The septic tank can go unnoticed for several years until a problem arises. Unfortunately, septic tank issues can create a disgusting mess of your yard and home. Not only will the smell be unbearable, but you will likely have expensive repairs on your hands too. Our plumbers at High Priority Plumbing encourage homeowners to think proactively about their septic tanks, so they will not have to react later.
Reasons to Prioritize Preventative Maintenance
- Avoid a buildup of sludge
- Prevent tree roots from breaking through your septic tank cover
- Keep your drain lines from failing prematurely
- Avoid grease capping inside of your septic tank
- Minimize clogs in your filtration
- Prevent your waste from leaving your septic tank without proper treatment
- Keep your drain field piping from busting
Taking Care of Your Septic Tank
- Schedule your Routine Inspection and Pumping on Time—Your septic tank should be inspected and pumped at least every 3-4 years. If you allow your tank to become too full, your drain field could become backed up with solids and waste. Your drain field is a series of pipes and a box which separates and releases the right amount and right type of materials into your release field. An overabundance of waste will prevent your septic system from sorting and treating your waste properly. The result could be a backed up system, poor performance from your septic tank, and/or expensive repairs or replacement. Routine care for your septic tank will be much more affordable than repairs/replacement.
- Only Flush Septic Tank Friendly Toilet Paper—Any brand of toilet paper should be marked as septic tank friendly, but it never hurts to double check your toilet paper. Do not flush anything else down your toilet besides toilet paper. We have witnessed so many plumbing issues from flushed feminine products and “flushable” wipes. Stick to toilet paper and throw any other products away in your trash can.
- Avoid Putting Oils or Harsh Cleaning Products in Your Drain—Your drains are not designed to handle greasy cooking oil. After you finish cooking, dump your oil into a jar that you can throw in your trash later. Even a small amount of oil down your drain can cause a clog. Your drain and pipes are not designed to handle great amounts of bleach, Windex, or similar products. Also, using drain clearing products when you have a slow drain or clog can cause more harm than good. If you have a clogged drain, give us a call and please skip the Drano!
- Pay Attention to Small Things—Plumbing and septic issues can often show subtle signs of a problem before it becomes catastrophic. Use your senses to detect problems early on. Watch out for slow drains in your home and wet spots in your yard. Sniff out any unpleasant smells. Listen out for unusual gurgling sounds in your pipes.
Stay on top of your routine septic care and skip the stink and expense. Call High Priority Plumbing to schedule your septic inspection and pumping today!