How to Properly Take Care of Your Septic System

May 30, 2023

How to Properly Take Care of Your Septic System

Your septic tank is an essential component of your septic system, working behind the scenes to ensure proper wastewater management and elimination. However, without proper care and maintenance, your septic tank will fail and cost you a lot of money down the road on repairs and replacement.

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Mitch Kranes

Tim Grant of Septic Blue performed our septic system service. He was fantastic. Tank had not been serviced in a…

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Tim P.

Bret Brooks arrived on time, was completely professional and courteous.  I needed my septic tank pumped and a riser installed.…

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Ashley Maylott

We are renovating a home that has a septic tank. We contacted Septic Blue and scheduled an appointment. They came…

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Eric Lehtinen

Bret was professional and courteous.  Bret walked me through his process and explained everything to me.  When it came to…

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Here at Septic Blue of Charlotte, we’ve compiled tips to take care of your septic tank and extend its lifespan.

Pump Your Tank

Septic tank pumping is an integral part of keeping your septic tank in tip-top condition. It involves removing accumulated solids, sludge, and scum from a septic tank. If you don’t pump your tank as needed, a wide range of problems can arise. For example, the contents in the septic tank can build up to a level where they will block the outlet pipe and lead to sewage backup. Besides, the excess solids and scum can escape into the drainfield and cause drainfield failure. It’s recommended to call in a professional septic company to pump your septic tank when the combined thickness of the sludge and scum layers exceeds 30% of the total liquid depth in the tank. Other factors that will determine how often you need to pump your septic tank include:

  • Septic tank size
  • Volume of solids in wastewater
  • Total wastewater generated
  • Household size
  • Septic tank maintenance history
  • Local regulations and guidelines

If you’re not sure if it’s time to pump your septic tank, consult with experienced septic technicians. The technicians will inspect your septic tank and provide expert guidance on the appropriate pumping frequency for your septic system. In addition to septic tank pumping, you should have your septic tank inspected at least once a year. Septic tank inspection allows you to identify potential septic problems and address them before they get out of hand.

Be Mindful Of What You Flush Down the Toilet

Your toilet is not a trash can. Besides human waste, pee, wastewater, and toilet paper, nothing else should be going down your drain. Flushing inappropriate items down the drain can have a detrimental effect on your septic tank. These items can cause clogs and obstructions in your septic tank and increase the accumulation of solids.

Here is a list of items you should never flush down your toilet:

  • Condoms
  • Hair
  • Coffee grounds
  • Feminine hygiene products
  • Dental floss
  • Medications
  • Baby wipes
  • Diapers
  • Paper towels and napkins
  • Cigarette butts
  • Band-aids
  • Cat litter
  • Household chemicals and cleaners
  • Grease and cooking oils
  • Cotton swabs

Don’t Ignore Problems

One of the main causes of septic tank failure is putting off minor septic tank repairs. This is something many septic system owners do and end up spending thousands of dollars on costly septic tank repair and replacements. Minor septic issues can turn into big costly problems. Paying a few hundred dollars to fix a minor problem like a collapsed baffle is a bargain compared to the cost of replacing a failing septic system, which can cost thousands of dollars.

Call Septic Blue of Charlotte for Professional Septic System Services

Septic Blue of Charlotte is a professional septic company offering a comprehensive range of septic services, including:

If you’re looking for a trusted septic company offering reliable and cost-effective septic services, get in touch with Septic Blue of Charlotte.