If you own a home with a septic tank system, you will have to pay for maintenance at some point. However, no one said that maintenance must be costly. There are several things you can do to keep your cost more manageable, here are some of them.
Don't Skip Pumping
You must commit to a regular pumping schedule. All septic tanks have a storage capacity. When you do not have the tank pumped as required, it will eventually overfill. Slow draining, foul odors, and water damage are just some of the scenarios a failure to pump can introduce.
All the possible outcomes are costly and time-consuming. A septic tank specialist can help you determine the best pumping frequency for your needs based on the size of your home, the number of people in the house and the number of appliances you use.
Be a Drain Monitor
You should be to your drains what hall monitors were in school — guardians. There are a number of items that should not go down your drains. In fact, if it is not waste or water, it doesn't have any business going down the drain. Unwelcomed items can create a clog inside the tank.
The clog can form towards the tank entryway and prevent water from getting inside the tank, or the clog can form as the water flows through the tank. Either scenario can lead to costly repairs. Make sure everyone in your home knows not to put anything down the drains.
Known When to Call a Professional
There are times when calling a professional is actually the cheaper alternative, especially when it comes to drain issues. If you're having problems with your drains, do not use an over the counter drain cleaning solution. The chemicals inside the solution can damage your pipes and increase the risk of a leak forming.
However, the chemicals can also interfere with the bacteria breakdown inside the tank. If the chemicals target the good bacteria inside the tank, the rate at which waste is broken down inside the tank will slow. The larger pieces of waste inside the tank, the faster it will fill. Rely on a professional for all your needs.
When it comes to your septic tank maintenance cost, you play the most important role. Ensure you're doing everything to keep your cost manageable and most important, call a professional whenever you have a problem.
