As is the case with any of your home’s systems, your septic tank needs regular service to keep working as designed. Routine septic maintenance involves pumping your tank to remove excess debris and checking the walls to make sure that there are no weak spots. With the new year quickly approaching, now is the perfect time to make sure that your septic system is ready to keep up with your home’s demands in the coming year.

Know the Warning Signs

Any septic system can run into trouble whenever there’s a waste buildup, and a clogged tank can become a nightmare for the homeowner. If you notice slow drains, gurgling pipes, unpleasant odors, or puddles of water in your lawn, these are all signs of a potential problem.

Do Not Waste Water

Your septic tank has to work harder when your home is using more water. The best advice here is to conserve water, which can be achieved in several ways. For instance, don’t run the dishwasher until you have a full load. Low-flow showerheads can help save water. Don’t do more than one laundry load per day.

If you want to conserve water, consider upgrading to high-efficiency toilets. Most modern units use 1.6 gallons of water per flush, making them far more economical than their older counterparts.

Schedule a Tank Pumping

Septic tanks should be pumped every two to three years, but tank capacity, household size, and water usage all play a role in determining how often this maintenance needs to be done. Septic tank pumping removes all the sludge and scum that has accumulated and is done to help prevent clogs.

Don’t Let These Down the Drain

Some items should be kept out of your drains. Not only can they clog the drains in your home, but they can wreak havoc on your septic tank since they don’t break down as human waste does. Food scraps decompose slowly, eventually leading to tank buildup. Cooking grease is another material that poses a challenge in breaking down and can cause significant damage to septic tanks.

Drain cleaners and chemicals such as bleach should also be avoided. While many people assume that they work because they help your drains flow smoothly, they can eliminate the good bacteria in your septic tank that aid in breaking down solids.

An Efficient Septic Tank Matters

Keep your septic system working like it’s supposed to. Call Tampa Septic Company today to schedule septic tank services in Tampa, FL.