Unlike homeowners who are connected to city sewer lines, folks with septic tanks must perform regular maintenance to avoid any issues. While many problems can be avoided by scheduling professional septic maintenance in Prior Lake, MN, it’s up to homeowners to care for the systems by themselves. This post will cover a few of the things each septic system owner must do:
- Schedule professional maintenance: As we just discussed, professional maintenance is necessary to prevent a host of problems. In addition to having the tank pumped every few years, getting an annual inspection isn’t a bad idea to ensure everything is in working order.
- Watch water usage: Between toilets flushing and dishwashers running, every drop of water you use eventually ends up in your septic tank. Talk to your family and guests about conserving water, and consider purchasing high-efficiency toilets, showerheads and washing machines.
- Properly dispose of waste: One of the best ways to prevent issues and prolong your system’s lifespan is to watch what gets flushed down the toilet. Never flush anything other than waste and toilet paper. Even products that claim to be “flushable” can cause clogs and other issues with your septic system.
- Think at the sink: Similar to the point above, be mindful when you’re at the bathroom or kitchen sink. Avoid using harsh drain cleaners to fix clogs; instead, call our pros at Mike’s Septic & McKinley Sewer Services to remove any drain clogs. At the kitchen sink, never dump grease or food particles down the drain.
- Mind the drain field: The drain field is where contaminants from the tank are removed and treated. Needless to say, it’s a significant component of the system! Maintain the drain field by never parking or driving on it, planting trees far from it and keeping rainwater drainage systems away.
Signs that you need repairs
Even with proper septic maintenance in Prior Lake, MN, you might still find yourself needing repairs. Here are a few signs that there’s something amiss with your system:
- Backups: The number one sign that you’ve got a septic system issue is wastewater backing up in toilets, sinks and showers throughout your home. Backups could mean the tank is nearing capacity or that there’s a clog somewhere in the system. Only a septic professional will know how to address the problem, so call one as soon as possible.
- Foul odors: You might smell a septic issue before you see it. Nasty odors coming from the drains inside or outside near the drain field necessitate a call to a septic professional. Your professional will be able to diagnose the root of the odors and develop a correction plan.
- Green grass: Every homeowner strives to have green grass, but if the grass near the drain field is bright green, it means the grass is receiving an abundance of nutrients from the septic system. Though it may look nice, it’s an issue that only a septic team can fix.
Talk to Mike’s Septic & McKinley Sewer Services
From general septic maintenance in Prior Lake, MN to emergency repairs, we’ve got you covered at Mike’s Septic & McKinley Sewer Services. Contact us today to learn more about our services or to get a quote.