“I can’t wait to maintain my septic tank!” said no one ever. Sure, it’s one of life’s less desirable chores, but there some great advantages to septic tank maintenance. We’re going to outline what it takes to keep a squeaky clean septic tank.
Septic tank maintenance schedule
Septic tank maintenance includes inspection, pumping, and cleaning. The frequency of this maintenance depends on a number of variables, including the size of your septic tank, the size of household, and frequency of usage. Therefore, an inspection could be performed anywhere from one to three years. Septic tank pumping is usually performed every three to five years.
Inspection is necessary to determine if any leaks have developed and if the drain field (aka leach field) is functioning properly. An inspector can also assess the overall condition of the septic tank. Also, keep in mind that septic tanks in northern climates will require more frequent removal of solids due to the reduction of bacterial activity and decomposition.
Ongoing septic tank maintenance
Apart from inspections, what can you do on your end to make sure you have a stress free septic tank? Here are a few best practices:
- your toilet is not a garbage can with running water, so don’t flush chemicals, cooking oils, paper towels, facial tissues, or other non-decomposable items. They simply won’t decompose and will upset the careful bacterial balance in the tank or cause blockages.
- normal usage of household cleaning products is acceptable, but again, don’t dispose of large amounts
- do not introduce too much water to your septic tank, as it will reduce bacterial activity and may cause a backup of the system
Septic tank foul odours
If you follow the above advice, you should be able to avoid the sensation that the apocalypse has arrived at your doorstep. Another smart way to reduce odours is to use our Noflex Digestor. It protects your system and with no organic chemicals, it maintains the delicate biology of your septic tank. It’s an eco-friendly solution to a not-so-friendly problem.