The average septic tank can last about 40 years. However, not all of them make it that far. People who flush foreign objects down their toilets or wash trash down their drains will most likely see sewage back up through their homes at some point.
Once a tank cracks or springs a leak, you could spend over $9,000 to replace it. That’s why it’s so important to practice proper septic tank maintenance.
Watching what you flush down your toilet is only one step that you should take. Check out this handy guide to septic tank maintenance to find out how you can keep yours going strong.
1. Learn How It Works
The first step in taking care of anything is learning how it works. To purify the wastewater that comes out of your home, there needs to be a place to hold it. That’s the main function of most septic tanks, but you need to study a little beyond that.
Find out what kind of system you have, and look for where it’s located if you don’t already know.
2. Have It Inspected
About every three years, you need to have your septic tank inspected. It will cost you anywhere between $100 to $200, but the professionals will be able to spot small problems before they turn into large (and expensive) ones.
Every five years or so, you should also have your tank pumped. Depending on the size of your tank and how much wastewater you generate, you may need to pay for this service more often than five years, but that’s the average. You can set up an appointment at goebelseptic.com.
3. Don’t Wash Your Trash Down the Drain
Sometimes it’s difficult to prevent some of your dinner leftovers from going down the kitchen sink, but you should try to mitigate it as much as you can.
Instead of putting the dirty plates right in the sink, scrape the leftover food into your garbage can first. Doing so is much better for overall septic tank care.
Similarly, don’t wash garbage down your drain. Cat litter, napkins, and q-tips should all go in the trash.
4. Be Careful What You Flush
The last bit of septic tank maintenance advice you need to take to heart is to only flush waste and tissue paper down your toilet. You can’t always help what your four-year-old does, but you can set an example.
Don’t flush q-tips, paper towels, feminine hygiene products, dental floss, diapers, cat litter, coffee grounds, cooking oil, or condoms. Not only will these items clog your toilet, but they’ll put a huge strain on your septic system.
Important Septic Tank Maintenance Steps for Homeowners
While regular septic tank maintenance steps such as inspection and pumping can cost you hundreds of dollars, a broken tank will set you back by so much more.
Have your system checked for leaks, watch what you flush down the toilet, don’t throw garbage in your sink, and above all else, learn how your septic tank works to keep it going for years to come.
For more maintenance tips that will allow you to keep your house in tip-top shape, visit the Home Improvement section of our blog.