Understanding The Difference Between Septic & Sewage Systems
February 6, 20253 Reasons To Schedule A Septic Inspection Before Buying A Home
February 6, 2025A well-functioning septic system is crucial to a healthy and comfortable home. However, regular use can cause the system to experience wear and tear that diminishes its efficiency. Luckily, you can avoid many issues with regular maintenance and upkeep, which will also keep repair and utility costs manageable. Here are a few essential steps you should take to keep your septic system in good shape.
Do:
Schedule regular pumping.
Septic systems consist of a tank and a drain field, both of which are crucial for processing household waste. Solids collect in the tank while wastewater flows through the drain field pipes, which release it back into the soil. To prevent the take from becoming too full, pumping service should be scheduled once every 3 to 5 years. Your exact pumping schedule depends on factors like the size of the tank and how much water your household typically uses.
Use less water.
Generating too much water from your home at one time can overwhelm your tank and flood your drain field. As such, reducing your daily water output can help reduce wear on the system overall and minimize the risk of flooding. For example, you can make an effort to take short showers and always turn off the faucet when brushing your teeth. Similarly, when washing clothes, it’s better to do several small loads over the course of days than one giant load on a single day.
Don’t:
Flush everything down the toilet.
Toilet paper is designed to break down quickly in water, while other paper products are not. As a result, flushing paper towels, facial tissues, feminine hygiene products, and diapers can quickly lead to clogs within your septic system. You should also avoid flushing wet wipes and cat litter, even if the products claim to be flushable, to protect your septic tank.
Use harsh cleaning chemicals.
Bacteria in your septic tank help keep solid waste from accumulating between pumping appointments. However, when you use harsh cleansers containing bleach or ammonia and flush them down household drains, it disrupts the balance of bacteria and causes solids to accumulate at a faster rate. As such, when shopping for cleaning products, make sure they say septic-safe on the label to preserve your tank’s balance of bacteria.
Feel free to call us at Atteberry Portable Toilets in Show Low, AZ with questions. We can be reached at (928) 242-2802.
