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What is the Maintenance Process for Septic Tanks?

Home Blog What is the Maintenance Process for Septic Tanks?

Septic tank systems aren’t something most people within cities or municipal towns have to deal with, but if you have moved to a farm or the outer edges of a town that doesn’t support your home with their sewer system, you’ll probably have a septic system. Septic systems require a bit more maintenance than the use-it-and-forget-it municipal sewer system. You’ll regularly need to check up on it, and you’ll occasionally need to call in septic tank cleaning companies like Drane Ranger to clean it out and check it over.

If you want to avoid the hassle and costs of a backed up septic system, below will explain the system and the maintenance process for septic tanks.

What is a Septic System?

A septic system is generally a drain system that empties into a large septic tank, which then helps break down organic materials and dispose of excess water into the local soil. Anytime you use a drain in your house, whether it is a sink, toilet, or bathtub, the water and any waste will travel through your plumbing and be deposited into the septic tank. In the septic tank, bacteria will start breaking down the organic materials as they settle towards the bottom, and any excess water at the top will drain into a drain field, aka the drainage field installed in your yard nearby, while avoiding a swampy buildup.

Using Your Septic System

Many people will often just use their septic system like they would any other municipal system, and this can be done to a point. The number one thing you should remember when using a septic tank system is to try to minimize the amount of water usage whenever possible, as draining water through multiple drains/toilets at the same time for too long could overflow your septic tank. Septic tanks also are not garbage dumps. Avoid putting non-organic materials down your drains, and avoid greases or coffees that could cause clogs or damage the septic system and require an emergency call to septic tank cleaning companies. As well, avoid using drain cleaners in your system, as they can kill the bacteria in your septic tank, reducing its effectiveness severely.

Good Maintenance Protocols

Keep Good Records – The first step for any good septic system maintenance is to keep written records. Detail the location of the septic tank, lines, and drain field, including depth. As well, include any work that has been done on it, whether it’s repairs or regular cleanout and maintenance. A good map will help when calling in septic tank cleaning companies.

Annual Inspection – While septic tanks generally don’t need to be emptied out every year, more like every 3-5 years depending on size and use, it’s still a good idea to have it inspected every year, especially if you have cold winters. Septic tank cleaning companies have inspectors that can check the health of any septic tank system, and they may recommend every five years to have your entire system flushed with a high-pressure water jet to remove solid buildup.

Bacteria Additives – You could boost your septic tank’s effectiveness with bacteria additives; however, this should only be done at the recommendation of a professional. This can restore bacteria that has been damaged by household chemicals.

Filter Check – The drain from the septic tank towards the drain field should have a filter, and it should be cleaned or replaced during regular maintenance to prevent build up and sewage backups.

If you are looking at septic tank cleaning companies to set up a regular inspection schedule or maintenance schedule, contact Drane Ranger today to talk to a representative.

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