Septic System Do’s and Don’ts
Buying a home in Florida is always fun and exciting. Finding out whether the new home is using septic system or sewer system is the most important thing that many home buyers tend to forget about. Knowing the type of system you have will help you take a good care of your home and avoid having to pay a fortune for septic replacement and repairs.
The first thing you should consider is Inspection. It is crucial to find a state-licensed septic tank
contractor to inspect and assess your septic system. The inspection will give you an idea of how your system works and what you need to do to keep it working properly.
Your septic contractor will make sure whether your system has been pumped recently, if it needs to be pumped, and visually inspect for cracks, leaks, and other defects to determine system capacity and water tightness.
The septic inspector will also look at your drainfield area to determine its location, size, configuration, and defects that will require immediate attention. The inspector will note signs of failure and advise you on how to fix those defects. Once you understand your septic system, the second important thing to keep in mind is maintaining your system to make it last even longer.
Do’s and Don’ts for Septic System Maintenance
Do
- Pump your tank at least every 3 to 5 years to help ensure it continues to work properly.
- Septic system inspections every 3 years by a licensed septic technician
- Make sure your gutter downspouts are directed away from the drainfield area.
- Compost your kitchen scraps rather than use your garbage disposal
- Run the dishwasher and clothes washer only when they are full.
- Make sure all faucets are completely turned off when not in use.
- Keep roof drains and other rainwater or surface drainage systems away from the drainfield.
Don’t
- Do not drive over or park vehicles on top of your septic tank or drainfield.
- Don’t plant trees over and near your drainfield to avoid damage from roots.
- Do not pour household products, such as cleansers, medicine, oil, paint and lawn care products down the drain.
- Don’t flood the drainfield with too much water. Too much water will slows down the drainage or cause plumbing to back up.
- Don’t overload your drainfield
- Consider composting kitchen waste rather than using a garbage disposal.
- Don’t flush anything other than human waste. Flushing other materials can clog and possibly damage your septic system.
Contact Septic Dominators for all your septic system needs in Orlando. We provide different services including septic emergencies, septic repair, septic tank pumping, septic inspection, and more! Our experienced technicians will help you with all your septic needs in no time. Call us today for a free estimate and immediate assistance.
I was not aware that you are supposed to pump your septic tank every 3 to 5 years to ensure that it works properly. My brother is repairing everything in his house so that he can sell it and buy a bigger home for his family. He has a septic system installed in his home, so it might be a good idea for him to hire a company and make sure that it is properly pumped.