Not Sure How to Care for Your New Septic System? 3 Things You Should Avoid

When it comes to caring for your new septic system, what you don't do is just as important as what you do do. In fact, to keep your septic tank functioning properly, there are actually several things that you should avoid altogether. Improper use of your septic tank can lead to serious complications, including increased clogs and septic-system failure. To prevent problems with your septic system, here are three things you should avoid.

Garbage-Disposal Use

If you have a septic system, one of the worst things you can do is run your garbage disposal on a daily basis. While garbage disposals grind food into small particles, those particles can clog up the drain pipes leading to the septic system. Not only that, but the food products can cause your septic tank to fill up too quickly. To avoid problems, limit your garbage-disposal use. Instead, scrape leftover food into the garbage can instead. It's also important that you avoid introducing any type of grease, oil, or fat into the septic system. Those items can cause your septic system to clog up and fail.

Excess Weight on Septic Field

Your septic system is comprised of two separate tanks, a seepage pit and numerous drain pipes. All of these components are located underground. Excess weight can cause serious problems for your septic system. In fact, excess weight can cause the ground to compact, leading to broken drain pipes, collapsed seepage fields, and damaged septic tanks. To avoid these problems, you should never place anything heavy on top of the septic field. This includes vehicles and above-ground swimming pools.

Excess Water

When it comes to your septic system, too much water can be a very bad thing. To prevent excessive water saturation, you should make sure that your rain-gutter downspouts are positioned away from your septic field. That will ensure that the water isn't absorbed into your seepage pit. If you have an above-ground swimming pool or a spa, never drain the water directly into your yard. This could cause your septic system to fail due to an inundation of water into the system. If you have to drain your pool or spa, be sure to divert the water out of your yard and away from the septic field.

If you have a new septic system, make sure it lasts as long as possible. The information provided here will help you avoid situations that could damage or destroy your septic system. Talk to a professional such as Zeb Watts Septic & Underground, Inc. for more information.