Tips on How to Best Clean and Maintain Septic Tank Systems

Cleaning and maintaining the septic tank system is an essential part of maintaining the plumbing system. Without proper maintenance, over time the septic tank will eventually stop working properly and develop problems that can result in damage to the plumbing system that includes sewer back ups, sewage leaching into the environment, and the need to replace the septic system, which can all result in an enormous plumbing bill. When you properly care for your septic tank system, you will not only prevent huge repair bills, but you will also prolong the life of the septic tank.

Below are a number of tips on how to best clean and maintain septic systems:

Pump Septic Tank: Over time, waste sludge can accumulate in the septic tank and eventually disrupt the waste cleaning process. It can cause the raw sewage to back up in the sewer line and even run into the home which can be very messy and expensive to repair. You can avoid this problem by hiring a plumbing service to pump the septic tank. How often you get the tank pumped will depend on the size of the tank and how much it is used. Generally, it is a good idea to have it pumped every 2 years. By doing do, you will prevent blockage in the sewer line, A plumber has the equipment to thoroughly pump out the accumulate sludge at the bottom of the tank.

Plumbing Inspection: It is wise to get a plumber to do a thorough inspection of the plumbing system. A plumber will examine all components and parts of the plumbing system to identify and repair any problems such as cracked pipes, leaks, worn or damaged mechanisms, and any problems with the plumbing fixtures such as toilets, hot water tank, faucets, shower heads, and drains.

Plumbing System Maintenance: There are a number of things you can do all year long to make sure the plumbing systems runs efficiently. For instance, implement regular cleaning practices such as adding natural drain cleaners to the drain using either a homemade cleaner or natural cleaning product available at plumbing supply stores and hardware stores. Once cleaned, it is important to run hot water through the system to flush any residue and organic matter through the system. Also, regularly flush a bacterial enzyme down the toilet which will clear the lines and add bacteria to the tank which digest the waste in the septic tank. As well, make sure you do not put items down the toilet and drains that can damage the plumbing system such as chemical products and garbage.

Drain Field Maintenance: It is important that you keep your drain field clear and flood resistant. Remove any tree roots that are located on or near the drain field. Divert water drainage systems away from the drain field such as roof drains, floor drains, and other water drainage channels that cause excess water to accumulate in the drain field. The purpose is to make sure flooding does not take place which can affect the treatment and release of water from the septic system. Too much water in the drain field can cause a back up in the system. It is also important to keep heavy items off of the area of the septic tank as the pressure can cause the soil to compact.

Maintaining the septic tank system is the responsibility of every homeowner. By maintaining the system, it will extend the life of the system and reduce the number of times you have to call the plumber to make a drains Canada repair.