Septic System Maintenance Checklist

In this brief article brought to you by Septic Blue of Lakeland, we give you an abridged checklist of maintenance items. If you’d like to consult with a septic professional from a reputable septic company, then call Septic Blue to get started.

• Annual inspections

Frequency: At least once a year.

Why: Regular inspections help identify potential problems before they become serious, thereby saving you time and money.

What to Do: Have a professional inspect your system, including the tank, drain field, and all associated components. They should check for leaks, cracks, and signs of wear and tear.

• Regular septic tank pumping

Frequency: Every 3 to 5 years, depending on the size of your tank and the number of people in your household.

Why: Regular septic tank pumping removes the solid waste that accumulates at the bottom of your septic tank, preventing it from overflowing or clogging the drain field.

What to Do: Hire a professional septic service to pump out your tank. They’ll also inspect the tank for cracks or other signs of damage.

• Septic tank cleaning

Frequency: Typically performed during septic tank pumping, or every other pumping appointment.

Why: Cleaning helps remove residual sludge and scum that can build up on the sides and bottom of the tank. Septic tank cleaning ensures better performance and reduces the risk of blockages.

What to Do: Ask your septic service provider to thoroughly clean the tank during pumping.

• Monitor water usage

Frequency: Daily.

Why: Excessive water use can overload your septic system and result in premature failure or backups.

What to Do: Conserve water by fixing leaky faucets, installing water-efficient fixtures, and spreading out laundry loads. Avoid running multiple water-heavy appliances at once.

• Use septic-safe products

Frequency: Always.

Why: Harsh chemicals, non-biodegradable products, and certain cleaning agents can disrupt the natural bacteria in your septic tank that break down waste.

What to Do: Use septic-safe toilet paper, cleaning products, and avoid flushing anything other than human waste and toilet paper. Never pour grease, oil, or chemicals down the drain.

• Protect the drain field

Frequency: Ongoing.

Why: The drain field is where treated wastewater is absorbed into the ground. Protecting it is crucial for the overall health of your septic system.

What to Do: Keep vehicles, heavy equipment, and structures off the drain field to prevent soil compaction. Plant only grass or shallow-rooted plants in this area, and avoid landscaping with deep-rooted plants or trees that could damage the pipes.

• Maintain accurate records

Frequency: Every time you service the system.

Why: Keeping a record of all maintenance, inspections, and repairs helps you track the health of your septic system and plan future maintenance.

What to Do: Create a file or digital log where you store all receipts, inspection reports, and notes related to your septic system.

Hire a uniformed septic specialist today

Whether it’s time for routine maintenance or you need an emergency septic tank repair, the local professionals at Septic Blue of Lakeland are ready to help. Contact us at any time of the day to get in touch with a member of our team.