An issue with your septic tank can be one of the most embarrassing, inconvenient and expensive home disasters out there! Over the years, F.H. Furr has seen some common septic tank problems that could have been easily avoided had homeowners been aware of the following precautions. When a serious problem occurs, we encourage our customers to seek professional service, but we also want them to have options so that they can take action to stop the problem before it starts! Take a look at this list of helpful tips and be proactive against these threats to your septic tank system!

Toilet Paper and Your Septic Tank System

When it comes to your septic tank, did you know that the type of toilet paper you buy and dispose of matters? Make sure that you are buying toilet paper that can break down easily. Though all toilet paper is technically biodegradable, some brands degrade faster than others. In addition, make sure that everyone is not flushing too much toilet paper down the toilet. An excessive build up of toilet paper in your septic tank system will necessitate more frequent cleanings, result in a tank’s shorter lifespan, and drain more money from your wallet!

Laundry and Your Septic Tank System

Interestingly enough, your laundry schedule matters! It is beneficial to the efficient functioning of your septic tank to spread laundry use over the duration of a week, rather than several loads a day. When homeowners do several loads of laundry a day, an excessive amount of wastewater flows out of the tank before it can be divided.

Chemical Additives and Your Septic Tank System

Your septic tank already has good bacteria that facilitate the dissolving of solid waste, so make sure you are not adding caustic cleaners, bleach, or other additives that allegedly “improve” your septic tank’s life. Not only are these additive not proven to actually improve septic tank performance, they destroy the preexisting good bacteria and consequentially harm the system.

Standing Water and Your Septic Tank System

With all this snowfall lately, you’ll want to make sure that surface water is not standing around the leachfield of your septic tank. Make sure the area is graded to allow the water to runoff.

Landscaping and Your Septic Tank System

Shrubs, trees, and other foliage require a lot of water and their roots may potentially grow into the leachfield pipes and restrict flow. Avoid planting foliage near your septic tank system; if vegetation already exists near the system, take care in the removal as to not disrupt system organization.

Those are just a few tips that you can keep in mind when it comes to maintaining your septic system. Don’t get into a sticky situation, call F.H. Furr for questions, or schedule a plumber to come out to your home for free*!