Avoiding Septic System Problems: Tips for Homeowners
Sep 14, 2023

Septic tanks need to be kept in a proper working condition to work at optimum level and make the house sufficient for you and your family. Additionally, a properly functioning septic tank system saves the neighbourhood from having a pungent smell that is detrimental to the health of anyone around the septic tank. There are various indicators of a faulty septic tank, including a foul smell, water collecting around the septic tank, slow-draining sinks, bathtubs and other drainages within the house. Proper maintenance of the septic tank through various processes like scheduled pumping intervals helps to ensure that the septic tank remains in perfect working condition at all times. 


A septic service professional should inspect the average household septic system at least every three years. Household septic tanks are typically pumped every three to five years. Alternative systems with electrical float switches, pumps, or mechanical components should be inspected more often, generally once a year. A service contract is important since alternative systems have mechanized parts. (1) A professional contractor understands the entire septic tank system and can do a thorough job in the repair and advice on how to maintain the system to achieve optimal performance. The best way to get the best out of your septic tank system is to undertake the various maintenance tips mentioned below:

Regular septic tank pumping

Regular septic tank pumping is routine maintenance and effectively makes the system function well. The pumping process helps to remove the accumulated sludge in your septic pump, preventing any clogging and malfunction of the system. Failure to do a routine septic tank pumping makes the scum and sludge accumulate and, after some time, leads to the failure of the entire system. A professional septic tank pumping Chattanooga professional guides you on the proper septic tank pumping interval, which helps you to have all the scum cleared before they accumulate.

System leaks inspections

Regularly checking your system for leaks is a proper way to ensure that your septic system is in proper working condition since it helps you to detect faulty areas early on. Several things cause leakages within the system, including broken pipes, clogs and overflow, with an example of having a leakage being an observation of the drain field area. Additionally, having stagnant water around the septic tank and long and healthy grass indicates that you should contact a professional septic tank pumping Chattanooga to help you correct the defect. On extreme occasions, the signs might be accompanied by a foul smell that makes it uncomfortable to be within the compound.

Cleaning and replacement of the effluent filter

The effluent filter within the septic tank system helps avoid clogging within the drain field pipes; hence, they must get cleaned regularly to prevent ineffective. The filter screens filter the tank effluent water, thus holding the waste, which, if not cleaned over time, accumulates and increases the possibility of clogging within the system. It is advisable to clean your effluent filter during the regular septic tank pumping companies in Chattanooga area maintenance. The importance of cleaning every part of the septic tank is because every bit of it works as a unit that gets inspected and cleaned during routine maintenance.

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Use of bacteria additive

Some septic tanks do not need bacteria additives. Still, adding a bacteria additive to promote bacteria growth doesn't harm it, which facilitates the breakdown of the solids. Substances like harsh cleaners and bleach can kill microorganisms, hence the importance of using bacteria additives to keep the system healthy and able to perform the desired functions. For the safe functioning of the system, try as much as possible not to flush the substances like bleach and harsh cleaners to prevent the killing of the microorganisms. Before using any additives, check with your local municipality to ensure that you comply with the legal requirements since some additives may be prohibited.

Ensure the septic tank lid is properly closed

Septic tank leads must always be closed; dislodged or cracked ones are considered a health and safety hazard. The surrounding dirty surface water might find its way into the septic tank, causing more damage to the system and reducing its longevity and performance. If you discover that the septic tank isn't well secured or cracked, contact a local septic tank pumping Chattanooga, TN, professional to inspect the septic tank and, if deemed necessary, do the repairs required to prevent further damage to the entire system.

Proper maintenance of the drain field

The drain field is an essential part of the septic tank and needs proper maintenance to enable the septic tank to function effectively without any hitches. The drain water must never be saturated since this leads to overwatering of the site, causing water to spill in the area. An important point to note is that you should never park your car on the drain fields or the plant near the septic tank since the cars add too much pressure to the septic tank, leading to more damage. Chattanooga septic tank pumping professionals have the skills to guide you on the best ways to properly maintain your drain field and improve the functionality and durability of the entire septic tank system.

Proper waste disposal

Properly disposing of the waste from your home is a big step towards adequately taking care of your septic tank system. A few wastes from the building can damage the septic tank, leading to a high cost of pumping the septic tank in Chattanooga, TN, for repairs. For instance, using biodegradable toilet paper makes it easy for the septic system to speed up the process. The other household items you should be keen on include paper towels, feminine hygiene products, cat litter, dental floss, cigarette butts, coffee grounds, household chemicals and dental floss.

Conclusion

Properly maintaining the different aspects and parts of the septic tank system helps ensure the entire system functions well. Those mentioned above are just a few steps you can take to prevent problems with your system and, if implemented well, improve the entire system's functionality, making it serve you for a long time.


For more information on Flush Fellas Septic & Excavating and our services, feel free to reach us via phone today: (423) 498-9839.


About the author

Charles Chandler

Charles Chandler is the founder of Flush Fellas, a septic and excavating company based in Chattanooga, TN. With a passion for providing top-notch services to his clients, Charles has established himself as a prominent figure in the industry. He has extensive knowledge of septic systems, excavation, and drainage solutions, which he uses to offer customized services that meet the specific needs of his clients. Charles is committed to providing exceptional customer service and building long-term relationships with his clients. He is dedicated to staying up-to-date with the latest industry trends and innovations to ensure that Flush Fellas continues to offer the best services possible.

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