3 Important Maintenance Tips For Residential Septic Systems

Septic systems play an important role for properties that are isolated away from the city. They collect sewage and decompose it through biological activity. For them to work properly, though, you need to remember these maintenance tips. 

Conserve Water Daily 

The more water you use each day, the more water enters your septic system. This can result in many problems, such as costly overflowing. As a countermeasure, your family can practice good water conversation. This can be done in many ways.

For example, you can simply limit the amount of showers everyone takes each day. You can also set up appliances that don't use a lot of water. In addition to helping you prevent your septic system from overflowing, these appliances—such as low-flowing toilets—can help you save money on water bills. Limiting the amount of running water that's used in the bathroom and kitchen is also helpful.

Monitor What's Flushed 

Where a lot of homeowners run into problems with their septic system is flushing the wrong things down their commode. Although this mistake may seem minor, the biological activity that occurs in the septic tank can't break down certain solids and chemicals. This more than likely will result in septic tank failure. 

All of this can be avoided if you avoid flushing a particular list of items. These include household cleaners, facial tissues, dental floss, cigarette butts, kitty litter, paper towels, plastics, makeup, anti-freeze, and oil. Basically, the only thing that should go down your toilet is toilet paper. 

Repair/Replace a Damaged System 

At some point, your septic system is not going to perform like it should. Certain signs to keep a lookout for include pools of standing water, foul odors coming from outside, weird patches of healthy grass, and chronic sewage backup.

If these signs are present, you should contact a septic system repair professional. They'll check the septic tank and drain field for potential damage and develop a cost-effective repair solution. If damage is significant and you need a new septic system, the repair professional will recommend the perfect replacement based on your water usage and particular property. It will then be set up by an installation company in a safe, efficient manner.

If your household relies on a septic tank for daily activities, you need to take extra good care of it. Take your time maintaining important parts and systems each day so you can avoid overflowing and other costly repairs. For more information, contact local professionals like those found at Sound Septic Pumping and Services, Inc.