How to Care for Your Septic Tank

A septic system replaces the need for a city sewer system to treat your home’s wastewater. Inside your septic tank, solid wastes are separated from the water before the latter is distributed to the environment via drainpipes in your leach field. In most areas, the care and maintenance of the tank is your personal responsibility as a property owner. Understanding how your septic tank works and how to care for it will save you money by preventing backups and other costly plumbing problems.

Reduce Water Waste

Whenever water in your home goes down the drain, it empties into your septic tank. Inside the tank, solid wastes are decomposed by bacteria and other microorganisms. Reducing the amount of wastewater and solid wastes you flush down your drains can improve septic tank performance and longevity. Furthermore, using too much water can cause the system to back up. Install low-flow showerheads, faucets, and toilets to limit the amount of water you use for daily activities such as bathing, washing your hands, and using the toilet. Mesh drain covers can prevent large amounts of hair and soap scum from swirling down the drain during a shower or bath. Only flush toilet paper down your toilet; neither your plumbing nor your septic tank is designed to handle solid trash such as feminine products, baby diapers or wipes, cat litter, and plastic or paper packaging. If your kitchen has a food disposal, limit the items you put down your disposal. Throw large amounts of uneaten food, hard items such as animal bones and fruit rinds, or bread and pasta away with other solid waste.

Limit Chemical Use

In addition to food and other wastes that go down your drains with your water, cleaning chemicals and even products that claim to improve the performance of your septic tank can upset the balance of bacteria inside the system. While most household detergents such as dishwashing soap and laundry detergents will not damage your septic tank, chemical drain cleaners, large amounts of bleach, and paint can affect the system’s performance. If you experience a clog in your plumbing, use an enzymatic drain cleaner designed to remove the buildup without harsh chemicals. Septic system additives are not necessary to maintain a balanced ecosystem inside the tank, so avoid using these products as well. If you have questions about flushing any product or waste down your drains and into your tank, consult your plumber.

If your Memphis home uses a septic system, taking care with the type and amount of wastewater that goes down your drains will improve its performance and help you save money. You can find more information about septic tanks and home plumbing maintenance by clicking through the articles on our blog. Visit our website to contact a plumber for information, advice, maintenance, or repairs for your septic tank, water heater, or any other plumbing appliance in the Memphis area.