Good daily maintenance and having your septic tank pumped every few years can help it operate for decades. Here are some things to keep in mind to make sure your septic tank works optimally.

Don’t Flush Yeast or Kibble Down the Toilet

Some people believe that if they flush some yeast, kibble or some other organic material down the toilet, it will replenish the septic tank’s bacteria. This is unnecessary because there’s enough bacteria left behind after pumping to let the septic tank do its job. It’s not only unnecessary, but throwing stuff down the septic tank can clog your pipes and even attract pests. Moreover, the bacteria in yeast aren’t the same as the bacteria in your septic tank and can crowd it out. This means the septic system won’t perform as well as it should.

The one caveat is that you might add an enzyme treatment if your septic system isn’t used regularly. The bacteria in a septic system that serves a vacation or summer home might die out, and enzyme treatment might help them.

Note the Date

Write down the date you’ve had your septic tank pumped, so you’ll know when it’s time to get it pumped again. You might even have a calendar on your device where you can set an alert, even years in advance, to remind yourself to have your septic tank pumped.

Use the Toilet Right Away

To be blunt, if you or some member of your household has been delaying doing Number Two, right after the tank is pumped is the time to do it. This will help replenish the type of bacteria that the septic tank uses to break down waste. You’ll also need to remember that you shouldn’t put anything but toilet paper and human waste down the toilet. This is true even if the label on a package claims that an object is flushable.

Don’t Fill Your Septic Tank With Water

Some people believe that since the tank is now empty, they should fill it with water. They might find a garden hose and put it down the toilet or run their bathtub spigot for a long time. This is not a good idea because it can disturb the bacteria in the tank. If you resume your regular routine, the tank will fill with wastewater after a few days anyway.

Call Us to Learn What to Do After Septic Tank Pumping

Our professionals recommend that your septic tank be pumped out every three to five years, depending on the size of your household. If you need more information about your septic system or need septic tank service in Tampa, Florida, don’t hesitate to contact our professionals at Tampa Septic Company.