Improving My Energy Efficiency

Tips To Maintain Your New Septic Tank

If you've never had a septic tank before, you may not understand entirely how one works. Unlike a sewer system, the septic system disposes of your household waste in a tank usually somewhere beneath the ground in your yard. Liquid waste goes into a drain field to be disposed of, while solid waste sits at the bottom of the tank to be disposed of later (when pumped out). Your household waste comes from your kitchen drain, laundry drain, as well as toilet and shower drains. This can amount to a lot of waste, which if not maintained properly can mean the difference in you needing to pump out your tank often or not having to pump it out for a longer period of time. Also, poor maintenance of your septic system can also lead to a backup of your system, which can be costly and messy. See below for septic tank maintenance tips. 

Steer Clear Of Grease

Grease, oils, and fats can all clog your drains, but they can also clog up your septic system as well. They cannot be broken down, which can result in a backup. It's a good idea to keep these out of your drains, whether you have a septic tank or not. 

Watch What Is Flushed

Septic tanks require a specific type of toilet paper that can be easily broken down. Look for one-ply toilet paper or toilet paper that says it can be used with septic systems. Also do not flush sanitary napkins, feminine products, flushable wipes, napkins or paper towels, as these can all cause a backup in your septic tank. They may flush down the toilet easily, but they cannot be broken down in your septic tank. 

Don't Kill The Good Bacteria

There is good bacteria in your septic tank that helps eat away at your waste (gross right?). This good bacteria is an important part of your septic system, so using household cleaners that contain toxins such as chlorine, bleach, and other harmful toxins can kill the good bacteria. Look for household cleaners that are septic tank safe or use natural cleaners, and also keep other harmful toxins such as paint or pesticides out of your drains and dispose of them properly instead. 

If you aren't sure about your septic tank or how to maintain it properly, contact a professional septic tank service, like Mr Bob, for more information and helpful tips. They can help walk you through the septic tank process and give you information on proper use and care.


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