Keeping your septic system running as it should is partially a matter of good fortune, as environmental factors could be involved. But maintenance of the system, to a large degree, is in the hands of the owner and operator.
Here are some things you can do to extend the life of your system:
Dispose of your waste properly
Don’t flush things that aren’t supposed to be flushed (and the list of advisable flushable ballast is very short). When you can, use cleaners and chemicals marked “septic safe.” Keep used oils and grease out of your system, as well as coffee grounds.
Keep an eye on your water usage
Sending more water through your septic system than you need may age it prematurely in the long run, as well as potentially overwhelming it and causing it to fail in the short term. Some ways to do this include using low-flow fixtures in your shower, sink and toilets, fixing leaks as soon as they become apparent and being intentional about scheduling household chores that will use a lot of water. Washing clothes and dishes and bathing should be spaced out over the course of the day or week, as best you can.
Employ preventative maintenance
Have your septic tank pumped on a regular and proper schedule, and keep an eye out for leaks or other problems in parts of the system that are visible and observable.
Contact us
Reach out to Little’s Septic Service for help in planning or executing any of these tactics, with the hope of lengthening the life of your system and making your dollar stretch further.