If you have a septic tank on your property then you need to take proper measures to maintain it. Ignoring its cleaning and maintenance can cause problems like overflowing of wastewater into your yard and system failure. Major repairs and replacement of the system can be extremely expensive. So, consider enhancing the lifespan of your septic tank with these easy measures.

Hire a professional company for cleaning the septic tank

You cannot avoid cleaning the tank every few years or as needed. Septic tank cleaning is not something a layperson can do with ease. It is a specialized job and requires training and expertise. So, search for professional companies in your areas. You can use search terms with your location such as septic tank cleaning in Alvin TX or something similar to find websites of service providers.

Schedule pumping and maintenance of the septic tank as needed

A septic tank needs to be pumped-out every few years or as needed. Your service provider can inspect it and inform you about the optimum timeframe for the same. If you move into a property, it is important to get the septic tank inspected to avoid potential problems. If you can ask the previous owners about the maintenance details then do so. It will help you avoid quite a maintenance headache.

Regular pumping work removes wastewater and sludge from the tank before it overflows into the yard. The service provider can also inspect it for cracks, clogs, and other problems. Such inspections can help with timely repairs, which can save you money in the long run.

Pumping professionals also offer disposal services. They carry the sludge and waste with them in special containers; protecting your family and property from risks of contamination. The waste is then disposed of as per local regulations.

Maintain septic tank cleaning records

Septic tank service professionals can help you maintain records of its pumping and maintenance. They can maintain the records for you and send you periodic reminders. But it is important that you keep a copy of the maintenance schedule. You should have the paperwork indicating the level of wastewater in the tank after each inspection.

Maintaining the records will help you keep the wastewater in the tank in check. It is best to maintain the records by yourself as then you won’t need to depend on others to remind you.

Be mindful of what goes into your drains

One way to protect your septic tank from potential problems is to be careful about what you put inside it. Everything from your household drains reaches the septic tank. Keep eggshells, grease, cooking oil, chemicals, and gasoline from reaching the septic tank. So, refrain from putting these down the kitchen sink.

Refrain from disposing diapers, sanitary napkins, and other things that can clog the system down the toilet. Anything that doesn’t decompose mustn’t reach your septic tank.

Your service provider can offer you guidelines about this. Educate your kids and everyone living in the house about what and what not to dispose of down the drains.

Use water judiciously

The more water reaches the septic tank; the sooner you will need to get it pumped. It is important to use water carefully so that your septic tank continues to work efficiently. A lot of water is used during laundry and baths. So, you can take special care about water use during these activities.

Also, check your house’s plumbing for leaks. Plumbing leaks can increase the use of water in your household without you even knowing about it.

Protect the area around the septic tank

The septic tank is usually in the yard. Grass can grow over it and you can even forget about its positioning. But such a thing can be dangerous. You need to protect the area around the septic tank. Refrain from parking your vehicles on or around the septic tank.

Keep roots away from the septic tank. Roots can get inside the tank and cause extensive damage to it. Landscaping around the tank is also not advisable. Refrain from adding structures like pool or ponds near the septic tank. In short, keep the area around the septic tank free and clear.