How to Extend the Life of Your Septic Tank

If you have a septic tank, you know how low-maintenance they are. You probably never even think about it, as it’s not something that you usually have to monitor on a daily basis. When you do think about it, it’s probably because something reminded you. Maybe it overflows, your sinks get clogged, or you notice green grass growing around the septic tank (this means the tank it’s working properly). When this happens, you probably call an expert and get Poughkeepsie NY septic tank cleaning and Poughkeepsie NY septic tank pumping.

This is exactly what professionals are for, but if you want to extend the life of your septic tank, you may want to make some adjustments to your routine. Instead of waiting for it to overflow, you can take preventative measures to maintain it. Here are some of the ways you can do this.

 

Proper Usage

You and your family should talk about and enforce rules about what’s allowed to be flushed down the toilet and poured down the drain. This is because there are many regular household items that can actually damage your septic tank. You should avoid flushing baby wipes, makeup pads, feminine products, cooking oils, latex products, and many household cleaning products. These products can not only clog the system, but kill the bacteria in the tank that’s needed to break down solid waste.

 

Regular Maintenance

Every system has a different timeline on when it needs to get Poughkeepsie NY septic tank cleaning and Poughkeepsie NY septic tank pumping. This depends on the size of the tank, how well it’s taken care of, and water usage in the house. By getting Poughkeepsie NY septic tank cleaning and Poughkeepsie NY septic tank pumping before it overflows, you can extend it’s life.

 

Don’t Use Additives

There are companies that sell additives for septic tanks. This is harmful to your septic tank, as your tank relies on a natural process and the additives kill the natural bacteria in the tank. Without the bacteria, the whole system will fail. All things considered, it’s best if you trust the natural process.

If you maintain your septic tank, it can last up to 40 years. If you notice any irregularities in your tank, make sure to contact a professional.