Just like with your car or HVAC system, proper maintenance of your septic tank prolongs its lifespan and helps ensure you don’t run into any leaks or problems with backups. These maintenance calls (along with some things you can do by yourself) can prevent thousands of dollars’ worth of damage and keep your system working just as it should for a few decades or more. Keep reading to learn more about maintenance and septic compliance inspections in Prior Lake, MN.
Inspect often
Generally speaking, the best way to avoid any problems with your septic system is to have it inspected by a professional once a year. During this routine appointment, your inspector will check for leaks and examine the layers of sludge and scum in your septic tank. Your septic professional may recommend cleaning and pumping depending on the sludge and scum levels in your tank.
Pump when necessary
The more often you pump, the better. Neglecting to pump your tank can lead to nasty backups in your home or floods of waste in your backyard. The frequency at which you need a pumping depends on the size of the tank, your household size and how frequently you use it. Most homeowners need to have it pumped every three to five years, but your septic professional may recommend pumping it more often than that. Again, this will all depend on what he finds during the annual inspection of your system.
Basic maintenance
Professional septic compliance inspections in Prior Lake, MN aren’t enough to keep your septic in tip-top condition. Here are things you can do yourself to ensure your septic system lasts for years to come:
- Use water efficiently: The one downside of a septic system is that it can’t hold unlimited amounts of water like a city sewer system can. Be mindful of how often you do loads of laundry, and reconsider taking those long showers. You might also want to consider purchasing some low-flow toilets to conserve even more water.
- Properly dispose of waste: The only things that should be flushed down your toilet are human waste and toilet paper! Anything else can wreak havoc on your septic system, and will eventually necessitate expensive repairs.
- Be mindful in the kitchen: Putting all of your leftovers down the kitchen drain might be easy, but it’ll lead to problems with your septic system. Instead, put all scraps in the trash can and send only liquids down the drain. You should also never use caustic drain cleaners to get rid of clogs, as these will corrode your plumbing and damage the helpful bacteria in your septic tank.
Call for repairs as soon as possible
If you notice a drop in water pressure, a strange smell coming from your sinks or any other issues with your plumbing, be sure to call a professional as soon as possible. You can’t afford to wait around to make septic tank repairs. The longer you wait, the worse the problem will become and the more money you’ll have to pay to rectify the situation.
From installation and repairs to septic compliance inspections in Prior Lake, MN, our team at Mike’s Septic & McKinley Sewer Services does it all! Give us a call today to learn more about all of our septic services.