by Joe Brooks

Created on: April 15, 2009

Even a properly functioning septic tank system may not be a thing of beauty. But a poorly maintained or abused system may cease to function and become a horror show, and an expensive one at that. In order to avoid the sight, smell, and expense of a septic tank failure, pay attention to proper septic system care.

Limit the amount of water that goes into the system. Make sure that your home is using the best water conserving appliances you can get. Also pay attention to leaks. Extra water flowing down the drain is a strain on the system that you don't need. A good local

plumber can help you there. Make efficient use of your washing machine, which is another way of saying don't waste water. Actually, I once lived a way out in the country and was able to install a separate drainfield for my washing machine water. I did this myself using PVC pipe, an old fifty-gallon drum with holes cut in it, and a big hole. I surrounded the drum with rock fill before I covered it. It worked for years. You might check if you could do that too.

Don't interfere with the natural working of the system. Keep trees away from your drainfield, or keep your drainfield away from the trees. Tree roots will seek out and clog the field, stopping it from working. Direct water from gutters or any other drainage away from the septic tank and drainfield. No need to make it work any harder than it has to. Limit you garbage disposal use, or don't have one at all. Ground kitchen waste is just more solid matter that the system has to break down. Dispose of kitchen waste as garbage or, even better, compost it.

A septic system is designed to process organic waste. Keep chemicals out of it. A reasonable amount of household cleaning products will be acceptable, but never dump hazardous chemicals like paint thinner or gasoline into a septic system. Grease can do in a drainfield. You should dispose of grease and cooking oil in some other way than pouring it down the drain.

You should not flush disposable diapers, feminine hygiene products, or adult incontinence garments. Neither should you flush paper towels or wet-wipe type products. A high quality toilet tissue that will break down in water is safe to use.

Be aware of where your septic tank system is located. Don't ever drive over it, or park vehicles on it, or pave over it. In addition, you'll need to know where it is in order to get it serviced. How often that needs to happen depends on how big the system is and how much use it gets. Perhaps three to five years is a good guess, but there are too many variables to tell for sure. Tables are available that will give you an estimate using size of the system and number of occupants as variables. Get a professional to check periodically. If you follow the good septic practice guidelines, it should be years between cleanings.

Learn more about this author, Joe Brooks.
Click here to send this author comments or questions.