Septic Tank System Tips You Should Know

Septic Tank System Tips You Should Know

Septic tank systems are magnificent alternatives for property owners whose property is not connected to a centralized sewer system. While a septic tank system relieves you of sewer bills, it does require regular maintenance. In fact, septic systems can be more sensitive than traditional centralized sewer systems and owners should take extra precaution with what goes into their sewer tank. Metro Septic Pumping is committed to educating the community on proper septic system management. This short article will go over some tips you should know in order to make the most of your septic system and avoid premature issues, problems, or expiration of your system. Please give us a call if you have any questions or concerns.

Quick Overview of How A Septic Tank System Works

A septic tank system is a simple onsite sewage facility for properties in areas that are not connected to a centralized sewage system, such as rural areas and homes off the grid. This system is actually fairly simple in design: an inlet pipe transfer waste from the house into a septic tank which is also connected to a drain field by an outlet pipe. 
The septic tank is basically an underground container made of concrete, plastic, or fiberglass which houses anaerobic bacteria and chemicals that decompose or mineralize the waste, wastewater, and sewage that flows into the tank from your household. The sewage is separated into solids and liquids. While the liquids are discharged into a drain field, the solids are broken down by bacteria and chemicals, leaving behind scum and sludge that must be regularly pumped out.

Be Aware of What Can and Cannot Go into Your Septic System

The pipes that lead to your septic tank are the same pipes that would lead to a centralized sewer system, so the rule of never flushing hard objects, fibrous food scraps, and other junk still applies. Food scraps such as potato peels, egg shells, meat and bones should be tossed in the trash and the only things you should flush down your toilet – whether you have a septic system or connected to a traditional sewer system – are the three P’s: pee, poo, and (toilet) paper.

Septic systems also require some additional attention. Because the septic tank houses anaerobic bacteria and chemicals that play the vital role of breaking down and decomposing solid sewage, do not send bleach down your drains, pipes, and toilet! Bleach is a phenomenal killer of bacteria and microbes but does not differentiate between good bacteria and bad bacteria. Flushing bleach down the drain could terribly damage your septic system at a fundamental level. Opt for other cleaning products instead.

TIP: No Pressure!

Be aware of where your septic system – including the inlet pipe, outlet pipe, septic tank, and drain field – are located on your property. Activity on or around these locations should be done with the septic system in mind. Applying undue pressure on your septic system can damage it. Be sure to avoid driving on, parking, or installing heavy structure on or around these areas. It is also helpful to know the location in the event that an emergency arises and you need to access parts of the septic system.

Regular Service and Maintenance

No matter how well you use your septic system, there will be a need for service and maintenance. Most importantly, septic tanks should be pumped once every year or two. Until then, we recommend that you schedule annual inspections to ensure there are no cracks or leaks in the system. 
Metro Septic Pumping is a local family-owned company with years of experiencing servicing septic systems. Give us a call today to take advantage of our honest pricing with no hidden fees. We look forward to addressing any of your questions or concerns.