Information On What You Need To Know
First Time On A Septic Tank?
If you are a new to owning a home with a septic tank, you need to know you are now responsible for it. Professional maintenance, proper care and treatment will save you money and protect the environment. It’s not difficult, especially with information on what you need to know and a few tips too.
Professional Inspection
Are you buying a home with a septic tank? Have it professionally inspected along with all the other home inspections before your purchase and before closing. Do NOT wait until the last minute, here in middle Tennessee, it can take several days to line up a professional company such as Allgood Sewer and Septic Tank Service. The information you need to know is the age and location of the septic tank, including any installation and maintenance details. Are there signs of a damaged septic tank system such as wet spots in the lawn and odor.
Tip 1: If you are having no problems with your septic system and a company says it is failing, get a second opinion. Unfortunately, not all companies are reputable.
Tip 2: Have regular maintenance and pumping, by a licensed professional, every 3-5 years, or whenever necessary depending on how heavily the system is used. Alternative septic systems should be inspected annually.
Know what goes down your drain
What goes down your drain affects how well your septic system will work. It’s important to know what is going down all your drains. This includes kitchen sink(s), garbage disposal, bathroom sinks, showers, tubs, laundry room and all toilets.
Of course, you probably realize to never pour grease, oil, gasoline, chemicals, pesticides, or antifreeze down your drain.
Septic Tank Tips for Each Room of the House
Toilets – never treat your toilet like a garbage can. We have a list of items here in this article. Here’s a brief list: no wipes (of any kind), feminine hygiene products, tissues, paper towels or floss to name a few.
Kitchen Sinks & Garbage Disposal – grease, oil, paint all add to the sludge and scum in your septic tank. Be aware of what is going down your drains. Here we have a of other common household items to NEVER go down the drain.
Laundry Room – select the proper load size on your washing machine to help reduce water waste. Spreading the washing loads throughout the week will allow your septic tank time to treat waste and avoid flooding your drain field.
Use water efficiently
Being a septic tank owner it is important to realize that using too much water can cause the septic tank to overflow and flood. Use water efficiently and you can save money on your water bill too. Consider your appliances and check to see if they are energy efficient.
We have a list of ways to check your use of water:
- Run full loads of dishes and laundry
- Install or replace faucet aerators
- Take shorter showers and be mindful of water use and waste
- Use low-flow plumbing fixtures and high-efficiency toilets
- Look for and test your plumbing for leaks
- Switch to energy-efficient appliances
- Only use toilets for flushing toilet paper and human waste
- Schedule professional plumbing maintenance every year or ask if your plumber has a maintenance plan
Care for your drain field
Taking proper care of your drainfield is important.
- Only plant grass over your drainfield and remove any trees, bushes or plants that can cause roots to invade the drainfield
- Do not drive or park on the drainfield. The soil can become compacted and damage parts of your septic system.
- Do not let water sources drain into your septic tank or drain field. Think about your rain gutters, sump pumps, hot tubs, etc. that may dump hundreds of gallons into your drain field or septic tank quickly; causing a flood issue or backup problem.
Allgood Septic, your local septic company
Allgood is locally owned and operated and has grown with the community of White House for over 15 years. As a licensed septic tank pumper and installer we offer additional services. Visit our blog for more information and tips on owning a home with a septic tank. And remember regular septic tank pumping will help keep your septic system working properly for many years.
Call 615-672-6969 to setup an appointment for septic tank pumping.