No one is excited about emptying their septic tank, but if you feel that yours is needing to be emptied more than it should be, you may be right. When a septic tank is treated properly, it should only need to be pumped out every 3-5 years.

Here are a few ways to help your septic tank stay healthy and working for as long as possible.

Reduce Your Water Usage

Every drop of water that goes down your drain ends up in the septic system. That’s not an issue if things are going as planned, but if you have a leaking faucet or a running toilet, then you’re wasting hundreds of litres of water every day and it’s all going to the septic system.

To prevent this issue, repair faucets or leaking toilets as soon as possible. You can also install a low-flow showerhead and stick to Energy Star washing machines and dishwashers. It’s also helpful to use a high-efficiency toilet to help reduce water usage in your home.

Avoid Disposing of Certain Waste

Certain things should never end up in septic tanks as they cannot be properly processed in the tank and may cause clogs and other problems. These include:

• Any type of oil or grease
• Baby wipes
• Diapers
• Medicines
• Paper towels
• Cigarette butts
• Tampons or pads
• Condoms
• Cat litter
• Coffee grounds
• Chemicals (petrol, antifreeze, paint thinner, etc.)
• Dental floss

All of these items belong in the rubbish bin, not your septic tank. They will cause endless issues if they are flushed down the toilet.

Maintain the Drain Field

Your drain field is where the processed liquids from the septic tank go to drain into the soil. You need to look after this area of your garden, as it is where everything drains and that means if it’s not working or absorbing, you’ll lose the benefits of the tank.

Ideally, you want to keep any other water or drainage source away from the drain field. Don’t let your roof drains go into the same area, as this will saturate the space and stop the wastewater from working its way out.

You should also avoid planting trees or anything with large roots anywhere near the septic tank and drainage field. If the roots get into the drains, it can ruin your system. It’s best to simply plant elsewhere.

Avoid compressing the soil in the drain field, as well. You can do this by keeping vehicles away from it and not having anything heavy sitting on it.

Are you ready to pump your septic tank? Aquarod is ready to help you out. We are reliable and reputable drain specialists in Cornwall offering commercial and domestic septic tank emptying so that you can keep yours in working order. Get in touch today to find out more.

Published by: David Parkes on: August 3rd 2021