Liquid Drain Septic Tank Home Maintenance Tips

Your home is a valuable asset and so the components within your home are important to you, including the sewage system. The average home today has 3 occupants sharing two baths, producing more than 85,000 gallons of wastewater each year. That is up to 300 gallons a day and if you have a septic system and septic tank home maintenance isn’t performed, it can fill up quickly.

A Septic Tank And Drain Line Routine Maintenance  

Inside the septic tank is a filter which separates scum and solids then pretreats the wastewater before it goes into the drain-field where it is purified. This process takes as long as 48 hours and when it isn’t working properly, it can be a health hazard for you and your neighbors, not to mention an expensive problem when the system fails.

Your septic take is a watertight container that is located underground. This is where the wastewater goes from the bathrooms, kitchen, and laundry. The heavier solid materials settle down at the bottom and are reduced by the bacteria, creating gasses and sludge. He lighter solids like grease will rise and create a layer of scum.

Some solids do not decompose and stay inside the tank. A septic system maintainer is required periodically, the recommendation is every three to five years, to have this cleaned out as well as cleaning the drain field. If this maintenance isn’t done, the damage to your septic system can become extensive, as well as damage to your home.

Other Type Of Septic Tanks

There are alternative systems that are used, like a grinder pump system or a step system. A professional septic tank system can provide more information and explain the benefits of each, making recommendation which is best for you and your home.

How Often A Septic Tank Needs Should Be Pumped

Basic septic tank home maintenance tips advise that you should have your septic tank pumped when it reaches 25% capacity in the main tank. In addition, an annual inspection is recommended by a professional. They will check the levels and the flow of the system. You should do your own inspection from time-to-time of the drain field, be aware of odors and wet spots. If you see an sewage coming to the surface, it is time to call a professional. If you have a home warranty plan, such as those available through Liberty Home Guard, review your plan first and then call the customer service line before you do anything else.

Other Indicators When Liquid Drain Home Maintenance Is Needed

Schedule a tank pumping if you notice there is scum is within 3″ of the outlet device. You can measure this yourself by building a tool that consists of a 6-foot pole with a 3-inch square block nailed to the bottom of it.

Then stick the pole into the tank through the layer of scum, moving it up and down so that you can feel the resistance. Place a mark on the 6-foot pole when it becomes level with the bottom and then mark the pole where the outlet is. If there is less than 3 inches between the marks, it is time to schedule a pumping.

Reminders For Your Septic System Maintenance

You can ensure a longer life span for your sewage system by performing certain maintenance steps yourself:

1. Inspect the system annually
2. Have the system pumped when needed
3. Ask a certified septic technician on how to keep your drain line clean
4. Keep accurate maintenance records
5. Use water conservation practices
6. Use the services of a certified septic technician for any system problems