Why Maintain Your Septic System?
Keeping up with maintenance on your septic tank system can potentially save you thousands of dollars in the future. Failing septic tank systems are expensive to repair or replace, and poor maintenance is often the culprit. Having your septic system inspected regularly can prevent this from happening. An unusable septic system or one in despair will lower your property value and could pose a legal liability.
Other good reasons for safe treatment of sewage include preventing the spread of infectious diseases and protecting water sources. If a septic system is working properly, it will effectively remove most of these pollutants.
Other good reasons for safe treatment of sewage include preventing the spread of infectious diseases and protecting water sources. If a septic system is working properly, it will effectively remove most of these pollutants.
How To Maintain Your Septic System
Inspect and Pump Frequently
A typical septic system should be inspected at least every 3 years by a professional and your tank pumped as recommended by the inspector.
At Ray Johnson Septic Service, an inspection includes:
*Locating the septic system
*Uncovering access holes
*Flushing toilets and looking for any signs of back up
*Looking for any leaks
*Measuring the scum and sludge layers in the septic tank. If the bottom of the scum layer is within 6 inches of the bottom of the outlet tee or the top of the sludge layer is within 12 inches of the outlet tee, your tank needs to be pumped.
*Inspecting mechanical components
*Pumping the tank if necessary
*Install a concrete riser over the tank if it is buried 6 inches or deeper to provide easy access for measuring pumping solids
Use Water Efficiently
Efficient use of water can improve the operation of the septic system and reduce the risk of failure. Ways to improve the use of water in your home include:
*Installing high-efficiency toilets
*Faucet aerators and high-efficiency shower heads
*Repair any leaking water fixtures
Limit Disposal to Sewage
*Don't use your septic tank as a trash can for cigarette butts, tissues, sanitary napkins, cotton swabs, cat box litter, coffee grinds, or disposable diapers.
*Restrict the use of your garbage disposal
*Do not put grease or cooking oil into the system
*Do not put harmful chemicals such as solvents, oils, paints, thinners, disinfectants, pesticides, poisons or other substances into the system. They can kill bacteria that may be helpful in purifying the sewage and can also contaminate the groundwater.
*Commercial septic tank additives are not necessary. The bacteria needed for partially decomposing the tank solids are naturally present in the sewage. Even if you use additives, you will still need to pump the solids out of your tank.
Protect the System From Physical Damage
*Keep the soil over the drainfield covered with vegetation to prevent soil erosion
*Do not drive heavy vehicles over the system
*Avoid construction over the system and repair area
*Do not cover the tank or drainfield with asphalt or concrete
A typical septic system should be inspected at least every 3 years by a professional and your tank pumped as recommended by the inspector.
At Ray Johnson Septic Service, an inspection includes:
*Locating the septic system
*Uncovering access holes
*Flushing toilets and looking for any signs of back up
*Looking for any leaks
*Measuring the scum and sludge layers in the septic tank. If the bottom of the scum layer is within 6 inches of the bottom of the outlet tee or the top of the sludge layer is within 12 inches of the outlet tee, your tank needs to be pumped.
*Inspecting mechanical components
*Pumping the tank if necessary
*Install a concrete riser over the tank if it is buried 6 inches or deeper to provide easy access for measuring pumping solids
Use Water Efficiently
Efficient use of water can improve the operation of the septic system and reduce the risk of failure. Ways to improve the use of water in your home include:
*Installing high-efficiency toilets
*Faucet aerators and high-efficiency shower heads
*Repair any leaking water fixtures
Limit Disposal to Sewage
*Don't use your septic tank as a trash can for cigarette butts, tissues, sanitary napkins, cotton swabs, cat box litter, coffee grinds, or disposable diapers.
*Restrict the use of your garbage disposal
*Do not put grease or cooking oil into the system
*Do not put harmful chemicals such as solvents, oils, paints, thinners, disinfectants, pesticides, poisons or other substances into the system. They can kill bacteria that may be helpful in purifying the sewage and can also contaminate the groundwater.
*Commercial septic tank additives are not necessary. The bacteria needed for partially decomposing the tank solids are naturally present in the sewage. Even if you use additives, you will still need to pump the solids out of your tank.
Protect the System From Physical Damage
*Keep the soil over the drainfield covered with vegetation to prevent soil erosion
*Do not drive heavy vehicles over the system
*Avoid construction over the system and repair area
*Do not cover the tank or drainfield with asphalt or concrete