Household Habits That Can Damage Your Septic Tank

Neglecting Septic Tank Pumping

One of the most common mistakes property owners make is not pumping their septic tanks. Over time, wastewater collecting in the tank leaves behind sludge and scum, which form hard pans at the bottom if left unchecked. This buildup eventually overwhelms the system and causes the tank to overflow. With this in mind, it is important to schedule routine maintenance with a reputable septic company. According to industry experts, septic tank pumping should be done every 3-5 years, but this can vary from one household to another.

Excessive Water Usage

Septic tanks are designed to hold large volumes of wastewater. However, they can be overwhelmed when water exceeds a certain limit. The last thing you want is a failing system during peak season, disrupting your daily activities and causing costly repairs. Whether you have family and friends for the holidays or are taking advantage of summer to tackle water-using improvement tasks, hiring a septic company to pump out waste before this happens can make a big difference. Also, monitoring daily water usage helps maintain reliable performance and prevents devastating damage down the line.

Flushing Non-Biodegradable Items

Another common household habit that can end up costing you a lot of money is improper disposal habits. Septic systems are designed to hold human waste and toilet paper, as they break down easily with the help of beneficial bacteria. Many people often dispose of items labeled “flushable,” such as diapers, sanitary pads, and baby wipes, which take longer to break down and end up clogging pipes. The best way to avoid devastating damage is to dispose of biodegradable waste in the toilet and schedule regular septic cleaning to maintain a balanced tank environment.

Disposal of Medicines

A common misconception is that septic systems can handle anything you throw at them. However, flushing old or expired medication down the toilet can kill the naturally-occurring bacteria necessary for breaking down waste. Medicine contains chemicals that may disrupt the tank’s environment, leading to high sludge and scum levels. If you don’t want to harm the bacteria responsible for breaking down waste, dispose of medicine in a bin or a recycling container. Additionally, working with a trusted septic service can help preserve the internal environment of your tank, providing peace of mind all year round.

Planting Trees Near the Septic Tank

While trees are magnificent entities that provide many benefits, they are not good for your septic tank and drain field. Mature trees with extensive roots can grow in pipes, causing cracks, breaks, and clogs. Furthermore, trees with big branches can easily break off during harsh weather, causing damage to the drain field. The best way to maintain a lush yard without risking septic damage is to strategically plant trees away from the installation site. Also, routine septic cleaning can help remove intrusive roots before they take over your pipes.

Your septic system operates behind the scenes to maintain a smooth-flowing and reliable plumbing. By avoiding these household habits, you can rest assured that your system is in top shape throughout. Contact us today to book an appointment with our experts and take a proactive approach toward septic maintenance.