Tips Regarding Proper Septic Tank Usage

By Author: Emman Sioco
Total Articles: 352
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A septic tank can be a highly effective way to dispose of residential waste. However, proper usage of one's septic system is essential. This includes proper maintenance of the drain field, plumbing lines, and the tank itself. It also includes making sure that only appropriate items are flushed down the home's commodes and sinks. Failure to use a septic tank appropriately can result in health problems or property damage. The following are some tips that will help homeowners to ensure that their septic tank provides years of hassle-free service.

Before installing a septic system, the Health Department requires a percolation test. This will determine where the tank should be installed in order to achieve optimum function. A percolation test is essentially the drilling of holes in the area where one plans to install the tank, filling them with water, and observing how the soil absorbs the water.

Minimizing Detergent and Soap Usage

When a septic tank has been installed in the appropriate area, the homeowner should focus on its proper maintenance. The use of soap and detergents is a seemingly incidental factor ...
... that can have a profound impact on the tank's longevity. Any time a homeowner can minimize soap and detergent usage, he or she is taking a huge step towards preserving the system. This is because too many chemicals accumulating in the tank will disturb the pH balance of the soil and create problems with the system in the future. Additionally, the homeowner should make every effort to refrain from allowing cooking oils and similar substances from entering the tank.

Avoiding Alternate Waste Channels

Alternate waste channels should be avoided at all costs. For instance, washing machine and dishwasher waste should not be separated from the sewer line, as this will impede the detergent's dilution. If undiluted waste from the aforementioned machines is allowed to enter the septic system, the surrounding soil can be affected in a harmful way.

The Role of Biodegradable Products

It is also wise for homeowners to choose bathroom tissue that is easily degradable and septic-safe. Those who are unsure about which brands are the best can test such products themselves. Placing a small amount of the selected tissue in a container of fruit juice and shaking it will help one to determine whether or not a good choice has been made. If the paper decomposes at a rapid pace, the tissue is essentially septic-safe.

Tank Inspection

A professional should be hired to inspect a home's septic tank about every three years. The professional will check the system for leaks and evaluate the sludge layer. The latter is a thin layer of solid waste that is not completely decomposed. This buildup occurs in all tanks, but if the sludge layer is deemed too thick by the inspector, professional cleaning will be necessary.

A septic tank is a simple and efficient system, and with proper maintenance it will serve its purpose for many years. However, occasional problems may occur, and therefore if a homeowner suspects that his or her system is malfunctioning, a professional should be contacted without delay.

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