Serving Butte County for Over 40 Years!
Caring for Your Septic System
Caring for Your Septic System
Taking care of your septic system by performing routine, preventative maintenance is absolutely essential for the life and performance of your system and prevents costly issues from arising. It’s surprisingly easy to take care of your septic system, and there’s a few things you can do yourself to ensure it’s working at its best.
Chico Septic suggests taking the following steps to care for your system:
Pump your tank!
This is probably the most important part of maintaining your tank. Do not wait until a problem comes up. Routine pumping prevents sewage from coming back into your home. There are a couple of things to keep in mind here. If you use a garbage disposal, your tank must be pumped more frequently. Also, the size of your home and how much water is used also plays into how often a tank should be pumped.
Don’t flush harmful materials into your tank
Harmful materials include things such as grease, cooking oil, coffee grounds, feminine products, and “flushable wipes.” We don’t care what the label says! Play it safe and throw those wipes in the trash. Cleaning chemicals can also be damaging to your septic system. Bleach, disinfectants, and ammonia can actually kill the good bacteria in your system. Some household cleaners are okay in diluted amounts, but you should proceed with caution.
Landscape your system appropriately
It is essential to have proper landscaping around your system for it to work properly. Don’t place water-resistant materials over your leach field or tank. Materials such as concrete or plastic can reduce the supply of air to the soil for proper seepage. It’s also important to keep tree roots and large shrubs at least 10 feet away from the tank as well as leach lines.
Know where your tank is
It’s important to always keep both sides of your lids easily accessible for regular maintenance. That way, it’s much easier for your technicians to pump the tank, perform repairs, and diagnose any other problems.
Evaluate your system regularly
Check on your system on a regular basis for any signs that something is off. Check the leach fields and downslope areas for odors, unusual wet spots, or surfacing sewage. The following signs indicate that something is off with your system:
- Water and sewage from toilets, drains, or sinks backing up into the home
- Foul odors around the septic tank
- Standing water or bright, spongy grass around the septic tank area
If you notice any of these signs, be sure to call us immediately!