Managing Your Septic Effectively

After struggling for quite some time with our septic system, I realized there might be a problem with the way we were approaching various aspects of plumbing. For starters, we didn't think too much of putting things down the garbage disposal, which created some serious issues later on down the road. We were left struggling with drains that just didn't work properly, and so we started carefully considering ways to change things. We talked with a plumber about septic system maintenance, and they had some tips that improved our experience. Check out this website for awesome tips on managing septic tanks.

HOW TO AVOID SEPTIC TANK OVERLOAD

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Avoiding septic tank overload, particularly hydraulic overloading, is one of the best practices when it comes to maintaining a septic tank. It is important for anyone utilizing septic tank services to understand what a septic tank overload is. Failing to understand this problem and what causes it can cause serious problems to your septic system.

When designing a septic tank, there are many factors which are put into consideration. But the following are the two most critical considerations:

  • The number of people the tank will serve

  • The average amount of water used by every person

Septic tank overload happens when the rate of incoming wastewater exceeds the flow rate designed for the septic system. When an overload happens, the septic system can't effectively treat wastewater or allow water to drain. So how does a septic tank overload happen?

  • Several batches of laundry are done consecutively within a few hours

  • The toilet's water tank is leaking, thus making clean water escape into the septic system

  • Several baths/showers happen successively

When such events occur, they lead to several consequences that are not good for the septic system. First, these events limit the time allowed for waste to settle and breakdown in the septic tank. At times, this process doesn't happen, and all the waste is passed into the drainfield without being broken down. If there is solid waste in the drainfield, clogging is bound to occur, and this can lead to septic system failure.

Monitor how you use water when:

  • Washing dishes – When washing dishes in the sink, don't allow water to run the entire time. Turn the water off, wash the dishes, and then turn it on again once to rinse the dishes when you are done.

  • Washing hands – Avoid turning on the water before you are ready to rinse your hands.

  • Brushing teeth – Never leave the tap running when brushing your teeth. You should only turn on the water when rinsing your toothbrush and mouth.

  • Showering – While long showers feel nice, they are not good for your septic system. If you wish to spend more time while cleaning yourself, consider taking a bath as it will save you more water.

  • Faucets leaking – Leaky faucets can cause septic overload, particularly if the amount of water leaking is significant.

  • Washing dishes – Dishwashers tend to waste a lot of water, especially if you clean your utensils after every meal. If possible, you should use the dishwasher to clean a larger amount of dishes.

  • Doing laundry – Washing machines use a lot of water, which can cause problems to your septic tank. You should only use the washing machine once the laundry baskets are full as this helps in saving water.

Contact a septic company like Eckmayer Inc for more information.

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26 July 2018