Proper Septic System Maintenance A septic system is your own treatment plant for sewage, as it is used in rural areas and areas where there is not a hookup to a municipal sewage treatment system. The system itself consists of a large underground tank where the sewage goes first, then pipes out to a drain field, where the water goes to leach out from pipes with holes in them into the ground. The types of materials that goes into the tank is everything that is flushed from toilets, water that comes from sinks, baths and any other water held device in the home. Sewage materials are acted upon in the tank by bacteria which breaks it down. There are some definite steps you can take in order to maintain your septic system and keep it working without having to get into expensive repairs: You should not put large amounts of water into the septic system at once as that can "drown" the drain field out from the tank. Never flush anything down the toilets, but toilet paper. Never put anything into the septic system that cannot be dissolved by the bacteria. - Repair all leaky faucets and toilets, as even a small leak can overload the system with too much water. - Pump out your septic tank every 3 to 5 years, as solids will accumulate, and will back up into your house, and/or clog the drain field if it gets too full. - Do not use a garbage disposal, as it will add too many solids that cannot be "digested" by the bacteria in the tank. - Inspect regularly the status of your system, by calling a qualified company to come to your home and do the honors. He will inspect the level of the tank, the quality of the drain field, and your overall water situation as to whether you have any leaking faucets, toilets, etc. - Use "lower flowing" shower heads and faucets - Spread out your laundry washing cycles throughout the entire week, and when you do wash, wash as full loads as you can. - Do not drain hot tubs and swimming pool water into your septic system, as that will overload the system. - Take care to direct any water runoff and plant roots away from your drain field. - Make sure that the lid to your septic tank is accessible easily. - If anything having to do with your septic system needs repair, call a professional to take care of it.
These tips will keep your septic system in good shape, and you will likely never have to deal major repairs.