Your septic system works every day, even though you probably don’t think about it very often. A little preventative maintenance can go a long way toward protecting the system that handles your home’s wastewater.
The good news is that septic system maintenance doesn’t have to be complicated.
Here are eight things North Georgia homeowners can do to help keep their septic systems working properly.
1. Have Your Septic Tank Pumped Regularly
Regular pumping is one of the foundations of septic maintenance.
For many households, septic tanks are typically pumped every three to five years. However, larger households, smaller tanks, and homes that generate more wastewater may need more frequent service.
Keep a record of when your tank is pumped so you don’t have to rely on memory several years later.
2. Know Where Your Septic Tank and Drain Field Are Located
You should know where the major components of your septic system are located.
Knowing the location helps prevent accidental damage and makes future pumping, inspections, and maintenance easier.
If you don’t know where your septic tank is located, a septic professional may be able to help locate it.
3. Be Careful About What You Flush
Your toilet isn’t a trash can.
Human waste and toilet paper are what should normally be flushed. Items such as wipes, feminine hygiene products, paper towels, diapers, and other household products can create problems within your plumbing or septic system.
Even products marketed as flushable can create issues.
4. Keep Grease Out of Your Drains
Cooking grease, fats, and oils shouldn’t be poured down your kitchen sink.
Allow grease to cool and dispose of it properly instead. Reducing the amount of grease and solids entering your system can help protect both the tank and drain field.
5. Watch Your Water Usage
Every gallon of water going down your drains eventually has to be handled by your septic system.
Spreading high-water-use activities throughout the week can reduce the amount of wastewater entering the system at one time.
Instead of doing numerous loads of laundry back-to-back, consider spreading them out when possible.
Repairing leaking toilets and faucets can also reduce unnecessary water entering your septic system.
6. Protect Your Drain Field
Your drain field is an essential part of your septic system and needs to be protected.
Avoid parking cars, trucks, trailers, or heavy equipment over the drain field. Heavy weight can compact the soil or potentially damage components below the surface.
You should also be careful about landscaping around the area because tree and shrub roots can interfere with septic components.
7. Pay Attention After Heavy North Georgia Rain
North Georgia can experience periods of significant rainfall.
Excess surface water around a drain field can interfere with its ability to properly manage wastewater. Make sure roof drains, stormwater, and other sources of excess water are directed away from your septic area whenever appropriate.
If you notice standing water, sewage odors, or drainage problems around your system, have the problem evaluated.
8. Don’t Ignore Small Septic Problems
A slow drain or occasional odor might be easy to put off, but septic problems rarely become cheaper because you waited.
Watch for:
- Slow drains
- Gurgling plumbing
- Sewage odors
- Standing water
- Unusually lush grass
- Plumbing backups
Addressing warning signs early may help prevent a much larger problem later.
Preventative Septic Maintenance Can Save You Trouble
Regular maintenance isn’t just about pumping a tank. It’s about protecting the entire septic system and the property surrounding it.
The EPA recommends a combination of regular inspection and pumping, efficient water use, proper waste disposal, and drain field protection as the primary components of septic system care.
Your North Georgia Septic Service Company
Howard’s Septic Services proudly serves homeowners and businesses throughout Cleveland, GA and North Georgia with dependable septic pumping, maintenance, inspections, and other septic services.
Whether you’re keeping up with routine maintenance or aren’t sure when your septic system was last serviced, we’re here to help.
Protect your home before there’s a problem. Contact Howard’s Septic Services today to schedule septic service in Cleveland, GA or anywhere throughout our North Georgia service area.