Septic systems may be buried underground and out of sight, but that doesn’t mean they should be far from thought. These are surprisingly complicated and there’s really no limit to the number of environmental conditions that can limit the lifespan of a septic tank, which should be up to 40 years. That’s why it’s so important for homeowners to perform routine maintenance and service inspections.
Too many owners of septic systems have a “set it and forget it” attitude towards their tanks. They think that, because they haven’t noticed any problems, things will continue to run smoothly, right? Wrong. Nothing in life works like that. It’s precisely because septic tanks are out of sight that they demand routine care and mindful attitude towards their use.
But what does it mean to care for your septic system? How can you make sure you’re doing everything you can to maximize the lifespan of your septic tank? How do you know when you need to hire a professional to fix a problem? How do you even know if there is a problem?
Rest easy. Just follow these six tips and you’ll be well on your way to owning a septic system that, hopefully, never needs replacing.
Septic systems are not trash incinerators. All that waste you flush down the sink or toilet has to go somewhere. A well functioning septic system removes your home’s wastewater and, eventually, filters it through a drain field. But the hard waste, called “sludge,” accumulates at the bottom of the tank. The sludge is the main reason why you need to periodically pump the tank, because if too much of it builds up then you’re going to have problems. Eventually, sludge will leach into the tank inlet, creating blockages that may force wastewater back up into your home’s plumbing.
How often you need to pump the tank depends on the capacity of the tank and how often wastewater is flushed into it. The rule of thumb is to pump the tank every three to five years, but these factors may slow or hasten the need for service:
You should have your septic system inspected at least once every three years. Some states have specific requirements about how often owners need to have their septic tank inspected depending on what type of system they have.
Private companies offer inspection services, as do local health departments. If you know what you’re doing and have the proper certifications you may be able to inspect the tank yourself. The primary purpose of an inspection is to note the accumulation of sludge at the bottom of the tank and to make sure the level isn’t high enough that it needs to be pumped. The inspection will also look at the following:
– The location of the drain field, especially its proximity to wells, streams, and other bodies of water. Inspectors should also look at the distribution of wastewater to drain lines, making sure they are even and clear.
– The size of the tank relative to the number of people living in the home. Obviously the number of residents can vary but the size of the tank cannot.
– The presence of any liquid waste or foul odors in or around the drain field. This would suggest the system is over capacity, or that there has been a rupture in the drain field and untreated wastewater is leaching into the soil.
– Secure connection of pipes, baffles, and other tank components. Inspectors will make sure there are no pipe blockages that could impede the flow of wastewater.
Your septic tank is designed to handle human waste, water, and toilet paper—and that’s really it. Unfortunately, many people treat their toilets and drains like trash cans, thinking they can handle anything object they flush down them. Not true! Whatever type of septic system you own, you should never flush any of the following objects down the drain:
All of the above items have proper methods of disposal. If flushed to the septic system they run a high risk of creating blockages or, at the very least, accelerating the buildup of sludge in the bottom of the tank. Moreover, because septic tanks filter wastewater back into ground water, any toxic chemicals or pharmaceutical products flushed down the toilet will also find their way into local water supplies. This is disastrous for the environment, wildlife, and the quality of your drinking water.
The more wastewater produced by your home the more you tax your septic system and the drain field around it. Conserving water and limiting the number of times you flush your toilet can go a long way towards maximizing the lifespan of your septic tank. In addition to simply being mindful of your water consumption, you can do the following to limit your use:
Healthy grass and soil is the key to proper wastewater treatment. You want the quality of the soil around your drain field to be healthy and full of nutrients. Grass is best because it has shallow roots. While more vegetation around the land means more wastewater gets absorbed and broken down, trees and shrubs with big roots can entangle the system.
You can help your soil and septic system by keeping runoff water away from it. That means diverting the flow of water from downspouts, gutter drains, sump pumps, or hard surfaces like driveways and patios away from the drain field. Some accumulation of water is inevitable, but too much can drown the soil and weaken the filtration process.
You should also avoid putting any heavy objects over the drain field. Keep cars, trucks, livestock, and construction equipment away from the soil around the septic system.
Whether you’re unsure if you need to pump your system, have questions about what to plant around your septic system, concerned about how your system is running, or just looking for a routine inspection, it’s never a bad idea to hire a septic professional.
Septic professionals can provide you with everything you need to know about your system, including whether or not it’s in compliance with local health codes and regulations. They can provide cost estimates for various services and repairs, perform routine septic pumps, and offer solutions for any problems your system may have. Keep records of all services and repairs you may perform—they’ll come in handy in the future! If you’re new to a home with a septic system and unsure about its type or location, your local health and zoning agencies should have that information on record.
Proper septic maintenance is all about mindfulness—being aware of how your system is being used and what it needs to work properly. Having the right information, the right records, and the right expertise is really all you need to make sure your septic tank lives a full lifespan.
SALES@GOTOTANKS.COM 
