Properly Maintaining Your Septic Tank

5 Best Tips To Prolong Your Septic System

Worried about your septic’s lifespan? Check out these proven effective tips to prolong your septic system. Invest in peace of mind, call us!

Whether you are an owner of a private home, or a commercial or a residential complex, regular maintenance of your septic system is important  Your property is valued on its overall status, which includes your septic tank. Looking for ways to prolong the life of your septic system?

tips to prolong your septic system

Here are some important considerations.

  • The septic tank system is divided into three parts. The first part consists of sludge that is decomposed by bacteria, the second part consists of water that is drained and dissipates in a drain field. What needs attention are the solids, known as scum. These materials that float on the top of the tank do not readily decompose and need attention. Professional services are required from time to time to get rid of that top layer.
  • Maintenance of your home’s septic tank is not typically something a home owner is able to take on. You’ll want to find a reliable company capable of septic system maintenance and upkeep. Choosing a qualified and licensed septic company is important. Your septic company should be able to help educate you about your specific system and make recommendations specific to your set up.
  • The location of trees is important to note to ensure that roots don’t cause the tank to crack. Additionally, you’ll want to avoid covering the tank with extremely heavy slabs as those can cause permanent damage to the tank.
  • The cost of maintaining a septic system is dependent on the size and type of tank. A cohesive inspection should help establish a baseline for both ongoing maintenance services as well as any items that may require immediate attention. A good septic company will advise you on how frequently cleaning is needed and the maintenance systems they will recommend and implement.

If you can choose the right company with the right experience for the maintenance of your septic system, you are likely to save a lot of money in the long run.

A detailed illustration of a septic tank maintenance professional working on a residential septic system, with a suburban home in the background.

5 Best Tips to Prolong Your Septic System

A well-maintained septic system is crucial to the health and safety of your household and the environment. It’s designed to treat and dispose of household wastewater efficiently. With proper care, a septic system can last for decades, but neglect can lead to system failure, costly repairs, or even replacement. Here are five essential tips to help prolong the life of your septic system:

1. Regular Inspections and Pumping

  • Frequency of Inspection: Your septic tank should be inspected at least once every three years by a septic service professional. During the inspection, they’ll check for leaks, examine the layers of scum and sludge, and evaluate the overall health of your system.
  • Pumping Schedule: Typically, septic tanks need to be pumped every three to five years. The exact timing depends on the size of your tank and the number of people living in your home. Regular pumping prevents the buildup of solids, which can escape the tank and clog the drain field pipes.

2. Mind What Goes Down the Drain

  • Non-Biodegradables: Avoid flushing non-biodegradable items such as diapers, wipes (even those labeled “flushable”), feminine hygiene products, and cigarettes. These items can clog your system and require costly repairs.
  • Chemicals: Household chemicals like paint, oil, pesticides, and high concentrations of cleaning agents can disrupt the bacterial balance in your septic system necessary for breaking down waste.
tips to prolong septic system

3. Use Water Efficiently

  • Fix Leaks: A single leaking toilet can waste hundreds of gallons of water a day, overloading your septic tank.
  • High-Efficiency Fixtures: Install high-efficiency toilets, showerheads, and faucet aerators to reduce the overall water usage in your home.
  • Spread Out Laundry Days: Staggering laundry throughout the week prevents the system from being overloaded in a single day.

4. Proper Landscaping

  • Grass Cover: Maintain a grass cover over the drain field. Grass is excellent at using water and helps with evaporation and nutrient uptake from the effluent (liquid wastewater).
  • Avoid Deep Roots: Plant trees with deep root systems far from your drain field to avoid roots interfering with and damaging the underground pipes.
  • Divert Rainwater: Ensure landscaping and gutters divert rainwater away from the drain field to prevent saturation. An oversaturated drain field won’t properly process wastewater.

5. Monitor Drain Field Load

  • Avoid Parking or Driving Over the Drain Field: The weight can compact soil and crush pipes, leading to significant damage.
  • Limit Heavy Construction: Keep heavy construction away from the area of your septic tank and drain field to avoid potential harm.

Your septic system’s longevity is closely tied to how well you take care of it. By following these tips, you can help ensure that your system functions properly for many years, saving you money and protecting your property’s health and value.

Holding Tank Pumping Services

Texway Wastewater Services Pumps Out Septic Tanks In Johnson County Texas

Texway Wastewater Services is a septic tank pumping and vacuum truck company based out of Burleson, and Johnson County, Texas.

We specialize in septic tank installations, grease traps, septic tank pumping for residential and commercial, lift stations, and holding tanks of all sizes.  We offer prompt and efficient service that is competitively priced.

If you’d like to receive a quote to pump out your septic tank or holding tank please give us a call  (817) 889-4007 or fill out our contact form and we’ll get right back to you.

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