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Septic Tank Cleaning – The Dangers of Neglecting this Important Task

Given what septic tanks do, many people might not realize how important it is to keep them clean. Of course, plenty of people probably just don’t want to deal with them for the exact same reason. However, it absolutely must be done. Continue reading about the risks of not cleaning your septic tank.

Problems Associated with Not Cleaning Your Septic Tank
There are a number of problems that could occur as a result of not properly cleaning your septic tank on a regular basis. Foul odours are a common and understandable one. However, you could also have sewage back up, through the ground and into your lawn or garden. The sewage could also build-up and cause blockages in the system itself. The septic tank could even back right up into your home’s plumbing system.

An insect infestation can result if septic tanks are not maintained properly. White scum can also form around nearby drains or ditches. The toxic waste from your septic tank could also seep out into nearby wells or watercourses, which would be an obvious risk to public health.

For the truly unlucky, runoff from an unmaintained septic tank could end up actually compromising the foundation of their home.

Properly Caring for Your Septic Tank
Given the many potential problems that could occur from not caring for your septic tank, it’s important that you take appropriate measures.

The most important thing you can do is to have your septic tank pumped on a regular basis. Most experts recommend having it done every 1 to 5 years, but it will differ depending on the size of your home and the number of occupants.

It’s very important that you always hire a professional, like those from Edenflo, to handle the maintenance of a septic tank on your behalf. Septic tank systems may not seem like the most advanced of technologies, but in the hands of an amateur, they can cause all kinds of problems.

How to Take Care of Your Septic System

Your septic system will serve you well for many years as long as you follow a few basic guidelines for preventative maintenance. You will need an occasional septic tank cleaning by a pump truck service, but that’s usually all that is needed if you follow these guidelines.

Only biodegradable waste should go down the drain. Make sure that the toilet tissues and detergents you use say biodegradable or have an indication on the label that they are septic-tank-safe. Anywhere in BC, septic tank cleaning by a professional service should be done every one to five years.

A professional septic tank maintenance company such as Edenflo will inspect your tank for cracks, damaged baffles and other issues when they come to pump the tank and will advise you on any maintenance that is necessary. Most of the time, you can avoid needing maintenance.

Never plant trees or shrubs over your septic system drain field or over your septic tank as roots can cause serious damage that requires costly repairs. The surface around your septic system should never be used to park vehicles and should remain unpaved and permeable. Make sure the cover to your septic tank is securely in place at all times and make sure it remains accessible.

Never pour grease or food waste down the drain. Yes, that means you should not use your electric garbage disposal. Dispose of such waste in a compost area or in your regular garbage. Anything that goes into the garbage disposal adds to solid waste in the septic tank and overloads your drain field with liquid waste, and can ultimately result in septic tank back-up.

Feminine hygiene products should never be flushed down the toilet. Always dispose of them in the regular trash. Also avoid flushing cigarette butts or any other trash down the toilet.

Know the Do’s and Don’ts of Septic Tank Maintenance

If your property features a septic tank, you’re probably grateful for all it does. However, if you don’t maintain it properly, you’ll soon be cursing the day it was ever installed. Continue reading for some easy pointers on how to best take care of yours.

Do’s

Depending on how many people live in your home and how big it is, you’ll probably want to make sure that you have your septic tank pumped once every 3 to 5 years. Property managers may have a different need depending on how many residents share a single septic tank.
Keep a record of all the occasions your unit is pumped, any times it’s inspected, and all maintenance visits. This will be helpful in case of an accident or when you want to sell your home.
Conserve water in order to reduce the amount that ends up in your septic system. This includes repairing any faucets or toilets that leak. Only run dishwashers and washing machines when they’re full. Avoid long showers.
Make sure you’re aware of the location of your septic tank and consider marking it off in some way. This way you’ll avoid accidentally building anything on top of it.
Divert the runoff water from any roof drains away from the septic tank, as well as any that comes off the sump pump or footing drains.
Bring any hazardous chemicals to a TOX DROP instead of dumping them into your toilet or down your sink where they’ll eventually end up in your septic system.

Don’ts

Do not let anyone drive over or park on top of your septic system.
You should leave working on your septic tank to experts like the ones at Edenflo. However, if you believe you’re up to it, make sure that you don’t work on it without the necessary permits.
Don’t use popular additives sold for septic tanks. The truth is that they generally cause more harm than good. Your septic tank is full of human sewage, which has more than enough microorganisms in it to break down sludge.
Septic tanks aren’t the most complicated of systems, but it’s important that you treat them correctly. Review the above Do’s and Don’ts, and you’ll be on your way.

Don’t risk ruining your septic tank, call Eden flo for professional septic tank repair and maintenance.