NOTE: Sun Plumbing no long provides septic services. This blog post is informational only.
A septic system is an underground waste treatment system. Solids and liquids are held in the septic tank long enough for them to break down. Three layers are composed inside the septic tank and are made up of greases and oils at the top, clarified wastewater in the middle and sludge at the bottom.
Here are some helpful ways to help maintain your septic system:
Water usage
If there is excess water in your septic system solid matter cannot properly be broken down and it can cause particles to build up within tubes. In order to prevent this from happening you need to keep an eye on the water usage at home. You can get a low flow shower head and spread out your laundry days if too much dirty laundry accumulates. If family is visiting let it be known to spread out shower usage and the amount of water in the home needs to be used mindfully.
Biodegradable only
Only flush waste and toilet paper down the toilet. Anything else cannot be broken down in the septic system and will cause damage to your septic tank. This includes oil and grease from dinners. These don’t break down the same way human waste does and can clog your drains. Do not flush tampons, diapers, Q-tips or anything that is not biodegradable.
Stay away from chemicals
Check the ingredients list on your laundry detergent and avoid purchasing any products that have phosphates. Harsh chemicals such as solvents, pesticides, brake fluids, gasoline, motor oil and paint thinners support algae growth within your pipes and kill off any naturally occurring bacteria in your pipes that will break down the waste in the septic system.
A septic system needs to be properly maintained in order for it to work efficiently. Sludge cannot be broken down and stays in the pump. Because of this a septic tank needs to be pumped. In order to know the time-table of how often you need your septic system to be pumped call Sun Plumbing and we will be happy to come by and assess the situation. The factors really depend how many people you have in your household, the size of the tank and the usage level.
