Common Septic Tank Mistakes to Avoid to Keep Your System Running Well

by Ri Industries Ri Industries No Comments

Ri-Industries logo and title of article: Common Septic Mistakes to Avoid to Keep Your System Running Well

Septic tank mistakes can be innocently made by homeowners leading to damage and expensive repairs. While you don’t want to think about your septic tank often, a little knowledge and planning can help you keep it in good working order. 

Let’s talk about common septic tank mistakes:

  1. Lack of Maintenance – This is one of the biggest reasons homeowners find themselves with a non-working septic tank. Maintenance is not required often, but should be done on a regular basis. The size and use of the system will factor into how often it should be pumped, but typically it is best to do every few years. 
  2. Toilets Are Not Rubbish Bins –  Rubbish should be properly disposed of, and this does NOT mean flushed down the toilet. Restrict flushing to toilet paper only and the waste that exits in your body. The most common items flushed which should NOT be flushed are feminine hygiene products, baby wipes, toilet paper that is not labeled ‘septic safe’, and nappies.
  3. System Overload – A steady flow of water is best for the septic system. Frequent loads of laundry and exceptionally long showers should be avoided. 
  4. Ignoring Warning Signs – Common signs of trouble include the sink/bath draining slowly, bad odour emanating from the tank or drain field, and spots of healthy/green grass over the drain field. If you see one or more of these, call in a professional. When caught early, repairs may be less costly than if the warning signs are ignored.
  5. Drain Field Care – Waste water gets treated in the septic tank and then it flows into the drain field where it filters through the soil. When the drain field is not properly cared for, the wastewater cannot filter correctly, which can cause it to flow into the groundwater, or back through your pipes and into your home. Don’t build structures or park vehicles on the drain field and avoid overloading the drain field with too much wastewater at once. 

It’s never pleasant to find your septic system not working properly. Avoiding these common mistakes can help you avoid that unpleasantness. If you have questions, please call and speak with one of our experts or you may find the answers in one of our many blogs at https://www.ri-industries.com.au/blog/.

 

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