In rural areas or areas with no central sewer system, homeowners rely on septic systems to process home waste water. Most septic systems consist of a tank in which the solid waste settles and a leach field to dissipate liquid waste. Proper maintenance will extend the life of your septic system and prevent septic tank malfunctions.
Don't Drive Over the Tank
Most septic tanks are buried very close to the surface of the ground. Traffic could crack the tank and allow groundwater to seep in, inhibiting the effectiveness of the tank. Don't park a vehicle on the tank or drive over it.
Keep Out Grease
Don't pour grease or oil down the sink drain. Grease and oil float on top of the surface of the septic tank and can clog up outlets or clog pipes into the leach field.
Turn Off the Garbage Disposal
Vegetable peelings, coffee grounds and other food scraps that typically end up in a garbage disposal don't decompose well in the septic tank. Some of them may also float and clog pipes.
Be Careful What You Flush
Don't put sanitary napkins, diapers, tampons, kitty litter or anything other than human waste and toilet paper down your toilet. All of these items can interfere with operation of your septic system.
Avoid Chemicals
Don't use large quantities or bleach or other chemicals in your septic system. Too much of these substances can kill off the bacteria that keep the septic system functioning properly.
Maintenance
Professors Brad Lee and Don Jones of Purdue University recommend you have your septic tank cleaned and inspected every three to five years.
Additives
Adding commercial preparations designed to boost the performance of septic tanks, or organic substances such as yeast, won't improve the effectiveness or extend the life of your septic tank, according to Rutgers University. Commercial formulas may actually interfere with the normal bacteria in your septic system, and the effect of any organic substances you add would be negligible.
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