First Time With A Septic Tank? 3 Tips That Will Help It Last Longer
Posted on: 18 August 2016
If your new home is going to have a septic system, and you've never used one before, there are a couple of things you need to know. The first thing you need to know is that a septic system is like having a private sewer system in your yard. Your septic system will capture, contain and process all of the raw sewage that passes through your home. The second thing you need to know is that with proper care, your system will serve you well for many years. Here are three suggestions that will help you provide the proper care for your septic system.
Watch the Water
Your septic system is designed for water consumption – in normal amounts. Your septic system won't fail if you and your family take daily showers or flush the toilet several times a day. However, if you have leaky pipes or save all of your laundry to wash on one day, you might have problems with your system.
The water that passes through the septic tank has to filter through to the seepage pit, which is the catch field for all the liquids. If too much water passes through at once, the system can become inundated, which can lead to backups and floods. If you have leaky faucets, toilets or pipes, get them fixed right away. If you do large amounts of laundry, try to do a few smaller loads each day to reduce the strain on your septic system.
Choose the Right Toilet Paper
When it comes to your septic system, the type of toilet paper you use does matter. Toilet paper that doesn't decompose quickly can build up in the system, which can make the tanks fill up more quickly than they should. To protect your system, choose a toilet paper that breaks up in water easily. To test your toilet paper, fill a glass jar with water and add several sheets of toilet paper – the amount you'd usually use. Place a lid on the jar and shake it up. If the toilet paper begins to break apart, it's suitable for septic use. If it doesn't break apart, you should choose another brand of toilet paper.
Clean it Out
Your septic system will hold all of the solid and liquid waste you send through from your home. However, over time, the tanks will fill up. When that happens, you could begin to experience an increase in clogs and foul odors coming up through the drain pipes. You could even experience raw sewage backing up into your bathtubs. To prevent those problems, you should have your septic tanks pumped out at least once every three to five years.
For more information, contact Atlantic Septic Systems or a similar company.
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