Septic System Do’s and Don’ts

Knowing how to keep your septic system healthy can save you a ton of headaches AND money when it comes to backups or repairs. With that in mind, we’ve created a list of helpful hints based on over a decade of practical experience in the field. It is our hope that you’ll follow these suggestions because they will save you time, money and protect the environment too. Keep reading to learn more, or contact us today for your
Ithaca, NY Septic Service.

First things first, NEVER enter a septic tank. The gases within the tank are toxic and can be fatal.

DO pump your tank regularly. Heavy solids can accumulate without regular maintenance, leading to backups in your inlet/outlet lines or further issues with your drainfield. Regardless of what the advertisers claim, there are NO chemical or biological additives that can substitute for a regular septic tank pumping. We do encourage the use of septic system additives to keep your tank bacteria at a healthy level, but you absolutely need to have your tank cleaned out regularly for things to function properly.

DO monitor water consumption. Your system was designed to handle certain amounts of water based on the number of occupants living at your residence when the system was installed. Make adjustments if the water usage increases drastically, the weather is extra wet and rainy, or you’ve started a home business that requires additional water usage.

DO conserve water. Reducing the water flow into the system produces less agitation within the tank, keeping the solid waste at the bottom of the tank. Keeping the solids in the tank prolongs drainfield life. Make note: Showers require less water than baths and front loading washers use 1/3 less water than top loading units.

Here are some other Septic System DO’S:

• Read product labels carefully. Make sure they are safe for your septic system. Many will actually be labeled, “Septic System Friendly,” but there is no such thing as a “Flushable” wipe!
• Use the strainer in your kitchen sink. This will help prevent large food particles from going down the drain and causing a backup.
• If you have a garbage disposal, use it sparingly! Garbage disposals can increase the amount of solids in your septic tank by up to 50%.
• Know the exact location of your septic tank and drainfield. This can save time when the system needs to be pumped or repaired.
• Keep your drainfield free of trees, shrubs or shrubs to avoid roots in the lines and avoid directing storm water runoff to the area near your drainfield. The excess water can cause damage or interfere with the operation of the drainfield, and roots can cause major damage to pipes and lateral lines.

Whatever you do… DON’T:

• Never drive heavy equipment or vehicles over your drainfield. This can damage the area and cause a system failure. This goes for parked cars as well. If you’re hosting a party the septic system is never an okay place for additional parking.
• Always insist that the tank be pumped through its large central manhole, not the smaller diameter baffle inspection ports. Pumping through the inspection ports will prevent thorough tank cleaning and may damage critical tank components. If deeply buried, a riser or an “extension” can be installed on the manhole to make it more accessible for pumping.
  To learn more about installing extensions or risers, click here.

Do not place these harmful products or foreign objects into your septic system!

• Gasoline, oil or other petroleum products
• Feminine products, makeup removing wipes or baby wipes
• Paper towels or tissues – these do not break down like septic safe toilet paper
• Cooking grease and oils
• Paint, paint thinner or solvents
• Products with high levels of phosphorous (often found in laundry detergents, cleaning supplies, etc.)
• Large quantities of bleach, concentrated cleaners or anti-bacterial products

Last but not least, NEVER go longer than 5 years without pumping your septic tank regardless of tank size, usage, or number of people in your household. Stick to these lists and things will be flushing smoothly for years to come!
 

For hassle-free scheduling and the expertise of the Finger Lakes most experienced septic pumpers,
contact Clean Earth today. Our team is ready to assist with any questions and schedule your next septic service, catering to homes and businesses throughout the Ithaca, NY area and beyond.

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