Septic tanks play an integral part in the smooth operation of your home. They are efficient at what they are made to do. However, some people forget about them or overlook them because they are often out of sight. Septic tanks should also be maintained even if they are installed underground so that they remain in excellent condition for several years.
What most people do not know is that septic tanks are more vulnerable that you can imagine. They are susceptible to severe concerns that can paralyze your households, such as drain field failure and overflow. Unfortunately, some of these problems can be prevented by avoiding mistakes that damage a septic tank. Below are some of the mistakes that you can avoid if you want to extend the life of your septic tank:
Misusing your garbage disposal
Garbage disposals are handy appliances that make the process of eliminating kitchen scraps easier. Unfortunately, using garbage disposal regularly can lead to an imbalance in septic tanks, which is unhealthy to septic systems. The introduction of too much grease, other food particles, and waste into septic tanks through garbage disposal upsets the tank’s balance. As such, the stress causes septic system overflow in the long run.
Parking over it
The other common mistake that you are probably making that could damage your septic system is parking over it. You need to know the exact place where the tank has been installed so that you avoid parking over it or its components. You need to protect your tank by avoiding the pitfall of driving a car over the septic tank or its parts.
Ignoring signs of trouble
One of the worst mistakes that you can make is to ignore signs that your tank gives as an indication that it is failing, backing up, or clogged. You should pay attention to the signs septic tanks give so that you take the necessary steps such as repairing or replacing them. You should call a professional as soon as you notice signs such as noticeable bad smells, slow draining bathtubs and sinks, and spots of green or healthy grass on the drainage field.
Flushing the wrong items
You should never dump non-biodegradable items down your sinks or flush them down the toilet. The pitfall of flushing the wrong items is among the leading causes of failing septic tanks. Things that shouldn’t be flushed down the toilet or sink include cigarette butts, grease, plastics, disposable diapers, and baby wipes. Additionally, you should not flush chemicals such as motor oils and paints.
Mistreating your drain field
A septic drain field is an integral part of a septic tank. Drain fields allow the flow of wastewater through the soil after getting treated in the tanks. As such, when you mistreat the drain filed, you prevent the proper sewage filter, which results in the back through into your home. You can avoid this pitfall by maintaining the drain field often.
Avoiding these pitfalls can help you avoid costly repair or replacement costs. You should not postpone pumping your septic tank often. Don’t forget to call a professional for repairs, rather than doing everything on your own.