A septic system is an on-site sewage treatment and disposal system. It is a vital part of your home and needs to be properly maintained. Proper maintenance saves you time and money, reduces unpleasant odors and helps to keep your yard healthy. It can also increase your property value when it comes time to sell.
A homeowner is responsible for the overall operation and maintenance of a septic system, including its repair and replacement. The septic system owner must maintain acceptable soil and site conditions, and the system must be designed and installed to prevent groundwater pollution.
Several different factors affect how often your septic system should be serviced. The most important factor is the amount of water that you use. You may also need to consider the number of people living in your household, and the size of your septic tank. It is recommended that you schedule septic system servicing on a regular basis, usually every three to five years.
The service provider will check the level of solid waste in the septic tank and look for signs of leakage or damage to the absorption field. A professional will also test the septic tank’s pressure and inspect the sludge layer. It is very important to save all of your septic system maintenance records. These records will be needed if your septic system ever needs repairs or you decide to sell your home.
Other things you can do to help protect your septic system are to never flush anything but toilet paper down the drain. Many items that are advertised as “flushable” actually cause problems for septic systems, such as cigarette butts, dental floss, paper towels and cat litter. Keeping water usage to a minimum is another great way to extend the life of your septic system.
Septic system alarms should be listened for, and when they do sound, you should contact a service provider as soon as possible. An alarm can mean that your septic system is full, or that you have an overflow problem in the drain lines.
A professional septic service company will be able to diagnose the issue and make the necessary repairs, if there are any. You should also ask your technician about further methods you can use to protect your septic system and extend its lifespan.
Taking care of your septic system is a good investment that will pay off in the long run. Keeping it in good working condition will add to the value of your home, and ensure that your family can enjoy a clean, safe environment for years to come. If you are thinking of selling your home in the future, a well-maintained septic system will make it more attractive to prospective buyers. Investing in a little preventive maintenance now will save you the inconvenience and expense of a major system failure later. To learn more about septic system servicing, call the septic system professionals near you! They can provide you with a free estimate and advice on how to best care for your septic system.