Keeping the septic system in good working order is something desired my most homeowners. To avoid unnecessary clogs or overflows, there are some routine maintenance steps that can be taken to keep your septic running like new. Here are some tips you can follow to help avoid maintenance troubles with your own septic system.

Get Your Septic Pumped

Routine septic cleanings should be done to avoid a build up of waste in the tank. When waste becomes abundant, it can start to overflow when the pump is not able to handle the volume. Call a septic tank cleaning service (such as those from Southern Sanitary Systems Inc) to come to your home to pump out your septic tank. The frequency that it will need to be done will be determined by the size of your tank, the number of people using it and the amount of water your family uses regularly. The cleaning service will be able to give you an idea of how often you should have it pumped.

Septic Pump

When the cleaning service comes, have them take a look at your septic pump to make sure that it is still working effectively. When a septic system seems to fill quickly, it is usually because of a faulty pump. These can be replaced yourself if you feel confident working with electricity.

Get An Alarm

Having a septic alarm can be a big help if there is a potential build-up problem on the horizon. The alarm will let you know when the septic is getting near capacity so that you may call in a service to pump it before it overflows.

Save On Water

Any time you use water, it ends up in your septic tank. Try to remember this as you take a shower, run the washing machine and decide you want to run the dishwasher. Minimizing the amount of water that is wasted can help keep the water level lower inside your septic tank, saving you money on more frequent cleanings. If you notice a faucet dripping or a toilet running, have it repaired.

Down The Drain

The only things that should be flushed down your toilet is human waste and toilet tissue. Anything else can hurt your septic system by clogging up the drain pipe to your turkey mound. Chemicals that are poured down the toilet or sink can ruin your plumbing system. You could try to use a bacterial enzyme specifically made for septic systems to pour down a drain of a sink, however. This will help to break up any larger masses of waste in your septic tank so it will not clog the septic drain pipe.