Whether you are a present home owner or prospective home buyer, you have multitude of responsibilities in ensuring the facilities in your property are in well working order. In addition, you also have the obligation to keep a healthy environment for your family and neighbors. For one, the septic system is a primary facility that needs rigid maintenance.The septic system has many components primarily functioning to contain wastes from your home, which would then be later on funneled to appropriate tributaries. Meanwhile, understanding how the components of the septic system work would be tantamount to implementing measures suitable for maintaining such system.The pipes are responsible for transporting the wastes into the septic tank. This watertight container buried in the ground is in charge of aiding the decomposition of solid materials streaming with the waste water. The tank must be sturdy enough to hold a particular amount of wastes, and that it why it is crucial it must be made of fiberglass, polyethylene or concrete. From the septic tank, the waste water travels to the drain field. This processes further decomposition of other solid materials not fully disintegrated in the tank. After the particles are all refined, the soil absorbs the bacteria and other contaminants before the decomposed matter reaches groundwater.
The United States Environmental Protection Agency in its released Homeowner’s Guide on Septic Tanks enumerates four main things you can do to ensure safe and healthy preservation of your septic system:1. Regular inspection – at least once every three years, an inspection of typical septic systems by a professional has to be done. Systems with electrical float switches, pumps or mechanical components have to be checked at least once a year. The inspection will include some tasks such as locating and uncovering access holes, flushing the toilets and sinks, measuring scum build up, identifying leaks and pumping the tank.2. Efficient water usage and consumption – the less water is used in a household, the lesser wastes would enter the tank. Thus, the longer time frame before the tank would be filled up. Efficient water usage can also be achieved via troubleshooting leaky pipes, toilets and other water fixtures. About 200 gallons of water a day will be waster due to one leaky toilet alone.3. Responsible disposal of materials – flushing down items such as feminine napkins, tissue paper, cigarette butts, cat litter, food remains and other bathroom or kitchen wastes into the toilets and sinks would massively contribute to the good working condition of your septic system. Although these are soluble in water, they can still lead to clogging the pipes. Pesticides, cooking oil or grease and other household chemicals would also render as much damage to your system once these are flushed down the drain.
4. Drain field care – securing the perimeter of the drain field against possible clogging or damaging factors is of utmost importance. Roots from overgrown trees must be away from this area. Parking vehicles and installing water drainage systems directly over or nearby the septic system would harm the stability of the soil, which could eventually erode.A well maintained septic system benefits you in many ways. You get to save money from expensive repairs or even replacing the whole system and prevent health and sanitation problems from occurring within your property.