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Something that’s not brought to the fore often but serves an important need in your plumbing is the septic tank. With proper maintenance, it might be years before you ever need to call a plumbing service to do any major work on your septic system. On the opposite end, improper use and haphazard maintenance can mean lead to extensive damage, which means high repair costs and possible replacement.

On top of that, a damaged septic tank can cause health hazards in the way of contaminated groundwater. A healthy septic tank on a Saginaw, TX, property is a must-have, and here are some things you need to look out for to ensure that you maintain one.

Monitoring What You Flush

Every single thing that you send down the drain affects how your septic tank works, and whether or not you’ll need to give a plumbing service a ring to restore it to full functionality. Small portions of food waste are fine. In fact, they can actually be helpful as they promote the growth of positive bacteria. Large amounts are a different story, and you’re better off putting them in the garbage or a compost heap if you have one.

Cooking oils, fats and grease, especially in large amounts, can stop useful bacteria from functioning as it should, besides posing a clogging risk to your drains. Apart from that kind of food waste, there are other things that can be harmful to your septic tank. These include diapers, feminine hygiene products, cat litter and baby wipes. Other items to keep far away from the septic tank in your Saginaw, TX, home include household cleaners and motor oil.

To make extra sure, wipe grease and oil off dishes before you clean them. That’s because when grease enters your drains it poses the risk of clogging the septic tank soak away, essentially making it waterproof since the soil around it won’t be able to absorb liquids. If that happens enough times, you’ll have to call a plumbing service so they can replace the whole soak away.

Additionally, you’ll want to make sure that you’re not flushing anything like white spirit, paint thinners, varnish and other chemicals. Soil bacteria doesn’t break them down easily and, at worst, they may actually pollute your groundwater.

Using a Bacteria Additive

Some forms of bacteria are beneficial to your septic system and a healthy amount of it is always a good thing. Sometimes, though, there isn’t always enough of it from the natural supply. In such instances, a top-up is welcome. Bacteria are responsible for breaking down some of the solids in your septic tank, which is essential to keep your drains flowing.

The natural supply may also be limited by soap and detergent making its way down the drain and reducing it. An additive can go a long way in restoring them to optimal levels. A plumbing service can help you with applying one, and it’ll be to ensure that the amounts being applied are the correct levels.

If possible, you can make an active effort to reduce your use of heavy-duty cleaners, disinfectants and anti-bacterial. The beneficial bacteria in your septic tank is essential and doing as much as you can to keep it at healthy levels is highly advisable.

Pumping Out Regularly

The surest and safest way to get information on how regularly you should be pumping out your septic tank is to talk to a plumbing service professional. Of course, there’s no one-size-fits-all method to this, as it will depend on factors that are specific to your situation. These include the size of the tank, the number of members in the household and other factors that you should take care to mention to a professional.

One key factor, however, is making sure you don’t allow sludge to enter the drain field. This almost certainly results in problems with your septic tank down the line, along with a whole host of plumbing issues. This can be slow-acting, thankfully, and when a plumbing service comes to check your pipes during scheduled maintenance calls, they’ll be able to spot if it’s a potential risk.

Regularly pumping out the septic tank at your Saginaw, TX, will ensure that you help to avoid the buildup of solids. Combined with the bacteria mentioned above, that should make sure you’re at low risk of solids building up in your drains and causing problems for you. Consequently, it will mean there is a much lesser chance of repair, let alone replacement.

Regular Inspection

Regular inspection of your septic tank is by far the best way to avoid future problems, which might have advanced by the time they are noticed. Often, Saginaw, TX, homeowners fail to observe signs that might point to potential septic tank problems, whereas a plumbing service professional would be able to recognize the sign of trouble and start working on it immediately.

Other plumbing problems can also lead to problems with your septic tank. For example, leaking or dripping toilets and taps can overwhelm the drain field, especially if the septic tank is modestly sized.

Through regular inspections, a plumbing service professional can give you details on how to further protect the septic tank that most Saginaw, TX, homeowners wouldn’t guess. For instance, driving over your soak away can potentially cause issues and a professional can advise you if that’s what’s been affecting your septic tank.

If you start to notice odors or anything that points to an issue with your septic tank, don’t try to investigate further. Unlike other areas of plumbing where you can tinker with things, the septic tank has gases that can overwhelm you very quickly, along with bacteria that are dangerous to people. Don’t lift the lid yourself. Instead, call a plumbing service professional.

The septic tank is a crucial part of your plumbing. Keeping it in the best possible condition helps you to avoid major inconveniences. By following these maintenance tips, you can avoid some of the most common septic tank problems. Call Benjamin Franklin Plumbing for all of your plumbing needs!