If your home has a septic system then you should be aware of the maintenance schedule that is needed to keep it running smoothly. If you just purchased your first home with a septic system then it’s important that you know how to maintain that system so that you don’t end up with a costly bill if that system were to fail in some way.
How Do I Keep My Septic System Healthy?
This following schedule should ensure that you avoid any major sewage backups.
- If your household includes 4 people or less, then you should have your septic tank inspected every 4 years.
- If your household includes 5 people or more then you should have your septic tank inspected every 2 years.
- If you use your garbage disposal several times a day – have your septic tank inspected every 2 years.
- Your sewer lines should be cleaned out every 18 – 22 months.
- Your septic tank should be pumped out and cleaned every 3 – 5 years.
You’ll also want to follow these following recommendations as well to keep your septic tank as healthy as possible.
- Use septic safe toilet paper which should be biodegradable.
- Use low phosphorous liquid detergents
- Avoid using chemical drain cleaners
- Avoid putting non-biodegradable food items in your garbage disposal. Here’s a list of what NOT to put down your garbage disposal.
Is It Hard To Maintain A Septic Tank?
No, it really is not difficult to maintain a septic tank – as long as you follow the recommendations we listed above.
Just like anything else in home maintenance – it’s important to keep up with a maintenance schedule in order to avoid possible problems.
Of course – septic tanks can have problems and knowing what they can be can help you to avoid them and of course identify them if they occur.
There are 8 common problems that septic tanks generally have:
- Clogs and Leaks
- Infiltration of roots from trees or plants
- Human errors when digging
- Excess water in the tank
- Non biodegradables in the tank
- Too much detergent
- Harsh chemicals
How Long Will A Well Maintained Septic System Last?
A well maintained septic tank can last many years. But it also depends on the material that the tank is made of..
- Steel tanks last 20 – 30 years
- Plastic tanks last 30 – 40 years
- Concrete tanks last 40 years or more
If you have any questions about septic systems, call Atlantis Plumbing today at 770-443-8229. We are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.