How do I maintain my septic system

SEPTIC MAINTENANCE

How to maintain my septic system?

The life of a septic system is measured by what you flush down your drains.  As a general rule of thumb and to extend its useful life pay close attention to the following list:


1) Use biodegradable products.

2) Do not flush women's products.

3) Do not pour cooking grease down drains.

4) Do not pour excess household cleaning products, excess paint and other chemicals down drains.

5) Have the tank(s) pumped every 2 years.
6) Be sure the Inlet and Outlet Baffles are in tact.
7) Where legally and feasibly possible separate gray water (laundry) pipes from the septic tank so that they discharge to their own system.  

Septic system maintenance and how to extend the life of my septic system?

Keep the septic tank pumped out and maintained. Talk to the person who pumps your tank. You can ask him how often your tank needs pumped out based on your current needs  (size of you're house, number of people living there, number of bedrooms/bathrooms, and what if kitchen appliances discharge to the septic tank. These needs can vary from house to house, family to family and types of appliances that are in use. Note, if your not sure what appliances discharge to the septic tank, he can figure it out for you.

Septic Maintenance additives:

By using Septic System Maintenance Products you can extend the life of the leach field.  Some products are bacteria and some are chemical based.  Check with local guidelines and professionals prior to use.
 
1)  Biological (bacteria, enzymes, and yeast). Typically harmless.

2)  Chemical.  Can be harmful to soil, plants, shrubbery and underground waters.