Septic Tank Management Mistakes? How Septic Tank Pumping Can Help
Even the most conscientious homeowner can make mistakes in managing the major systems in their home. A good example of this is the management of the home's onsite septic system.
When well-designed and managed, residential septic systems are known for their ability to provide decades of trouble-free service with few maintenance needs. However, homeowners who discover that they have made some common management mistakes may be able to utilize septic tank pumping services to help them correct additional problems before damage occurs.
Too many non-digestible materials
One of the most common septic system management mistakes made by homeowners and their families is allowing non-digestible materials to be flushed into the septic tank. These materials commonly include:
- women's hygiene products
- personal care products, like cotton swabs, dental floss and cosmetic applicators
- common household waste products, such as cat litter, dirt from vacuuming and ashes
Even materials designed to be safe for use in septic systems, such as toilet tissue, can be harmful if used in excessive amounts. Additionally, many septic installers and pumping services advise homeowners to refrain from using products that claim to be safe for use in private septic systems, such as flushable baby and personal care wipes, as these materials may take a long time to degrade.
Other substances that are often mistakenly allowed into home septic systems include grease, oil and harsh chemicals used for cleaning or home maintenance. Bacterial colonies responsible for proper digestion of solids within the septic tank can be harmed or killed when these substances are allowed into the tank, increasing the chances of an overloaded septic tank or drain field failure in the future.
Scheduling more frequent septic pumping service calls can help remove non-digestible products and substances and help protect the septic tank's performance and lifespan.
Too much water
Another problem that can cause the septic tank to become overloaded is allowing too much water into the tank. Plumbing leaks, such as a toilet that runs constantly or dripping faucets, can send hundreds of gallons of water into the septic tank, causing it be overloaded.
In addition to giving prompt attention to plumbing repairs, homeowners who suspect that too much water has entered their septic system can reduce the pressure by having a portion removed by a septic pumping service.
Too many users
Septic tanks and drain fields come in many sizes to accommodate the level of use needed for each individual home. When families grow or the home experiences a sharp increase in extended-stay guests or occupants, the level of usage can become greater than the existing septic system can handle.
Increasing the number of scheduled pump-outs can help homeowners reduce this type of pressure on a too-small septic tank and help it to remain functional.