Do Septic Tanks Require Maintenance?

Do septic tanks require maintenance? If you want them to last, they absolutely do. Acme shares the details on four septic maintenance mistakes and how they can impact your septic system.

If you’re new to septic ownership, you may be starting from scratch regarding how to care for your septic system. How much involvement in septic tank maintenance is a homeowner required to have? Acme Environmental Services has been in the business for over thirty years and has plenty of helpful tips to help set you on the right track. Keep reading to find out what types of septic tank maintenance mistakes you should avoid if you want your septic system to operate at its best.

Septic Care Mistake #1: Neglecting Routine Pump-Outs

Septic pump-outs are one of the most valuable services available to the owners of septic systems. Pump-outs should be performed once every 3-5 years, according to the Environmental Protection Agency and other septic care experts.

The basic function of your septic system is to contain the solid and liquid waste produced by your household. When this waste reaches your septic tank, it goes through an initial treatment process before it is distributed to your septic drain field. Without septic pumping, the remnants of waste material build up inside your septic tank and may cause problems such as frequent clogs, overflow, and system malfunction. This is a service you don’t want to neglect if you want your septic system to function well and keep repair costs low.

Septic Care Mistake #2: Flushing Harmful Items

While septic systems are made of some pretty hardy materials, including concrete and fiberglass, this does not mean that we can flush or dispose of anything down the drains or toilets in our homes. Objects such as paper towels, harsh chemicals, dental floss, and many others, can lead to clogs, overflow, and disruption of the bacterial balance in your septic tank.

If clogs and contamination occur, it can lead to environmental and public health hazards as toxic substances enter surrounding groundwater sources and soil. Even though it might seem like nothing is happening when you pour medications, certain chemicals, or grease down the drain, the unseen effects that take place beneath the surface of the ground are detrimental to the environment and the efficiency of your septic system.

Septic Care Mistake #3: Landscaping Near Your Septic System

Do septic tanks require maintenance more or less often when there are trees growing nearby? It’s possible. Tree roots are naturally attracted to the moisture-rich environment that is provided by your septic tank and drain field. Unfortunately, when tree roots grow too close to septic systems, they can puncture its components, including the tank or drain field. If this occurs, it can mean your septic tank will need immediate maintenance before the problem becomes more serious.

Managing tree root infiltration can become expensive and labor-intensive. If you are planning to plant trees, shrubs, or any other type of plant, ensure that they are placed far enough away from your septic system that they will not cause damage. Septic tank and drain field replacement costs can soar into the thousands of dollars. If you want to avoid the expense, plan carefully when landscaping and gardening around your septic system.

Septic Care Mistake #4: Overwhelming The System

Do septic tanks need maintenance when they are required to handle large amounts of water? It’s possible. If your septic tank becomes overwhelmed due to high water-usage, you might end up needing an emergency pump-out. Overwhelming your septic tank could happen if you:

Do multiple loads of laundry in one day
Run the dishwasher, washing machine, and showers at the same time
Have leaky toilets or faucets
Improperly dispose of waste down the drains or toilets in your home
Experience heavy rainwater or flooding

You are at a greater risk of overwhelming your septic system when you have a smaller tank or when your septic tank is near or at capacity, so make sure you know how much water your septic tank is able to manage at a time, choose water-efficient home appliances when possible, and maintain routine pump-outs and inspections.

And The Biggest Mistake Of All…

Not counting on Acme for your septic care! Acme has over thirty years of experience in the field of septic installations, maintenance, and more. Our technicians are trained and certified to handle your septic needs so you can avoid stress, unpleasant surprises, and unreasonable septic care costs.

Don’t Make These Top 4 Septic Maintenance Mistakes