A well-maintained septic tank is crucial when it comes to waste management; it’ll also prevent costly repairs in the future.
Importance of Septic System Maintenance
More than 20 percent of U.S. households rely on these systems as an alternative to municipal wastewater systems.
Despite that, many people remain unaware or indifferent about the importance of proper maintenance.
For example, clogs and leaks can occur if your septic tank isn’t maintained properly. Not only would that lead to costly repairs but it could also lead to a complete replacement, which is very expensive process.
Potential Consequences: From Leaks To Strong Sewage Smells
A poorly-maintained system won’t just cause functional problems; it can have environmental implications too.
For example, untreated sewage—which is filled with harmful pathogens—can leak back into the environment, harming both humans and animals.
Not only that but it can also cause strong sewage smells to develop.
If you notice an unpleasant odor emanating from your property, chances are, there are underlying issues with your home’s wastewater drainage line.
How Do Septic Systems Work?
A septic system primarily consists of two integral parts: the septic tank and leach field. The journey begins with wastewater flowing from your household drainage line into the septic tank, which acts as a holding area for waste material.
Inside the tank, solids settle at the bottom while lighter substances float on top.
In between these layers lies mostly water along with dissolved particles that neither sink nor float. This liquid waste eventually gets released into your leach field dispersal system.
Bacteria in Conventional Septic Systems
The efficacy of a septic system relies heavily on certain types of natural bacteria present within the tank itself.
These microscopic organisms play a crucial role in the anaerobic digestion process, aka the breaking down of solid wastes.
Potent cleaning solutions like bleach or harsh drain cleaners pose a threat to these beneficial bacteria by killing them off when they enter through drains or toilets; this would lead to inefficient breakdowns and potential blockages inside the pipes.
In some cases, it can even lead to perforated pipes, which are costly to fix.
That’s why it’s so important to use ‘septic-safe’ labeled cleaning products – they are specifically formulated not to harm bacterial populations.
Regular Septic Tank Maintenance Procedures
Regular maintenance is key to keeping your septic system functioning properly.
Pumping Your Septic Tank
Household waste, including toilet paper, if left unchecked, can cause clogs, which can damage your septic system over time.
To prevent that, you want to pump your septic tanks regularly, ideally once every three to five years, depending on usage and size.
Depending on your location, it can cost anywhere from $200 to $600.
Caring For Drain Fields
The leach field is responsible for gradually releasing organic waste into the surrounding soil; this allows natural filtration to occur.
This area requires careful attention. For example, driving or parking vehicles over the leach field could potentially lead to serious harm, including compacted soil, which can impede normal operations.
Preserving Your Septic System with Safe Cleaning Products
Choosing the right household cleaning products is key when it comes to preserving your septic system.
More specifically, you want to choose products that are labeled as ‘septic-safe’ or ‘biodegradable’ as they don’t contain harmful ingredients that could disrupt bacterial balance within tanks.
Avoid Overloading The System With Detergents And Soaps
You also want to consider the amount of product that you’re using.
Remember, even if they’re marked as ‘septic-safe’, excess amounts can still affect the balance of bacteria.
This is especially true for laundry detergents as large amounts are released after each wash cycle; this can cause potential harm through chemical buildup inside the septic tanks.
Treat Your Septic System
Septic tank treatments are essential when it comes to maintaining the health of your system.
Essentially, these septic treatments are biological additives that are designed to replenish the levels of beneficial bacteria – the ones that are respnsible for breaking down human waste in the tank.
Some also contain organic solvents that are used to break down fat and grease.
ACTIVE Septic Tank Treatment
Our septic treatment additive is specially formulated with dormant bacteria that will supplement the bacterial populations within your tank.
Using the product regularly will not only help with the breakdown of waste but it’ll also mitigate odors that are often associated with poorly maintained systems.
It’s easy to use too – simply flush one pod down the toilet once every month. The back of the package even comes with a calendar that you can use to keep track of your cleaning schedule.
Septic Tank Maintenance – FAQs
How can I keep my septic system healthy?
Maintain your septic system by conducting regular inspections, scheduling pump-outs once every 3-5 years, and using septic-safe cleaning products.
It’s also recommended that you treat your septic tank with ACTIVE once a month.
What does proper maintenance involve?
Ideally, you want to check for leaks or clogs, schedule pump-outs based on usage and size, and manage the leach fields to prevent damage.
What are the signs that your septic tank is full?
If you notice slow drains, sewage odors around your property, or lush green grass over the drain field area, your tank may be full.
How many loads of laundry a day are safe to do with a septic tank?
To avoid overloading your leach field dispersal system, it is recommended to limit yourself to one load of laundry per day if possible. For larger amounts, it is best to spread them out throughout the week.
ACTIVE Septic-Safe Cleaning Solutions
With the Septic Treatment by ACTIVE, you’ll easily be able to maintain the balance of healthy bacteria in your septic system – and all you need is one pod every month.
We also offer a range of quality cleaning products and treatments for appliances and more, most of which are safe to use in homes with septic systems.
So what are you waiting for? Let us help take the hassle and guesswork out of your cleaning routine!
reid –
Most brands give you months for this price. Getting a full 12 month supply in one bag is a steal. I just set a recurring alert on my phone for the first of the month and flush one down. Simple.
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The Bennetts –
I’m that guy who actually opens the tank to look. The solids layer is noticeably thinner than it was six months ago. The biological action in these is legitimate.
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cornerstonejim –
We have 7 people in one house. Our tank stays balanced even with the constant flow
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Marquette –
Switched from yeast to this. Better results. Less work.
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Susan M. –
Worked overnight.
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ron –
We cook a lot, and despite our best efforts, grease gets into the system. These enzymes are great at breaking down that oily scum layer.
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Kathy L –
We have a mix of PVC and old copper. No issues with corrosion or damage after a year of use.
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Lois L –
I’ve been using these for 2 years as a preventative measure. Hard to know exactly what’s happening underground, but we’ve had zero sluggishness and zero blockages. I’m going on blind faith and the results speak for themselve
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Nicole –
Having a pumper truck come up our steep, winding gravel driveway in Asheville costs a literal arm and a leg just in “difficult access” fees. I use these religiously to keep the solids at a minimum so I can stretch out the time between professional pumpings. Our last inspection was flawless and the guy said the sludge layer was way lower than he expected for a house with this many people.
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Colleen –
Our guest bathroom had a persistent rotten smell that would creep up from the drains. One month of these pods and the air in that room is completely neutral.
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