank helps prevent any activities around there, thereby protecting the structure from any possible damage. Vehicles and animals shouldn't be around the septic tank since their weight could cause pressure, causing it to crack and leading to even bigger problems.

Maintaining accurate records

The installation, maintenance, repairs, and pumping records are key to guiding you on the septic tank's functionality. The septic tank pumping Chattanooga TN records inform you of when the tank was pumped, guiding you on when to do it. Additionally, this is vital information when leasing or selling your property, guiding the new owner to understand the current state of the tanks to protect them from any unforeseen problems. Proper record keeping helps to maintain the septic tank properly, making it easy to have it functioning at an optimal level with minimized risks of inefficiency.

Conclusion

Maintaining and operating septic tanks for peak performance requires regular maintenance practices and responsible usage, ensuring proper waste disposal without harmful detergents and chemicals entering the septic tank. The guidelines mentioned above are some things you can practice to ensure that your septic tank functions well throughout and serves you for a very long time. Additionally, you can contact a professional in the field to help you do regular inspections and maintenance to ensure that there are no surprises that could put you in a difficult situation. Also, proper maintenance saves you from the health risks and embarrassment of having your property smell bad, affecting your neighbours within the community. Follow the practices mentioned above for maximum septic tank efficiency.


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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