According to the EPA, the average American septic tank will need to be pumped every three to five years. If you find that your septic tank is requiring more frequent pumping, your personal habits may be to blame for this frequent maintenance. Continue reading to learn more about some personal habits that can influence how often you find yourself calling to have your septic tank serviced.
Use Of Antibacterial Products
Your septic system relies heavily upon the presence of bacteria in order to function properly. This bacteria helps break down solid waste so that it does not buildup too quickly inside your tank. Without the presence of proper bacteria levels inside your septic tank, this solid waste will begin to accumulate much faster than usual and ultimately lead to the need for more frequent tank pumping.
If you are using a variety of antibacterial products in your home, these products can actually be killing the bacteria that your septic tank needs in order to function properly. These products can include things, such as antibacterial hand soap, dish soaps, and other household cleaning products. If you choose to use these types of products it is vital that you help to counteract the impact they have on your septic system by also using a bacterial additive to help replenish the bacteria levels inside your septic tank.
Washing Food Waste Down The Drain
While food waste is biodegradable, it can still take quite a bit of time to break down inside your septic tank. In the meantime, this food waste can consume a significant portion of the available space within your septic tank and ultimately lead to a need for more frequent pumping. In order to avoid this issue, it is important that you do not wash food waste down the drain. This also includes the use of a garbage disposal in your home.
Flushing Feminine Products
Another bad habit that many people have that can lead to the need for more frequent septic tank pumping is the flushing of feminine products, such as tampons. While it is possible to flush these items without clogging your pipes, this does not mean it is a good idea. These products are not meant to be flushed and will not break down fast enough to prevent your septic tank from filling up long before it should. To avoid this issue be sure to dispose of all feminine products in your wastebasket rather than flushing them down the toilet. You will also want to avoid flushing baby wipes or cleansing wipes of any kind.
Share22 September 2021
When you think about professionals who work on your home, the first ones that come to mind might be HVAC technicians and maybe plumbers. But septic service workers are also essential. Without a working septic tank, you won't be able to flush away your waste, and you may even have smelly water all over your yard. Some plumbers also provide septic care services, but other times, you have to rely on a separate company to do this work. In either case, you can learn a bit more about septic services on this website, and we hope the information helps you take better care of your home.