How to Avoid Septic System Issues

Understand how the septic system works

Before we get into tips, it helps to understand the basics of your septic system. The system consists of several key components:

• Septic Tank Installation: This is where waste and wastewater are stored. Over time, solids settle at the bottom and form sludge while fats and oils float to the top as scum.
• Drain field: As solids separate in the tank, the liquid effluent flows into the drain field where it’s slowly released into the soil for further filtration.
• Anaerobic bacteria: These bacteria live inside the septic tank and break down solid waste.
• Baffles: These barriers inside the septic tank help direct the flow of wastewater and prevent solids from clogging the pipes and drain field.

This is not a complete list, but if one of these parts fails or becomes overburdened, your septic system could back up or fail.

Get your septic tank pumped regularly

Over time, the sludge and scum in your septic tank build up and can overflow into the drain field if they’re not removed. One of the easiest ways to avoid septic system problems is to have your tank pumped on a regular basis.

How often you need septic tank pumping in Saint Cloud depends on several factors, including the size of the tank and the number of people in your household. A good rule of thumb is to have it pumped every 3 to 5 years.

Mind what you flush

One of the most common causes of septic issues is flushing down things that don’t break down easily or at all. Here’s a quick rundown of what should never go down your toilet or drain:

• Non-biodegradable items: This includes things like paper towels, baby wipes, feminine hygiene products, and dental floss.
• Grease and oils: Pouring grease or oil down the drain can clog your pipes and your septic tank. Once grease cools, it solidifies and can cause major blockages.
• Harsh chemicals: Bleach, paint, and strong household cleaners can kill the beneficial bacteria in your septic tank that break down waste.

Stick to biodegradable toilet paper and avoid putting anything else down the toilet. Your septic system will thank you! If you’re concerned about the damage done, consider scheduling a septic tank cleaning to clear away gunk, muck, and debris.

Conserve water

Your septic system is designed to handle a certain amount of wastewater. Overloading it with excess water can overwhelm the system. Reduce your water usage to avoid backups or drain field saturation. Here are some tips:

• Fix Leaks: Even a drip per second adds up to 3,000 gallons per year.
• Install Water-Efficient Fixtures: Low-flow toilets, showerheads, and faucets can significantly reduce your water usage.
• Stagger Appliance Usage: Doing multiple loads of laundry back-to-back or running the laundry machine and dishwasher simultaneously can dump too much water into your septic system at once.

Protect your drain field

Your drain field plays a critical role in treating wastewater and it’s awfully sensitive to pressure. The weight of vehicles can compact the soil and damage the pipes, for instance. In addition to avoiding parking or driving over it, make sure to keep the drain field safe from tree roots and water runoff.

Keep in touch with septic specialists

Whether you need routine maintenance or urgent septic tank repair, the uniformed septic specialists at Septic Blue are happy to help. Call or message us at any time of the day to get in touch with a member of our team.