Ten Tips for Tanks
Moving to the countryside or the deep woods can have many advantages – nighttime skies full of stars, peace and quiet, and open spaces. But if you’ve been a city slicker your whole life, moving away from an urban area can present a new experience in the way of septic tanks. A septic tank, usually found underground, is a tank that collects sewage from your household and uses bacteria to break down the solids before moving the waste to a septic field to filter back into the environment. The tank, field, and related pipes are collectively referred to as a septic system. Review these ten tips for the care and maintenance of your septic system to guarantee frustration-free flushing for years to come.
- Have a professional inspect your septic system annually. As the saying goes, “An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.”
- In addition to regular inspections, you should have your tank pumped out by a licensed contractor every 2 – 5 years depending on usage. You should also call immediately if you suspect any problems.
- Make sure that everyone in your household and anyone who might do work at your property knows where the septic field is located, and try to stay clear of the area as much as possible.
- Keep the septic field clear of plants, trees, cars, concrete, etc. No building or driving should take place on the field. Planting grass will prevent erosion and absorb excess moisture.
- Do not attempt tank maintenance yourself. The anaerobic bacteria breaking down your household solids produce toxic methane gas, which can cause skin and lung irritation, nausea, vomiting, and even death.
- Before installing a garbage disposal, check with your septic professional or local building codes. You need to be sure your septic system can handle the extra food-based waste. Avoid using the disposal for fats and oils which can clog your system, harm the bacteria that maintain the system, and be detrimental to local waterways after expulsion to your septic field. Consider a septic-safe disposal, which utilizes an extra cartridge of enzymes to help break down food waste. Many professionals will advise you to avoid a garbage disposal altogether.
- Avoid a muddy mess by keeping gutter, pool, and sump pump water away from the septic field.
- Do not flush diapers, sanitary products, cat litter, or paper towels down the toilet. Do not pour leftover cleaning products and other hazardous chemicals down the toilet or sink drain.
- Maintain detailed records regarding the care and maintenance of your septic system. This is both for your benefit and the benefit of future potential buyers of your property.
- Conserve water so as not to overload the system. Use low-flow showerheads and toilets, install high-efficiency appliances, and repair leaky toilets and pipes. Spread out your laundry use over the week and use the smallest load size for the amount of laundry you have.
If you are considering the purchase of a property with a septic system, call the experienced exclusive buyers agents at The Bouma Group, Realtors to guide you through the process. They have local knowledge and professional contacts who can ensure you aren’t flushing money down the drain. Call 734-761-3060 or email info@bouma.com today!
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