What to do (and what not to do)
Your septic tank can only do its job if you use it according to best practices. Remember, it’s not a garbage can. The materials you flush down the toilet or pour down the drain affect your septic system’s ability to function. If you dispose of too many off-limits items, you’ll probably need to have your tank pumped more often than you planned. You’ll also be at higher risk of damage than someone who restricts what’s flushed or poured down the drain.
The Don'ts
Here are a few major don’ts for septic tank ownership.
• Don’t flush sanitary products, diapers, “flushable” wipes, cat litter, oil-based paints, food waste, coffee grounds, cooking grease, medications, or oil. The only things that should go down the toilet are waste and toilet paper.
• Don’t put harmful liquids like solvents, paint thinner, household cleaners, or gasoline down the drain.
• Don’t alter your property’s drainage features without considering your septic tank.
• Don’t drive over your drain field (and definitely don’t park on it!).
• Don’t plant trees near your septic tank (roots can cause damage).
• Don’t add bathrooms to your home without updating your septic system.
The Do's
On the other hand, there are a few great things that you should be doing for the health of your system.
• The EPA recommends that you have your tank inspected every three years and professionally serviced every three to five years.
• Find your septic tank and mark its location in case of an emergency.
• Keep a record of all maintenance and repairs performed on your system.
• Update your septic system when you add onto your home.
• Properly dispose of unused medications, cooking grease, and household waste.
• Avoid harsh, caustic chemical drain openers. Instead, call a plumber.
• Use a flushable septic treatment once per month to ensure that your system remains healthy and efficient.
Don't Be Surprised!
Plan for Major Repairs
Keeping up with your septic tank can help you avoid costly repairs. However, if you’ve just purchased a new home or are new to septic maintenance, you may be surprised to find that your system already has issues. Typically, problems include damage from tree roots, backflow from excessive water use, or malfunctioning due to improper installation. In the event of such complications, you’ll need to have some money set aside for repair or replacement.
For those seeking to avoid sky-high surprise bills, a SunSeptic protection plan is an optimal solution. This approach covers up to $5,000 of damages with no deductible. Additionally, those who purchase both septic and plumbing coverage with SunSeptic receive a bundle discount. Our memberships include a complimentary two-year supply of SunSeptic’s monthly septic treatments. Call today to sign up - 1-877-224-5839
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