How You Can Prevent Septic Tank Failure

Tens of millions of Americans rely on septic systems, so if something ever goes awry with yours, just know that you’re in good company. Any sewage system can falter or fail, but the trick is knowing how to make the odds of failure as low as possible. Having a better understanding of your system is paramount—as is scheduling regular maintenance to get a professional set of eyes on your tank.

Beyond that, there are some relatively simple steps to take if you’re wondering what you can do to keep your septic system from failing. Read on for these basic tips and how they can help your system run smoothly and avoid mishaps.

What is septic tank failure?

Septic system failure can have many different causes, and you should learn to recognize the symptoms. First of all, waste backing up into your home is an obvious sign of a major malfunction that clearly requires emergency service; however, there are other signs that you need to train yourself to watch for. Bubbling above the septic tank in your yard can be a huge red flag, for example. You should also watch for markers like biological or nutrient contaminants; these can be ways to prevent septic system failure.

Watch what goes down the pipes

Your system is only as strong as what you subject it to, so a good thing you can do to keep your septic system from failing is to be extremely mindful of what you subject it to. Items like flushable wipes are a classic culprit. There is no such thing as a flushable wipe, no matter what the packaging says. Disregarding this rule can damage your system in the form of clogs and backups.

Likewise, never put anything like cooking oils down your drain. Any oil or fat that’s solid at room temperature will cool down when it gets into the tank, creating potentially catastrophic problems for your septic system.

Practice regular maintenance

One of your best allies in the fight to keep your septic system running smoothly is the help of a qualified technician. Scheduling regular inspections and pumping is a great idea; every two to three years is best for inspections, while every three to five years is preferable for a good pump to clean out the system.

Also, be proactive about protecting the intake. Turn off the taps when brushing your teeth or shaving so that wastewater doesn’t overwhelm the tank. Similarly, you can protect your tank by never driving or parking on top of it, which can easily crush it. Knowing what you can do to prevent your septic system from failing usually just boils down to being cognizant of where it is in your yard and what it can and can’t handle.

It’s also a good idea to find the right septic partner, and our team at B.H. Cameron Septic Services LLC fits the bill. We’ve been in the business for over 15 years performing all manner of septic services, and we’d love to earn your trust, so call us today.

Categorised in: Septic System

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