How to Take Care of Your Home Septic System

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Your home septic system is one of the hardest working and most resilient parts of your home. But it’s also not immune to aging and wear over years of regular use.

Think of it as a filter separating solids and treating wastewater before it travels from your home for final disinfection. Your not the only one who relies on a working septic system. The greater neighborhood and community can be affected too!

How To Properly Care For Your Septic System

Taking proper care of your septic system is as simple and hassle-free as preparing a list of reminders. Every homeowner should remember these four key reminders for worry-free septic system upkeep:

  • Personally inspect your septic tank and pump regularly. Get to know its location and design.
  • Schedule a household septic system inspection every three years by registered professionals like the experts at Ashworth Drainage.
  • Try to have your septic system pumped during that three-year inspection but don’t wait longer than five years.

Remember, alternative systems with electrical float switches, pumps, or mechanical parts should be inspected much more often. While technology helps make products less expensive and more efficient some of their parts can wear at a faster rate.

Half the battle of system maintenance is signing a standing service contract with a reputable professional in London, Ontario that knows traditional and alternative septic systems. A seasoned professional from Ashworth will quickly tell you the factors that affect inspection frequency:

    • Size of the household
    • Volume of wastewater generated
    • Volume of solids in the wastewater
    • Size of the septic tank

When your service provider comes over, ensure to keep a record of the works performed on your home septic system.

Use Water Efficiently

The total indoor water used at home can approach 280 liters per day. A single leaky toilet can waste up to 600 liters per day. All the water a household is sending down its pipes will end up in your septic system which means efficient use of water will ultimately improve its performance and reduce the risks of failure. Remember the following three tips to save water using water efficient products:

  • Use high-efficiency toilets.
  • Use faucet aerators, high-efficiency shower heads, and shower flow restrictors.
  • Select proper load size in your washing machine.

Dispose of Household Waste Properly

The home septic system is not a trash can. Flushing anything besides human waste and toilet paper will pose risks to your septic system. You should avoid pouring the following chemicals into your drains:

  • Chemical drain openers
  • Cooking oil, butter or grease
  • Paints, solvents, and large volumes of toxic cleaners

Take Care of the Drain Field

One of the most important parts of the septic system is the drain field where contaminants are removed from the liquids. This is the subsurface area surrounding the tank also known as a leach drain.
Here are some more crucial reminders regarding your drain field:

  • Never park on the drain field.
  • Plant trees at appropriate distances. Your septic service professional can advise you on this during an inspection.
  • Keep rainwater or constructed drainage systems away from the field.

The main thing to remember after reading through these tips is that even though it often skips your mind the septic system forms a major part of your home. Keeping it healthy and inspecting it regularly can give you peace of mind and guarantee you avoid costly incidents. Getting the best professional septic service is something everyone needs and its why Ashworth Drainage has been in business for over 40 years. If you need help on your home septic system in London, Ontario just call us for a free, no-obligation quote.