While maintaining your septic system may seem like an overwhelming endeavor, it’s fairly simple and affordable. Here at Freedom Pumping, our septic professionals recommend the following tips to all homeowners and businesses with septic tanks on their properties.
Inspect and Pump Frequently
The EPA recommends that the average household with a septic system undergoes an inspection every three years. If you have an alternative system with an electrical float switch, pump, or mechanical part, an annual inspection is ideal. The following factors will play a role in how often you should invest in septic system pumping:
- Size of your household
- Amount of wastewater you generate
- Volume of solids in the wastewater
- Size of your septic system
Once you contact a septic service professional from Freedom Pumping, you can expect them to inspect your system for leaks. They’ll also look into the scum and slide layers in your tank. If the bottom of the scum layer is six inches from the bottom of the outlet, the top of the sludge layer is within 12 inches of the outlet, or if more than 25% of the liquid depth is sludge and scum, they'll pump your septic system.
At the end of the service, you’ll receive a document that states the sludge and slum levels we discovered. We’ll also note any repairs that we have made. It’s in your best interest to keep maintenance records of any work performed on your system.
Use Water Efficiently
You may be surprised to learn that the average indoor water use in a single-family home is 70 gallons, per person, per day. Add a leaky or running toilet to the picture, and this number increases to 200 gallons per day.
By using the water in your home or business efficiently, you’ll improve the way your septic system functions and reduce the risk of issues. We also recommend investing in high-efficiency toilets and showerheads as well as faucet aerators. Additionally, do your best to wash small loads of laundry throughout the week so that your septic system has enough time to handle the waste.
Dispose of Waste Properly
Remember that your septic system isn’t a trash can. Therefore, don’t flush anything down it except for human waste and toilet paper. Flushing cooking oil, feminine hygiene products, diapers, and dental floss can damage your system. It’s also a good idea to reduce or even eliminate the use of garbage disposals so you can limit the number of grease, fats, and solids that make their way into your septic tank and potentially clog the drainfield.
Maintain Your Drainfield
Your drainfield is designed to get rid of the contaminants from the liquid that comes from your septic tank. To maintain it, don’t park or drive on it. Also, ensure it’s free of sump pumps, roof drains, and other rainwater drainage systems. Too much water will either slow or stop the wastewater treatment process.
Interested in Septic Tank Maintenance in Lafayette LA? Request a Free Estimate From Freedom Pumping Today
