Whether large or small, septic systems of all sizes must receive proper and regular maintenance in order to function as they should. It’s when septic plumbing goes neglected that system failure occurs, and the results of backups and tank leaks can be a nightmare for your senses as well as your bank account. Do your own regular checks, but to ensure that everything is stable, call in the pros. Here are some helpful tips for residential septic maintenance in Prior Lake, MN.
Don’t treat the toilet like a trash can
The only things you should be flushing down a toilet on a septic system are human waste and toilet paper. Some things that should never be flushed include: paper towels, facial tissues, cigarettes, kitty litter, coffee grounds, disinfectant wipes, diapers and feminine hygiene products. When you flush these things, clogs will happen, and fast. If you’re hosting a party, consider leaving your guests a note in the bathrooms requesting these items not be put in the toilet.
Avoid putting too much down the garbage disposal
Like the toilet, the garbage disposal is not a garbage can. Despite its label, your kitchen’s disposal is only meant to grind up and wash small particles down the drain—not for disposing a full tray of dinner scraps. Because garbage disposal food can add a significant amount of solid waste to the septic tank, it will take up more than its share of tank storage space, which can cause leakage and clogs. To help the tank break down food better, install a high quality disposal that grinds food into minute particles—and remember that larger scraps should just go straight to the trash.
Plant trees away from the septic tank
Trees are fantastic for the environment, and they also provide your home with shade and boost curb appeal. But many homeowners who are on a septic tank for the first time may not be aware that tree roots can cause serious damage to septic systems. Before planting trees on your property, know where the tank is buried, the areas where pipes run and where the stretch of plumbing that leads out to the drain field is located. Get trees without aggressive root systems and plan to plant any tree or large bush at least 100 feet from any of the aforementioned areas.
Practice proper disposal of hazardous chemicals
Since your septic tank has to work hard every day to break down organic and inorganic matter, don’t hinder its efforts by sending hazardous chemicals down the drains. Motor oil, gasoline, paint thinner, water used to clean paint brushes, varnish and excessive amounts of cleaners like bleach—chemicals like these can burn surfaces, eat through paint or, in some cases, congeal because of the inability to decompose. Don’t pour hash chemicals down indoor or outdoor drains, and stick to a normal amount of approved household cleaners and detergents to avoid septic issues. Better yet, consider switching to eco-friendly cleaners.
If you are new to owning a septic tank or it’s time to have your tank pumped and cleaned, contact the team at Mike’s Septic & McKinley Sewer Services. We are your go-to septic and sewer service for information and septic maintenance in Prior Lake, MN.