Keeping Your Septic Working

For homeowners and cabin owners who have a septic system, the standards they keep for maintenance will ultimately determine how long their septic system lasts. From knowing the do’s and don’t’s of your septic to regularly performing inspections that can tell you the state of your system, proper maintenance helps you not only more accurately predict repairs and replacement costs, but also extend the life of your septic. 

Regular Septic Pumping

It’s generally assumed that you should have your septic tank pumped every 3-5 years. The more people you have living in your home, the more frequently you’ll have to schedule pumping. As more wastewater is produced from a home, the more your septic system is put to work, with sludge and solids stored in your tank and liquids entering your drainfield. Obviously, the more wastewater that is created from your home — the more entering your system — the more your septic system needs to work. By not letting your septic system over-fill, you’re keeping the natural processes at work and maintaining a healthy system. 

Don’t Wash the Wrong Things Down Your Drain

Many people assume that if something washes down the drain, it’s safe to wash down the drain. But it’s not just about getting it out of your sink. You need to realize that these things also need to be processed when they enter your septic. Toxins and antibacterial cleaning supplies can disrupt the natural processes that your septic relies on. Foods can clog your system and not break down. Diapers, dental floss, and wipes — along with things like cat litter, cigarette butts, and paper towels — all commonly get flushed down toilets and washed down drains. And they can significantly reduce your septic’s life. 

Filter Your Wastewater

From pet hair to lint and micro-pollutants, your laundry is flushing millions of particles into your septic system that are disrupting productive operation and causing premature failure. By stopping these disruptions before they enter your septic, you’re extending the life of your system.

Filtration and the Life of Your Septic System

A septic system can last up to 30 years if it is properly maintained. By doing the work proactively, scheduling regular inspections and protecting your system from pollutants and particles that disrupt its efficiency, you’ll be able to make your system last.