Septic Tanks - Their Care and Maintenance

Millions of American homes use septic tank systems for onsite wastewater disposal. Septic tanks that are properly maintained are an economical, environmentally responsible method of purifying and disposing of household sewage.

But, septic tanks do not last forever. The leach fields eventually stop up or grinder pumps fail, which leaves the liquid in the tank with nowhere to go. When that happens, the toilets start flushing poorly, drains back up, a wet area develops in the yard and a septic-tank odor is noticed around the house.

When septic tank problems become apparent, it may be too late for an easy fix. Preventive maintenance of septic tanks, performed when everything is working perfectly, is most economical in the long run.

Several preventative maintenance tips will contribute to long septic tank and leach field life:

• Don't use your septic tank as a garbage disposal. Put as little waste into it as you can.
• Reduce the amount of water going to your septic tank. Replace existing toilets with high-efficiency toilets, install water saving shower heads and add faucet aerators to your kitchen sink and lavatories.
• Have your septic tank pumped regularly by a reputable septic tank pumping company. There are websites with tables showing how often to pump different sizes of septic tanks.
• Avoid pouring grease or strong chemicals down the drain. Septic tanks work because of the bacteria that live in them, and drain chemicals can kill or weaken those bacteria.

Septic tanks are an excellent method of purifying and disposing of household wastewater if they are properly maintained. Follow these tips and yours should last a long, long time.