Maintaining your septic tank is not just for those who live in rural areas. Even homeowners in urban parts of the lower mainland should ensure they take adequate care of their septic tank to prevent contamination of groundwater. A failing septic system can also lead to foul odor and soggy lawns. To prevent a full-blown disaster, it helps to know how to maintain your septic tank.
Here are 3 easy tips you can do to maintain your septic tank.
Use Water More Efficiently.
In a typical family living in a single-family home, you can expect each person to use about 70 gallons of water per day. Any water that goes into the drains ends up in the septic system. You can take the following measures to prevent overloading the system:
- If toilets or taps leak, get them fixed right away
- Use dishwasher when it is completely loaded or run a shorter cycle to reduce water consumption
- Install aerators on faucets to reduce the flow of water and minimize your consumption
- Use energy efficient washing machine or reduce water level when washing smaller loads of laundry
- Use a displacer in the flush system to reduce the water required to flush the toilet
Watch What You Put In The Toilet.
Anything you flush will end up in the septic tank, which is meant solely for human waste, household gray water, and toilet paper. Don’t dispose the following via your toilet:
- Cat litter
- Feminine hygiene products
- Coffee grounds
- Facial tissues
- Condoms
- Dental floss
- Cigarette butts
- Household chemicals
- Grease
The above items can clog the system and adversely effect the bacteria balance that breakdown the human waste. Grease can clog your septic field and the soil will find it difficult to absorb the liquid. If the septic field gets clogged, you will need to find a new one and that can be a costly undertaking.
Take Care of the Septic Field
If your septic field gets soggy, it won’t be able to absorb liquids. Make sure the run off from your eaves troughs and downspouts are away from the field. Plan your home foundation and landscaping in such a way that there is no risk of rainwater soaking into the field.
Do not drive a vehicle over the septic field. It may cause significant damage and the repairs will be costly.
EdenFlo is the trusted provider of septic tank pumping in the lower mainland. When you pump your tank or septic field with EdenFlo, you know you are getting the best service. Whether your septic service needs are in Vancouver, Aldergrove, Surrey, Langley, Burnaby, New Westminster, Delta or White Rock, EdenFlo can provide pumping service for you. We will also over a complimentary inspection of your system while we are there. Give us a call at 604 575 1414 or email us at service@edenflo.ca to book your next septic service.
